Issue of October 15, 1998:
Volume 82, Number One
Click on a story title to see the story text
News
Senior pranks hit school
Drug Dogs are here!!
Freshman elections
Homecoming '98 -'99
New AP Doug Newton
New AP Jerry Almendarez
Opinion
Clinton- who cares?
A Million Gems/Column
Aww, I Guess We're Missing Out
Both Sides Now/Diana Simental
Both Sides Now/Jason Durdle
New Policies try to hide different agenda
Pep Assemblies: are they Long Lost Legends?
Prop 227 editorial
Features
Horoscopes
Rapelling
Marching band
New year, new policies
Diversions
A Night at the Roxbury/Movie Review
Hole CD review
Korn concert review
Slow Gherkin CD review
En Español (Los Detalles)
16 de Septiembre/en Español
No mas T.I.R./en Español
Proposicion 227/en Español
Codigo de Vestuario/en Español
En que se gastan el dinero/en Español
Sports
Chasing History/Mark McGwire
Cross Country
Football back with a vengeance
Volleyball
A Million Gems
By Milgem Rabanera
October 15, 1998Here goes another glorious year at Colton high. Closed campus, long lunch lines, piles of homework, stressed filled hours in contemplating colleges....this is the winter of my discontent, and welcome.
These hair-pulling topics make up only a tiny portion of what concern seniors as they embark upon their last year at Colton High. Most seniors are thinking about what they are going to do with the rest of their lives, prematurely graying from competing amongst the masses for a decent college. Others are just living from day to day, making the best of the social scene and storing “Kodak Moments” to reminisce about during those far off class reunions. Then there are those who are able to balance their academic and social life (whom I’m very envious of, I must add!!). I, for one, am a complete mixture of all these. It’s sad to say that I’m beginning to lean towards the latter topic.
Not to say that I’m a total party goer. I’m more like the social introvert when it comes to the party scene. One thing I can claim is that I sure do spend more time babbling endlessly on the phone and deviously planning how to get out with my boo than studying for the SAT’s and Advanced Placement tests. I’d take “Real World” marathons anytime over tedious hours of trying to decipher the circular flow chart in Economics, or destroying a novel that was only meant to be enjoyed, by doing a thorough search of stylistic devices in AP English IV. Looking at the way I’m going now, I’ll probably make a profession of being a couch potato. Yet, like most seniors, there is that discipline to keep me in line. Just one thought of those ominous college applications is enough motivation to get my butt off the couch and my cranium into the books.
Academics, senioritis, and partying aside, another important aspect of senior life concerns school activities. The little school pride we do have seems to go buck wild during occasions like Prom and homecoming, the supposed highlights of our senior year. I mean, finding a date senior year seems to be as stressful as searching for a good college. With all other privileges taken away, we also cling gleefully to the fact that we get to go to school later than those underclassmen during “panoramic” picture day (it finally gives us enough time to sleep in). And who doesn’t look forward to grad nite, the closing memory of the last year before stepping into the real world?
Well, no matter how a senior deals with their last year, not one person can leave their alma mater saying that it did not leave a significant impact on their lives.
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A Night at the Roxbury
Brenda Quintero
Oct. 15 1998A Night at the Roxbury is a hilarious film about two inseperable brothers, Doug and Steve, that only think about partying and trying to get some girls. Every night they go clubbing and try to get in the hottest club around, The Roxbury, which they cannot get into. Doug and Steve have plans to make the best club that ever existed, even better than The Roxbury, but first they have to get inside it. These two crazy and naive brothers love to drive and dance at the same time; they get pulled over by a coplady and get another ticket to add to their collection, but of course they try to get their groove on which never works..
While working in the shop,thinking of a way to get into the club,Doug was always messing up at the cash register,he would make calls to an operater he was obsessed with,ask her out,but always gets rejected.They finally get into The Roxbury thanks to a famous actor that had crashed into them and instead of getting sued, he offers them anything they want; of course,they want a way to get into the club.When they are inside the club they meet the owner of the dance club and give him the information on their unique ideas for a new club. “Why don’t we have the inside of the club outside and the outside where the street is inside the club?!!”Doug says excitedly.The owner agrees to try this new idea,then Doug and Steve become the new owners.
After this huge hit they have a big fight and seperate. This is when Steve decides to accept his father’s offer and marry Emily.When Doug finds out he goes crazy, does nothing about it and falls into a big depression.Steve ends up not marrying Emily, he and Doug go back togeter again,go partying in their new club and meet the bomb girls that are as naive as them and they end up to be the policelady and the operater.
A Night at the Roxbury is a hilariously funny movie based on the popular characters from the Saturday Night Live skit; I recommend it highly.
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Aww, I guess we’re missing out on Nap Time.
by Jason Valenzuela
Oct. 15, 1998This year we are greeted by a revised schedule that was changed by the fact that we no longer have Channel One. You know, the show that clued us in to what was going on around the world? I have one thing to say: WHO CARES?
Actually it really doesn’t seem like anybody does. It seems the loss of Channel One is no big disappointment to most people. How many people actually watched Channel One anyway? In my experience, no one! If anybody really wanted to watch the news they would do it when they went home. Admittedly some people watched it once in a while or just because they had nothing better to do.
Most students, myself included, talked with their friends through Channel One or used the time to do “homework” that wasn’t ever done at home. Hey, there are even those students who went ahead and slept those 15 minutes we had to watch it in.
And teachers? While some of them may have told students to watch it, they themselves ignored it. I don’t see anything wrong with that. They have better things to do. There are even a few teachers who just turned Channel One off and took advantage of the fact they had 15 extra minutes to teach their class.
While we say good-bye to Channel One it isn’t with heavy hearts. Even if there are people out there who will miss seeing it every day I doubt that they will voice their complaints to a level where they will be heard.
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Senior pranksters shouldn't have been punished
(Both Sides Now Column)
by Diana Simental
October 15,1998A new school year brings in a new group of Seniors with it. The class of 1999 has already made their mark by starting the year off right with a senior prank. Their plans were to catch the school off guard and give them a prank when they least expected it. It wasn’t in their plans to get caught by the police, be ticketed and fined, charged with vandalism, and suspended for the first three days of school.
These students were honoring the tradition of senior pranks while not permanently damaging the school. The students involved with this prank are some of the top students of this school and they know that if a student is going to do a prank then it should be easy to remove. Keeping this concern top priortity, they wrote in chalk and toothpaste. These are things that can easily be removed, unlike the spray paintings of past alumni, which is left on the walls until it is painted over. This was an act of common courtesy, yet they were still charged with vandalism.
The Scott Foresman Advanced dictionary defines vandalism as: willful or ignorant destruction or damaging of beautiful or valuable things. These students willfully decorated the school but they did not destroy anything. In addition they were not ignorant; they thought of what they could do so that there wouldn’t be any extra funds going into removing what they did. What do you expect from students like A.S.B. president Steve Escobar and Monica Lengkong?
These are two students that work for the best interests of the student body. They know what it takes to keep up this school and they are often working to keep the campus clean. Do you think they would want to flush all their hard work down the toilet for one prank? Of course not. This was a harmless prank which happens every year.
This time the administrators went too far just because they finally caught the faces behind the joke. They wanted to make an example of them and show others that if you pull a prank, you’re going to pay for it. The students that they caught didn’t mind getting an extra three days tacked onto their summer and they are proud that they accomplished what they set out to do. The class of ‘99 respects what they did and I am proud to be a part of the class that started the year with a bang. The only advice I have for them is to run next time.
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Senior pranksters got what they deserved!
(Both Sides Now Column)
by Jason Durdle
October 15,1998Aren’t we getting a little to old for this kind of stuff? Come on, I remember T.P.-ing houses back in junior high. Isn’t high school supposed to be about maturity, especially your SENIOR YEAR? This year, a certain group of seniors decided to hang clothes from trees, throw oranges in the quad, and hit up their graduating class “99” all over the school walls and windows. If their argument was to keep up an old tradition passed down from one graduating class to another, why did they do this during the wrong time? Hello, any sensible senior would know not to do this at the beginning of the year, where privileges given to seniors can be revoked if caught.
When you decide to do a prank like this you also take the consequences with it if you get caught. The punishment was correct for this situation. Just because they are seniors and it was just a prank doesn’t mean anything. The same punishment would be given to anyone who decides to vandalize the school. If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime. It’s as simple as that.
I don’t see how anyone could say their punishment was too harsh. What was too harsh? That’s what happens when you get caught writing on walls or creating a mess. As they say, “you do the crime, you do the time. I’m pretty sure that there is no student at this school that is immune to the rules, with no exceptions for a joke.
This kind of punishment is nothing new either. People have been busted before and received the same punishment for the same offences. Being the part of the “top” of the class or student body representatives shouldn’t exclude them from the rest of the pack of past wrong-doers.
Who cares that they took certain things into consideration such as decortating the school with easily removable things? (Hmm, that’s why we can still spot traces of chalk. Oh, and woe to the unlucky one who steps in the muck of toothpaste left on hallway floors.)
The point is, there was still damage to school property. The rules do not change for anyone, that goes for the lowest of the nerds, to the most popular of the class, the stupidest of fools (this one is questionable) to the geniuses that score 1600 on SAT’s. The punishment was fair.
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Chasing History
by Anthony Coronado
October 15, 1998
The single season homerun record is the most sacred record in baseball. The record, before this season, was 61 homeruns. It was set by Roger Maris of the New York Yankees in 1961. The record has never been seriously challenged until this year. Two men, this year, did the unthinkable. They broke the record well before the season was over. Two men rooted on by almost every baseball fan nationwide. The two men, St. Louis’ Mark McGwire and Chicago’s Sammy Sosa, had the nation at their feet. Now that the season is over, with Big Mac wearing the never before reached crown of 70, it’s time to reflect on this amazing accomplishment: what it meant for baseball, America, and especially me, a rabid baseball fan. Let’s review the moments leading up to the record breaking shot, and my attempt to witness baseball history.
With 59 homeruns McGwire was knocking on the door. The if’s became when’s. Knowing that Big Mac would break the record sometime soon, I somehow found tickets to the Reds-Cardinals series September 9-10. To some it sounds crazy to fly to Cincinnati to see a baseball game, but to me it was more than a baseball game, it was history. I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to be able to sit there and watch it happen. I almost got my chance. The night we were preparing to leave, Tuesday, September 8, McGwire was sitting on 61. He had tied Roger Maris the night before, on Labor Day, in front of a national TV audience. I was hoping he would not hit another one until I got to Cincinnati.
So when McGwire belted his record breaking homerun number 62 just hours before we left for Ohio, it was a devastating blow to me. Questions ran through my head. Is he going to even play in Cincinnati? Was this trip a mistake? I was natuarally happy to have him break the record, but I was of course disappointed that I didn’t get to see it in person.
Arriving at Cinergy field, (also known as Riverfront Staduim) home of the Cincinnati Reds, 2 1/2 hours before gametime, on Wednesday, September 9, I was greeted by approximately 30 news vans. The press was everywhere. I could feel the magic in the air. Every fan there was just as excited as myself.
People were flowing through the gates like a river. Everyone was awaiting batting practice to see the amazing Mark McGwire. To everyone’s dismay McGwire did not take batting practice that day. In fear that he would not play I retreated to my seat with a scowl.
When the rosters were read and McGwire’s name was announced, there wasn’t a quiet fan in the city of Cincinnati. At least it felt that way. When he was announced to hit, all of 50,000+ fans rose to their feet as one and we were so loud that it caused him to step out of the batter’s box several times. He tipped his hat to the crowd to show his appreciation. It was a great moment for the game of baseball.
McGwire went 0-2 that night as he left the game early. McGwire was not the only one to leave early; once he left, so did most of the fans. I will always remember that night though, not because the crowd left with McGwire, but because of the incredible standing ovation we, the crowd, gave Mark McGwire.
My last night at Cinergy was a little less memorable, except for batting practice. McGwire sent 9 out of 15 pitches out of the park. He sent 2 balls screaming to the upper deck. Pretty amazing. That night McGwire went 0 for 5. Statistic wise it looked like the trip was a bust, but I think being there was a once in a lifetime experience. Not everyone could say they saw Mark McGwire play the year he broke the homerun record. I could.
And then there was Sammy. Sammy Sosa kept pace with Big Mac throughout the year. He was due to play the San Diego Padres a week after my trip to Cincinnati. Entering the San Diego series with 62 homeruns, he was only one behind McGwire. I decided to continue my trip to see the homerun record chase. Since San Diego is only a few hours a way by car, I decided to go to Qualcom stadium (also know as Jack Murphy) to see the game between the Padres and the Chicago Cubs.
Batting practice alone was an experience. The Cubs sent several homeruns our way. Then the game was started. The crowd greeted Sosa in the first inning at his first at bat with a standing ovation, not quite as strong as the one given to McGwire, but still pretty loud. Sosa thanked them with a hit. Sosa got another hit before coming to the plate in the top of the 8th inning. This time Sosa came up with the bases loaded. The crowd was on their feet. Everyone chanting “SAMMY, SAMMY . . .” Sosa then sent a 1-0 fast ball into the second deck in the left field stands. The crowd was electrified. I could feel the stands trembling as everyone jumped up and down. We then chanted “Sammy” once again. In return he came out of the dugout and tipped his hat to us. The crowd went wild again.
Feeling the game was over I left my seat to go to my car. On the way I saw this big crowd. In suspicion I stopped and looked. It was the man that caught the ball. He was surrounded by security guards. The security guards were tossing people out of the way trying to get the man out of the stadium safely. They formed a circle around him and led him to the security headquarters. This was definitely an experience I wish everyone could have see and been apart of. I know that I will never forget that night in San Diego as long as I live.
This year I got to see both Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa play. I will never forget those days I spent chasing history. I can always say I saw McGwire and Sosa play the year they broke the single season record for homeruns.
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Clinton, don’t care if he’s a bad boy.
by Jason Valenzuela
October 15,1998All right, the President has another black mark on his constantly expanding list of offenses. Problem is, not that many people really care. Clinton has admitted to so many things over the years that people are just unfazed by the next thing that comes out.
Some people say that Clinton as a public figure and President of the United States of America should be a good role model. Personally, I agree. He should have been a better role model, but the real thing is he wasn’t. There isn’t much that we can do about it now.
We, the people, elected Clinton to the office of the President; now we have to deal with it. I figure that as long as he gets his job done and done right without letting his personal life interfere with it, good for him.
The people may have hired Clinton and I’ve heard it argued that this fact gives people the right to know about him. Yeah, right. Just because the people pay his salary doesn’t give them the right to poke in his personal life. Would anyone like their boss to come in their house and watch them all the time? I really don’t think so.
Now I’ve heard the argument, “But he is setting a bad example for the young.” I’m sorry to say there are a lot worse things in this country that have an influence on young people than Clinton. Also his personal flaws wouldn’t be so influential to people if it wasn’t broadcast so much on national TV.
Hey, the keyword in personal life is personal. We as people don’t need to hear about it. When the issue came out, my first reaction was, big deal! I figured it was between him, his wife, his daughter, and Monica.
Also, the Ken Starr report; have you taken a look at it? It reads like a trashy romance novel you might find in an airport’s bookstore! It isn’t so much the fact that it reads that way as it is, the fact it is all over. They sell it as a book and also it is all over the internet—when it first came out AOL featured it!
There is one thing I can find wrong: Clinton lied. That is perhaps the only thing people have a right to object to. I think he should never have been put in a position where he had to lie, but the fact that he did is the only thing I currently hold against him. Now don’t get me wrong—I don’t like what Clinton did, but it isn’t any of my business.
He is the leader of the “free world” and the word “free” is the key. We have the right to privacy and so does he. If none of the issues ever came out we wouldn’t have had any problem with him ever. We might even have said that he was a very good President. Everyone has their own little dark secrets.
How about I come and find yours?
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Codigo de Vestuario
By: Claudia Perez
October 15, 1998
¿Controvercia o no, en el código de vestuario? Se han visto cambios en el vestuario de las muchachas este año, se les ha permitido traer blusas escotadas. Ya que el año pasado no era permitido, parece que los supervisores se han cansado de atrapar ha muchachas que vestían fuera del reglamento escolar. Pero ¿qué pasa con los muchachos? ellos están disgustados, no por los cambios, si no por el vestuario que se les ha implicado desde hace años. Ellos quieren que se les permita traer pantalones con los cuales se sientan cómodos. Muchos muchachos han sido confundidos con pandilleros por su forma de vestir afuera y adentro de la escuela. Los supervisores tienen que obedeser las ordenes que se les implican, que son revisar a cualquier muchacho que vista con los pantalones muy flojos, ver que no les queden más grande de dos tallas de su medida regular si seles encuentra que han violado las reglas los llevan a la oficina y llamaran asus padres para que les traigan otros pantalones que no estén tán grandes. Le hicimos algunas pregúntas al subdirector Jerry Almendarez.¿ Quién decidió hacer los cambios en el código de vestuario? El comité escolar es el que decidió aser los cambios, decidieron dejar las blusas escotadas en el código de vestuario, era uno de los problemas más grandes que tenía la escela el año pasado. Los pántalones flojos no son permitidos en la escuela, es un peligro para los estudiantes porque es fácil de esconder armas de fuego, también es un peligro para la escuela porque pueden representar el pandillerismo. Además es una preocupación para los padres de familia y la comunidad . Asi fué como se decidió dejar las blusas escotadas para las muchachas y dejar el código de vestuario como estaba para los muchachos. Como vemos, el código de vestuario nos puede beneficiar en algunos casos y da mejor seguridad a la escuela. ¿Piensa que la escuela se debe de preocupar más por el código de vestuario o la educación? A la escuela le preocupa las dos cosas pero nosotros no somos los que decidimos los cambios si no el distrito y la comunidad. Nuestro deber es que todos ustedes se sientan a seguros en la escuela y que nunca estén preocupados de entrar a alguna de sus clases y se sienta atemorizados porque uno de sus compañeros se vista como un pandillero o no se sientan seguros en esa clase.
Uno de los estudiantes que no quiso indentificarse comentó “ Ahora que voy en el 12 me han agarrado los supervisores 3 o 4 veses violando las reglas, eso es algo que no hisieron los años pasados.” “ No todo el tiempo se pueden agarrar a los estudianes que estan violando las reglas, hay veces que voy caminando, preocupado por otros problemas me doy cuenta que hay muchachos enfrente de mi violando el codigo de vestuario y no los puede detener, tengo que atender otros asuntos en ese momento.” comentó Almendarez. Al preguntarle que significa la palabra libertad respondió que significa, tener la oportunidad de ser lo que uno quiere ser. Por eso ellos quieren tener la oportunidad de que estemos más seguros en la escuela. Nos preocupamos más por la forma enque vestimos, en vez de preocuparnos por cosas más importantes que suceden al nuestro alrededor. La escuela no es un desfile de modas, desgraciadamente hay estudiantes que piensan así, nos tardamos más arreglandonos y luscendo lo que uno tiene, olvidandonos de lucir nuestros conocimiemiéntos y nuestros valores. Al fín de cuentas, eso es lo que enseña quien realmente somos y de donde venimos.
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Cross Country
by Anthony Coronado
October 15, 1998
The Colton cross country team is once again off to a great start. The boys team lead by senior Eric Reyes and the freshmen twins A.J. and James Wall started the season with a 34-24 win against Cajon High School. The team, fresh off their victory, placed 18th at the prestigious Yuciapa Invitational.
The girls, lead by senior Maryanna Vasquez, and juniors Antoinette Duke and Julia Shulte, were a little less successful against league rival Cajon High School. The Yellowjackets fell 31-24 despite having the second and third place finishers. Vasquez missed the first place finish by a mere six seconds. “Cajon is going to be the team for us to beat this year,” said coach Bill Halley, “All the teams are running for second place behind state champions Yuciapa High School.”
The boys team looked to extend their winning streak against Pacific High School on Wednesday October 7.
“This meet is going to prove to be the key to our season,” said Halley, “They were the team battling for second with us.” Unfourtanetly the team suffered a close 28-27 loss despite the outstanding effort from senior Eric Reyes and the the Wall twins. The Colton trio placed second and fourth just missing victory by the difference of one point. The Colton team is now going to need a little help to finish second in league. However their chances of C.I.F playoffs are still well in reach and in their own hands.
The girls squad was was more succesful against Pacific High School. They battled for a 31-25 victory. The team was lead by senior Maryanna Vasquez who placed second, juniors Antoinette Duke and senior Jennifer Coral who finished third and fifth. The girls team proved they can bounce back and intend do so in the rest of their meets.
Halley, an experienced cross country coach, has high expectations for this cross country team. He feels C.I.F. playoffs are well in reach for both the boys and the girls squads.
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Drug Dogs visit Colton' parking lots
by Steve Ramirez
October 15, 1998Bowing to concerns that today’s high schools are hotbeds of drugs and weapons, the Colton school district this year decided to utilize a weapon of its own: Penny. No, Penny isn’t a police officer, but may as well be. Penny is a fun-loving, happy-go-lucky chocolate brown labrador retriever. Be nice to her and she’ll love you. Brings drugs to school, and she’ll bust you.
When does Penny make her rounds? No one knows, but that’s how it is supposed to be. Students, teachers, and even Assistant Principals don’t know she’s coming. One thing’s for sure, though: she’s already been here once, on September 24, and according to Cheryl Donahue, Director of Communications for the Colton Unified school District, one student gained a three day suspension for having marajuana paraphernalia. A second student was caught with marajuana residue, but did not possess enough to get suspended. Penny is trained to sniff classrooms, P. E. lockers, and the student parking lots, which is exactly what she did. The decision to have drug dogs was made by the school board. They wanted to end the big drug problem at Colton schools. “Kids are going to do drugs no matter what, but we don’t want them to do drugs at school,” Assistant Principal Douglas Newton said.
If the dog smells drugs or a weapon anywhere she searches, she will paw at where the smell is coming from. (Don’t worry, the dog will not damage any student property.) The student is then identified, and if the drugs or weapon belong to the student, he or she will be eligible for expulsion.
Drug dogs have a very strong sense of smell. They can even smell through steel. So no matter how tight a car door or window is shut and no matter what other smells a person puts on or around a drug or weapon the dog can still smell the drugs and weapons. The dogs are trained to smell any illegal drug, alcohol and the gun powder of any gun.
Students at Colton High had an assembly on Wednesday, September 16, informing them of the impending visits and showing them what Penny could do. The assembly was lead by Joe Austin, Penny’s owner, and a representative of the company the district has contracted with to provide Penny’s services. “We can’t control what students do,” Austin said. “We just want to make the school as safe as possible.”
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En que se gastan el dinero
by Ernesto Ramirez
October 15, 1998
Como todos los años hemos de pagar por el estacionamiento de nuestros vehículos, y este año no fué la excepción, ya que con año consecutivo tenemos que pagar la seguridad de nuestros vehículos. El pagar por el estacionamiento no es tanto el problema ya qu e se supone nos beneficia, si no que es lo que hacen con el dinero? Dave Gomez Vice Principal comento, “Les beneficia pagar anualmente porque nuestros planes son de acomular el dinero y en esta forma poner una barrera para mas seguridad de los automobiles alrededor del estacionamiento” ¿No creen que ya se tardaron un poquito? ¿Mientras según ellos recolectan el dinero cual es la supuesta “Seguridad “ que estan ofreciendo? El Senor Gomez aclaró que solo se es ofrecida a los maestros. ¿Vale la pena pagar? “Si vale la pena pagar porque van a tener mas seguridad con esa nueva barrera”, comento El Senor Gomez. No creo que sea buena idea que pagemos porque no se nos esta ofreciendo la seguridad requerida ni tampoco existe alguna garantía . Le preguntamos que pensaba de aquellos estudiantes que estacionan sus automobiles afuera de la escuela? “ Yo no veo la diferencia de estacionarse a dentro del estacionamiento o fuera de el, ya que en la calle va hacer lo mismo que si estuvieran dentro de la escuela, tampoco hay suficiente seguridad, pero tan siquiera por estar dentro de la escuela debería haber la seguridad requerida. No creo que este bien que estemos pagando por una supuesta “seguridad” que no existe y que tardara mucho en existir. Imaginence este ano todos los estudiantes del doceavo grado estan pagando por algo que no van a poder disfrutar aunque haya puesto su granito de arena, la barrera que piensan poner no la van a poner este año y muchos ya van a salir de la escuela y parece que estamos pagando para los demas que ahora no traen un vehiculo puedan gozar de la segurudad que a uno se le brindó. Pero claro, a todos los de mas les va a beneficiar porque nosotros lo estamos pagando por ellos . Ya tienen un año cobrando por estacionarse dentro de la escuela, me imagino que ya tienen suficiente dinero para empezar con los planes que tienen. Me pregunto ¿ Por qué todavía no empiezan con la nueva barrera? Quizas con el dinero que ya han recogido, ¿les va a sobrar, hasta para invertirlo en otras cosas que beneficien a los estudiantes en general? Pero sino lo ocupan que van hacer con el ? Después de cumplir, si es que cumplen! de haber puesto la famosa barrera, ¿qué nueva excusa van a sacar para seguir cobrandonos dinero?
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Varsity Football back with a vengeance
by Steve Perez
October 15, 1998The Varsity football team wasn’t supposed to start out the season this way. They weren’t supposed to rout the Ramona Rams 41-21 or the Rialto Knights 34-6. They weren’t supposed to embarrass the Redlands East Valley Bulldogs 28-0 or be in the game to the last minute against the CIF sixth-ranked Chaffey Tigers, finally going down 19-6.
The key phrase there was “they weren’t supposed to.”
It’s been a long two years, but it appears the Jackets are back—with a vengeance.
While few believed in the Yellowjackets to even win a game, let alone three so far, they believe in themselves. Coming off last week’s homecoming game, a heartbreaking last-second 14-7 loss to Etiwanda, they bring a record of 3-2 into tomorrow night’s game against Cajon, and several of the Jackets are having memorable individual years. But it is the team’s performance, most of all, that has tongues wagging all around the league.
“This year we have a lot more confidence,” junior running back Robert Huckleby says. “We concentrate on assignments and there’s a lot more team leadership.”
The Yellowjackets showed perseverance in their game against Ramona. The Rams scored on their first possession, only to have Senior wingback Cody Sorensen lead the Jackets back scoring five touchdowns as the team racked up 41 unanswered points.
Fresh off the first game win, game two against Chaffey saw Colton come out and play an uninspired first half, as they went into the locker rooms down 12-0, only to come back and score on their first possession in the second half. With 1:42 to play the Jackets found themselves down 12-6 in Tiger territory. But it wasn’t to be as Junior quarterback Brian Pope threw two interceptions, with one being returned by Chaffey for a touchdown.
Robert Huckleby and the Jackets came out fired up to avenge last year’s one point loss to Rialto in game three. Huckleby was unstoppable as he racked up 122 yards on 19 carries and scored two touchdowns. Senior fullback Adam Edwards also added two more scores as Colton humbled the Knights 34-6.
In Colton’s next game, Sorensen caught 7 receptions for 117 yards as the Jackets went up 21-0 at halftime and went on to shutout the REV Bulldogs. Quarterback Pope had impressive numbers as he threw for 127 yards and completed 10-13 passing
attempts. The Jackets have experienced a big turnaround from last year as they have already won one more game that the past two seasons combined. Senior wide receiver Chris Sanchez attributes the change to team unity.
“We’ve never had team unity like we have it this year,” Sanchez says.
Defense has also been a strong point for the Yellowjackets this year. Redlands East Valley was shut out by the particularly ferocious defense of defensive tackle Sam Juarez, defensive end Mike Gutierrez, and inside linebacker O.J Ornelas, all seniors.
Rialto was allowed a total of only 71 yards of offense and would have been shut out had it not been for the fumble by Huckleby, which resulted in an 81 yard return for a touchdown by Rialto linebacker Marc Ford.
Offensive stars for the Jackets thus far have been many. Sorensen ranks 12th in San Bernardino County in scoring with 50 points and 5th in receiving with 16 receptions for 299 yards. Pope has also n shown some impressive numbers as he has completed 38 of 61 passes and has 534 yards passing with four touchdowns, which is good enough for 7th in the county. As Colton enters league play, the San Andreas League seems up for grabs as both Pacific and Yucaipa have losing records. Colton’s wins have been impressive, and the team has even been impressive in its two losses. “Our goal is to win league and go to playoffs,” Ornelas says. The way Colton has been playing it definitely looks possible.
Freshman Elections
by Brenda Quintero
October 15, 1998This year, Kelsey Mezzanatto was elected as the new freshman President. The annual freshman elections took place on Friday, September 11, 1998 in the Macintosh Gym.
Annoncements were read over the intercom durring sixth period. The new freshman officers elected are, Daniel Wilkes, Vice President, Erin Espinoza as Secretary, Kalina Estrada as Treasurer, and Adriana Menchaca for Historian.
“I didn’t want to have to spend all that time just to lose.” Frosh Vice President, Daniel Wilkes said, when explaining how he was feeling before the annoncement.
President Kelsey Mezzanatto knew she would win because she was the only one running for president.”It’s alot of hard work, but I think I can do it.” Mezzanatto said.
Mezzanatto and Wilkes both said they wanted this year to be the most memorable year in Colton High. With new officers, hopefully there will be some positive changes..
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Hole CD Review
by MollyRose Jones
Oct. 15, 1998Although Hole’s new album, “Celebrity Skin,” is a bit more mellow than past albums, it is equipped with just enough drama and enthusiasm to satisfy.
This is the group’s third album in eight years. Hole is guitarist Eric Erlandson, bassist Melissa Auf der Maur, drummer Patty Schemel, and singer, guitarist Courtney Love. Erlandson and Love pioneered the group. On the reverse side, Auf der Maur joined Hole just four years ago after the fatal drug overdose of Kristen Pfaff.
An example of the change in style is the song “Northern Star,” which includes the sounds of strings, celesta, and kettledrums. This song is also special in that it seems to be an allusion to Love’s late husband, Kurt Cobain. The lyrics include, “It’s black in here, blot out the sun, And run to the pines.”
In short, one of the best things about this album is that it is characterized by a materialization, or sort of summary, of all the changes, hardships, and also the maturing process the band has gone through.
Also unique to this album, four years in the making, is that much of the music for different songs was co-written by Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins. These songs include “Hit So Hard,” “Malibu,” “Dying,” “Petals,” and the title track.
“Malibu” and “Dying” are also my picks for two of the coolest songs. Some of the few simple lyrics of the latter are especially catchy: “I am so dumb/ Just beam me up/ I’ve had it all forever/ I’ve had enough.”
All in all, the album is a healthy mix of hard songs and calmer tunes. There is a pretty aspect of the album, created by a more obvious prescence of strings, mainly accoustic guitar, in some songs.
It is very refreshing to have a chick-rocker who really knows what she is doing come out with a new album. Today, the rock business is still mainly dominated by men, so this CD is one you should look into for a little more variety. I say this also because, in comparison to some other women who may think they rock, this girl actually has talent.
Hole puts feeling into their music, and Love is a girl in the rock business who can actually sing well. Her voice is assertive, strong, and clear, never annoyingly pitched towards a scream, or want of singing lessons. If you are a fan of the group, you most likely already understand. Love belts out the lyrics of the melodramatic songs characteristic of the group with depth and feeling. Whoever said this girl doesn’t have “spirit?”
Perhaps it is just me who is fooled. Some may think there is nothing but words in that voice. However, if I am overly excited, I would prefer to not be disillusioned. This album can definitely speak to the heart and the dark, often tiffed-off, inner self of us all.
Obviously, if you are looking for distinctly cheerful tunes about a perfect world, this is not the CD for you. This is real life and all the anger that comes with it.
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Homecoming '98 - '99
by Jeanine Medrano
October 15, 1998
Homecoming is a week full of school spirit. Everyone seems to get involved. Each activity promotes its own little bit of school spirit. This years Homecoming week was held from October 5-10. The theme was “Some Enchanted Evening.”
Homecoming court nominations included Monica Lengkong, Veronica Menchaca, Delena Ortiz, Liz Tafola and Summer Zamora for queen. For king: Steve Escobar, Jason Kizler, Ruben Martinez, Orlando Ornelas, and Chris Sanchez. Queen results were announced during half time of the Varsity football game where senior Veronica Menchaca was crowned. King results were revealed during the dance which was held at the Riverside Convention Center. Steve Escobar was announced as the class of 1999’s homecoming king.
Girls powder puff football games were held during the week. The final game consisted of the class of 1999’s seniors and the class of 2001’s sophmores. The seniors won with a dominating score of 7 to 0. This is their fourth consecutive year winning the championship.
A carnival was held, and clubs had booths selling things such as hamburgers and popcorn. This year’s float winners consisted of sophmores winning sweepstakes. The freshman won first place, second place was taken by the seniors and third was given to the juniors.
Our Varsity football game wrapped up the week playing the Etiwanda Eagles. We lost with a score of 14-7, a heartbreaking last second loss. Full details of the game are in the sports section.
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Horoscopes
by Stephanie Farrior
Oct. 15, 1998Libra (September 24-October 23)
Prepare yourself for some major attention, even though some may be unwelcomed. Among all the mingling, don’t forget the significance of communication. Talk to your crushes. They want to know the real you, not the wrong front you sometimes show. A complicated project for school won’t get any easier if you delay. A clever person like yourself doesn’t guarantee more then they can give.
Scorpio (October 24- November 22)
This is a supersocial season for you. So take advantage of all the spare time for fun. The party’s you go to and throw are major. When you finally ask a teacher for help on an assignment, you’ll find that it will give you a boost. WATCH OUT!!! A bit of gossip can get you into hot water with a close friend you really care about. So it would be best to keep your mouth shut. When you go to party’s or just kick it with friends, it lures you to a not-so-shy admirer. Though you like having more than one crush, watch out, a tough one might try to hog all the time.
Sagittarius (November 23-December 21)
Your excellent sense of humor is at an all-time high, and your mystic attraction makes you super desirable to a certain admirer. Always remember when you got it, FLAUNT IT! A sibling or close friend is SO on your nerves. Make time to talk this out before you hurt feelings or lose them. Your so sociable ways makes it a cinch to meet people. But remember don’t make them run away with your crazy activities that are circling around you.
Capricorn ( December 22 -January 20)
You’re an easygoing person, so keep it up with everyone because your friends expect great things from you. You make it real simple to lead, but you know it can be hard. This month brings lots of challenges. A friendship really needs your TLC. You may have noticed you have outgrown this long-time friend in some ways, but then again that’s no reason to hurt their feelings. You have never avoided your schoolwork, but working with that certain someone may get intense. You just might be their best subject.
Aquarius (January 21- February 19)
Express your ideas this month. You’re very friendly, curious, and charming. Try something new and fun. It could make your year more enjoyable. There’s tons of pressure at school until the middle of the month. You impress yourself and your teachers by a boost of energy. Someone is trying to make you jealous by flirting with others but don’t worry there just trying to get your attention.
Pisces ( February 20- March 20)
Some time alone will do you some good but don’t ignore your friends. Take time this month to decide what to do about that problem you’re facing. But don’t worry about that person that keeps bugging you. They will eventually get over you and go to their next crush.
Aries ( March 21- April 20)
Hanging with new friends and a change of attitude makes a big difference. This month will be fun, but you’ll be able to relax as well. Don’t be afraid to share your feelings with your crush.
Taurus (April 21-May 21)
You have places to go, things to do, and people to see. When friends support you, one word of advice . . . TAKE IT! You’re very stressed because you have a full schedule. Get organized. After fighting with a close friend, you’ll realize it was your mistake. Instead of ignoring and avoiding them, APOLOGIZE!
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Schoolwork may seem tiring but you’ll get through it. This month you’ll land a few admirers. Your flirting skills are at an all-time high, so be prepared for an active dating life.
Cancer (June 22-July 23)
You may have a lot of things to do this month but don’t let that interfere with your social life. To much work and no play will just wear you down. Have some fun! Make the first move that way romance will be easy for you.
Leo (July 24-August 23)
You have a great imagination and you impress your teachers with that talent. And you have a fun time with your buddies and being around your crush. You get a little nervous about a speech or theater project. Talk to a teacher or friend and they’ll help that stage fright. Romance may be more talk then action. Don’t stress; you have a gang of crushes to keep your social life jumping.
Virgo (August 24-September 23)
Being out-going will pay off this month. Get ready for fun and action. Try letting your crush know you’re interested. And you’ll be surprised, they just might be a little interested back.
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Korn—alternative band not your average flakes
by Matt Penna
October 15, 1998It’s it all about Family Values.
Friday October 9, The Great Western Forum, was the stage for The Family Values Tour. The tour was started by Jonathan Davis, lead singer for KORN. In the arena sat a huge rotating stage, with red and white curtains and a big “family values” flashing sign.
The first band was Orgy, the first band singed to KORN’s label Elementary. After their set, out of a giant flying saucer came Limp Bizkit who got the crowed fired up. Ice Cube appeared next with a statue of himself that stood at least 15 feet high and 30 feet long, engraved “Ice Cube the Great” along with some friends from Westside Connection. His set was followed by the pyrotechnics of German band Rammstein, who started by lighting the lead singer on fire. Now the crowd’s anxious chants for KORN fill the room only getting louder. The curtains open for the last time and everyone is on their feet. Behind the band was a cage full of fans going crazy.
This concert is one of the best ones to come along in a while, all the bands gave an outstanding performance. Limp Bizkit really got the crowd pumped and they were great. Despite the difference in music styles, Ice Cube was very welcome and also performed great, giving a sample of his new album War and Peace coming out November 17. Rammstein was something you would have to see. Each song had its own fire show, and they rocked hard. Then their was KORN, who ruled the show giving a awesome performance that was unbelievable. They ended the show with “ All in the Family” (off Follow the Leader) a battle between Fread Durst, singer for Limp Bizkit and Jonathan Davis, which was the perfect ending to an amazing night.
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The marching band
by Stephanie Greenlea
October 15, 1998
The Marching Band is a lot of what plays in your mind when you think of a football game. That isn’t the only time Colton High School Marching Band shines during the year. This successful marching band is lead by band instructor Luis Gonzalez, with the help of marching band President, senior Daniel Wahl, and Vice President, senior David Fasenmeyer. Gonzalez feels that “the marching band has a better balance of people with more experience this year.”
They play throughout the year in competitions and shows that do not always get mentioned. Some of the local competitions are held at Fontana and Eisenhower high school. The bigger competitions are held further away in Barstow, and they will be competing at Western Regionals in Las Vegas this year. Also this year the band was invited to perform at the Disneyland during Christmas. “
This year the show is a lot harder,” said Fasenmeyer, “and and the drill is harder than last year, but as soon as we get it all together it will be impressive.”
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New Vice principal, Doug Newton
by Joanne Flores
October 15, 1998Colton High has the privilege once again to have Douglas Newton back in our presence. You may remember Newton as a choir teacher here two years ago, but he was moved up as Vice Principal at Bloomington High.
Newton, who was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, moved to California and attended Colton High. He went on to the University of Redlands and got a Bachelors degree in Music, and to Azusa Pacific where he got a M.E.
Now he is back as Assistant Principal. He is in charge of grounds and facilities here at Colton. “I was happy to come here when I was moved by the district,” said Newton. “I would have been happy remaining at Bloomington too.”
Newton hopes to see a sense of pride among all students, and to have them do their best.
“An orderly and pleasant atmosphere promotes a certain attitude,” Newton says. He believes that a beautiful school gives the students a sense of pride.
“If it looks better, they feel better about coming and might actually go to class,” Newton said.
Newton has been married for 14 years and has a two year old boy. He loves to travel and has been to eastern and western Europe, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. Newton loves to read as well to tape every episode of All My Children. So if you run into him don’t be shy to say hi. Maybe you can mention updates of All My Children as an icebreaker.
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New Vice principal Jerry Almendarez takes helm
by Karen Venegas
October 15, 1998
Jerry Almendarez, 32, is one of the new assistant principals this year at Colton High School. Although he’s new this year, he is no stranger to the responsibilities of being an assistant principal. He was the assistant principal at Colton Middle School during the 97-98 school year. He is neither a stranger to the CHS atmosphere either. He was the business, and AVID advisor before he went to CMS.
Almendarez grew up a block away from CHS and is now a co-worker of some of his own past teachers. “It feels great,” he explained when describing how it felt to be back. As a child, his dream was to become an Air Force pilot. He almost entered the Air Force academy in Colorado Springs, but he met his wife, fell in love, and got married.
After receiving his high school diploma, he attended San Bernardino Valley College, Chaffey University, California State San Bernardino, and the University of Redlands. He majored in Business Administration and minored in Finance. The credentials he received in college were his Associates of Arts, Bachelors, and his Masters.
It has been five years since he started in the Colton Joint Unified School District. Prior to this he was an employee of Stater Bros. He worked his way up from boxboy, to clerk, to staff accountant. After eight years of working there, he decided to go back to school, and get his teaching credentials. He was inspired to work in the educational field in order to “touch other people’s lives..."
Almendarez has never wanted to change careers while in education, “I love my job.” He said. While here at CHS his goals are directed toward the well being of the students, “ My goal is to provide a suitable environment for education so students can enjoy their four years of high school.”
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New Policies w/different Agenda
by Sharon Bjornstad
October 15, 1998It looks as though the “shepherds” at Colton High are at it again. With a stricter tardy policy, I guess they assumed that we wouldn’t notice because we would be so jazzed about the new leniency in the school’s dress code. Nice try, guys, but we’re not that stupid. We may be your sheep for now but it isn’t like we don’t have rights, or at least a choice on who should be “slaughtered.”
For those of you who don’t know already, this new tardy policy is based on a five-point scale. Basically, if you are late in any class five or more times during one semester you get dropped from the class and then placed in Study Hall. Besides the fact that these new policies display an apparent lack of preparation, (with “loop holes,” as they say in my speech class—I’ve read about three or four different versions of this policy) the school also managed to forget to inform the parents until about the third week of school.
Why does the school board insist on punishing us? Are we that bad? I know we here at Colton High may have a slight problem with being on time—but I also know that we’re about that only school that starts class at 7:30 a.m. Might I add that studies have shown that the typical teenage high school student needs at least eight hours of sleep, and ten recommended? Not all of us are morning people—and personally, if I had the choice, school wouldn’t start until about 12 o’clock noon. But that’s just me.
Now don’t get me wrong, I can see the school board and the administration’s view on this policy. Theoretically, it helps us (the students) learn how to be more punctual. You’re giving us a taste for what’s to be expected when we actually get into your opinion of the “real world”—right? Wrong.
Can we please try and be a little democratic here? Any person with a hint of intelligence would know that just like any other capitalist run organization, the founders of this policy need money. And how do schools get their money? From students, of course. Schools receive money from the government depending on how well student attendance is. The better the attendance; the more money the school gets; hence, the new tardy and truancy policy. We know you guys need your money and most of us are at least partially sympathetic. Let’s face it; if there were welfare for schools, CHS would be paying in food stamps and living in a trailer park.
I know fully well that this school is run under a hierarchy. Unfortunately for us, the students are at the bottom. Maybe, hopefully, this will change—but not until more students actually get off their couches, chairs, and out of Study Hall and realize how unfairly they are being treated.
What Colton High students need, more than anything, is MOTIVATION. Only after they achieve that can things truly change. That and unity would be nice.
But seeing as how two—count ‘em, two—fights broke out on Unity Day at CHS last year, we obviously still have a long way to go. It’s unfortunate that our generation will be known for this, but we can only blame ourselves.
So I ask you fellow students at Colton High, to practice your First Amendment right “to peaceably assemble, and petition the ‘government’ for a redress of grievances.” Like Pink Floyd once said in The Wall, “We don’t need no education . . . Hey, teachers, leave them kids alone.”
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New year, new policies
by Kathy Croy
October 15, 1998A new, stricter tardy policy and a renewed interest in reducing truancies are only two of the new policies that greeted students coming back from the long, hot summer. Due to concerns that parents and the community had, TIR (Tarty Intervention Room) was removed and in it’s place is a brand new tardy policy, a due-process style of discipline intended to improve classroom attendance. The regulations of this policy are as follows: students are only allowed five tardies in any given class—no more. The first tardy consists of a warning and each additional tardy a warning and more severe consequence. By the fifth tardy the student is referred to assistant principal Jerry Almendarez who will then proceed to remove the student from his or her class that has accumulated the five or more tardies. He will then assign the student to study hall in place of the students regular class.
Study hall is a one semester class taught by Al Schwartz where students will continue to work on assignments from other classes. If the student still persists with poor attendance to study hall they will then be placed on the “NO-GO” list for one week or at the discretion of the attendance assistant principal. Students on the “NO-GO” list will be unable to attend any school functions such as dances, field trips, assemblies, or athletic events.
Students arriving late to school are to go directly to their assigned class where they will be marked tardy, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. A parent or guardian must be present at the attendance office in order for the student to be admitted with a late pass; written notes are not acceptable. After the last bell for students to be in class has rung, campus security will then proceed to sweep the halls and quad areas. Students found lingering on campus will be escorted by security guards to their assigned class and marked tardy.
According to Asst. Principal Jerry Almanderez, this policy was not only designed to help students achieve better attendance, but to keep students and parents fully aware of their individual tardy record as well. “We’re trying to make a policy so that their will be no surprises,” says Almanderez. “My goal is to get students in class and get an education. If parents and students are going to be upset with me because I’m trying to get them to class, so be it.” Almanderez claims that the average student should not have a difficult time with this new policy. “The majority of students floating around on campus are those with severe attendance problems. They are having a tough time [with it] because they have already missed a lot of class.”
Besides the tardy policy, a stricter watch on truancies will also be in effect, mirroring the tardy conseqences. After five truancies, just as with tardies, a student can be bounced from the class. Students are being advised to clear all absences in a timely manner.
Another, more subtle change is the removal of two items from the district’s dress code. To much delight, spaghetti straps are now allowed to be worn as long as undergarments are not showing. Secondly, students will no longer be hassled on account of wearing open toed shoes. The changes and new polices where decisions discussed and decided on at the district and will remain in affect for the duration of the school year.
Back to class!
No mas T.I.R
por Roger Romero
October 15, 1998
Un nuevo año escolar comienza y con el nuevas ilusiones, responsabilidades y por si fuera poco, nuevas reglas a las cuales desgraciadamente nos tenemos que someter. Comenzando el 17 de Septiembre del presente ano el cuerpo estudiantil de la escuela Colton High se encuentran confundido por elcambio drástico que hubo por el removimiento de T.I.R.( Salón de Intervención de Tardanzas) y el poner el cuarto de estudio, donde problablemente los estudiantes solo llegaran a dormir o a jugar con otros estudiantes,”Ellos estarán requeridos ha tener que hacer trabajo por el periodo de tiempo en el cual esten en el cuarto de estudio” afirmo Jerry Almendarez, subdirector . Pero ¿será sierto? El año pasado quisieron hacer lo mismo con T.I.R., ver una película y tener que dar un resumen de lo que vieron, pero ¿FUNCIONO?
NO! LOS ESTUDIANTES SOLO HIBAN A T.I.R. PARA SENTARSE Y NO IR A CLASE. El grupo estudiantil opina “Si, está bien que no haya T.I.R. porque por una parte los estudiantes se hacen responsables” Maribel Carrillo del grado dociavo declara, y como ella, muchos más comparten su idea.
Hay dos maneras en las cuales uno puede llegar a este cuarto de estudio, la primera manera es por llegar tarde a su clase cinco veces y la segunda es estar ausente cinco veces. El Primer paso- el maestro advertirá al alumno sobre la tardancia. Segundo paso- el maestro marca al alumno tarde y se le comunicará a sus padres. Tercer paso- el maestro marcará al alumno tarde y se referirá al consejero escolar y se iniciará el contrato para la asistencia escolar. Cuarto paso- el maestro marcará la tardancia del alumno y se le avisará al subdirector. Quinto paso- el maestro marcará al alumno tarde y se llevará a la oficina del subdirector y le dará al alumno de baja en su clase y lo pondrá en el cuarto de estudio.
Los uúicos pasos que cambian en el procedimiento de vagancias (ditching) es que puede llegar a una suspención si el caso es extremado. “ No estamos tratando de castigar a los estudiantes, solo queremos enseñarles a los estudiantes ser responsables.” Almendarez, declara. Responsabilidad es algo excelente, pero ¿funcionara? Quien sabe, solo el tiempo lo dirá pero ,si no funciona, desgraciadamente que otra regla tendran que seguir nuestros pobres conpañeros que se quedaran en la escuela ?
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Pep Assemblies, Are they Long Lost Legends?
By Jason Jones
October 15,1998
A fight breaks out, endangering many students going to and from an assembly. Next morning, the privilege of enjoying a boost of school spirit is revoked, made known to the school over a crackling voice on the intercom.
I don’t think that the rest of the students should have had to pay because of a fight that broke out last year. At least this year, there will be three Pep assemblies during 4th period. The first one is for the freshmen and the other two are for the whole school.Yet, I don’t think that three is enough. We should have pep assemblies every Friday to get back into school spirit. That’s what they were for, to show our school spirit and cheer on our athletic teams.
Pep assemblies were also full of games for all the students to participate in. This was the time for students to shine. Not only did students take part in fun and games, they also took these assemblies as an opportunity to display their talents. There were performances done by clubs such as singing and dancing. We were able to witness rousing cheerleaders and root for our sports teams. We even got to let out the stress of homework by screaming for our class (and dissing the freshmen). Through pep assemblies we even had the chance to hear of the latest school news and activities; now all we have are the early morning bulletins read in monotone voices by a boring teacher. At the end of the Pep assemblies all the students sang the Colton High alma mater. All these things embodied the spirit we all once had. Now I bet less than half the population at this school even know the the words to the song. It was an event that enabled us to have some pride for our school and they took that away from us. I don’t think that was right.
We have had plenty of Pep assemblies ever since Colton High was built. Why are they teasing us this year by only giving a scarce three? Soon, incoming classes will wonder if pep assemblies are something they only see in movies. It was a stupid move to have taken them away in the first place, and they need to change it. True, the faculty had some valid reasons to take away this privilege, but I don’t think that the rest of the entire school should have had to pay for it. Students can’t control other students actions and I think that the faculty needs to recognize that.
Students used to look forward to Pep assemblies on Fridays but now they just look forward to going home and watching TGIF.
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Prop 227
by Sharon Bjornstad
October 15, 1998Just in case you haven’t heard, Proposition 227—you know, the one prohibiting teachers from speaking any Spanish to their students, has passed. I don’t know about you, but personally I’m disgusted. How could we—the modern American people of the 1990’s—let this happen, and further more, support it?
You supporters must have either forgotten where you live or failed geography in school because someone who was aware of their surroundings would know that we live in Southern California. And what does Southern California border? Yes that’s right, Mexico! Or did you forget that the guy at McDonald’s who took your order could barely utter “no speakie any Inglés?”
We all know how frustrating this can be. Lets face it. Education isn’t exactly one of America’s first priorities. People are more concerned with who’s dating Leonardo Dicaprio then they are about their children’s education. The people who actually give a flying fajita are the teachers—whom we’ve now silenced by bringing the government into the classrooms giving them all the power. O.K. wait, who took the C.B.E.S.T. test again?
What this new law says is that now, because of Prop. 227’s approval, parents are allowed to sue teachers directly (for the first time) in order to enforce the initiative. O.K. people, it isn’t exactly like teachers are making bank these days. To add onto that, a moderate sum of the crappy salary they do make goes to the kids for supplies the school doesn’t have. If parents don’t like the way their children are being taught in public schools, I’d suggest either home schooling or a private school. But since most parents are lazy like the rest of us, and only seem to have time to complain about the way their child’s teacher is teaching, maybe they should just keep their mouths shut and let the teachers do their job. It’s not like we haven’t already given them a negative nothing to work with as it is. The teachers are drowning, and instead of throwing them a line we make matters worse by poking holes in the boat we’re in.
I come from a bilingual school myself (during my second and half of my third grade year). I’m sorry I ever left the program. At 7 and 8 years old I could understand stories in Spanish, sing songs in Spanish and talk to non-English speaking students my age. I’ll tell you one thing, I probably wouldn’t have to be taking Spanish III this year and wouldn’t still be having trouble with the phrase, “me llamo Sharon.” Unfortunately, new students won’t even have this opportunity. Instead, we’re taking the non-English speaking students, cutting them off from the rest of their peers, and placing them in one classroom, regardless of differences in age, cultural background and academic ability, to be taught English by a teacher who is now prohibited by law from speaking to them in their own language. This new English immersion class will be mainstreamed into regular classes after 180 days, regardless whether they have mastered enough academic English to succeed.
Not only are we segregating these poor children from the rest of their peers but we’re also prohibiting the teachers from speaking to the children in their own native language. Do you know how frustrating that would be? Not to be able to communicate, simply because now it’s against the law to speak in a language a child would understand? What exactly are we trying to do here? Separate two cultures and ethnic backgrounds that have already been mixed? Or did you forget that Taco Bell isn’t exactly a Mexican restaurant?
In fact, Taco Bell can serve as a prime example of a cultural overlap. With Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos and nachos, who can resist the American price for that food we think is beef, but we’re not really sure, and would rather not know; it is clear that what these “fascist dictators” (legislators) were afraid of has already happened—an overlap between Spanish and English culture.
So parents, teachers, students, and fascist dictators of legislators, I ask you to please listen to the Chihuahua and “Yo quiero Taco Bell,” not only because we know how good those Mexican Gorditas are, but that a mixing of cultures isn’t a bad thing.
That dog seems to know what he’s talking about, (those legislators certainly don’t) so maybe we should listen to him.Back to top
Proposicion 227
por Diana Sosa
October 13, 1998
Después de una sorpresiba victoria en las urnas electorales con un 61% a favor y un 39% en contra el mártes 3 de Junio la proposición 227 fué aprovada por los votantes de California apesar de que aquellos que estaban encontra tenían la esperanza de que fuera derrotada. Según los creadores de la misma esta tomaría efecto 60 dias después de su aprovación. Sín embargo aquellos que se oponían, decidieron tomar acción llevando la controversial propocisión a la Corte Suprema de San Francisco, para suspenderla tan pronto fuera posible. Desgraciadamente, ninguna de estas acciones pudieron evitar la desagradable aprovación y en algunos casos la implementación de la misma. Los creadores de esta proposición tienen en mente eliminar la educación bilingüe, ya que según ellos, esta no beneficia en nada a los estudiantes y en vez de ayudarlos, los retraza más. Por ley, los estudiantes matriculados en el programa bilingüe, tendrían 180 dias para aprender el idioma inglés, es decir un periódo aproximadamente de un año escolar, sín exepción.
En algunos distritos, principalmente en el área de Los Angeles, en cuanto empezó el año escolar se implementó mayormente en las escuelas primarias. Es aquí donde se usaba hablarles en español a los estudiantes, pero en Colton High, ¿Cómo a afectado la aprovación de esta nueva ley? ¿Qué cambios se han implementado? ¿En qué forma los estudiantes se ven afectados? ¿Cuáles son los resultados esperados? La subdirectora, Señora Pamela Pike, nos explicó que no a habído cambios significativos ya que las clases se siguen dando como años anteriores, con la ayuda de los traductoras bilingues. Sín embargo, nos dijo que por ley cada estudiante tiene un año para aprender inglés sín importar el tiempo que estén dentro del programa. También nos comentó que ningún estudiante es puesto en el programa si ellos no están de acuerdo, es decir que no son matriculados a la fuerza. ¿Será esto sierto? Ya que se han escuchado varios comentarios en donde se afirma que los estudiantes son puestos en el programa biingüe por el único hecho de tener apellido hispano. Por último, la Señora Pike nos dijo que el único cambio significativo que a habído fué el nombre del programa, ya que en años anteriores, el mismo era llamado ESL(English as Second Language) Inglés como Segundo Idioma, después se le llamó ELD (English Language Development) El Desarollo del Idioma Inglés y ahora con la nueva ley, se le fué nombrado (English Language Learners) Aprendices del Idioma Inglés. Sín embargo, la Señora Avelina Villa, maestra bilingüe y cabeza del departamento bilingüe nos desmintió el hecho de que los estudiantes son puestos en el programa bilingüe por el simple hecho de tener apellido hispano. “ Es solo un míto, ya que eso no es sierto”, dijo la Señora Villa. Según ella, los estudiantes cuando son registrados en el distrito,se les hace llenar una forma llamada “Encuesta del Idioma del Hogar” si estos indican que hablan más de un idioma se les da una prueba en inglés, para que por medio del resultado se pueda ver su habilidad, y se decida si son elegibles para ser registrados en el programa bilingüe, pero en ningún momento, se basan en que apellido el estudiante tiene. La Señora Villa respaldo lo dicho por la Señora Pike, que no a habído ningún cambio significativo, alcontrario todo sigue igual que el año pasado o talvez mejor ya que según la Señora Villa, este año tienen nuevo y mejor material para facilitar el aprendizaje a los estudiantes. Las ayudantes bilingües siguen ayudando en lo necesario a cada estudiante, tal y como el año pasado. “Esta ley no a afectado significativamente a Colton High. Se han visto más afectadas las primarias, ya que particularmente las clases eran instruídas en español”, comentó la Señora Villa. También nos dijo que ha ella, se le hace imposible que un estudiante aprenda inglés en un año, no porque no puedan, sino porque es muy poco tiempo. Por último nos comentó que afortunadamente la escuela ha sido muy considerada, ya que ha hecho lo posible para no eliminar el programa bilingüe. Wendy Lopez 9, quien tiene dos años de estar aquí, nos comentó que “A la vez, esta ley en parte está bien, ya que nos dará más ganas de salir adelante, ya que en algunas aveces nos atenemos al español y no ponemos empeño para aprender”. Aunque sigue estando de acuerdo que es injusto que se les de tan solo un año para aprender inglés.
Bueno según los “expertos” no ha cambiado nada en particular pero los afectados ¿qué tienen que decir de esto? ¿Cuál es la cruda realidad? Talves se dice que hay cambios sín importancia porque uno no esta experimentando la difultad y la frustración de cada día. El imaginar un nuevo obstáculo, que por ser ley es más dificil de evadir. Los que están a favor de esta controversial proposición solo se ponen a pensar en su beneficio, pero se olvidan de los que realmente son afectados, de aquellos que viven la pesadilla día trás día. Desgraciadamente, esta ley en vez de atraer resultados positivos, nos va afectar aún más, ya que los estudiantes llegaran al punto de frustrarse y su única salida y opción será tener que dejar los estudios. Por ejemplo a José Alfredo Machado 10, quien tiene apenas un mes con dos semanas de haber llegado de México y la idea de dejar los estudios y buscar un trabajo le ha pasado por la mente, ya que ha llegado a frustrarse, por el hecho de no saber inglés, pero recapacita ya que el sabe que sín inglés no hay manera de encontrar aquel futuro que uno viene a buscar en este país. “Sín inglés nos impide salir adelante, nos atoramos”, Comentó Machado. Pero parece que esto es lo que quieren ver aquellos que están a favor de la misma, nos quieren ver abajo como siempre nos han visto sín poder superarnos y haciendo los trabajos menos deseados. Ya es justo que se nos de la oportunidad de superarnos, ya que muchos de nosotros solo venimos aquí en busca de un futuro mejor. Tal parece que con sus leyes tratan de expulsarnos de la sociedad, dejandonos ignorantes e incapaces de sobresalir, ya que saben que nuestra única arma es el aprender el inglés y que sín el, no somos nada. Pero porque no demostrar lo contrario, salir adelante y contradecir el hecho de que dicen que uno no es capáz de sobresalir. Este nuevo obstáculo hay que tomarlo como un reto, en donde si ponemos un poquito de nuestras ganas de esfuerzo, vamos a poder sobresalir aún mas de lo esperado. Es por eso que hechemoles ganas y demostraremos que podemos como cualquier otra persona.
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Rapelling
by Julie Connor
October 15, 1998
If someone asked you to rappel off a bridge or a cliff with a rope and a harness as your only equipment, would you do it?
Keep in mind that you’re putting your life in the hands a three millimeter rope and a couple of pieces of equipment that appear small and untrusting.
I and other Colton High students have been taking the plunge for quite some time. I have been doing it since I was nine with my family. I do it for the rush. Just the thought of dangling a few hundred feet over rushing water with nothing holding you back excites me. I like the feeling of freedom and complete control. Rappelling is considered a high extreme sport that ranks among my favorite. “It’s a huge adrenaline rush to free fall off a 120 foot bridge and stop at the last possible second,” says former Colton High student Tim Connor. Steve Goss, who is also a former Colton High student, agrees: “It’s good stuff.”
Although it sounds dangerous, the only case in which there could be possible injury is through human carelessness. Unlike other sports, it requires less skill or ability and more willingness to face your fears. You must trust in the equipment and trust yourself that you could do what others had done.
When it comes down to it, the real question is what will it take for you to back over the edge of the cliff or bridge? The procedure is simple, yet if not followed exactly, can be fatal.
The rappeller wears gloves, a harness which is hooked up to a figure 8, carabiner, and a rope. The rope is held by the rappeller at the lower back. This allows you to have complete control over speed. At the bottom of the rope there is a person called a belay who is able to stop the person who is descending if necessary. The belay is a reassuring factor to many who are involved in the sport. If the gloves are not worn, friction burns will occur.
This procedure sounds simple, but there is actually a lot of chemistry and physics behind the idea. The equipment is designed to hold thousands of pounds and also acts as a cushion to absorb the weight of a falling rappeller. The carabiner itself can hold about 20,000 pounds in each direction.
Rappelling is a safe method chosen by rock climbers when there is no easy way to get down. The sport itself isn’t new, but it is growing in popularity. The reason it isn’t done by many people is because the equipment is costly, some people don’t know about it, and most just don’t have what it takes.
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Pranksters pay the price: senior pranks, an annual tradition
by Diana Simental
October 15, 1998
In the early morning hours of August 31, 1998, twelve Colton High Seniors attempted to keep up a recognized tradition known as the senior prank. This group consisted of Steve Escobar, Monica Lengkong, Jason Cunningham, Deanna Mercado, Candace Moore, Melissa Feeley, Dawn Parker, Tom Allen, Matt Sainz, Lenny Ramirez, Adam Dolan, and Chris Collins. Their goal was to “decorate the school in a non-destructive way,” according to Sainz. What made the incident surprising was that some of these students hold high leadership positions, such as Escobar, who is ASB president.
The story is an interesting one, and was related to this reporter by several of the students involved. It began like this: The students arrived to the school at approximately 2:00 a.m. After unloading their materials, they parked on Second Street, outside of the grounds, and began to paint a picture, using the campus as their mural. Using materials such as toothpaste and chalk, they wrote ’99 and Seniors on walls and windows. They also “decorated” the Senior benches.
As they were doing the prank, one student spotted cops watching them from Rancho Ave. They ran to their cars but were too slow. The cops had blocked them off and they were unable to escape. The students exited their vehicles and were immediately taken into custody, then won a ride down to the police station.
When they arrived at the station, mug shots were taken. The pranksters were questioned about the entire night and their parents were called to come down to the station to pick them up.
Principal Terry Adame was also called and was asked to come down to the station. Upon her arrival, Adame suspended each student for the first three days of school and charged them with janitor fees of $12.50 each.
When asked about the suspensions for this story, Adame refused comment, citing the school policy of not discussing disciplinary matters.
The students were given tickets for curfew and vandalism. They also had to serve community service at the opening of the new Arrowhead Medical Hospital which was held on September 26. They are awaiting to go before a judge on October 21 at the Juvenile traffic hearing office.
The school was cleaned up and ready for the first day of school the next day. There were only traces of toilet paper and chalk left on campus, along with the graffitti—although it was easily removed later—silent reminders of a senior tradition gone wrong.
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Slow Gherkin CD Review
Leah Feldhaus
Oct. 15 1998Attention all underground music lovers! The long awaited release of Slow Gherkin’s new album is finally here. Shed Some Skin, the second full-length album to come from this nine-piece Santa Cruz band, is just as good as their debut, if not better. Each song on this CD has a different sound, giving the listener a wide variation of styles. Songs like “I Only Smoke When I’m Drunk” and “Get Some More” are upbeat and show lead vocalist James Rickman’s ability to shout along to the music. Then there are songs like “Another in Your Life” and “I Can’t Stand” that have a more mellow sound and show Rickman’s ability to sing also.
With only one of the original horn players still in the band and a full time drummer, there’s a slight difference in the sound. However, that slight difference is all it took to make this new CD better than the last. They seem to have matured this time around, which is a major accomplishment for musicians. The horn section fits in a lot more with the music, and they sound much more together this time. They still have that unique sound that is known only to Slow Gherkin, and Rickman’s voice is still distinguishable throughout the whole CD.
With the ska scene now in full bloom, some people might think that this is just another ultra-trendy, third-wave, wannabe Reel Big Fish ska band. But trust me, they are nothing like Reel Big Fish (a big relief for those of you who are sick of hearing that stupid “Sell Out” song that they still play on the radio). Slow Gherkin’s music is a blend of ska, punk, and pretty much anything else you can think of, which is why it’s hard to compare them to anyone else. One thing is for sure though, they do not sound like every other third-wave ska band out there.
Shed Some Skin, like Slow Gherkin, is not for everyone, even if you are a fan of ska. If you like originality and you want something different, this is the CD for you. Fans of Slow Gherkin- this is a must have. Take it from me, who’s been a big fan from the start, Shed Some Skin is worth buying.
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Volleyball
By Stephanie Greenlea and Joanne Flores
October 15, 1998
Bump, set , spike and 3 games out of 5. The object of the game of volleyball sounds easy, but not quite. It takes skill and a lot of hard work, which this year’s team puts in.
This years varsity squad is led by its team captains, seniors Diana Sutton and Lora Dawson. The team consists of seniors Emily Norris, Catalina Guillen, Sylvia Rios, and juniors Crystal Guerrero, Joanne Flores, Kristy Cano, Kara Bellinger, Kenya Gray, Jaylin Boyd, Emily Sorensen, and Katy Giroux.
The team faced a huge upset in this year’s league opener against Cajon, winning but 1 out of 4 games. Coach Angela Reynolds feels confident about the team. “Colton has a great team” said Reynolds. “We work very well together and they all work hard. I want the girls to get a goal for themselves and achieve it.”
The team is very focused and determined to place in the top 3 and earn a spot in playoffs. Catalina Guillen, a returning varsity member, feels that this year’s team is promising. “At first it was hard because we had a lot of new people coming up to varsity.” Guillen said. “But we’ve made the adjustments and were working as a team and of course becoming a family.”
This years captains are off to a good start. They’ve shown great leadership in the past and are going to keep up the good work. Diana Sutton (3rd year varsity) feels that “We have a lot of potential. We work hard and we are a great team all around.”
The Colton High School varsity volleyball team is off to a promising start with a lot of potential and enthusiasm. With this dedication and commitment they are sure to go far this year. We share much support and wish them the best of luck this year.
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16 de Septiembre
por Horacio Fregoso
Cotober 15, 1998
¿A caso se celebró la Independencia de México aquí en la escuela?
Por años consecutivos no se celbra la fecha más importante de México. ¿ Qué nos ha pasado? Es más importante haber ganado la batalla del cinco de mayo, que haber ganado nuestra libertad para todos los Mexicanos. Se le preguntó a la presidente de M.E.Ch.A (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanos de Aztlán)Stacy Holguin, ¿Por qué no se celebró este día? y ella nos comentoóque el ASB no les dio el debido permiso para celebrar. Holguin comentó que para ella, las dos fechas son muy importantes porque asi no nos olvidamos de nuestras raises y para no olvidar nuestras costumbres.La lucha por la independencia comenzó en 1810 el 16 de Septiembre cuando el Cura Miguel Hidalgo y Maria Morelos Y Pavon, lucharon contra el gobierno español la lucha duró alrededor de 13 años. Cuando finalmente en 1823 España reconoció oficialmente la independencia Mexicana Ahunque realmente los Mexicanos años atras se declararon libres de los Españoles. Por eso los Mexicanos celebran cada año el 16 de Septiembre como su independencia porque fue el día que empezaron a luchar.
La batalla de Puebla más reconocida como el 5 de mayo, ocurrió 50 años después de la Independencia Mexicana. El ejército Mexicano y voluntarios del pueblo, peliaron contra el ejército Francés en 1862, las fuerzas Mexicanas derrotaron a los al ejército Francés. Pero esta fecha no es ni la mitad de importante como el 16 de Septiembre. Entonces, ¿ Por qué se celebra el cinco de mayo y no el 16 de Septiembre?La escusa que nos dieron fue que no tuvieron tiempo y que no tenían para hacer una comida por parte de M.E.Ch.A.