Issue of October 8, 1999:
Volume 83, Number Two
Click on a story title to see the text of the story
News
PLUR Festival Unites Campus
Homecoming's here!
I Remember Mama-Fall Play
Academic Competition
New teachers adapt to CHS
New CounselorOpinions
Columbine aftermath? Paranoia
Needed- Manners
Piercing the Veil (Column)
Pregnant Programs don't work
Too much freedom? No?
Too much freedom? Yes!Features
De La Hoya vs Trinidad
Exchange Student
Halloween Poll
Klub Korner
McVey New Athletic Director
MEChA Installation Dinner
Route 66 Festival wows Berdoo
Sega unveils new game platform
Wacky Laws show stupidityDiversions
Goldfinger/concert review
New NiN CD/review
Summer movies score big $$
Theaters checking IDs now
Three Kings/Movie Review
Los Detalles
Accident-en Espanol
Exchange Student-en Espanol
Finish School-en Espanol
Halloween-en Espanol
Santana show-en Espanol
Tragedy-en Espanol
Sports
Cross Country
Football
Girls Golf
Girls Tennis
Vollyball
Water Polo
PLUR Festival Unites School in Wake of Tragedy
by Amy Carrillo
October 8, 1999When Colton High students returned to school early Monday, August 30, 1999, they weren’t greeted with the normal smiles and hugs, being happy to see each other once again after a long summer vacation. Instead, they were greeted with tears . . . tears for their beloved peers: Sharon Bjornstad, Carissa Casteneda, Leah Felhaus, Matthew Lopez, and Nicole Martell, who were killed early Sunday morning on August 29, 1999 during a car accident after a rave.
Several students left school early on that first day after finding out about the tragedy, but others found comfort in their friends and the several support groups going on in the library for the first week of school. Lucy Khairullah, an Honors English teacher who taught Sharon and Leah, noted the “kids coming together, being supportive, and positive to one another.” Jesus Carreon, a school counselor who knew a few of the students in the accident as well, said, “What I noticed was the unity in the grief . . . I’ve never seen the student body react with such sympathy and grief as one. Everybody rallied together.”
The mood on campus was somber the first few weeks, but more than a few people noticed that students began to get closer, and P.L.U.R. began to take place in nearly everyone’s life. P.L.U.R.. (the acronym stands for Peace, Love, Unity and Respect) was created by Matthew Lopez, and is now going strong. P.L.U.R signs are everywhere—whether it is a piece of paper in someone’s folder regarding it, or whether it was colored beads, on bracelets or necklaces representing Carissa, Leah, Matt, Nicole and Sharon. Those as well as colored ribbons have been spotted quite often on several Colton High students’ backpacks. Even the varsity football team has shown their sympathies by wearing black wrist bands at their games.
The P.L.U.R Festival was set up in hopes to raise money for the families of the five students. After several location changes, plans were finalized and it was held on September 25 from 3-10 p.m. at the Orange Show Citrus Dome. It cost five dollars to attend the event, and drew a crowd of over 300 teens and adults, and it raised over $1,500. “It was a time to remember our friends and support their families,” said sophomore Nicole Morgan.
The festival’s food, soda, water, and many raffle prizes that were given away throughout the evening were donated. Local bands Just Add Water, Urban Mix, Notlok, and Quincy performed and were able to get the crowd going . Even small mosh-pits were formed, but never once did they get out of hand.
Almost everyone of the bands took time to recognize the reason why everyone had come together that evening. Some took a moment of silence, but others just played for them. Throughout the evening, different CD’s, stickers, flyers and keychains were given out promoting some local bands. As the festival drew to a close, Quincy thanked all the local buisnesses for their sponsership and many donations to get the P.L.U.R. Festival underway. “It was a positive thing you know...It wasn’t a time of sadness, it was a time to celebrate their lives,” said sophomore Kristina Beckenhaupt.
Homecoming
by Lexie Castell
October 8, 1999
It ain’t Homecoming if you can’t get your party on!
The week of fall Homecoming is one of the biggest weeks of the whole school year. Homecoming will officially get its kick-off today at our first pep rally when Colton’s Royal Homecoming Court will be announced. Those lucky girls and guys will then compete for the title as the 1999-2000 Homecoming King and Queen.
Throughout the week starting on Monday, October 11 until Saturday, October 16 expect lots of fun-filled excitement and many memories, not to mention lots of yearbook oopportunities (hint, hint be on the look out for those cameras!). There will be many lunchtime class competition activities during the week, including scavenger hunts and obstacle courses.
On Wednesday of next week (October 13) the carnival of all carnivals will be held at both first and second lunches. At the Homecoming carnival expect a wide variety of food, drinks, music, and entertainment put on by various clubs and sports. So make those short 30 minutes well worth it (I personally vote for an extension on lunch that day.)
Talk to your class officers to find out information concerning Powderpuff games and float buildings for the week, they should know the times and places and how you, the student, can sign up to be a part of this experience.
Friday, October 15 is the big day. The fun starts after school with the traditional Homecoming parade at 5:30 pm. The parade will take off from Colton Middle School and parade its way up through Rancho to the Football field. Following the parade will be the big game. The Yellowjackets will face the Yucaipa Thunderbirds at 7:30 p.m.
Homecoming queen will be announced at football’s half time along with the class float winners. On Saturday, October 16 the week comes to a close with the annual Homecoming dance where Homecoming king will be announced. This year’s theme is “Celebration of the Century.” The dance will be held at Edwards Mansion in Redlands from 8 p.m. to midnight. Tickets will be $50.00 a couple, $25.00 for stag-go’ers.
Some words of advice: buy your tickets early—don’t hold it off ‘til last minute because we don’t want another Prom scare when tickets sold out.
Trust me, it will save you from the long lines at lunch and the business office will thank us all.
"I Remember Mama"
by Kelly Wheatley
October 8, 1999
Lights, Camera, Action! Its time once again for the fall play. This year “I Remember Mama” will be the featured play. It’s about a Norwegian immigrant family in the early 1900’s. The story takes place in San Francisco, with the eldest sister, Katrin, played by senior Diane Keeling, reflecting about all the things their Mama did for them.
The play, written by John Van Drutten, was originally called “Mama’s Bank Account.” Mama would remain optomistic in this time of poverty when there was a necessity,and say “we’ll get it out of the bank account.” By being so optomistic, and letting her family believe there was a bank account when there really wasn’t. Mama gave hope to the others in the family, and the strength to go on.
Auditions were held the week of September 6. The decision of who would play which part was left up to director Joey Mercado. With a cast of about thirty to forty people, Diane Keeling was cast to play the eldest sister. The part of Mama went to senior Megan Moran, and Papa will be played by senior Jody Norman. Other family members are: the second eldest sister, Dagmar, played by freshman Megan Holden, the middle brother, Nels, played by Ryan Ward, the youngest sister, Christine, played by Alison Viefhaus, and Uncle Chris played by “Fedco” Zamora.
“I Remember Mama” is also an Academy Award winning movie. It starred Irene Dunn as Katrin, the part in which she won her fifth Academy Award.
The play’s set to hit the stage on November 18, 19, and 20.
Academic Competition
by Celeste Escobedo
October 8, 1999
Colton High’s Academic Competition is getting ready for another exciting year of competitions.
Each year, members of Academic Competition go to other schools and represent Colton. “We prepare for competitions,” says Bob DeGroff, Colton High’s Academic Competition coach, “ of which there are three types.” The three categories of competitions are Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, and Speech and Debate. Every year members of Academic Decathlon debate newz issues at every competition. Academic Decathlon is a ten competition event. Seven of the events are tested with multipule choice tests. “We prepare for five months on specific subjects,” says DeGroff. There are tests on such subjects as math, economics, language and literature, art, music, and social studies. In addition to that, there are also essays, speeches and interviews.The members who participate in Mock Trial spend time studying legal cases and potray lawyers and witnesses. There is a defense and prosecution team that competes againsts other schools.. They also make speeches such as oratories, in which students write their own speeches. Interpretations, in which students perform selections from plays, novels, and short stories. Lastly, they perform spontaneous events. In those, students recieve a minimal amount of preparation. Student Congress is a competition in which students debate a variety of current issues.
Twenty-five members of Academic Competition class attended Student Congress at Damien High in LaVerne on September 25. The overall finalists were junior Irma Galindo, and seniors Shawn Augsburger, Maggie Flattery, and Kris Augsburger. Junior Ramy Abouelsood was sixth place overall. Freshman Jordan Hall was first place in House E, senior Veronica Nunn was second place in House E. and senior Kelly Baden came in third place in House C.
New Teacher Story
by Joanne Flores
October 8, 1999
This year, if you haven’t noticed, yet but there are a few new faces around campus. Yes, I know there are a whole new bunch of freshman, but also a whole new group of teachers added to this years staff.
As a service to all our loyal readers, we have compiled a dossier on each new teacher (at least, the ones we could find) as to what they teach, what high school they attended (yes, most of them went to high school, too) and what college they got their degree from.
We also asked them to sum up in a few choice words their first impressions of big, bad Colton High. So here is a gallery of the new, fresh teacher faces you may be seeing on campus. The Pepper Bough wishes them the best of luck in the coming year. (You freshmen know that first year can be awful hard, even on a teacher!)
Daryl Williams- Natural Science RSP
High School: Maryland Centennial
College: West Virginia U.
School prior: Sub
Impression: “So far so good.”Lance Riley- English
HIgh School:Yucaipa
College: UCR
School Prior:Yucaipa Jr.
Impression: “Staff receptive, students hardworking and courteous.”Leland Sigley-Electronics
High School: Bellflower
College: University of Moscow
School Prior: Coachella
Valley State Prison
Impression: “What a large campus!”William Lawrence- Business Dept.
High School: Hemet
College:CSUSB
School Prior: Bethal Christian
Impression: “I’ve enjoyed it so far. The people are very helpful.”Vivian Shaw- English
High School: Chicago
College: Southern Illinois (BA), Cal State San Bernardino (MA)
School Prior: Waubonsie Valley High School
Impression: Deja VuMenker Feleke- English RSP
High School: Somewhere in Africa
College: University of Minnesota
Impression:“It’s very cool”Myra Lopez- Spanish
High School: Eisenhower
College: CSUSB
School Prior: New teacher
Impression: “I like having my own class. It’s a new experience plus I’m able to use my own ideas.”
Richard Porter- Math
High School: Eisenhower
College: Cal State San Bernardino
School Prior: Calvary Chapel Christian School
Impression: “Organized, very professional and friendly.”Tina Dickinson- Math
College:Merced College Central Valley, Pacific Union, Andrews Univ.
School Prior: Fresno City College, RCC
Impression:”Friendly”
New Counselor
by Marisa Gutierrez
October 8, 1999
Can you imagine walking into the counseling office on the first day of school (because you desperately need a schedule change) just to find out that you don’t have a counselor anymore? Despite former Colton High counselor Helena Tarboux’s retirement last summer, students whose last names fall into the category of Goo-Ma, need not fear this ever happening to them. Like they say: where there’s a will there’s a way, and Tarboux was almost immediately succeeded by Sharon Halter-Day.
Halter-Day came to Colton High from the counseling office of Rancho Cucamonga High School in San Bernardino County. Besides her two year term at Rancho Cucamonga High, prior to then, Halter-Day also embraced various other jobs that were offered to her all over San Bernardino County. She served as a counselor for drug and alcohol programs, jail and prison rehabilitation programs, teen pregnancy programs, and the list goes on. The end result of all this work was a whopping 13 years of experience and a good attitude toward her job. “I have always loved my job, and I believe that I will always love counseling.”
Colton High’s faculty and student body have made wonderful impressions upon the new counselor. Halter-Day described the staff as being “friendly, cooperative, and down-to-earth,” as well as the students being “receptive and respectful.” Obviously staff and students have made Halter-Day feel welcomed enough to say wonderful things about Colton High; now that is a good thing anyway you look at it.
Though she may be a recent addition to the Colton High family, Halter-Day shares the same concerns about students that all the other counselors have. This ambitious counselor’s main goal is for all of her students to graduate on time and move on to some form of secondary learning education (like maybe college), in order to be successful in the future. “My main goal as a counselor is to help people achieve their goals by helping them find answers that weren’t there before. And in the case of high school students, I want to help students find solutions to their problems.”
On the other hand, being a counselor at Colton High can be very demanding at times due to the consistent increase of the student body throughout the year. Halter-Day always has a tight schedule because she usually sees 35-40 students on a daily basis, and stays until four in the afternoon doing extra office work. In other words, there’s never a dull moment for Halter-Day because she doesn’t seem to have time for one.
Nevertheless, the message that Halter-Day is attempting to spread throughout Colton High is that she is always willing to see anyone no matter what she is doing. “I want studnts to know that they can see me anytime they have problems. If there’s some sort of difficulty that needs to be fixed; whether academic or personal, I want students to feel that I’m here to help them in any way that I can.”
Aftermath of Columbine sometimes a negation of freedoms
by Maya Minwary
October 8, 1999
A gruesome, horrifying school shooting occurred in the little quaint town of Littleton, Colorado, on April 20, 1999. Many concerned parents, outraged at what little action was done to prevent the school massacre, began demanding more vigilance. School administrators and authorities agreed, and as the result student’s rights are being infringed upon and their amendment rights are being thrown into oblivion.
Although the authorities do have that obligation in the student’s best interest to provide a safe, violent - free school, some are going a bit too far in doing so. A student getting suspended for bringing a knife, or gun to school is a very reasonable action, but how about getting suspended for trivial, preposterous things, such as bringing a nail clipper to school? In Pensacola, Florida a girl got suspended just for doing that! Come on, what’s she going to do with a nail clipper, oh no, clips someone’s nail off!
These crackdowns are not only happening in what you bring to school, but also what you say and do. In Atlanta, Georgia a 17-year old, who was so close to graduating and had a talent for writing fictional stories, was recomended to see counseling, expelled, and jailed for two days for a horror story he had written (It ended in a Carrie -like violent graduation) in his own private journal. So now all of a sudden innocent wishes/opinions are being considered threatening and condemn for. Even the way we express ourselves is being denounced by authorities. A student in Utah wore a T-shirt that had the word “Vegan” printed on it—a word for strict vegetarian diet—got suspended. Authorities though that it referred to an extremist group (Hellooo, maybe someone needs to go back to English class).
These students being reprimanded are treated very unfairly. Most never had any run-ins with the law and meant no harm by their actions. Yeah, school administrators do have that obligation to provide a hazard-free school, however, some are really making a big deal out of nothing. They seem to rush into their decision of what to do with a student they suspect of being mischievous. I think before making any decisions, they should really consider the students past action, background, environment, or any unusual behavior; if the student is what one would consider a “good” student, no erratic behavior, etc. they shouldn’t be harshly punished for an innocent thing they unconsciously did. Authorities should back off a bit on these “good” students and think before making an impetuous decision.
Needed: Manners!
by Ashley Jay
October 8, 1999
Old fashioned respect, punctuality, and kindness vs. your basic math, reading, and writing skills. . . when it comes to your future career, what do you think will be more important?
A surprising survey taken in 1997 by the South Metro Chamber of Commerce (Dayton, Ohio) Business Advisory Council shows that in most cases, an employee will be judged more by his/her personality and manners rather than on the person’s math, English, or computer skills.
The survey was constructed of 400 telephone calls to businesses in the Dayton area. The interviewed were employees responsible for interviewing future employees. They were asked to put 13 attributes and skills in order from most important to least important.
Honesty was said to be the most important to 97% of the interviewed. Willingness to cooperate, ability to follow directions, positive attitude, and punctuality was the order of the most important attributes and skills employers said they needed.
The skills considered least important? Emplyers listed the familiar subjects on every high school student schedule: basic math skills, basic writing skills, and basic computer skills were surprisingly ranked the lowest of importance by employers. Strangely enough, when a Colton student was asked the same interview questions her answer was just about the complete opposite.
Should people be judged by their moods and personality? Maybe you had a bad day, or maybe kindness is just not your thing. Should that effect your employers judgment on your qualifications? Do these opinions fall under any kind of discriminatory cases?
When you go out to get interviewed for a job or a career, I’m sure it wouldn’t be to hard to slap on a smile and use your general charm. I’m not saying that we should give in to the typical all-American type, or do an inordinate amount of butt-kissing. I guess what I mean is that we’ re human. We should try to be ourselves and deal with, and accept life the best way we can. When it comes to manners most are lacking , including some teachers. I understand that not every day can be a walk through the daisies but a little kindness can go a long ways.
Piercing the Veil
Column by Jason Valenzuela
October 8, 1999
Hola boys and girls, welcome to a new year at Colton High. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll wish you had never come here. As most students at Colton High School know this year didn’t start well at all. Hopefully things will get better, and we will survive the problems we face.
First problem of the year is one that has been touched on before, the bathrooms. Now, here’s the deal: there are a couple of girl’s bathrooms open. On the other hand, there is only one boy’s bathroom open on campus. Now it may just be me, but, it seems a little out of place when there is a line out the door to use the boy’s bathroom.
Now I can understand why the bathrooms were closed in the first place, tagging and drugs, but why should the many be punished for the deeds of the few. Most people don’t tag in the bathrooms or whatever, but most people do need to use the bathroom at one time or another.
If the closing of the bathrooms didn’t have such a negative impact it might be worth it. But, simple facts, the size of the freshman class is increasing every year so there are more and more people going to Colton High, so one bathroom being open just isn’t logical. Now there are more girl’s bathrooms open for a very logical reason, which everyone should be able to figure out without me explaining. Why then is there only one boy’s bathroom open when it is illogical?
Now on a different note, Halloween! The time of the year when candy and costumes run rampant. I enjoy it as much as the next guy, if not more, but there is something wrong with how things are. Where did Halloween come from? What is the story behind it? Why do we still celebrate it? So many questions that most people wouldn’t begin to know the answers to.
What if I told you that it has it’s origins in a pagan festival Samhain? Would you believe it? Good Christians celebrating a pagan festival? Naw, couldn’t be, or could it? Actually it is. Samhain, one of the druidic Nights of Fire, became Halloween. When the Christians came to the British Isles they adapted the Celtic celebrations to be part of their own, so that they could drawn in the Celtic people with more ease.
With the holiday came the traditions, the masks and costumes worn by the Celts to scare away unwanted spirits became the costumes that we know today. But then I have to ask where did all the fairies, little angels, and princesses come from? Well seems only one answer, commercialism. Where Samhain used to be a serious, and very religious festival, we now have a bunch of kids running around screaming for candy. Sort of sick isn’t it? Children are the easiest targets, they like to dress up and the idea of getting candy will perk any child’s interest.
So here we have it, an ancient festival that wouldn’t have even survived to this day if not for commercialism, but maybe it should have been left to die. I doubt that the people who knew the real importance of the day would be happy to find out what it has become. Then again, all of the holidays we celebrate have become just another opportunity for stores to make an extra buck. Sort of depressing isn’t it? I guess in this world people will do anything to make another dollar.
Pregnant Programs on Campus are like closing the barn door after the horses have left!by Heather Moon
October 8, 1999
With as many as 20 plus children in the Infant Care Center, there isn’t any doubt that Colton High has its share of teenage pregnancy. With programs like the Infant Care Center and the Pregnant Minor Program, teenage mothers and fathers are provided with help caring for their children.
What about trying to prevent the uprise of teen pregnancy in the first place? Too much attention is being focused on the after effects of teenage sex. Instead of helping teens prevent pregnancy and disease, all that is being offered is child care for the aftermath of sexual intercourse.
People can try as they will, however, I know that forced authority can not stop some teens from having sex. But what about offering protection? Would passing out condoms really be that big of a deal? I’m pretty sure that just about every student here has seen a condom at one time or another. Plus, if a sexually active teen has a condom in their possesion, the chances of having unprotected sex are greatly decreased. Moreover, passing out condoms does not promote teenage sex. Finally, teenage sex doesn’t need any promotion, it’s popular enough as it is. Passing out condoms would only promote safe sex, something that all teenagers should be made aware of.
If the school focused more of their time on the prevention of pregnancy maybe the number of teenage mothers in the Infant Care Center would drop. The more the school focuses on child care, the more children there are going to be to cared for.
Parents giving too much freedom? No way!
by Kathy Croy
October 8, 1999Teenagers are doing more today than ever because they are realizing something that has taken most people years to discover: life is precious! Some teenagers have packed more life into 17 or 18 years than some have at 50. When out on our own, most teenagers are very responsible, despite what parents would like to believe. We make many decisions that affect our lives in ways you couldn’t imagine. We decide what is best for us, because we have our own sense of judgment. Making our own decisions is what prepares us for many of the things in real life. It’s all a matter of responsibility, and much of it comes from personal experience. You have to allow a child freedom to make their own choices, and trust that what you have taught them will help them make the right decisions.
You never know when someone is going to die. It can be anytime, anyone, anywhere. Nonetheless, don’t let the fears in life prevent you from making a valuable one. Some say that in the incident of Sharon, Matt, Leah, Carrisa, and Nicole, they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yet, they have all displayed mature adult responsibility in each and every other rave they have gone to. THIS WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT. It is not an issue of whether or not they should have gone. It is not an issue on whether parents are giving kids too much freedom. It simply shows us not to take life for granted.
Some parents argue that kids of this age should not be out all night long. What does it matter if you’re out all night or out all day if the same kind of environment exists at either time? What if they spent all day long at the beach? Does daytime lessen the opportunities they have to get into trouble? Whatever they were going to choose to do while they were at these raves was indeed their choice. It is very hypocritical for a parent to condemn their child for things that they most likely did themselves when they were young. But here’s the difference: have they been taught to be responsible about the choices they make? Or will you simply forbid them from going out entirely? So far it seems everyone is looking for a scapegoat in the matter—something to take the blame. True, if they were not allowed to go maybe they would still be alive today. Despite that, how would we have known that maybe a week later one of them could be crossing the street and gotten hit by a drunk driver? Would you then say, “well they shouldn’t have been walking outside?” NONSENSE. I was at work last week when two armed men came into the restaurant and robbed us. What IF they had fired a shot at ME instead of the wall? Should I no longer go to work? Should I no longer take the smallest step outside my home? Life is very fragile. So, parents, give your child that freedom to experience the gift they are given. Because you cannot hold sand in a fist, it will only slip through your fingers.
Parents give students too much freedom!
by Jason Jones
October 8, 1999Parents giving their kids too much freedom has been a hot topic lately in the public eye. It is a topic that has been argued on both sides by teens and parents.
Most teenagers will tell you that their parents are strict and don’t give them any freedom to do what they want. But my opinion on this topic is that parents do give too much freedom to their kids. I think if more parents were strict with their children, then maybe we could avoid tragedies like what happend to four of our fellow classmates last month on August 29, 1999. I don’t know about you, but I don’t ever want to have to go through that again. But for someone I love I will.
I’m not saying it’s the parent’s fault for what happend or that they should keep their kids on lock-down; however, there need to be rules, and more importantly they need to be met by both the parents and the children.
I have a friend who, on the weekends, left his home early and didn’t come back home until four o’clock in the morning without telling his parents anything. His parents knew this and wouldn’t say anything to their child. So he kept on leaving early and coming home late until one day he didn’t come back at all. He decided that he was going to go on a road trip with some of his friends. When his mom realized he wasn’t there that morning she went into total shock. Bad things were going through her head about what might have happend to him. To make a long story short, it was the most miserable time that she ever went through and could have all been avoided if she didnt let her child go out and come home late. Her kid did eventually come back home, but some parents aren’t that lucky.
I think that parents do give their children too much freedom to do what they want. Parents should be more aware of where their child is going and what they are doing. They need to regain control over their child’s freedom before they run out of chances and we have more tragedies.
I can’t force the parents to put restrictions on their children.They have to do that themselves and if they don’t that child may get out of control like some teenagers today. I believe that doing this there will be less teenagers fighting one another and getting in trouble like so many kids today.I also believe that parents recognize this and still don’t do anything about it.They let their children roam about in the streets.
Some kids know this of their parents and don’t feel or show any respect for their parents creatin poblems.I think that lack of disipline shows a lack of care and a lack of care shows a lack of disipline.
It’s easy to blame the parents for their childs mistakes but I also know that the kids aren’t making it easy on their parents.But if disipline is going to start it must be from the parents and met by the children.
De La Hoya vs Trinidad
by Jason Jones and Steve Perez
October 8, 1999The fight on September 18 between Oscar De la Hoya and Felix Trinidad was supposed to be a war. It was supposed to be one of the closest, hardfought fights in a long time. It was deservedly named the “Fight of the Century.”
However, nothing could have been further from the truth. It wasn’t a war. It wasn’t even a close fight. It was damn near boring to watch, because the “Golden Boy” was so much better than Trinidad . De la Hoya boxed circles around Trinidad; basically hitting him at will. By the fourth round Trinidad was getting beaten so badly, his left eye was almost completely closed.Of the first nine rounds, De la Hoya won eight decisively. Yet for some odd reason (that may be explained by Don King’s involvement) Trinidad was awarded the majority decision.
Hmmm . . . lets go over some of the statistics of the fight.
De la Hoya hit Trinidad over one hundred more punches than Trinidad hit him with . Not to mention the fact that De la Hoya hit him with about ninety more jabs. But the judges still found a way to give Trinidad the decision.
The fact that De la Hoya ran the last three rounds is irrelevant. While it may have made him look bad, he had the fight won. In order to win a decision in a twelve round fight, you must win seven. Trinidad won, at the most, five rounds, and that’s being generous.
Now the Golden Boy will forever carry a “one” in the loss column, because three judges blew the call. And if everyone remembers this isn’t the first blown call, not only this year, but in the last six months. The Lennox Lewis-Evander Holyfield fiasco was probably just as bad.
The question is, what should be done about this? Obviously a rematch is in order, but that won’t solve the puzzle of why this seems to happen at every big fight. These reporters believe a certain boxing promoter by the name of Don King should be banned from the sport forever.
Exchange Student
by Renee Negrete and Connie Villagrana
October 8, 1999
Have you seen the new face around? If you have or haven’t here’s a little 411 about her.
Jimena Sarria is a new exchange student from Cali, Colombia. She’s 17 years old and has already graduated from her school in Cali, called “Los Cebros.”
Sarria left behind her dad who encouraged her a hundred percent. She was also leaving her mom who knew it would be for the best. Sarria also has one sister and a brother.
At first it was hard for her to make the decision to join the exchange student program, but once made she felt comfortable with her decision. “I would recommended it, because it is a whole new experience.”
Sarria understands English very well, but she is shy to speak it. “You learn and see so many new and exciting things,” she said. She was glad she came here because it is interesting to meet different people and to find all kinds of friends.” Would she ever do it again? She tilted her head back and laughed. “Once is enough for me, and it is an experience of a life time.”
So far Sarria says she has been to Hollywood and some of the beaches. After school she prefers to stay at home, she calls Colombia or is on the internet writing to her boyfriend of one year. She says that she misses him the most.
In June when Sarria goes back she plans to enroll in a University. But she not sure what she will be majoring in, it is between psychology or engineering.
Freshman First Impressions
by Charissa Six
October 8, 1999
We have all been freshmen sometime in our high school life. We all remember what it feels like to come to this school for the first time. Some of us are scared—mainly from the stories we’ve heard, but also from the difference in size compared to our last school. Any new school can be a big change, but coming to a school with the size and tradition of Colton High can terrify and overwhelm a student used to a comfortable middle school.
How do this year’s crop of freshmen view Colton High? The opinions vary. Freshman Narmin Shahin agreed that she was scared and said there was “a lot of people,” but that it “wasn’t as bad as people say it is.” Freshman Jade Purcell’s feeling as she stepped off the bus was “what do I do now ?” and agreed that it was “big.” Freshman Heather Weppler felt what most do when they come to school: ”I better find my friends before I become a loner.”
Later on in the first day of high school the average freshman makes observations and comparisons about this school and their last school. Aside from the first impression of the school just being bigger, Shahin said that a difference from her old school, Terrace Hills, was that Colton had “so many different teachers for each subject.”
Some freshman observe not only the school itself, but take notice of the difference in amount of people in a certain group; for example skaters, gangsters, school boys/girls, etc. Weppler, also from Terrace Hills, said there was “less skaters and more others,” while wanting people to know that she chose “others” carefully, because she didn’t want to offend anyone. Shahin and Weppler agreed with Purcell when she said that at her old school, Richardson, she “knew almost everyone.” Purcell’s comment is the average to most incoming people. At any middle school there is less space and people that you have probably grown up with. When you come to any given High school, you see three years of people coming from Colton Middle School, Richardson, Terrace Hills, etc., which explains why we never seem to know anyone.
What this reporter has always wondered was why it’s soooo scary coming here for the first time. Well, it could be the fact that they may not know anyone, but for some, it’s the stories they hear, and for others it’s the size of the school. We’ve all heard the stories out there that are made up to scare incoming freshmen, or to convince them of something. Weppler said that she was told that you’re “gonna get shot” and that “people come up to you and take your stuff.” However, Purcell talked to people that came here and was told by them that it’s a good school, and that there’d “be a couple of fights, but not much.” Though told those rumors, Weppler said it now feels like “another day at school.” Shahin is feeling one of the drawbacks that every incoming person feels when they come from Junior High, “it takes longer to get to be ‘Big-Bad-Seniors’.”
Halloween
by Renee Negrete
October 8,1999
As the days get shorter and nights get longer, the scent of Halloween is creeping around the corner. It’s just about this time for people to choose their costumes. But how many high schoolers still like to dress up?
60% of Colton students said in a recent survey that they would rather go to a Halloween party than dress-up, or just stay home and pass out candy.
As junior Elsa Ibarra says, “I give out candy instead.” Sophomore Lydia Garica adds, “This Halloween I will probably just invite some of my friends over to watch scary movies and stay up telling ghost stories.” As for the other 40%, they say they would rather dress-up than stay home and do nothing and watch T.V. “I would go as something fun and interesting” sophomore Veronica Lopez said. Instead of always being funny, why not go as something scary, just as sophomore Katie Duron plans?
As for some of the other students they have their costumes set and ready to go get some candy. Sophomore Napa Utrapiromsuk is going as Miss Swan from Mad TV this year. Sophomore Chandelle Felter spent no time picking out her costume for this year: “This year I’m going as Britney Spears.” I can’t wait to see all these people on Halloween day at school, especially sophomore Allica Vega, as a pink lady, and Cassandra Gomes as a hippie.
Klub Korner
compiled by Karen Venegas
October 8, 1999
This section of the paper is called Klub Korner and it is a Colton High School student’s guide to the on campus club scene for the ’99-’00 school year. This issue will give you information on clubs that meet after school and during lunch. In future issues there will be detailed information on what that club is up to. This is your opportunity to find out what that club you’ve wanted to join is all about.
The following is a list of clubs, when and where they meet, and current club presidents and sponsors. Stay tuned to Klub Korner for all the pertinent info on your favorite clubs.
M.E.Ch.A. ~ meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month in Rm. 404. The club’s president is Senior Monica Santana and the club’s sponsor is Avelina Villa.
National Honor Society ~ meets every first and third Tuesday of the month during both lunches in Rm. 305. The club’s president is Senior Veronica Nunn and the club’s sponsor is Sharon Halter- Day ( for info. on how to join, see your counselor ).
Remnant Club ~ meets Tuesdays during 2nd lunch in Rm. 401 and Thursdays during 1st lunch in Rm. 554. The club’s president is Senior Chris Brown and the club’s sponsor is Nan Graham.
Troupers Club ~ meets every Monday after school in Rm. 505. The club’s president is Senior Flora Schaller and the club’s sponsor is Joey Mercado.
French Club ~ meets every Thursday in Rm. 608. The club’s president is Senior Federico Zamora and the club’s sponsor is Vita Chimienti.
V.I.C.A. ~ meets every second Wednesday of the month in the Cafeteria at 6:30 PM. The club’s president is Monica Santana and the club’s sponsor is Bob Reedy.
Dance Club ~ Soon to be in affect, dance instruction “with great instructors,” according to sponsor, Angela Reynolds. Will meet once or twice a week after school . No experience needed. $1 per visit or free with ASB card. Stay tuned for further announcements.
Volleyball Club ~ Starting Wednesday nights in November in the gym from 7PM - 9PM. Instruction will be available. Possible spring tournament. The club’s sponsor is Angela Reynolds. $1 per visit or free with ASB card.
New sports director
by Joanne Flores
October 8, 1999
After the retirement of Russ Smith, Colton High had to find a new Athletics Director. They were in search of an outgoing person who liked sports and was willing to put in a 12 hour day. Since it’s very time consuming and has a lot of ups and downs (these too come with so many jobs) only one man could fill those shoes. The honor went to Kirk McVey.
McVey, former Geometry and Pre-Cal teacher and not to mention the tennis coach, decided to take on the job. Knowing that he couldn’t still teach (or can he?) McVey applied for the job knowing this was something he wanted to do for a long time. “I was shocked that I got the position and asked myself what did I get myself into?” McVey took the job starting at the end of last year. He feels that a 12 hour work day can be time consuming yet fulfilling. McVey was happy to go to the award ceremonies when last years teams were being honored.
“There are so many perks to the job,” says McVey. “I liked going to the award ceremonies and watching the kids being honored.” He plans on taking advantage of his new job and go to all the games. McVey is still teaching three Algebra classes a day. “I really don’t have time to miss teaching so much knowing that this is a job that I wanted for a long time. I knew it would be time consuming. I do both: teach algebra and am the new Athletics Director.”
The Athletics Director gives many contributions to Colton High’s sports including making next year’s schedules. They just don’t pop out of nowhere; they do come from someone. That person just happens to be Kirk McVey
MEChA Installation Dinner
by Karen Venegas
October 8, 1999
Where were you on Thursday, September 30, 1999 at 6:30 PM? If you were a MEChA officer or member, you were at the MEChA installation dinner.
MEChA’ s club advisor, Avelina Villa, began the evening by welcoming all the parents, friends, and community members who were in attendance that night.
There were also many distinguished members of the community that participated in this event such as Colton School Board Member Frank Ibarra, Dr. Tom Rivera, and our special guest speaker Dr. Lili Rivera.
Dr. Rivera opened her speech by explaining what MEChA stood for and why it was important to understand that we all have to put forth our best effort in making MECHA known for the future active members and the community. Keeping with the theme of the evening, “We are the future and the future starts now”, she spoke about the importance of taking the initiative as a leader and inspired all of us to visualize the necessary changes that need to be made in society and to go out and try to make a difference.
The new 1999-2000 officers were initiated into their offices and welcomed by all the guests with the MEChA applause. Chosen were Monica Santana, president; Roger Robles, vice president; Miriam Mondragon, treasurer; Karen Venegas, historian; Griselda Ramirez, publicist; and Brenda Quintero, secretary. Quintero is a junior, all others are seniors.
Last years officers were also recognized for their hard work during the 1998-1999 school year. Those in attendance were 1999 graduates Stacey Holguin and Loretta Hernandez; Seniors Maria Orozco, Monica Santana and Roger Robles.
The evening was a great success and the club hopes to have many more successful events in the future.
Pregnant Minor Program
by Stephen Aguilar
October 8, 1999
“How will I finish school, and how will I be able to raise a healthy baby?” These are questions that cross a girl’s mind when she becomes pregnant. She doesn’t have to answer them alone; here at CHS there is a program to help.
Since 1997 the Pregnant Minor Program has helped girls overcome their fears and make it possible for them to succeed as individuals, and more importantly, as mothers. The goals of the program are simple: help girls stay in school and help them become good mothers in the process.
The length of the program depends on what stage of pregnancy a girl is currently in when she joins it. It can vary from one semester to three. During that length of time girls in the program learn a series of things ranging from learning how to care for a baby and catching possible symptoms of a sickness to choosing post secondary options.
People involved in the program include parents, counselors, and the administration. To join the program the parents of the girls need to be contacted and paperwork needs to be signed. Counselors play a big role, they talk to the girls and recommend the program, although many other people such as teachers and fellow students have also been involved in getting the pregnant minors into the program in the first place.
Despite its success in keeping girls in school and teaching them the “do’s and don’ts” of pregnancies some skeptics argue that the program actually helps promote teen pregnancy. To these skeptics Alice Demele (program coordinator) responds: “Teen pregnancies happened before this program, it isn’t causing them it’s helping girls stay in school.”
Route 66
by Stephanie Farrior and Lisa Humphrey
October 8, 1999
There we were, walking across the pavement in anticipation of the experience that would take us back through the decades of the world’s most admired invention: the automobile. As we drew near, the thick smell of gasoline engulfed our senses, leaving us in awe of the whole atmosphere. “Wait, what was that you said, Lisa?”
“It is too loud! I can’t hear you over the cars!” Then there we were standing in front of hundreds of people (young and old) stretching on their tippy toes to catch a glimpse of the next muscle car.
One might not assume that we girls could enjoy an over-populated car show of this caliber; but for us, the 10th annual Route 66 extravaganza and car show was nothing short of the typical thumbs up. The Route 66 Car show is a worldwide event extending over to Taiwan. More than 400 people volunteered to help run and organize the event.
Many see it as “Our event” for those living in the Inland Empire and it’s something we pride ourselves on. The truth is that people travel cross counrty or statewide to particiapate or to just get a glimpse of their fave pic whether it be the “ ’67 converitble Mustang Shelby of my dreams” or Lisa’s “ ’57 Bel Air that she fell in love with that Saturday.”
Jerry Long, a senior from Aquianas High School, was one of the thousands who turned out for the festivities. “I liked it; it was awesome,” Long gushed, and she wasn’t far off with most of our sources who said it was quite the experience. Crowds swamped the blocks of downtown San Bernardino from Sept. 16-19; walking this year one more block of which the track was expanded. A typical person might very well walk three miles in one evening excursion.
Carlos O’ Briens’ parking lot was lined with food and drink stands, with variations of Polish Hot Dogs, the famous Juan Pollo chicken, Margaritas, and Iced Coffee. Hot Rods from Norco set up their display of rockabilly attire, also there was a removable tattoo stand along with car accessories.
On Friday night at the performance area The Rumble Kings came back agian to kick off the weekend with rythmical tunes such as “Mustabindrinkin’,” “Cadillac Time,” and “More Than Anything Else. “ It was a swingin show as Jan and Dean, 1960’s surf music duo, sang their era’s hits.
The registration this year reached its limit of 2,448 vehicles, which made for the extensive variations of models. Some rumors have it that rap artist Slim Shady made an apperance Saturday night, but we unfortunately missed him.
Overall this year’s Route 66 was a hit! It was directed at audiences young and old which gave it a diverse atmosphere of cars and people.
Sega Dreamcast
by Steve Ramirez
October 8, 1999
Sega Dreamcast, the most powerful video game system yet, came out on September 9 and sold out fast. There were over 250,000 Sega Dreamcast consoles reserved at software stores all around America. There were over 200 people at Software Etc. in the Inland Center mall on September 9 at midnight to be the first to get their hands on the new system. At many stores, the only way you could get a Dreamcast was if you had already reserved it. It was the busiest day for workers at Software Etc. mainly because they were the first to let people reserve the Dreamcast. There were long lines flowing past the entrance doors of the store, so it kind of reminded people of a few other long waiting lines. Eh Hem! Did I hear Star Wars?
Over 15 games came out on the first day (more than any other system premiere) and you will also be able to play DVD movies on it. The Dreamcast system contains 128 bits, a 56k modem, and 200 MHz processor. With the internet capabilities you can play games with or against people from around the world who also have a Dreamcast. This is mainly fun with fighting games because if there are no friends to play against at home, than you can look for someone to play with in cyberspace. Some of the top premiere games on the system are House of the Dead 2, Marvel vs. Capcom, NFL 2K, Ready 2 Rumble, Sonic Adventure, and Soul Calibur.
The House of the Dead 2 is a shooting game where you constantly fire bullets at mobs of man-eating zombies. There is a gun for this game which is sold seperately. This is a very fun game, especially with two players, and has a great replay value because there is so many different things to do in the game.
Marvel vs. Capcom is a fighting game which is practically arcade perfect. This is also a very fun game mainly because how fast it is and because you pick two characters to fight with, so it’s like a tag team with your partner. This game is a must buy for all fighting game fans.
NFL 2K is the game that sports fans have been waiting for and is a “must buy” for football game lovers. It is the most realistic football game ever and the graphics and life-like motions are simply stunning. NFL 2K has to be one of the best football games ever.
Ready 2 Rumble is a quick action boxing game with amazingly detailed boxers who move fast and smooth. This game is very fun with two players because the action is brutally fast so it will keep players playing for hours with arcade style boxing and massive combo attacks.
In Software Etc., people were able to play games such as Sonic Adventure, House of the Dead 2, and Ready 2 Rumble before the system even came out. The games displayed on T.V.’s throughout the store would stop customers and make them watch. “The graphics, gameplay, and the speed of the game are pretty awesome”, said junior Leonard Rivera, a fellow video gamer.
As for the competition for Sega? With the release of Dreamcast, Nintendo and Playstation are left behind with Sega taking the #1 spot. “They’re the dust that comes out of Dreamcast, they don’t compare,” says junior Vernon Vargas referring to Playstation and Nintendo. There are only three games that can somewhat test the Dreamcast in selling games. Those three games are Final Fantasy 8, Dino Crisis, and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. As for anything else on Playstation or Nintendo trying to compete with Dreamcast, it’s a major mis-match.
But hold on! The Sega Dreamcast is only the first of three new video game systems coming out in late 2000 or sometime in 2001. Sony and Nintendo don’t plan to remain in the dust, it seems. Playstation 2 and Nintendo Dolphin are already being developed. This is the main reason some video gamers are holding out on buying a Dreamcast..These two systems (mainly Playstation 2) will have very big competition for Sega Dreamcast, but until then, Sega has the #1 spot locked.
Wacky Laws
by Napa Utrapiromsuk
October 8, 1999
For hundreds of years, thousands of laws have been made, and many of these laws were needed. Others were not, and went under the category of... WACKY LAWS. For example: did u know that removing your clothes in a bath house is against the law! Oh, ladies do not forget to tell your Mom that women in house coats, may not drive, so next time your Mom drives you to school double check that she is not wearing a house coat. Here’s one for all the people who have pools in your backyard, no one is allowed go ride a bicycle in the swimming pool. I really need to check that off my “Things I am going to do on my next B-day party.” Uh oh, no more hanky panky for all those secretaries. In Pasadena, it is against the law for a secretary to be alone in a room with her boss.
Next time you wipe your car off with used underwear, make sure you are not in San Francisco. Everyone in Southern California knows what a loony city San Francisco is, but wait till you hear some more things that are prohibited there. Sorry for all the Quasimodo look-a-likes, but a person who is classified as “ugly” may not walk down a street. I am sure Bill Clinton is happy he does not live in San Francisco, because giving or receiving oral sex is against the law. For more “ Wacky Laws” go to: www.dumblaws.com be careful, because maybe YOU could be breaking the law!
Goldfinger
by Lexie Castell, Julie Conner, Megan Reiter
October 8, 1999
“. . . but for now I’ll have to dream about your smile ‘cause you’re not here, and all I wanna say is that I really miss you . . . “ Lyrics to a song by the band Goldfinger. Lyrics that wafted into the night air at their concert on September 28. Lyrics that we sang along with in memory of Sharon Bjornstad and Leah Feldhaus, who would have been standing next to us singing right along.
Goldfinger’s start of the tour this year came out with such energy and a great amount of fans. Through this year Goldfinger went through alot of changes yet at the same time they were able to play together with meaning and heart. “Goldfinger puts on a great show no matter where it’s at,” says senior Kathy Croy. As they play with total chaos, the crowd responds with equal energy—from crowd surfers being tossed about in the air to the lead singer throwing the microphone into the crowd. Changing from guitarist to guitarist, they were able to pull it off. Most bands couldn’t handle such frequent transitions of band members, but Goldfinger worked hard. And as we saw on Tuesday night, it paid off.
To throw some humor into the night, Darrin (the drummer) decided to put on a short plaid skirt with a button up shirt and a wig with pig tails to set the image of a Brittney Apears wannabee.
John the vocalist played the drums for Darrin as he sang. A fun little fact about Darrin is that he is sometimes introduced as David Hasselhoff because he’s a stunt man for Mr. BayWatch himself.
At one point in the show guitarist Charlie Paulson decided to join the crowd and stage dive while playing his axe. Not only does Goldfinger give the chance for the audience to be a part of the songs but they put some on stage to sing and dance.
That night at the Glass House the music and lyrics helped master the line between being whooped on the band members and the actual music.”The band had the audiance in their hands,” said senior Lou dog inside the van (aka Stephanie Tritten).
Goldfinger not only sings and plays at shows but also helps produce and get other bands started. Showoff and Mest are considered Goldfinger’s babies. They also helped start out the tour by opening for them. Senior Lexie Castell loved all the bands.”My arm hurt from throwing up the metal sign,” she laughed. “Rock on Goldfinger, rock on!!”
Goldfinger has been working on their long-awaited full length album. This will be their third. Expect a special covers album being released around November 7 called Life from Omaha, Darrin’s coconut.
New NIN Cd
by Daniel Ilgenfritz
October 8, 1999
The last time you probably heard from Nine Inch Nails was in 1997, when they released the single “The Perfect Drug” for David Lynch’s film Lost Highway. Or in 1994, when the band released their smash album The Downward Spiral, which spawned the industrial-synth hit “Closer.”
Trent Reznor, the man who is Nine Inch Nails, dissapeared for a while after the success of the album, producing Marilyn Manson’s hit album Anti-Christ Superstar. But work on a new album wasn’t happening, because of personal tragedy. Reznor’s grandmother, who had raised him since he was five, died. Next, a fallout occurred with the Manson group, leaving Reznor friendless.
A near-suicidal depression followed, in which he seeked the help of a therapist for a short amount of time. Finally, realizing that music was what had always saved him in the past, he commenced work on the band’s new double disc, twenty-three track album, The Fragile, which took two years to complete.
The Fragile is unlike any past Nine Inch Nails album. The music of NIN has almost always been centered around keyboards, hard-hitting synth-guitar riffs, and industrial noise. The new album moves away from the synthetic sound, focusing more on guitar and drums and melody. But that doesn’t mean this album won’t please old NIN fans. Songs like “The Wretched” still carry all the rage and industrial sound that past albums have. But departures like “The Great Below” and “La Mer,” which are based around piano, cello, and violin, make beautiful additions.
It seems like the two years Reznor spent holed up in his Nothing studios in New Orleans were spent finding the perfect way to blend organic sounds and the synth that personified the band in the past, because that’s exactly what The Fragile does, and it does it perfectly.
The album takes the art-rock of the seventies, and mixes it with the computerized beats and sound of Reznor, along with his emotional lyrics and trademark howl. The Fragile should please old Nine Inch Nails fans, and I wouldn’t be too surprised if it created some new ones.
Summer movies
by Ismael Zamora
October 8, 1999
Jedi masters, British spies from the 60s, a group of Gen-Xers lost in the woods looking for a witch, and nasty pies were some of the feature film hits of summer ’99, the last summer of the millenium and the most successful summer in movie history.
Leading off of course would be the highly awaited prequel Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, breaking box office records for its first weeks of its opening yet not surpassing the big boat Titanic but making a good total of $421,000,000.
Then three weeks later Mike Myers (A.K.A. Austin Powers) who devoured the Star Wars hype with his sequel Austin Powers: The spy Who Shagged Me, making $205,000,000 and staying many weeks at number one.
Then came Myers’ Saturday Night Live buddy Adam Sandler’s Big Daddy release, entering the summer fray at number one and following many weeks later making a cool $161,000,000. But what really took the cake was American Pie, the sex comedy hit, making a great $100,000,000 at the box office ,showing that teen films can make big bucks.
But what really took the prize was the surprise summer smash, The Blair Witch Project, coming out of nowhere from the independent film scene. Reportedly costing only $60,000 to make, ti grossed over $133,000,000, showing that you don’t need big effects to make a hit movie.
Other movie hits that made it big in the cash drawer this summer were Runaway Bride ($135,000,000), The Matrix ($171,000,000), The Mummy ($155,000,000), and Wild Wild West ($112,000,000).
The last movie that made big bucks was the Bruce Willis surprise frightener The Sixth Sense. Well on its way to $250,000,000, it will reportedly end up as the highest grossing film of the summer behind Star Wars. Word of mouth is keeping this one going, and it recently tied all time box-office champ Titanic for most weeks in a row making at least $20,000,000 (five weeks straight).
Yes, Hollywood is very happy, and with a grip of films like the ones above, so are movie goers.
I.D. required
by Andrew Herrera
October 8, 1999
Ever since the Columbine incident the Motion Picture Association of America (M.P.A.A.) has decided that the youth of America is too impressionable and needs stricter guidance in what to watch. Add this to the fact that the media blames movies for our actions, and the result is that there are now stricter policies for admittance to R-rated movies. Theaters all over the country are now checking identification for anyone who looks under 25. With all the new polices making it harder for anyone under 17 to get in to a R-rated movie, this has forced young people to find other ways to get in.
With all the new restrictions now in effect ,how are people under 17 still getting in? Many of the students in this school have told me how they sneak in to R-rated movies. Many say that they just buy a ticket to another movie and just walk into the movie they want to see. (This, of course, is only possible in a multiplex.) When asked of they have ever been caught over half of the students I interviewed said yes and that they are just told not to do it again and are kicked out. They are allowed back in the following week and somtimes there still allowed to see the movie that they originally bought the ticket for.
Another way that students have told me they get in is they ask a person to buy the tickets for them. But most people turn them down, and with good reason: a few theaters in this area will call the police if the person is caught and if found to be over 25 they will be fined up to $10,000.
For the summer movies American Pie and South Park, movie theaters placed ushers at the door to ensure that underage viewers did not go in. But many Colton students I asked who where under 17 said they had gone to see it. One student, junior Ramy Aboulsoud, who is still 16, said that he was able to buy a ticket for American Pie and was never even asked for I.D. (I had to sneak in to both of these films, and made friends with an usher to get in to American Pie.)
It is clear that it is not imposible to get in to an R-rated movie even with the new policies in effect, and the punishment for those students who get caught is not severe, except if someone buys your ticket for you. These new rules for theaters will never work because there are people who don’t follow them. With theaters forgetting to check I.D., and with ushers who don’t watch the door carefully, the temptation to see a movie that is more appealing than the common PG-13 movie is always going to be there. And, it seems, underage teens will always be there to take advantage.
Movie Review (Three Kings)
by Jason Durdle
October 8, 1999The new hit film Three Kings starts out when “Troy” (Mark Wahlberg) finds a map stashed in an enemy soldier’s butt. (The map must be valuable if it has been hidden there for a while.) He then takes it to “Chief” (Ice Cube) who interprets it as a map to Saddam’s hidden bunkers, containing all of Kuwait’s gold which he (Saddam) has stolen during the Gulf War of 1991. After hearing of the map being found, George Clooney finds out what’s happening and tries to take control of the map which does not work out so they decide to work together. These three plus a moron who follows Troy around set out to steal the gold from Saddam. In this movie you get to see some of the harshness of war. It shows how innocent civilians became casualties of war. In the beginning I was beginning to wonder if this was going to be another stupid boring movie, but it turned out to be a really great movie. It had great action, especially that great slow motion gun battle. It also had its share of comedy. I think this movie will be well liked by many people, I recommend you go see it
October 8, 1999
Horacio Fregoso
An AccidentCreo que todos hemos oido acerca del accidente tan fatal de cinco jovenes que sucedio en el domingo 29 de Agosto, tres jovenes de esta escuela Colton High School, Leah Feldhaus, Sharon Bjorstad, Matt Lopez y Carrissa Castaneda que se habia graduado el año pasado de esta misma escuela y tambien Nicole Martell de Aquinas High Schoolque era una amigo de todos los demas jovenes. Ellos venian de un “rave”(fiestas que duran toda la noche) que ocurrio en el bosque. En un error, ellos al voltiar en una curba se cayeron al vacio.
Tenemos que tener mucha precaucion cuando manejemos porque uno sabe cuando sale, pero uno nunca sabe si vamos a volver, cuando manejamos de noche debemos de tener lo doble de precaucion que de dia, y en curbas tan peligrosas como las que hay en California. Lo que paso con estos jovenes es un ejemplo para que sepan que el alcohol y el volante no se mescla, tener mucho cuidado cuando manejas es lo principal. Las jovenes Leah Feldhaus y Sharon Bjorstad fueron miembros de el “Pepper Bough” el ano y las estrañaremos demasiado. La cosa que digo, porque dios sera tan cruel y se llevo cinco vidas muy jovenes que apenas empesaban a vivir la vida de su juventud. Comprendo a los papas por lo que estan pasando y que dios los tenga en su gloria.
October 8.1999
Conni Villagrana and rene
New StudentHay una nuava cara en Colton High School
Si la han visto o’ no aqui les voy a dar un poquito de informacion sobre ella.
Jimena Sarria es la nueva estudiante del programa de “Intercambio Estudiantil” ella viene de Cali, Colombia.Jimena tiene 17 años, ya se graduo en su escuela en Cali, llamada ‘Los Cebros’.
Sarria dejo a su padre que la soporto el cien porciento.su madre que la dejo sabiendo que era una experiencia muy buena para ella.tambien tiene una hermana y hermano.
De primero era dificil para ella tomar la inisiativa, pero ya decidida es mucho mas facil”le recomiendo a todos que se decidan a participar en el programa de “Intercambio Estudiantit, es una experiencia que te dura toda la vida”
Sarria entiende el ingles muy bien, pero le da pena hablar lo. “Aprendes y vez muchas cosas nuevas”nos platico. Esta contenta que pudo venir porque es interesante conocer personas diferentes y hacer nuevas amistades. Cuando le preguntamos si lo volviera a hacer, sonrio y dijo” Una vez es suficiente”
Por ahora Sarria nos plaatico que a visitado Hollywood y algunas de las playas. Despues de escuela ella prefiere quedarse en casa, hablando a Colombia o le escribe a su novio de un año por el internet. Lo extraña mas.
En junio cuando regrese planea en seguir con la universidad pero no sabe si estudiar sicologia o ingeneria.
October 8, 1999
Stephen Aguilar
Como voy a terminar¿Cómo voy a terminar la escuela, y como voy a crear un bebe saludable? Estas son las preguntas que cruzan la mente de las jovenes embarazadas. Ellas no deben contestar esas preguntas solas, aquí en esta escuela hay un programa para ayudar.
Desde 1997 el programa para menores embarazadas ha estado establecido aquí para ayudar jovenes supera sus miedos y ayudarles para superar como individuales y como madres. Las metas de este programa son simples: ayudar las jovenes quedarse en la escuela y en el porceso enseñarles hacer buenas madres.
Este programa dura uno a tres semestres, dependiendo en cuánto tiempo la joven ha estado embarazada. Durante este tiempo las jovenes en el progama aprenden muchas cosas. Por ejemplo como cuidar un bebe y prevenir enfermedades que pueda tener el bebe. También como escojer escuelas después de que se graduen.
Personas que ayudan con este programa incluye padres, la administración, y los consejeros. Para estar en este programa los padres de la joven deben que firmar unos papeles. Consejeros tienen una parte grande, ellos son los que hablan con las jovenes y recomiendan el progama, pero otras personas como maestros y amigos les dicen a las menores del programa.
Hasta con todo el bienes que hace este programa enseñando menores lo que deben y no deben hacer cuando están embarazadas. Hay gente que dice que este programa tiene el mensaje que no hay nada mal en embarazarse cuando eres menor de edad. Pero Aice Demeli dice que había embarazos antes del progama, y no esta causando mas, esta ayudando a los menores.
October 8, 1999
Renee Negrete
Halloween
Durante la fecha de Halloween a mucha gente le gusta ir de casa en casa pidiendo dulces, chocolates, frutas y en veces mucha gente les da dinero. Adolecentes prefieren ir a fietas y festejar con sus amigos ,otra gente le gusta quedarse en casa esperando a ver a los niños que piden golosinas. Amuchos les gusta salir a caminar y disfrutar de los disfrases tan estraudinarios que se ven cada año.
HALLOWEEN es algo que se celebra con amigos y con familiares es tiempo de celebrar y tener un tiempo feliz. Halloween no mas es celebrado en los Estados Unidos pero en otros paises se celebra otras cosas similares a Halloween. Como el “Dia de los Muertos,”este dia en Mexico se celebra con desfiles y mucha comida que se prepara especialmente para esa ocacion como el pan, dulces, frutas y muchas cosas hechas en forma de calavera. En el dia de los muertos la gente va al cementerio a visitar a familiares y amigos que han fallecido, les dejan flores, su favorita comida y les rezan unas oraciones para que descanzen en paz.
October 8, 1999
Coonie Villagrana
Concert
El pasado 12 de agosto tuve la oportunidad de asistir a la presentacion de los grupos “MANA” y “CARLOS SANTANA”. En el “ARROWHEAD POND IN ANAHIEM”
Fue fantastico!!!. Con la gran abertura del grupo “OZOMATLI”.La fiesta continuo con Carlos Santana que nos brindo con su gran talento,presento varios de sus exitos.Pero! “MANA” no se quedo atras y cero el show como nada mas ellos saben,presento varios de exitos pasados y nuevos como “Donde Jugaran los Ninos”,”Me Vale”,”Vivir Sin Aire”,”Muelle de San Blas” y muchos mas.
Para los que no conzcan a Carlos Santana,vale decir que nacio en Autlan de Navarro,Jalisco,Mexico en 1947.
Su padre fue musico,integrante de un mariachi.Fue el quien inicio a Carlos en la musica,al principio tocando violin y el clarinete pero finalmente eligiendo la guitarra con la cual nos ha brindado sus mas exepcionales canciones.
Partio a los Estados Unidos en 1962 y cuatro anos despues realizo su primer disco y desde entonces nos ha ofrecido exelentes temas como “Samba Pa’ Ti”,”Evil Ways” ,”Black Magic Woman”.Consigiendo ademas de aparecer en los primeros lugares de Billboard,y poner en alto los sonidos y el sentimiento de la musica mexicana ante todo el mundo.
El motivo de la reiunion de MANA y la leyenda viviente el Sr. Carlos Santana fue para grabar un par de canciones juntos incluyendo “Corazon Espinado” que pronto podras escuchar en le proxima producion del senor Carlos Santana.
A tragedy
Horacio Fregoso
October 8, 1999
Siempre cuando hay una tragedia que tiene que ver con jovenes la gente empieza a pensar que los padres de esos jovenes les están dando demasiada libertad. Enveces la gente tiene razón, muchos de los padres en este mundo si les dan mucha libertad a sus hijos.
Yo pienso que la libertad no es una cosa mala, si la persona sabe que hacer con ella. Pero muchas veces la persona que tiene mucha libertad es la persona que no es responsable y hacen cosas irresponsables sin pensar.La libertad se tiene que ganar con actos responsables.
Los padres no son los culpables cuando sus hijos hacen boberias con su tiempo. Los padres si son responsables de enseñar a sus hijos ser adultos responsables,
Pero los hijos son los que hacen las decisiones finales. Muchos de los jovnes irresponsables tienen padres que no les dan tanta libertad. La libertad no es la que dice si la persona va a ser mala, son las desiciones que la persona hace. La libertad no es una pieza que dice como va ha salir el joven, pero es una gran pieza..
Cross Country
by Brenda Quintero
October 8, 1999“Colton’s got a very outstanding tradition in running from the past years and it looks like this years cross country is going to do great!” says Cross Country coach Bill Halley. At practice all runners were working up a sweat and are very excited about doing well this year for the league so they can make it to the C.I.F.
Three quarters of the team consists of freshmen and sophomores, but they are looking forward to more students coming in to join them especially some juniors and seniors. Halley and the team encourage students to join Cross Country because running is a good way to let out your stress and clear out your mind so you could think positively. Running is not only good mentally, but physically you’re in good shape, you work out your legs and circulatory system, which can prevent you from getting heart attacks earlier than expected.
“I love this sport, it’s fun, exciting and challenging,” says junior Oscar Garcia. Running is a unique sport because it uses individualism and team-work. Everyone has a chance to participate in every meet unlike other sports where half of the team stays on the bench. They participate on an equal level that is fair to all the runners, because it doesn’t consist in the fact of who is stronger or weaker.
The season has just started, so results of the meets will be covered in the next issue .
Football
by Steve Perez
October 8, 1999
There were the naysayers. There were the ones (and they always seem to be around when adversity strikes) that kept saying the Colton Yellowjackts would not, could not rebound from a disappointing season last year.
But those naysayers were proven terribly wrong as the Yellowjackets have opened the season in dominating fashion, winning three of their first four games, including a 14-7 win over REV last Friday, putting to rest the whispers that the Jackets were an “also ran,” a washed up ghost of its former glory.
When the school district fired varsity football coach Richard Shelko, the season was supposedly lost. The team had three weeks to learn a completely new offense and defense; how could they possibly be competitive?
To the surprise of many they did come out competitive and blew out the Ramona Rams by a score of 45-19. The offense proved unstoppable as senior running back Robert Huckleby rushed for 125 yards on 15 carries, senior fullback Coleman Scott added 117 yards on 10 carries and senior wide receiver David Miller scored two touchdowns.
Game two pitted the team against the heavily favored Riverside Poly Bears, a highly regarded team picked to win the Ivy league. The game proved to be a defensive struggle as senior linebacker Francisco Verdin and senior defensive ends Ricky Vann and Jeff Casey proved too much for the Poly offense. The Jackets won the game behind the heriocs of senior quarterback Brian Pope’s game winning 47-yard field goal, 6-3.
“I’ve never been prouder of any team I’ve ever coached,” said new head coach Karl Gaytan, citing his team’s will to win.
Perhaps most shocking was the fact that the Jackets finally were given their due respect. After the Poly game, the Jackets found themselves 11th in the CIF rankings and also ranked among the best teams in San Bernardino County. However, senior center/defensive tackle Ronnie Castorena believes this led to many distractions, causing the team’s downfall the following week.
“I think a lot of the younger players got caught up in everything the papers were saying about us and lost focus,” says Castorena.
This was apparent as the Jackets appeared to come out flat in the next game, when what had been the county’s third-ranked defense allowed the Rialto Knights to score 38 points. The lone bright spots were the strong defensive performance of sophomore Mark Vingua and the running of Huckleby and Scott as they combined for 227 yards.
Vingua is among several newcomers that have contribributed greatly to the Jackets’ cause. Others are Scott, sophmore linebackers Hector Calderon and Dean Romero, and junior wingback/safety Brandon Crenshaw. They make up a team which Huckleby compares favorably to last years’.
“We have much more talented athletes,” says Huckleby. “I’m not trying to make any predictions, but if we do as we can . . . I think we can go all the way.”
As league play approaches many obstacles lie in the Jackets’ path. Two of them, the Yucaipa Thunderbirds and Pacific Pirates, are among the top five in CIF rankings.
Results of last night’s game against Etiwanda at Chaffey College were not available at press time, but will be covered in the next Pepper Bough.
Girl's Golf makes history
by Stephanie Farrior
October 8, 1999
COLTON MAKES HISTORY! This year the San Andreas League decided to start a girl’s golf team for the first time. Tars Petrie, the coach of the boys golf team (and now also the girls) said “ There is a need for a girls golf team. There are girls who want to play on a competitive level.”
Golf was originated by the Scots in the fourteenth century. The King of Scotland took up the game of golf. His grandaughter, Mary, Queen of Scots, and the FIRST GIRL to ever pick up a golf club and attempt to swing took the game to France. However, women’s golf was not made popular until the twentieth century by Babe Didrikson, a famous American woman athlete.
There are presently nine girls on Colton’s Golf Team. They represent every class from freshman to senior. Freshman Samantha Raines has been playing since the age of six. The girls are currently four days a week at the San Bernardino Golf Course. The team has tournaments on Tuesdays or Thursdays. On Thursday September 16 and September 30 they had mini tournaments at Colton’s Golf Course. On the 16th they played eighteen holes with Colton coming in last place with a score of 303. Freshman Jennifer Gonzales scored ninty-two. Junior Tina Villalobos scored 100, and Senior Marcy Smith, 111. On September 30 Colton came in second place with a score of 285. Raines scored eighty-eight, Gonzales scored ninty-five, and Smith scored 102.
Coach Petrie predicts this years Girl’s Golf Team will be very succesful. In only the first two weeks of practice the team has made a tremendous progress. He is proud to say that he’s glad to see that the lady’s of Colton are coming out to play Golf. Freshman Melissa Nicks said she joined the Golf Team because “ It would be a good experience and seems like a lot of fun”
Girls Tennis
by Amber Arakaki
October 8, 1999The Girls’ tennis team has started off the year with a score of 2-6 for the pre-season.
The team is expecting an interesting season this year. Because the team’s last coach, Kirk McVey, became the school’s new athletic director, they had to find a new coach and fast. Quentin Marley took over the reins. Although Marley, who teaches Spanish I and II here at Colton, has never coached a sports team before, he says that he wanted to get more involved with kids, so he signed up to coach this year’s tennis team. “I realized that you didn’t have to be the world’s greatest athlete to coach a team,” explains Marley. He also says that the tennis team has a lot of good kids and that he expects them to do their best this year.
Even so, he calls the team a “work in progress” for only three varsity players have returned from last year: senior Cathy Villanueva, senior Valerie Nave, and junior Ana Monterrosa.
Villanueva believes that it’s uncertain how the team will do. “We’re still trying to figure out what positions everyone will be playing,” says Villanueva, “but the good thing is the positive attitude that everyone has.” Nave agrees also, “It’s going to be a tough season, especially when dealing with Pacific High School, but it’s also going to be fun.” Both players plan to focus on league finals which will be held on November 11. In the pre-season, Villanueva won 9 consecutive games and Nave won 12 consecutive games in their individual matches.
As about ten or fifteen new players have joined the team this year, Marley plans to work on basic tennis skills. For the rest of the team, however, he plans to get them to be more aggressive and competitive in their matches.
Full coverage of all the upcoming matches will be provided in the next issue.
Volleyball
by Stephanie Greenlea
October 8, 1999With league just around the corner, Girls Volleyball is off to a better start this season than last season due to new coach Robert Roney. Roney decided to take the team after three coaches decided not to take that commitment. Even though most teams have been practicing since the end of last year, Colton’s team barely started the week before school and has had a better start than any other season with a record of 2-4.
The varsity team has a lot of goals that they plan to accomplish this year. Intensity throughout the season and to be unified as a team are just two of their goals. The Girl’s Varsity team’s most important goal for this season is to beat Yucuipa High School in league.
“I believe with this new coach we could go far,” says senior Jaylin Boyd. She feels that the team this year is a lot more excited because they have a lot more confidence in their coach, which seems true for all the players on the team.
Most of the girls have been on the team since their freshmen year. “It helps knowing that we all have confidence in each other,” says Senior captain Kristy Cano. “We know how we all move on the court.”
With nine seniors and returners they’ve had to adjust to a new coaching technique which slowed them down a bit, but after weeks of dedication and perseverance the team has showed the determination to reach and exceed their goals.
Water Polo opens season
by Rena Ramirez
October 8, 1999
Suffering from the return of only 5 players, waterpolo manages to hold on to their integrity even though they have started out in tough struggles. This years team has started their season with a record of 1-4.
“From last year we have shown a lot of improvement but still have a lot more to work on,” said senior captain Christopher Muir. “Not having a pool at Colton High is a major disadvantage because it takes away from our practice time which could improve our skills.”
This years team beat their first opponent, Ramona, after being winless last season. Coach Vickers feels that his players have improved on their ball handling and passing skills.
If you would like to see the waterpolo team in action you can catch them on Tuesday at San Gorgonio High School at 3:15 p.m.