Issue of February 11, 2000:
Volume 83, Number Four
Click on a story title to see the text of the story
News
Academic Competition
Band update
New football equipment
New principal- Almandarez
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Tricia Darrington
Winter HomecomingOpinion
ESLR's
Love is wonderful
Love sucks
Piercing the veil/column
Resolutions-who needs em?
Violence on TV
Y2K is A.O.K.Features
Being single sucks!
Couples/so happy together
Dating 101- need a lesson?
Fashion 2000
History of Valentines Day
Kids growing up too fast
love vs lust
Senior Ditch Day
The perfect gift
The perfect girl or guy
Wheelchairs R Us
Where to go on valentinesDiversions
2Pac's new album
Backstreet Boys album review
Club Gotham top nite spot
Rap vs Rock-who will prevail?En Español (Los Detalles)
Amor o Lujuria
Canciones Romanticas
Historia de San Valentin
M.E.Ch.A.
The Green Mile/reviewSports
Boys basketball
Boys soccer
Girls basketball
Girls soccer
Wrestling
Steve Perez
Issue #4
Academic CompetitionEight months of hard work. Practice test upon practice test. Assignment after assignment. It all paid off as the Crimson Team won the Super Quiz competition during the 17th annual San Bernardino Academic Decathlon, held February 5 at Cal State San Bernardino.
The Super Quiz is an event which the teams tried to assemble the highest score by answering 30 multiple choice questions. Among the Crimson team’s participants were seniors Kristopher Augsberger, Shawn Augsburger, Tiffany Ondatje, Maggie Flattery, Kelly Baden, Kymberly Marksbury and Veronica Nunn; and juniors Kristen Arakaki and Thanchi Nguyen.
The annual countywide event drew 47 teams from 31 high schools to the series of ten events. These events include catagories of math, social studies, language, music, art, speech, interview, essay and overall.
Accompanying the Crimson Team to the decathlon was the Gold Team. Team members included seniors Summer Fredericks, Andrew Oliveros and Kelly Teeter; juniors Irma Galindo, Deanna Hernandez and Kritana Segura, and freshman Charrisse Stringfellow, Jennifer Oliveros and Sandy Lim. The official results of both team and individual standings will be declared at an awards banquet to be held February 15 at the Radisson Hotel in San Bernardino. The overall winner will then compete in the statewide Academic Decathlon March 17-19 in Los Angeles.
Kelly Wheatly
Issue #4
Band update
Think back. About four years ago, Colton High was introducing the Colton High Marching Band to its new director, Luis Gonzales. Although he had experience directing, and the band had experience winning, Gonzales had to start from scratch to form a band of his own.
The beginning was rough, but now, four years later, the band has a consecutive 2 year sweepstakes streak, and the drumline with a record just as impressive. The marching band has also been invited to compete in the Las Vegas Invitational, along with the Christmas parade at Disneyland four years in a row. “A good attitude is what made us what we are today” remarked Band President and senior Therese Gaither. “It was also all the hard work and cooperation, especially on the freshman’s part.” Competing isn’t all the band does, you may have heard them at the Home football games, they also perform at the pep-rallies, and every year at the Colton Christmas parade. However, all this success doesn’t come easily. During the month of August the marching band took two weeks out of their summer to practice everyday from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Then after a two week break before the first day of school, the band would return to practice every day, except for Fridays, until 4:00 in September, and until 3:00 in October.
“We couldn’t have done anything if it wasn’t for the leadership of both the Band Council and the seniors,” said junior, Laurel Relph. Another concept introduced by Gozales was a council of student leaders, the Band Council. This year the band was led by Drum Major, senior Jenaya Calderilla, and Assistant Drum Major, senior Orville Bell. Also in the council is President Gaither, Vice President Eric Garcia, Secretary Kimberly Marksbury, and Historian Cassie Mielke.
Amy Carrillo
Issue #4
New Football equipment
Towards the beginning of football season this year, the Colton High football team recieved a generous donation of about $75,000 to $80,000 worth of high intensity workout equipment from Executive Fitness and Raquetball in Redlands. Some of the equipment will be taken to the Colton Community Center because it can’t be used on campus. Football coach Karl Gayton has had a long standing relationship with the co-owner of Executive Fitness and Raquetball. Once they updated their equipment (as they do every so often) they decided to donate their older equipment to the football team. But since they have to update their equipment quite often, the equipment is in pretty good condition. Most of the Varsity football team went to Redlands to help move all the new weight equipment. Everyone had been pitching in to get this new equipment. Athletic Director Kirk McVey also attempted getting new weight equipment, he had been contacting local prisons to get their old equipment as well. With this sudden new surplus of weight equipment, they gave some of their equipment to the girls gym.
Julie Connor and Jason Jones
Issue #4
New Principal - Almandarez
Principal Jerry Almandarez opened a new page in Colton High administration January 24 when he replaced former principal of five years,Theresa Adame.
Last year Adame asked the district for a position that would be less complex for her health. The school board honored that request at a school board meeting held January 13, when they assigned her to a position at the district office. Specifically, she will be working in attendance and meeting with the parents of kids who don’t come to school. The school board appointed Almandarez, a graduate of Colton High, who has only been in administration for three years.
“I am very happy and ready to do something else,” commented Adame on her last day. “Mr. Almandarez is ready to take the position and will be good for Colton High,”
Almandarez has no concerns with taking this promotion and has high aspirations and expectations of the students here. “I want to continue improving student performance, meaning to provide more information regarding new testing to teachers and students. I want to continue the nice, joyful, Disneyland experience. I’m excited, happy, and looking forward to the challenge.”
Almandarez, who is working on his second year in administration here, has also been an assistant principal at Colton Middle School. Before that he was a teacher of Math, Business, and AVID at Bloomington High school as well as here at Colton.
When reflecting on her favorite day of the year, which is graduation, Adame commented how it feels to see hundreds of kids in their caps and gowns, some who struggled at the last minute to be there, and some who had worked hard for many years to be there. When asked about her fondest memory here, she said thoughtfully, “It had to be when my own children graduated and I called their names.”
She has seen many things come to pass under her direction: the multi-lingual literary program in the English department, the adding of more Advanced Placement classes, the increase in enrollment in Math and Physics, the re-furnishing of classrooms, and the addition of more science labs. While much was accomplished, she realizes we still have a lot of room for improvement. “There is still work to be done on the facilities. We need more landscaping and restrooms. We also need to increase test scores.”
Before becoming principal at Colton High in 1994, Adame was principal at Washington and an elementary school, worked in the distict office, served as a bilingual research teacher at Zimmerman Elementary, and also as a classroom teacher at Wilson Elementary.
“I’ve recieved a lot of good memories here, a lot of good kids and teachers and I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in family issues to improve students’ attendance and learning. When you see all the kids graduating—that is the biggest reward.”
Taking Almandarez’s old AP position will be Diana Carreon, a former student of Colton High who worked at Bloomington. Joining her in the other AP position is David Walters, who previously worked at the district office.
Celeste Escobedo
Issue #4
Play "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers"
The musical comedy “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” will be presented to us on March 23, 24, and 25. It will be brought to us by ASB and the Troupers Club.
In the play, a man named Adam Pontipee, played by senior Federico Zamora, wants a bride. He meets a respectful, young woman named Milly, played by junior Melanie Ward. The two get married. But when Milly moves in with Adam, she discovers that she would have to cook and clean for six brothers as well. The brothers, Gideon, played by sophomore Ryan Ward, Benjamin, played by senior Mike Roberts, Caleb, played by sophomore Anthony Richardson, Daniel, played by senior Chris Brown, Ephraim,played by sophomore Clifton Lewis, and Frank, who is played by junior Jeremie Taylor. The brothers are rugged Country men just like Adam. Milly would have to do everything for Adam and his brothers.
The play is brought to you by ASB and the Troupers Club. It will be performed for the school and the public on March 23, 24, and 25, at 7 p.m. in the Whitmer Auditorium. The week of the show, tickets will be on pre-sale during lunch. If you buy the tickets during that week, each ticket will cost three dollars for all students. The night of the show, tickets will be sold at the door. The nights that the play will be performed, tickets will cost five dollars for children and students. And eight dollars for adults at the door.
Rena Ramirez
Issue #4
Tricia Darrington
By this time in their senior year, many if not most senior gals are concerned with graduation, the prom, college entrance, and maybe even that cute guy across the hall. But not senior Tricia Darrington. She spends her off time (what little she can muster) sitting on a committee on the status of Women. That’s right, a full blown political adult type thing, run by the County of San Bernardino. Darrington has given new meaning to the term “Girl Power!” and she hopes her youthful perspective will give clout to the polictical fortunes of young teens. Meeting once a month, this program’s purpose is to pass the torch down to young women who want to become leaders in our society.
These meetings are held in various cities including San Bernardino, Upland, and Victorville. They are attended by young women from various high schools that join together to discuss issues such as Female Adolescents, Sex, Drugs, and Violence. These young women are privileged enough to be lectured by some of the finest women involved in this program.
“I remember when a women spoke about communication and how being yourself is very important,” said Darrington. “This made me think about how communication is needed throughout life. The atmosphere and surroundings here at Colton High as well as other schools is one that everybody must fit in, but in reality you need to be yourself and that will pay off in the end.”
Not only do these ladies work diligently they also have some spare time to grub. Better yet its FREE!
Women are often stereotyped by our society. A majority of men think women are only good for staying home and taking care of their kids. Attending these meetings once a month allows these young women to prove those men dead wrong!
Stephanie Greenlea
Issue #4
Winter Homecoming
The first Homecoming week of the new Millennium started off with a bang and ended up with a party. The dance was held at the Raincross Square on Saturday night where Jason Ramirez and Stephanie Greenlea were crowned the first Colton High Homecoming King and Queen of 2000. The theme of the dance was “Hollywood Nights.”
The week was filled with the usual fun filled activities, all brought to you by ASB. The court was announced on Monday during both lunches. The first court of the new millennium consisted of Jessica Garcia, Kenya Gray, Ronica Nueves, Stephanie Greenlea and Monica Precie. The guys that made court were David Miller, Johnny Doolittle, A.J. Mendoza, Jason Ramirez and Ray Garza. Voting was held school wide during the week to pick the King and Queen. King was announced at the Friday basketball game, Queen was presented on Saturday at the dance.
Tuesday’s activities kicked off with a visit by Radio station 103.9 during the lunches. The “X” crew played top hits while the campus munched.
Wednesday was highlighted by the carnival that had an added little twist to it this year. The carnival actually ended up being a “street fair” that was held on Dorothy Cooley Lane. Buyers were able to sample a variety of awesome choices of dishes. The Fishing Club made a ton of cash selling cappuccino, ASB and the Pepper Bough battled it out as usual for the honor of best burger, and the junior class augmented the burger wars with fries. ASB also provided the students with “Astro Jump.” It was a nice change to start off the millennium. Thursday during both lunches two Basketball games were played— the Juniors defeated the Freshman and during second lunch the Seniors defeated the Sophomores. During the pep assembly on Friday we were visited by stars such as Cindy Lauper, Marty McFly from “Back to the Future”, Ken and Barbie and of course the famous Mary Catherine Gallager. The day was ended with an unfortunate ten point loss to San Gorgonio High School after a tough boys basketball game.
Maya Minwary
Issue #4
ESLR's
If your teachers haven’t already pointed out for the billionth time, ESLR’s are learning and teaching goals written on a poster board and posted in every classroom. What are they? The six goals are: communicate effectively, demonstrate knowledge of the core curriculum, think critically, be prepared to pursue post secondary opportunities, use technology effectively, and interact appropriately in a diverse society. Many students do not know that the ESLR’s were made up three years ago, the last time the W.A.S.C. committee came. But isn’t it interesting that the posters all of a sudden disappeared from many classroom once the committee left? It makes you wonder if ESLR’s really work or not.
Many teachers use and incorporate the ESLR’s into their lesson plan, and according to Sharon Taylor, School Improvement Coordinator, the school is improving in the use of the ESLR’s. But I think in order for the ESLR’s to work, students have to be into them and I don’t really see that happening.
A lot of students I talk to think the ESLR’s are stupid or nothing but junk written on a yellow poster board. Those who are forced to learn them and be tested on them think that it’s unnecessary and unfair. Another thing that should happen is, of course, for these goals to actually become real and not just incorporated into lesson plans. For example the fifth ESLR is to use technology effectively. In a recent survey taken by student and teachers of Colton High almost half (about 50%) felt as if their opportunities to learn to use technology effectively was either not adequate or that it was an area of need. Although our school is getting there in using effective technology it’s taking a pretty darn long time. The computers in the lab are so old and so slow that its hard for some kids to do research in it. What about the seniors who didn’t or aren’t going to get to use thes new computers and internet access as they say they are going to get? It would be pretty sad if a senior graduated and never use the internet.
Also, how can any of the ESLR’s work if students aren’t even given the materials needed to get a good education. In my AP physics class we don’t even have books! They say they’re getting it but half of the school year has almost gone by and I see no books.
It’s true that overall the ESRL’s have good objectives; if students want to succeed and teachers want to help students succeed the ESLR’s are a good goal to strive towards and many teachers (and even I) feel this way. However, is it really necessary to push and even make students to memorize them? Some teachers even test their kids on it and make the ESLR’s become a sort of quiz. I don’t think that makes students want to strive towards these goals if they are forced to learn them. Students aren’t going to really care for something on a poster board or things that are incorporated into a lesson plan.
If the school really wants the ESLR’s to work then start making it happen! Right now I see it as just talk and I don’t care if the teachers are incorporating it into their lesson plan, incorporating it is nothing unless it is actually done.
Jason Valenzuela
Issue #4
Love is wonderful
Love itself is not defined, and can not be defined by a single word. Love is a feeling that lies inside you waiting, to be expressed, to be told to the one you feel love for. It isn’t my job to say what love is, but it is nonetheless important, for how can one determine if love is great, if one doesn’t know what love is?
Now why is love great? The answer is simple: for in that one moment, a single instant, where you love a person and they love you back, is perfection. An instant that lasts for a seeming eternity, an instant in which heaven is not above, but all around you. It is when time stands still, and there is no one but you and the person you love.
That is why love is great. For even with all the pain and suffering that love can cause, that one moment, makes up for it all. The problem today isn’t love, but false love. People confuse lust, obsession, caring, and need with love and in the end it causes pain and heart ache. Sure, true love can cause as much, if not more, pain than false love. You ask a man whose beloved wife of 40 years just died if he feels pain, and the answer will be yes. But ask that same man, if he had a choice, would he have never have fallen in love with that woman? The answer would most likely be no.
Love gives us a moment of happiness in a world of pain and suffering, and for that it is great. It is what helps us to go on, to move forward, and lets us know that we are needed as well. Love is between family, friends, and partners and lets us know that we are wanted and needed, and missed when we are gone.
I am convinced that love is great; I hold that fact in my heart. I have loved and I have lost. But each person I loved I only have one regret about, that I didn’t show them how great it was to be around them, to say more often the words “I love you” and mean it with all my heart. But like the man I described, I do not regret a moment of being with the one I loved, when we fought and I felt like the pain would kill me, even when I lay in bed at night and the only thing in my head is her name, her face, the way the words “I love you” sounded when she said them. And still, I don’t regret it because my time with her caused more happiness than I could have imagined.
So for all I have one thing to say, Love is great and I know never to look back on anything to do with love.
Daniel Ilgenfritz
Issue#4
Love Sucks- opinion
I know for a fact already that I’m gonna have people screaming at me in the halls for my opinion. “Love sucks? What were you thinking? Love is the greatest thing in the world! Me and my boy/girlfriend have been together for X number of months, and I love him/her SOOOOOOO much!”
Yeah. Whooo-pee. Great for you. But, love is not as kind, caring, and fantastic as the public opinion has turned it into. For one thing, do you honestly believe that your high school romantic interest is really going to matter all that much when you leave this place? Hindsight is 20/20, and I have a good feeling that those of you who put that much importance in who you’re with right now are going to realize that it equates to approximately nil once you’re gone. You can’t have a life-impacting romance in high school.
The fact is, most high schoolers simply aren’t mature enough for that. Why do you think so much importance is placed on who you’re with, and what they look like? The whole concept is disturbingly juvenile.
And then there’s love itself. Love. I’m going to assume that most of the people reading this have had a brush with said emotion. Now, honestly look at each time it has ocurred, and ask yourself, what was the ultimate result of it, each time it happened? In the end, you were probably left feeling like something you would normally scrape of the bottom of your shoe. I know, I’ve been there more than enough times. It sucks, doesn’t it? It is, without a doubt, the worst feeling in the world. Now, I could put up with it if it happened, say, once out of every five times you felt like you were in love. But, like I asked before, what was the ultimate result of each of your experiences with this “wonderful” emotion? You probably ended up feeling something like what I mentioned above, didn’t you?
I’ll admit, when you’re in love, it’s the greatest feeling in the world. But when the result is almost invariably that you feel like you were just kicked in the gut and had your heart wrenched out of your chest at the same time, how wonderful is it? Love is, to make a stereotypical statement, cruel. It never works out like it’s supposed to, and even if it does work right, it usually finds a way to hurt you in the end, regardless. Love isn’t the end-all-be-all of emotions.
Piercing the Veil
By Jason Valenzuela
Issue # 4
Heya, another issue, another column by me for your reading pleasure, or disgust; take your pick, it really doesn’t matter to me, just read on.
First up, the Pepper Bough received a delightful letter to the editor from three students telling it that there are far too many mistakes in the paper. Now as the staff looked at it we realized that the only real objection was to a single story that slipped past the copy editor and didn’t have the spell check used. So, I must apologize; Sorry for being human. One mistake isn’t enough to warrant a letter, so the letter was looked at, all the mistakes in it were corrected (And there were a lot), and it was sent back to the students. Thank you for your input.
Next, we have a little matter of text books. How many people on campus know that it took three years for one of the teachers on campus to get the books he needed for his class? Three years, and parental complaint, not to the administration, but the school board. Wonderful system isn’t it? And the books, which were supposed to be here at the beginning of this year only got here a day or two before winter break. Just a little bit late, no big deal. (Yeah right.)
Okay, next I have to turn around and defend the administration on something. There was an assembly where the American Civil Liberties Union came to speak, according to some rumors the second assembly was canceled because of students asking if the drug dog was a violation of their rights. This however is untrue. The man who answered the question about the drug dog was not qualified to answer it.
Last but not least, I seem to have slightly upset a certain group on campus (Remn... no, nevermind) with one of my articles. No, I’m not apologizing because I meant things how I wrote them. If the group reads something else into it, what can I say, that is them. But from what I heard from a member of the group, they were more concerned over three words from my story than the overall say? I’m going to get some people mad at me one way or another, and I won’t spend eternity apologizing just because some people don’t like what I have to say.
New Year;'s Resolutions
by Marisa Gutierrez
Issue # 4
What would a new year be without the famous resolution? Everyone has to make a resolution, it’s tradition.
Doesn’t it just seem pointless to make a resolution nowadays? There’s a lack of commitment that eventually will overwhelm the supposedly-sincere resolution that the person made to themselves at the beginning of the year. Maybe someone might swear that at the new year they will never eat chocolate again, then a week later their kitchen cabinets are filled with every single chocolate delicacy that exists.
Let’s face it, people just make resolutions so that they can look good in front of all the others that share commitment-complexes. If you make a resolution, and you don’t keep it, then you’re probably as good as everyone else.
On the other hand, if you make a resolution, and you keep it, then you’re probably a better person than I am.
Too much Violence and Sex on T.V.
by Joanne Flores
Issue # 4It seems as though the entertainment industry is making money off teens and sex. Most movies nowadays are targeted towards teens doing what most other teenagers find interesting. When you think about teens from what you see in the media you would begin to think that teenagers are only interested in sex. Every teen movie, these days anyway, has some sort of sex scene.—with the exception of perhaps 10 Things I Hate About You. Now can we name a few movies that have some sort of sexual reference in them? Let’s see... Cruel Intentions, American Pie, Teaching Mrs. Tingle, Carrie 2, Studio 54 . . . .that’s just to name a few.
It seems as though the entertainment industry loves making money off giving teens a worse reputation then what they already have. They picture teenagers being raving sex fiends.
But what about TV? It seems that every teen show [or at least the ones targeted towards teens] always have some sort of sex talk in them. But what about the “family” shows that now have a little bit of sex in them? Let’s say that you and your family want to watch a movie, and you have a four year old. Now let’s say that in the movie two people are having sex. Now the small child is watching this, and you know they’re going to ask what the people on TV are doing. How are you going to explain that to a child?
I know sex will come up in plenty of other movies and television shows, but is it essential that they have to be shown so much? I’m sure some people can handle that sort of stuff, but, is it truly that necessary? It also seems that teens imitate what is being shown, so just a thought: how about making a movie or television show without a sexually-oriented theme attached? Maybe, just maybe, teens will follow that message.
Y2K A-OK
by Ismael Zamora
Issue # 4
Three, two, one.... were the last numbers of the countdown in the wake of the millennium being yelled by millions of people all over the world.
But where was the Y2K bug that everybody was freaking out about, you know, the one everybody thought would cause chaos all over the world? The infamous Y2K fear was probably one of the most expected misgivings to be on everybody’s mind when the clock struck midnight, hence, for some it would be the most scariest hour and for others it would be a time to party.
When the time hit peace celebrated by the people of the world.Each country went into the millennium without any problems. But what angers me the most is how the people make the Y2K bug look, many people prepared themselves for Y2K and nothing happened.
Anyway, now that everything’s over and O.K.. we have entered 2000 with no problems, and through the years people are going to wish they saw it turn 2000, but to look towards 3000 and hopefully they won’t have to worry about anything and just have a ball.
Being Single on Valentine's Day Sucks
by Daniel Ilgenfritz
Issue# 4
Ahh, Valentine’s Day. That wonderful day in February, that paramount of romantic holidays, where you can stand up on a table and shout out your love to your significant other, or your would-be significant other; that day where everywhere you look, red heart-shaped balloons and chocolate kisses and those ever-present heart candies and flowers fill your eyes. People stand around hugging, kissing, laughing, and generally having a great time immersing themselves in the romantic atmosphere.
Unless, of course, you’re one of those unfortunate souls like myself, who have to stand around watching it all with a mounting sense of disgust, because, unlike the rest of the world, you’re single. Yes, single on Valentine’s Day. While the world is having a great time being in love, you’re standing around glaring at it because you can’t take part in it.
Let me tell you something, folks, being single on Valentine’s Day is really, really lame. I’ve had my share of girlfriends, but I’ve never had the good fortune to be attached to someone on that particular day, so, for seventeen years, I’ve spent my Valentine’s Days alone. And I can tell you from experience, single people HATE Valentine’s Day. It’s like looking through the window of a house where a huge party is going on, that all of your friends have been invited to, but you can’t go in. It’s that bad.
I suppose if you’re one of the lucky ones who has someone on this day, all the hearts and red everywhere and flowers are great. But believe me, if you’re single, you get so incredibly sick of seeing it splashed everywhere, you just want it to be over. You can only see the word “Love” so many times in the space of a month before it starts to really get on your nerves. The fact that Valentine’s Day decorations go up right after New Year’s doesn’t help, either. Not to mention the fact that Valentine’s Day is a huge excuse for greeting card, flower, and chocolate companies to make a fortune off of your attempt at wooing that special someone.
I’m sure I sound more than a little bitter. I already wrote an article for this issue concerning the topic of love, and my opinion of it there isn’t great. But the fact is, love sucks when you don’t have it, and has a bad tendancy to suck when you do. It’s sad but true. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy it, it simply means that I know what it can do. And the next time you see a single person on Valentine’s Day who’s in a bad mood, be nice to them. But DON’T tell them to cheer up because it’s Valentine’s Day. They’ll hurt you for that. Badly
Couples with long-lasting relationships
by Amber Arakaki and Karen Venegas
Issue# 4
Have you ever wondered what the key to a long-term relationship is? Who better to ask than some of Colton High’s prime examples? All of the following couples agree that communication is the most important factor in a successful, long-term relationship. They all believe that they have a really special bond, which enables them to share their lives together for a long time (and for some, even forever).
Senior Michael Esquivel
Junior Nancy Estrada
2 years and 3 monthsThis couple first met at a friend’s quinciniera, but knew they were destined to be together when Michael switched into Nancy’s AVID class. Nancy claimed it was “love at first communication”. Michael agreed, stating, “It wasn’t love at first sight, but the first time we talked, I knew.” For their two year anniversary, they gave each other promise rings to show how much they loved each other. “We gave each other promise rings, which is a symbol of promise that we’re going to get married; she’s the only one I want,” says Michael. Nancy believes that love is about sharing your feelings. “Love is letting yourself open your heart to someone else and that person doing the same.” The couple advises that a couple looking forward to a long-lasting relationship should try to become good friends and learn to communicate.
Senior Felix Arroyo
Senior Amie Vega
1 year and 4 monthsThis couple has known each other for over two years, but finally got together by Amie’s cousin who played matchmaker by giving Amie Felix’s phone number. When Felix finally asked her out, Amie replied, “I’ll tell you tomorrow.” Felix and Amie both see themselves together in the future. “I can’t picture myself with anyone else,” says Amie. Felix says that the love they share is about not being able to spend a certain amount of time without missing each other because they share the same feelings. They both feel that talking to each other is really helpful in a relationship because there’s less misunderstandings and more openness.
Junior Stephen Moore
Junior Allison Viefhaus
2 years and 7 monthsThis couple knew they were destined to be together when Steve signed Alison’s eighth grade yearbook with “ P.S. Will you go out with me?” Steve and Alison believe that fighting isn’t worth the hassle and that not letting little fights get in the way is the best way to go in preserving a relationship. Alison also believes that it’s best to start as friends first, “I think that it all starts with a base. You have to build on friendship.” They certainly have, for the couple has been friends for over four years. “I can’t go a day without seeing her,” says Steve, “She is always supportive and loving.” Steve and Alison have also built a lot of trust and honesty in their relationship proving that friendships really do last.
Junior Justin Hofman
Junior Stacie Hare
2 years and 7 monthsThis couple knows that they are just right for each other. They say that they don’t ever fight and that they get along with each other all the time. “We fit together,” says Stacie, “We’re both happy, and get we get along almost perfectly.” Stacie and Justin believe that love is really indescribable. “It’s just a feeling. I love to be around her and with her because it’s what makes me happy,” says Justin. The couple bases their connection on having such great compatibility, which allows them to have such a consistent relationship. “Some people go through their whole lives to find the right person,” says Justin, “I just happened to get lucky.”
Dating 101
by Lisa Humphrey and Amy Yarnall
Issue# 4
Dating: an action that thrives between two people. A subject that all teenagers will encounter in their lifetime. So what are the do’s and dont’s of this action? Well first, we have to examine the beginning: what are the differences between guys and girls, and what attracts one person to another? We asked some of Colton High’s most willing students to spill what they thought of this subject, and the responses varied.
So how different are girls from guys in a relationship? Most students agreed that guys are more outgoing, and girls more conservative. Girls were said to be more expressive of their feelings, while one guy (junior Brandon Crenshaw) even confessed “we lie more.” So, despite these differences, what is it that creates the initial chemistry between two people? Is it personality, or is it looks? Or perhaps it is a mixture of both?
“It’s all about the booty, and the personality,” replied sophomore Manuel Hernandez.
“If she’s stupid, you can’t be around her,” said junior David Glaus.
What do the girls think about all this? “It matters if a guy is nice, cute, and fun to be around,” says sophomore Meagan Williams, “to me those are a guy’s best qualities.” Also “if they have a body,” said freshman Patricia Jackson, “you got to look good.”
In this day and age, it all comes down to the first impression, and sometimes that is the only one you get. Unfortunately, for some people, making a good first impression is easier said than done. Senior Olivier Qualo had a rather intriguing date to tell us about: “One night Banquitia and I (name changed to protect the less fortunate) went to Sizzlers. My parents dropped us off. She ordered a big T-bone steak and salad. That’s it. She was halfway done with the steak and was telling me a joke that wasn’t funny. She started laughing and a big, wet, green booger came out of her nose and onto the steak, but she just ignored it. She was this rich girl, and you’d think she could afford manners, but this one didn’t have any. Finally we dropped her off at home after dinner, and I walked her to the door. As I was about to move in for a kiss, she tooted really loud. I just left her there and went back to the car. I never called her again.”
While we’re in the mood of telling nightmare date stories, Amy had one herself that she would like to share with Colton High’s population. “I met this guy at my dance studio, (we’ll just call him anonymous), and with my friends help I was convinced that I liked him but reallly I was just desperate. To make it short I had to pick him up because he did not drive. While we were at the movies he kept staring at me as though he were undressing me with his eyes. Ewww! It made me feel way uncomfortable. Then he wouldn’t decide what movie to see so I had to do it. I made all the decisions and felt like the man in the relationship. It sucked. On top of all of this he tried to kiss me in the front row of the movie theater where everyone could see. Then I had to drive thirty minutes away to take him home. All that was truly missing from this night was the flat tire. Never again!”
Fashion 2000
by Stephanie Farrior
Issue#4
The year 2000 is finally here... and the world isn’t over! Well I bet you’ll all be wondering what the hot trends are for the new year. So let’s talk to the students at Colton High.
Lindsay Graham, junior:
“I’ve been diggin’ the furries for almost three years now. I’ve noticed more people wearing it now, so I guess it’s a new trend. As long as it’s fake fur, I’m not into animal slaying!”James Crawford, senior:
“I don’t wear this vest because it’s trendy. I wear it because it matches my shirt.”Tina Villalobos, sophomore:
“These bracelets are really popular right now, I wear them because they’re cute and they match my outfits. When I get bored in class I pull on it and it makes a clinking sound.”Betsy Ovalle, junior:
“I like wearing backless shirts. Any store I go to I see them. They’re everywhere! There’s so many different colors and styles. They’re all so cute, you just can’t resist, you have to buy them.”Mindy Witt, junior:
“I love leopard stuff!!! I can’t get enough of it!”
History of Valentine's Day
by Stephen Aguilar
Issue# 4Valentine’s Day, a day to love, a day to be loved and a day to bring to light all those wonderful God-given emotions that make us special creatures. We all know what Valentine’s Day symbolizes but where did it originate? What was its original celebration about? And why is it even called “Valentine’s” Day?
There are some differing opinions on who Saint Valentine was and what his connection truly was to the holiday. One legend about Saint Valentine was that he was a priest around the third century. During this time Roman Emperor Claudius II came to the conclusion that men who were single, lacking wives and families, made better soldiers. Wanting the best men for his army Claudius outlawed young bachelor men from being married. Seeing the decree from as unjust Valentine continued to marry young lovers in secret, thus defying Claudius. He was killed for doing so
Another version deals with the priest Valentine attempting to help early Christians escape from their prisons where they were often times beaten and tortured. In this version he also dies for his actions. Legend also has it that he supposedly fell in love with a young girl (possible the jailer’s daughter) while in prison and was the first to send a “Valentine,” a letter witch was signed “From your Valentine.” One thing that is fact and not legend was that Pope Gelasius declared the 14th of February St. Valentine’s Day around 498 AD.
Later during the Middle Ages it was commonly believed in France and England that the 14th of February was the beginning of the birds’ mating season witch reinforced the idea of the day symbolizing love and affection.
Kids are growing up too fast
by Charissa Six
Issue #4
You never really notice it anymore, because it’s all around us. It has become common to the point where we no longer distinguish a difference between maturity and childishness.
This is something extremely prominent in many high schoolers today. That is to say, that teenagers are being forced to grow up too fast.
There are many different ways their maturity is being forced upon them. Some of the maturity comes from teenagers wanting to be mature because certain things are just “cool to do.” The rest comes from the maturity being forced upon them by their peers, parents, and the media.
One thing that may apply to many students is that they have to watch out for, and/or take care of, their younger siblings. While the parents are out trying to get a job, working, or possibly even partying, they force the oldest child, no matter how young they are, to watch out for their even younger brothers and sisters.
Another may be that they themselves are having to get jobs in order to help out the family, or because they want to in order to have money. What is that money normally for? So that they can help their parents pay for a car. There’s always been a sudden rush to get your car, that applies to boys and girls alike, even before they reach 16. However, if you ask your friends who have just started driving a car, close to half of them have been in a wreck. Why is that? They may blame it on the other driver, but it’s basically because lack of responsibility and experience.
Though some of these are forced on teens, many acts are made to seem and be more mature by want. It’s the simple things that have become almost normal that we don’t really notice. Things like sex, drugs, boyfriends, girlfriends, makeup, jobs, cars, etc. It seems sometimes that the kids are making more decisions and have more responsibility than their parents.
Think about it for just a second. When you walk in the mall and happen to pass the little girls section, (you know the kind of clothes that 6 to 12 year olds wear) do you notice some thing familiar about them? They seem to resemble the clothes that some high schoolers are wearing today. Some are tops with spaghetti straps. You will see halter tops, and other clothes that innocent girls shouldn’t be wearing. Why are they wearing them then? Because they think that they need to be old.
My basic point is that while many are in a rush to become, seem, or feel, mature; they become oblivious to the fact that they’re still kids. They will only be “young” for about 8-10 more years, that is if you’re about 15-17 right now. Then you have the rest of your life to be old. What’s the rush?! The average life span nowadays is to about 85. That means you have about 60 years to be “mature.”
Now, don’t get me wrong, that’s no excuse to do stupid things and think you’ll get away with them. It only means to enjoy being young and embrace all of its advantages.
The ironic thing is, now you may be struggling to look and feel older. However, 30 years from now, when you are older, you’ll be struggling to look and feel younger again. Just live life the way you’re supposed to: when you’re young, be young, and when you’re old, be old.
Love vs Lust
by Connie Villagrana
Issue# 4
Have you ever had that funny feeling in the pit of your stomach when you see or talk to that special someone? I’m pretty sure every one has, now the question,is it love or lust? Is there even a difference? I went out and looked for the answer by asking the experienced ones and found out in general what girls and guys think about lust or if it even gets close to love.
First, I checked with the all mighty Webster to see what he had to say:LOVE:
Def-#1, Fond or tender feeling; warm liking; affection attachment
Def-#2, Strong passionate affection for a person.
LUST:
Def-#1, Strong desire.
Def-#2, Desire for indulgence of sex.So basically, lust=sex and love=affection.
Girls’ opinions shocked me, I personally would have had lots to say, but right now I have to stay on neutral ground. Their answer to love was very explicit. “Love is the greatest affection anybody could ever have towards another person.” They all claim to having been in love or having loved before, but when girls were asked to tell us what they thought about lust, only one word came to mind: sex. That was all they had to say. It’s not that we girls are more narrow minded; it’s just that girls are more idealistic and sentimental. When we accept the seduction of a guy, we’re not looking for the physical pleasure, but for the intrinsic emotion. We need to feel admired, loved and desired, which many guys do show, but they might think it’s just part of “The Game” and we go and confuse it with love.
Guys, on the other hand, they’re out there looking for fun, pleasure and experience. They believe that they’re too young to really fall in love. For most guys it’s like forbidden territory, though they do admit that once they meet that perfect girl they’ll immediately throw away all those girls they had fun with and settle down. Guys are convinced that lust will eventually turn into love because lust was the thing that encouraged them to approach you in the first place. After getting to know the girl and finding out how her mind and beliefs work a guy will finally be able to admit that he is in love, having found the girl who will understand him and make a difference in his life.So now let’s see, let’s generalize here: guys only think about sex when girls are always looking for a person to fall deeply in love with. The problem is when two people get all caught up in a lustful relationship it eventually ends up in hate for the fact that the heat that brought you guys together will eventually burn out and if there’s nothing else to hold it together the relationship will end in a not-so-happy ending. A rule of thumb could be that if you guys use your mouth for kissing more than actually talking you should stop, and find out if there is more to your relationship than just that.
Senior Ditch Day, will the tradition survive
by Kathy Croy
Issue# 4
Senior Ditch Day. A decade old tradition created by the very people who take part in it: SENIORS. Many seniors look forward to a kick-back day filled with carefree fun, much of which is directly derived from one exciting thought: “I’m missing school for this!”
The very idea that a senior class “secretly” organizes a particular day to ditch school for the sole purpose of ditching is what makes the trip so appealing. But over the years the annual Senior Ditch Day has become somewhat a bit of a challenge. Select teachers and administrators have become less tolerant of such acts and feel that giving extra credit assignments on the given ditch day is a good way of rewarding students who are in school. Some teachers may go as far as giving tests that will not be able to be made up by students who are truant.
“It’s fair for teachers to reward students who are there because students who are breaking the rules should be willing to take the consequences,” says English teacher Steve Goodyear.
But the consequences don’t stop there. Now the police have gotten involved. Last year five Colton High students were arrested by the Santa Monica police while partaking in their annual ditch day. The police called Assistant Principal Jerry Almendarez who verified them as Colton High students and contacted their parents. The students were then suspended and issued a citation by the police department. Turns out select cities have passed day time curfews in an attempt to keep ditching students in school and Colton is just one of the many.
“Teachers and police should respect that the seniors have ditch days because they probably had it when they were younger,” comments senior Mike Colon.
Senior Jesse Boling agrees. “Now since the adults had all the fun when they were young nobody else can.”
Perfect gift
by Renee Negrete
Issue# 4What is the perfect gift? Is there such a thing? To some people there is the perfect gift for them this Valentines day. I talked to many students this past week and asked them what would be their ideal gift to receive from that special person this Valentines Day. Many said “MONEY CAN’T BUY LOVE.” One sophomore student, Jessica Ramirez, says that she would want her man to buy her “a big 14 foot bear with 14 small colored balloons and a box of chocolates.”
Many people feel the same way as I do; I would much rather prefer my man (If I had one) to not buy me anything and just spend the whole day with me. I would rather stay home bored with him, then for him not to see me all day and to drop off a gift. How far would you go to show that special person how much you care for them? Sophomore Chandelle Felter says “last year my boyfriend picked me up early Valentines Day morning and took me all day to be with him. Not only did he buy me a small bear that held a heart in his arms, and across the heart read ‘I LOVE YOU.’ He made me lunch at his house and served me hand and foot all day, that was a day I will never forget.”
Juniors Felicha Prieto and Tina Hubbs say they would want their guys to buy them “A dozen of long stemmed red roses with a card that he personally wrote saying how much he cares for me and a big white teddy bear.” So don’t be scared to show how much you care for that special person, remember you don’t always have to buy material things.
Perfect boyfriend/girlfriend
by Renee Negrete
Issue #4We all want cupid to bring us the perfect sweetheart, but will we get what we want? Is there such a thing as a perfect person for each of us? This Valentines day everyone has their heart set on that one perfect person, you know who I’m talking about, that perfect person who when you see them it brings a smile to your face, and puts butterflies in your stomach. You feel as if they’re the only one for you. How would you describe the “prefect” boyfriend/girlfriend? Personally I don’t think there is a perfect boyfriend or girlfriend out there. Everyone in there own way has some type of flaw. They’re either too short, too tall, too old or too young. If you truly care for a personNo matter what the case their flaws shouldn’t matter if, even they’re the ugliest person in the world it won’t make a difference.
Some of the students that attend Colton High say “Looks aren’t everything.” Remarks sophomore Jessica Ramirez, “I want a guy to sweep me off my feet. He has to be sweet and kind but mainly romantic.” Sophomore Chandelle Felter also agrees with Ramirez; she says “It wouldn’t matter if my boyfriend was the ugliest man alive just as long as he treated me with respect.”
Senior James Crawford tells exactly how girls should be treated: “All girls are princesses and should be treated with a ton of love and respect.”
Junior Connie Villagrana says, “I want a man with the following qualities: kind, sweet, nice caring trust worthy honest , respectful and polite. I don’t think that’s asking for too much.”
To tell you the truth I too have my eyes on that special person. This person treats me with 100% respect and is somebody I can lean on. In my eyes that’s the perfect guy.
Round Round get around, I get around
by Napa Utrapiromsuk
Issue# 4Walking to class everyday is what many of us take for granted. However, there are a few people on campus that have to use wheelchairs to help them move around. It may be caused from the polio virus, a car accident, or a disease like spinal bifida, yet these people are like many of us; they laugh, they cry, and they have feelings. Both freshmen Rachel Fulong and senior Erine Gonzales, who get around campus in wheelchairs, agree that at time people stare.
The curiosity of how they get around is expressed by staring, but people no longer have to do that. Colton High, like society in general, is becoming more and more disabled-friendly, making it easier for these folks to get around. Stairs are definitely a problem as you may imagine. But now there are motorized wheelchair ramps to help them get to class without dealing with the stairs. These motorized wheelchair ramps are located at various places on campus: one is in the music building, one is in the girls gym, for example. Wheelchaired students can utilize these ramps to circumvent the problem of stairs.
How hard is it to navigate a 100-year old campus, a campus that was built back in the days when disabled students were not usually even educated at the same place as others? “Nothing is going to stop me, there is nothing I can’t do just because I’m in a wheelchair,” Fulong says.
This attitude is shared by English III teacher Menker Feleke, who can often be seen speeding around campus in his chair. Feleke is testament that not only disabled students can flourish on our campus, but disabled faculty as well.
Feleke (pictured at left) was asked if Colton High was wheelchair friendly. “Everything is fine,” Feleke says, “except for three places... the teacher’s lounge entrance, the entrance to the office, and the campus to too dirty so the wheels pick up the dirt and the dirt goes on my pants.”
People go through life everyday facing problems. The will to success is not in the legs, but in the mind. Now people no longer have a reason to stare, because hopefully your curiosity has been answered.
Where to take your date on Valentines Day
by Ashley Jay
Issue# 4Oooh, la la, Valentines Day is coming up and you know what that means. Heart felt gifts and romantic dates fill the air. When you think of the way you would like to show your appreciation to that special someone by taking them out, where would you want to go? Most people go all out for this mushy holiday, but some choose the less expensive way to show how they care. Sometimes spending the minimal amount of cash can be the most romantic way to go.
A simple picnic in the park might be a little old fashion but being original and making the day memorable is what really matters. A cute set up outdoors some home made goodies, and a cheesy line might be what you need.
A trip to the beach might be even more romantic, you could spend the day roaming the shops or talking in a cozy restaurant. The best part is always the long walk on the beach afterwards under the stars. Sound corny enough for you?
Some people skip the mushy walk on the beach and the suddle “I love you;s” and head straight for the wallet. Expensive restaurants are always a crowd pleaser. There are tons of fun things to plan for Valentines Day. Maybe the big question is who to spend it with. No matter where you go and what you do, as long as the person you are with is the one for you then you’ll have a great time.
2Pac's New album
by Steven Ramirez
Issue# 4“Now Biggie died/everytime I ride it’s for reasons/hard to kill a nigga cause I’m coming back like Jesus” claims Tupac Shakur on the song titled “Killuminati” of his and the Outlawz new album titled Still I Rise. The low promoted CD is Tupac’s third album (not including Greatest Hits) since his so called “death” nearly four years ago.
Still I Rise is an album for hardcore Tupac fans. If you don’t feel Tupac’s past music than there’s a possibility you may not like this album. See, Tupac’s music is always more about his words; if you don’t feel his words than you obviously do not like or do not even listen to Tupac. There is a difference between listening and hearing.
Having the Outlawz on the CD really hurts this album bad because they aren’t nearly as talented as Tupac. Their words just aren’t powerful or moving like Tupac’s are. Don’t get me wrong, they can rap, but they are nowhere close to Pac status.
The very interesting part of this CD is that on the song “Killuminati” Tupac said “Now Biggie died” (who died after Tupac died). Now I know Tupac supposedly had an old friend named Biggie who supposedly died, but there is practically no information on this “other” Biggie.
Tupac also says he’s coming back like Jesus! Maybe in 2003, on September 13, if you know what I mean.
It doesn’t stop there: at the end of the song “The Good Die Young” one of the Outlawz says “This song is dedicated to all them young kids and people that are innocent that died young at Columbine High, rest in peace.” Um, hello people, I thought Tupac was dead.
The bottom line is if you like that raw, hardcore, moving, real thug style type Tupac music, then you need to go pick this CD up. “And if you dream be a part of my team/from Long Beach to Queens/ drug dealers to ex fiends/keep your eyes on the prize/ watch for bustas/either heaven or jail /it’s still hell for a hustler,” replies Tupac.
Backstreet Boys album review
by Daniel Ilgenfritz
Issue# 4
When it came time to pick an album to review this issue, I was stuck. the album I had planned on doing was coming out too late, and as far as I knew, there was nothing else on the musical horizon. However, after an interesting conversation with the adviser for this paper, I came to a disturbing decision-I would review the latest Backstreet Boys album. My reasons? Well, first off, I needed an album to review. Secondly, since I have to hear and see them everywhere, I decided I should at least attempt to understand why they’re so profusely popular, or at least find out if my theory as to why was true.
Now, before I start, I have to admit, the Backstreet Boys are more than a little out of my musical spectrum. My favorite bands are in a rather different genre-Marilyn Manson, Orgy, Stabbing Westward, and my personal favorite, nine inch nails. But hey, everyone needs to try something new, right? So I’m going to try and approach this as un-biased as possible, despite the inherent difficulty in that.
So, without further prolonging, here we go. I listened to their latest album, Millennium. The songs basically fall into three categories-I love you, I miss you, and let’s have fun and party. That’s it. All the songs are nice, simple, mid-tempo, basic studio produced fare. There’s nothing innovative or drastically new in the music. But, at least as far as I can tell, the music isn’t where their popularity lies. I assume that would lie in the singing, and those who do it. Personally, the vocals really didn’t seem all that amazing to me. It’s my personal belief that if one person does something kind of well, it doesn’t amount to that much. But when you have five people doing it, it’ll sound considerably better. I think the same applies to the Backstreet Boys. Alone, they really aren’t all that incredible. But when you get five of them doing it at the same time, people will think much better of it. Now, I’m not an expert on vocals (remember, I like Marilyn Manson, and I can’t deny that most of the time all he does is scream), but I suppose that when they’re all singing together, it can sound fairly good. It’s nothing amazing, but it’s serviceable.
I had hoped, by listening to this album, I would gain some sort of insight into why these guys are so incredibly popular. Sadly, that wasn’t the case. I suppose maybe because I’m not female and I’m not 12 years old, I just don’t understand it. I can only judge them by their music, not by how they look, like their fan base. And by that judgment alone, they’re really not that great. The fact is, Millennium is a fairly basic pop album. It’s because girls across America get misty-eyed while looking at their Backstreet Boys posters and listening to their sugary pop-radio ballads that has propelled them to the top of the charts so consistently. I will give them this one little bit of credit, however-They were the first. They were before N’Sync, Britney Spears, 98 Degrees, and all the rest. However, that is the only bit of credit I can afford them. The truth is, listening to Millennium pretty much cemented in my mind everything I already knew about this band, as well as the fact that I really don’t like pop music. It tends to just repeat itself over and over again, rarely ever adding anything new to the mix.
Club Gotham
by Lexie Castell
Issue# 4
If you’re into the night life party scene then Club Gotham is the place for you. Located in San Bernardino off the Waterman exit, this new happening place to be is in fact two clubs that were cut in half.
New club Gotham was formally known as the Midnight Rodeo, a country and western club that had gotten closed down last year after it was taken over by new management. Changes occurred when the club underwent management change. The face lift for the country-cool night club didn’t lose its country roots. The new owners kept it real and when re-opening the remodeled night club made it a half country and western club called “The New West” and then you got the ever so popular club “Gotham.”
The majority of people who attend Colton High won’t be able to experience the whole clubbin’ scene until their senior year, or 18 years of age which ever comes first. Club Gotham has become very popular with the Inland Empire locals and even Riverside, always selling out the most popular night to go: “Foreplay Thursdays,” telling over 1000 people they have to go home cause they hit a maximum capacity.
Getting more and more commonly known by hitting the local air waves, (X 103.9) the club promoters of both Thursday and Saturday night have helped this baby along to become practically an adult. Voted the southwest’s number one night club, Club Gotham is a state of the art industrial style club, with explosive lights and sound, fog machines, and 10 multi-level dance floors. For the 18-20 year old crowds there isn’t much to do at the club but dance (that, and it’s a major meat market for us single folks.)
The 21 and over crowds are wristbanded and can drink the night away and are allowed to enter the “21” part of the club. This part of the club is sectioned off with signs on the door saying no one under 21 allowed. It’s fully equipped for smokers letting people smoke inside of the facility without having to go outside; also inside this area are many pool tables, a major sound system and a full service bar.
The cover charge to get in club Gotham is $10 for 18 and over, $5 for 21 and over...not having to pay as much ‘cause they spend money on alcohol. Club Gotham is open 4 nights out of the week. Wednesday and Thursday nights are both 18 and over, and Friday and Saturday are 21 and over nights. Wednesday and Friday both being the nights for hip hop and house music, Thursday and Saturday being the alternative night with X103.9 promoting both nights with giveaways and John Carey the cool Australian DJ. The club is open those 4 nights from 8:00-1:30 a.m.
I personally wasn’t too impressed with club Gotham, being that this was the first time I had ever clubbed in America I expected a lot more. I found myself wishing I was back in Rosarito Mexico at Papas and Beer; everything over there is cheap and legal with an much better atmosphere. From the outside of the club Gotham it had a look of trying to re-create the well known city from the movie Batman...Gotham city. Arrive with your styles early because if you don’t you and everyone else will be turned away )all dressed up with no place to go is not my idea of fun.)
Gotham has become so incredibly known that once the club hits a maximum capacity security has to tell you to go home otherwise it creates a fire hazard. Once you are inside the crowded dance floors await you and you can dance pretty much anywhere you want, even if its not a dance floor people are dancing on it. The New West part of the club is strictly 21 and over and if you are over that age you have the privilege of going back and forth to both clubs. The clubs also hold concerts there once in a while. Bands such as Everlast and Save Ferris have both performed there. So get out those IDs (or fake ones!) and head out to the hottest night club around, you may just surprise yourself with a good time.
Rap vs Rock
by Stephen Aguilar
Issue# 4
How can rap and rock, two genres as different as darkness and light, possibly be compared to determine a winner? Simple: just break each into pieces consisting of lyrics, music, and who’s involved in production.
First we’ll start with rap. To be honest there isn’t much to say here; it should be painfully obvious. What can possibly be inspiring or valuable about hearing someone rhyme out his or her life’s story? Especially when it deals with drugs, sex, and violence amongst other pointless things, this only serves to send the wrong message to us and promote negative lifestyles.
“Rap is a genre of music that is composed of a constant beat with rambling words. Little thought is required,” stated Bryan Long when asked to comment on the subject. These words of wisdom bring me to my next point. As was so eloquently by Long, rap consists of only a repetitive beat that somehow manages to satisfy its listeners. Basically all the “music” that is actually created is a short beat which is then just looped. When heard apart from its rambling counterpart it needs only to be heard for about 3 seconds (maybe not even that) to know what the rest of the song will sound like.
Note that I use the words “song” and music” loosely. This brings us to my last point regarding rap: the production of an album. It seems to me that rap “artists” are only there to provide the rhymes and the voice to speak them, they are rarely involved in much else. They almost never even create the three-second beat that is required as a background to their rhymes! By now some people must be thinking that I’ve never listened to one rap song and that I’m just being stereotypical. This however is not the case, I actually sacrificed the well being of my hearing and the well being of my stereo by listening to a few songs from a rap radio station and from a CD that I got my hands on, thus forever tainting both.
Now we move to rock. Many a time rock can be defined by great lyrics that are awe inspiring. Although rock bands may live around sex, drugs, and violence their songs almost never revolve around such subjects. They’re much deeper then that and can touch one’s soul. If you don’t believe me just read the lyrics of older Matallica, Nine Inch Nails, Megadeth, Creed, or Ozyy Osbourne. Then you’ll have to agree, these bands are just a few examples of bands who pride themselves on writing poetry and making it into a song, not just rhyming and making it into what seems like one.
Pride is also taken when bands like the ones above compose their music and then play it with the instruments that act as if they are extensions of their body. The music isn’t just noise like some like to believe either, is it is played with instruments renowned for their beautiful sound like cellos or violins the same music composed by Metallica could rival that of the great music genius of Strauss and his famous waltz. If you don’t believe me then look up a band known as Apocalyptica and see if their interpretation of “One” doesn’t do just that.
Producing a rock album isn’t easy either, years can go into the production of one. The bands handle all the music aspects themselves, except for maybe a few special effects here and there. They control and supervise all aspects, not just one or two. So even if they didn’t actually press a button to make an effect they were still there to approve of it. The winner here is obviously ROCK.
What of bands like Limp Bizkit, and KoRn who mix these two genres? These bands do what they do well, however they’re most likely a trend and will probably not last long. In any event the fact that they delude rap by taking away some of it’s worst elements and adding some of rocks best ones shows us that pointless rhyming lyrics must be accommodated by good instrumentals if anything decent is to be created, for rap in it’s pure form is a plague upon man.
Amor o Lujuria
Por Connie Villagrana
Issue # 4¿Has sentido como mariposas en el estomago cuando ves o te dirije una palabra esa persona especial? Estoy segura que todos nos a pasado, ahora la pregunta es ¿Que es lo que sentimos? ¿Sera amor o lujuria? ¿Hay diferencia entre amor y lujuria. Fui en busca de la respuesta, preguntandoles alos mas esperimentados, nosotros los jovenes. Encontre lo que las muchachas y muchachos piensan en general sobre lujuria y si se hacercaria al amor. Primero a que ver lo que el todo poderoso Larousse tiene que decir sobre el tema.
AMOR,
#1, Sentimiento que atrae una persona hacia otra.
LUJURIA,
#1, Codiciar; desear una cosa con ansiedad.La respuesta de las chicas me tenian muy soprendida, porque yo tuviera mucho que decir pero por ahora me tengo que quedar en territorio neutral, su respuesta fue muy franca y simple.” El amor es algo maravilloso no se puede comparar a nada” Todas han a segurado que han estado enamoradas antes o lo estan haora, cuando les preguntamos lo que pensaban de lujuria, solo una palabra vino a la mente “sexo.” Era todo lo tenian que decir sobre el tema. No es que las chicas somos mas frivolas esque las mujeres somos mas sentimentales. Cuando acceptamos las seduciones de algun hombre no es por el placer fisico sino por si nos puede brindad su corazon. Las mujeres tenemos que sentirnos admiradas, amadas y deciadas.
Encambio los hombres, estan muy chicos para poderse enamorar, ellos por haora nomas piensan en divertirse y esperimentar. El amor para muchos es como territorio proibido, pero si admiten que cuando encuntren esa chica que deberas los comprenda, se olvidaran de todas las otras chicas. Los muchachos estan convencidos que la lujuria se convierte en amor. Porque la lujuria es lo que primeramente los convencio aprochar.
Como conclusion los hombres siempre piensan en sexo encambio las mujeres en estar completamente enamoradas. El problema esta, cuando dos personas se encuentran en una relacion de lujuria al final se convierte en odio porque el calor que los unio se apaga y si no hay nada mas para sostener la relacion, se terminara. Algo de recordar seria cuando te das cuenta de que usan mas sus bocas para besar que para communicar, alomejor esta fallando algo en la relacion. Toma te tiempo para ver si realmente hay algo mas en la relacion.
Canciones Romanticas
Por Horacio Fregoso
Issue #4
Todos hemos escuchado canciones que nos llegan al corazon. Esas vienen siendo las romanticas, son las canciones preferidas por los enamorados de todas las edades, algunas de esas canciones tienen una letra que te pueden hacer llorar, especialmente si as perdido un amor encantador y recuerdas los dias que estaban juntos y que todo era maravilloso Estas canciones las cantan Bandas, Grupos norteños, Grupos, o musica Pop, las canciones que estan de moda son muchas
Empesamos con La Banda El Recodo, del titulo “Te Ofresco Un Corazon,” esta banda es una de las mas escuchadas por toda la Union Americana y todo el mundo.
En la otra mano hay grupos norteños que no se quedan atras por ejemplo Los Rieleros Del norte y su titulo “Te Quiero Mucho.”
En la musica Pop esta una joven muy talentosa y bonita, su nombre es Shakira y su titulo “Tu”, bueno estas son algunas de las canciones romanticas que andan pegando entre la gente de toads las edades.
Algunos piensan que los grupos norteños tocan pura musica que siempre habla de drogas o mafia, pero no es asi tambien tocan musica romantica y muy apassionada, pero hay gente que simplemente no le gusta la musica de acordéon y bajosexto. Las canciones romanticas siempre estan de moda y sigue existiendo desde mucho años atras.
Historia de San Valentin
por Stephen Aguilar
Issue # 4El día de San Valentín, es un día para amar, para hacer amado, y un día para enseñar los sentimientos epeciales que nos dio Dios. Todos sabemos lo que representa el día del Vaneltín, pero ¿De qué se trato al principio? ¿Dónde origino? ¿Y porqué se llama el día de San “Valentín?
Hay muchas diferentes opiniones cuando se pregunta de San Valentín y que fue su conexión con la celebración. Una leyenda dice que San Valentín fue un sacerdote approximadamente en el año 400 AD. Durante este tiempo él emperador Romano Claudio II tuvo la idea que los soldados que no estaban casados eran mejores soldados. Queriendo los mejores soldados para su fuerza militar Claudio hizo una ley que previno los jovenes que se casaran. San Valentín penso que esta ley era injusta, por eso él siguió casando jóvenes en secreto. Por haber echo eso Claudio lo mato.
Otra versión de este cuento dice que San Valentín trato de ayudar Cristianos escaparse de la prisión donde fueron torturados y golpeados. También se dice que cuando estuvo en la prisión se anamoro con la hija del guardia. Cuando estuvo allí le mando el primer “Valentín,”( una carta .)
‘Luego en Inglaterra y Francia se creyó que el 14 de febrero fue el primer día en que los pájaros escogieron su pareja reforzando la idea que el día del San Valentín es un día de amor y affección.
M.E.Ch.A
Por Brenda Quintero
Issue #4
M.E.Ch.A. es un club dedicado ayudar a los jovenes hispanos ser mas activos en la comunidad, los officiarios de este club estan super orgullosos de que muchos de los estudiantes de esta escuela estan muy interesados por participar con M.E.Ch.A.
Este año M.E.Ch.A. tiene planiado obtener una semana llena de sopresas para celebrar el Cinco de Mayo. Aunque paresca que el Cinco de Mayo esta muy lejano, los preparativos para esta celebracion que M.E.Ch.A. se encarga de hacer todos los años, esta en progreso. Ya que se encuentran envolucrados en muchas actividades, el Cinco de Mayo para ellos se acercara rapidamente.
En esta semana festajada aqui en Colton High, el Cinco de Mayo nos traira mucha musica y alegria. Los planes sera tener un carnaval de comida, una asemblea en donde habra un grupo folklorico y tambien en donde se anunciara el Rey y la Reina de Cinco de Mayo. Toda esta semana va estar llena de actividades durante la hora de lonche. Espero que se diviertan.
The Green Mile
Por Brenda Quintero y Connie Villagrana
Issue # 4
Un exito mas para Tom Hanks, no fue sorpresa de que esta pelicula los tuviera en suspenso por sus tres largas horas, que es la duracion de esta fantastica historia. Sobre un policia que es encargado de el cuartel de detencion, los prisioneros estan sentenciados a la pena de muerte en la silla electrica. Hanks puede ver algo mas en los prisioneros, ve cosas que otra gente no puede ver. El problema es cuando el guardia que es encargado de ejectutados (Hanks) recive a un ayudante que por una morma razon disfruta ver a los prisioneros sufrir.T ambien hace su presentacion un hombre Afro-Americano gigantesco que a primera vista suele darte la imprecion de ser un hombre violento. En el transcurso de la pelicula se ve un hombre callado con un corazon gigantesco, que te sorprendera lo que este hombre es capaz de hacer. Si te gustan peliculas de suspenso, ciencia fiction, amor y con comedia sana te recomiendo esta pelicula. Nomas acuerdate de comprar bastante palomitas y soda grande porque esta pelicula si es demasiada larga.
Jason Jones
Issue #4
Boys Basketball
The crowd was on their feet and the cheerleaders were cheering as the Colton High Yellowjackets battled the Yucaipa Thunderbirds Friday Jan. 28 at Colton High. The Thunderbirds were on fire as Tom Carroll hit three back to back three-pointers, along with two other threes, earning his team a score of 29-14 after the first quarter.Yucaipa’s shooting proved to be too much for the Yellowjackets, but they battled back in the fourth quarter. The Jackets, after trailing by thirteen points, pulled up to a four-point deficit late in the fourth quarter, yet unfortunately, the jackets could not keep the momentum. The Thunderbirds continually built up their lead with a series of good freethrows , causing the Jackets to lose their fifth straight game in league. Having already lost to the San Bernardino Cardinals, San Gorgonio Spartans, Pacific Pirates, and the Cajon Cowboys. The Thunderbirds ended up winning their third game in league, giving them a record of 3-3. The leading scorers for Colton High, despite the disappointing loss of 61-50, were junior shooting guard Jason Jones with 12 points, junior center Kevin Pinkney with 11 points , senior forward Darren Pinkney with 10 points and junior guard Brandon Crenshaw with 10 points. The leading scorers for the Thunderbirds were Carroll with 18 points, Majors with 12 points, and Griefnow with 11 points.“We are still learning to work as a team, but, we are improving every game. Yucaipa is a team that we should have beat tonight.” comments Darren Pinkney when asked about Colton’s performance in the game. Colton is still looking for its first win in league having its hopes to C.I.F play-offs shattered. All the jackets can do now is prepare for next year in the journey to the play-offs. “ Colton has a lot of talent on the team and we just need to learn how to harness it for next season and work as a team,” said junior forward Justinn Bradshaw. “By next year Colton will be ready and I know that we can take it all the way if we want.” The Yellowjackets will finish out the season tonight with an away game against the San Bernardino Cardinals at 6:30.
Steven Perez
Issue #4
Boys Soccer
Many people around San Bernardino County predicted the demise of the boys varsity soccer team. After losing star players Xavier Serrano and Anthony Coronado to graduation, there was good reason to say the Jackets would not repeat as SAL champions or even make it to the playoffs.
At the start of the season it appeared these people would be right. The team struggled to a preseason mark of 4-7-2. However along the way something happened. Something changed; and as league play began, the team won three consecutive games, beating the Yucaipa Thunderbirds, the Cajon Cowboys and the San Gorgonio Spartans. The team now finds themselves in second place, a mere point behind the league leading Pacific Pirates. Senior goalkeeper Kenneth Reid attributes the turnaround to their improving ability to play as a team.
“We’ve done nothing but improve since the start of the season,” says Reid, “We’re doing really well right now in cooperating with each other but we still have room to improve.”
Among the team’s accomplishments thus far have been a win against the Redlands Terriers (which Reid describes as “a long time coming”), and a come from behind win against the San Bernardino Cardinals. The Jackets found themselves down 3-1 in the closing moments of the game, before miraculously coming back to win by a score of 4-3.
Reid, senior fullback Brian Pope, junior forwards Anthony Hamilton and Carlos Perez and sophomore forward Hector Calderon have all proved vital to the team’s success thus far.
“We still have a long way to go, but we have a solid chance to win league and a good shot at going far in the playoffs,” says Reid.
Results of the final games of the season will be available in the next issue of the Pepper Bough.
Charissa Six
Issue #4
Girls Basketball
If you’ve been to any of the Varsiry girls basketball games lately, you’d see a change in the way they play. In league, so far, they are 2-4. Last year, they only won a single game in league; which totaled 5 wins all season. By February 1, 2000 their record was 8-10.
The change in their play can be credited to their “work ethic, working harder, and being better prepared,” according to head coach Chris Burner. However, everyone knows that to do well in games, you have to do well in practices. Burner said that they have “more conditioning, and more concentration on each drill.”
There is something more important than that though. Burner said there is “more dedication from the players.” The Lady Jackets have taken it upon themselves to try their hardest to succeed. They have fought mentally and have overcome the doubt that used to remain. Their confidence level is higher, and they go out on the court knowing that they will win.
Instead of having to teach these players the basics, Burner says “more players have been in the system longer, and their level of skill is better.” This way, during practices, Burner is allowed the convenience of working on little things that will help the players’ game, instead of the things they were supposed to learn earlier. Knowing this, Burner has confidence when he says that next years team can challenge for league title.
Senior Kristina Six and Junior Elvia Escobedo agree that they are “proud of the team this year. We are proud of the accomplishments we’ve made and at the level our team is working. We’ve supported each other in practice and on the court.”
Speaking of seniors, how does Burner feel about them leaving? After pausing for a while, he said “ You always feel bad about losing the leadership. This year is especially emotional because these seniors have spent 4 years with me, especially Kristina who’s spent 4 years on varsity. Going to miss their commitment level, but at the same time, we look forward to next years kids stepping up and taking over the reigns.”
Yesterday was the last home game for the seniors against San Bernardino. Burner said proudly, “Go Lady Jackets! Lets show the league what we’re made of!”
Megan Reiter and Amy Yarnall
Issue #4
Girls Soccer
Girls soccer has really changed over the years. Their talent has brought much success as well as fans. Yet there seems to be somethig wrong with the way Colton starts their games. “We have been playing really well but we still seem to be starting our game in the 2nd half.” says junior Kalin Nix. “Thats the main thing that is getting us out of our game.”
Colton’s lack of intensity has made each game a struggle to defeat their opponents such as their loss to Pacific, which gave Colton a 4-1 record. When Colton is down they tend to tense up and fall apart. The Pacific game shows what can happen to some of Coltons best .
Team unity has played an important role in the girls play. They really seem to get along and know how to have a good time. But there are times when Colton’s girls get frustrated and get taken out of their game. Whether or not this may stem from the yelling on the sidelines, in the stands or on the field amongst the players; but this happens to most teams.
The game Colton had agianst the San Bernardino Cardinals on January 25 added another win , yet many players weren’t satisfied with the way they played. “Maybe our practices need to be more intense,” says junior Charissa Six,” because “PRACTICE SURE MAKES PERFECT!”
Colton defeated Yuciapa 2-0 on Jan. 27 which upped their record to a respectable 5-1. The game was a challenge for the girls because Yuciapa came out real strong.
Not being intimidated by these nasty Spartans, the Yellowjackets came out with equal energy and kept the score tied by halftime. In the second half sophomore Jennifer Montgomery chipped a cross in the box and junior Courtney Burns finished it off in the back of the net for the score.
By that time Colton was ready to finally step it up. Junior Courtney Burns took a shot which landed short to junior Candice Carter whom trapped the ball and took a nice side volley that hit nothing but net. This finalized the score 2-0.
Julie Connor
Issue #4
Wrestling
With a record of 2-3, the stats show that the varsity wrestling team had a bit of a disappointing season in retrospect to previous years. Because the team is fairly inexperienced, they weren’t able to have the same dominating record that they’ve maintained in the past, but they worked hard and held their own. They ended up tied for third in League with San Bernardino and Pacific. Colton lost to the Yucaipa Thunderbirds 27-52, the Cajon Cowboys 24-46, and the Pacific Pirates 28-43 and won against the San Gorgonio Spartans 49-27 and the San Bernardino Cardinals 46-24. Colton is still looking for improvement on the mat.
“We had a lot of rookies this year that will be returning next season so we should be a stronger more experienced team,” said head coach Joe Trevino. “The guys have a lot of potential and talent, they just need a little more mat time.”
Individually, there have been some outstanding wrestlers, such as senior Vince Quiroz who went undefeated in every league match as well as senior Bobby Vasquez who also went undefeated in league.
Trevino expects four to six wrestlers to qualify to go to C.I.F championships at the end of January.Look for the results which will be printed in the next issue of the Pepper Bough.