Issue of April 6, 2001:
Volume 84, Number Four
Click on a story title to see the story text
News
Grant ables Colton to Improve the Computer Lab
Gease Play premieres at Colton
New Club focuses on the wants and needs of students
New Club- Indigenous People's Club
Queen Mary Prom preview
SAT's no longer a worry?Opinions
BSN: Grad Night: Is it worth it? (con)
BSN: Grad Night: Is it worth it? (pro)
Who let the dogs out? And why are they trampling on our rights?
"Won't all this candy give us cavaties?"
"Hey you! Read This!" (column)
"What? Minimum wage is too high"
"Our trash might be gold"Features
Poll on Homosexuality
Homosexuality on television
Lyric Controversy
There's an Elephant in my living room
Turning 18... What are your options?
The best places to Volunteer
Letter to Editor
Makin riches from ragsDiversions
CHS Rapper Releases CD
Enemy at the Gates
Heartbreakers
Playing at the Station
Tupac Still with us
Where's the best place to take a date
Sports
Badminton
baseball
golf
swim team
softball
track and field
Stephanie Farrior
Grant ables Colton to Improve the Computer Lab
April 6, 2001
What would you do with 300,000 plus dollars? Principal Jerry Almendarez and staff have proudly used the money they received from the Digital High School Grant (DHSG). As you all know Colton High School is ancient, over 100 years old. When you walk the halls you can see our school isn’t in tip-top shape. Almendarez and staff are trying to change that.
Over the summer, and at the beginning of this school year, there was a lot of changes made at Colton High to improve our school. Not all of them are noticeable changes, because one of them is underground. There are tons of underground wires going to all the BRAND NEW computers in the computer lab.
In the past years when students or classes would go to the computer lab to work on an assignment or report the computers would be very slow. It would take a lifetime just to download on the internet. Senior Vanessa Contreras agrees, "The computers were so slow, it was ridiculous how slow they were."
At the beginning of March new computers were installed in the computer lab with a portion of the money from the DHSG. Almendarez proudly says, "These computers are so much faster!" Not only that, there is a TV monitor in the computer lab. If the teachers want to show all the students an assignment at the same time, the TV monitor comes in handy. It is much easier instead of writing it on the board or going student to student.
The computer lab is open from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. It is available to all students. In the lab students can work on homework, look up research, or they can even surf on the web (that is if you have a internet card). Just to warn you, Almendarez said, "If you’re doing something that you are not supposed to be doing your internet card may be taken away."
For the benefit of the students and teachers, in a process of four months, a new teacher conference room was developed in the old TIR room. When you walk in you notice the ceiling has been lowered, the walls have been painted, and the floor has new carpet. There are quite a few round tables with nice new comfortable chairs. Air conditioning, heating, and a speaker sound system has been installed. There is a projector screen, a copy machine, a laptop computer for power point presentations and guess what? There is a new computer lab for teachers and staff.
Doug Gage, a new Math teacher and coordinator of the new conference room, says that the room is neat. "We now have a place where we can train our teachers." This teacher conference room was developed by many. Gage would like to thank and give credit to Almendarez for the vision of the room, the staff, James Verhoeven, who is also another coordinator, J.R. Fisher, Jim Williams, the District Maintenance Operation, the Electrical workers, and the Campus Supervisors.
Even though the teacher conference room did cost a few bucks, we the students, are getting something out of it. They hold important teacher meetings where the teachers actually learn something to teach us. So just to let you guys know, this isn’t a room where teachers get to lounge about. The principal, and staff are trying their best to improve Colton High School and give us the best education we could possibly have. So let’s show them some appreciation for what they have done for us!
April Valenti and Brenda Ureno
Gease Play premieres at Colton
April 6, 2001
The famous play, Grease, was performed Colton High style by our own actors and actresses on March 22nd through the 24th. It was a big success, drawing in a huge crowd of not only students, friends and family, but also many others from the community. "We did great. We packed every night. We had a lot of student and parent support," said Joey Mercado the Director of the performance.
Senior, Raul Salcedo, played Danny Zuko along side sophomore Sommer Snowden as Sandy Dumbrowski. They blended perfectly together to make the starring characters come alive on stage. The Pink Ladies and Greasers did an awesome job complementing each other. The Ladies were played by Lyndi Melchor, Wanda Padilla, Jessica Ramirez and Quyen Nguyen. The Greasers were Alex Villalobos, Adrian Merendon, Julian Ortega and Quentin Rogers. There was a lot of singing involved in this play. "Singing in front of people was a wonderful experience, I didn’t know I could sing," said Salcedo.
They had a bit of trouble, on Thursday, with projecting their singing voices without mikes. Friday they tried to fix it by adding microphones to a lot of the scenes but it seemed awkward. Saturday they got it right, finding pockets, jackets and purses to hold them until they were needed. The Jazz band provided all the music for the play, even though it was a little difficult for the singers to be heard without the mikes, the band put on a great show.
"This is no pizza party production. It took a lot of sweat and blood to put it together," said the assistant stage director, choreographer, sophomore Nichole Alvarez. After three months of rehearsing six days a week, adding up to over 200 hours, the cast and crew worked together like clock work. "They had a blast and learned a lot of choreography," mentioned Mercado. Although there were a few line errors, the actors were able to ad-lib through it to save the scene. "It was a lot of fun. We bonded very well, like a family. It will be sad when the seniors leave, but they will never really go. We had a great time," said Snowden.
Another star of the show, not mentioned above, was Grease Lightning, the car belonging to one of the Greasers named Kenickie. The story behind it is actually very humorous. The dads in the Parent Theater Group just went cruising around to find a car that they could use. When they saw the 49 Oldsmobile, they jumped at the opportunity and asked the owner if they could use it. When the man said "yes, but return it when you are done", they fixed it up, painted it and made it ready to show off. Salcedo, commented, "I couldn’t have done this without Mrs. Mercado and Mr. Simpson’s support, they helped me a lot; not only in acting and singing, but also in other important things. It was a great learning experience."
Megan Holden
New Club focuses on the wants and needs of students
April 6, 2001
If you take a look around Colton High you’ll notice that things are slowly changing: the new tarps, new computers, and the half finished paint job, all promising a better looking school and future for us here at Colton. Along with these new changes, Colton has a new organization coming its way, dealing with the issues that perhaps haven’t been addressed by clubs on campus before: the school’s curriculum itself.
According to Principal Jerry Almendarez, ASB can be somewhat of a popularity contest, because the students vote, and only focus on the school’s social events (dances, carnivals, etc.); while Renaissance recognizes the individual student for his or her academic achievement. Neither of these two clubs deals with the school’s curriculum; and that’s not their fault, they are just too busy with their own events and activities to concentrate on this.
This new organization will consist of only 9 students, and these students will be picked (according to their efforts, ideas, and emotions on the betterment of Colton High) by nominations and votes of the teachers, and NOT the students. The teachers responsible for voting are on the Leadership Team, the brains behind this new organization. The Leadership Team consists of Principal Almendarez; Assistant Principals Diana Carreon, Doug Newton, David Walters and Pam Pike; Counselor Dana Godfrey, and several teachers including Claudia Harris, Lucy Khairullah, Stephen Kelly, Darcy Salvadore, Sharon Taylor, Kris Tornero, and James Verhoeven. They regularly meet to discuss issues involving the school, and what to do about them. Almendarez though makes it clear that this new origination is NOT a club, and won’t be having fund-raisers, not just yet anyway.
Now that’s all fine and dandy that there’s this new organization here, but what’s it all about exactly? These students that are picked to be a part of this team will be, to put it simply, "speaking on behalf of all the students here at Colton, to tell us what’s wrong." Then they will come up with likable solutions, so that everyone, students and faculty, will be happy with the result.
Along with this, any student will be able to go and talk to this organization if they are concerned about things involving credits, classes, etc. Sometimes students don’t bother to care about what classes they need to go to what college they want, because the counselors are very busy, and it can take awhile to talk with one; so, this causes students to no longer care. This organization will help those students. This organization meets once a week after school to discuss everything that is needed to improve the school and it’s academics.
In the clubs and sports here, a student must maintain a 2.0 grade point average to be eligible to participate, but this is NOT the case here. To be involved in this new origination, all of the 9 students must have and maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. The students chosen will have to work hard and make decisions as to what’s best for the school and students, not what’s easiest.
If you are interested in being involved in this new organization, ask one of the Leadership Team members to nominate you, because the students will be picked by April 26, and soon after, the organization will be up and running.
Jennifer Logan
New Club- Indigenous People's Club
April 6, 2001
Attention fellow students: there’s a new club on campus that will open your eyes to the history of our nation. I’m not talkin’ about our Founding Fathers (God rest their souls); no, this is about the first inhabitants of our great country: American Indians.
Math teacher Joe Quiroz has started the Indigenous People’s Club and is eagerly waiting for new settlers. "We want to create an awareness about the native people of North and South America," Quiroz says. There is a lack of identity and culture in this nation today and is it continuing to fade more and more as technology rolls in and old tradition and original culture rolls out.
It’s been well over 500 years now since Columbus first settled the Americas and discovered this new race of people. It’s time to stand up and remember our roots. Former Indian Education Consultant for the Colton Joint Unified School District, Elizabeth Ingersoll says, "All Mexicans are part Native American. We forget that the Spaniards and Indians mixed and created the race we now have today and that’s where we get the word ‘Mexican’ from." The Indigenous People’s Club’s goal is to introduce Native Americans back into today’s culture. They want to form a social group that will hopefully begin to network throughout the school and, hopefully, the community, bringing in guest speakers and doing other activities as well.A built in history lesson may be sitting somewhere in your family tree. Quiroz says that there may be hundreds of students on this campus from Native American descent and not know it either because they have considered themselves Caucasian, ‘Hispanic’ (which is actually a slang word for someone of Spanish decent), or everything else all of their lives or just not cared that much to research. "It’s easier to fit in with the larger group than to stand out and be different," Quiroz says.
And here’s something else to ponder: there are thousands of dollars out there for you for college if you’re of Native American descent and are a member of a tribe that has money. Organizations and numerous colleges have also been known to pay for the entire amount of tuition if you’re full Native American.
Meetings for the Indigenous People’s Club will be Thursdays after school at 2:30 pm in room 406.
Brenda Ureno and Renee Negrete
Queen Mary Prom preview
April 6, 2001
"Captured in a Dream" is the class of 2001’s theme for prom. This year the prom will be held in Long Beach on the luxurious Queen Mary. Prom will be held on April 28, 2001 starting at 7:00 PM and going all night until midnight.
Tickets went on sale Monday March 12, starting out at $75 with ASB and $80 without until the end of March. In the beginning of April, ticket prices went up an additional five dollars, $80 with ASB and $85 without ASB. The last day to purchase tickets is April 16.
Have you asked yourself why prom tickets are so expensive? First, it’s on the biggest and most expensive boat in California. Second, in buying the ticket you are provided a full course meal. The full course meal includes the following plates: American, Mexican, Oriental, and Italian. Not only will you have had a delightful dinner, you will also be offered a choice of assorted desserts.
An hour prior to the dance, early bird pictures are available. All Juniors and Seniors are welcome to attend. And it’s first come, first serve, so buy your tickets today!
Stephen Aguilar
SAT's no longer a worry?
April 6, 2001
There was once a time when it was thought that hell would freeze over before the SAT lost its place as a valuable tool used for the admission of undergraduate students all over the country. And if recent events regarding the University of California system and their admission requirements are reliable indicators of future events (as they have proven to be in he past) Satan had better get his winter coat ready because chilly weather could be on the way.
The recent event in question is the possible elimination of the SAT requirement throughout the UC system. This controversial policy change was announced February 18, by UC president Richard Atkinson in a speech to the American Council on Education. He called for the SAT I to be scrapped from future UC undergraduate admissions decisions. His proposal to do so has a "decent chance of approval by the faculty and regents," according to US News & World Report, in the coming year.
Ever since its announcement Atkinson’s proposal has gotten mixed reactions from students, teachers, and many others. Some believe that this drastic change is long overdue because they hold the belief that the SAT I is hurtful to minority enrollment which according to some has been drastically declining ever since affirmative action was found to be discriminatory and unfair. Others, however, find Atkinson’s move to be a tactic too drastic and ill thought out that can in turn lead to lower standards.
It is also believed that because the UC system (the best public school system in the country) has such influence that if it decides to scrap the SAT I requirement that many other schools will follow it’s example. This domino effect would spell doom for the SAT I. Ironically the test was created and nationalized in hopes of giving disadvantaged kids a fair chance, a purpose that has now been lost and replaced with much criticism regarding it’s fairness to the same disadvantaged kids.
When all is said and done what does this mean for high school students such as the ones attending Colton High? For the most part Atkinson’s proposal (if even adopted) will not affect applicants for a few years. If anything our current freshman might feel it’s effects if it’s approved. Either way it is something that is worthwhile to keep one’s eye on.
BSN: Grad Night: Is it worth it? (con)
Herman Marcial and Oscar Garcia
Issue #4
Just imagine, graduation day! Probably one of the most important days in our lives for the seniors and their family and friends. Wouldn’t it be right to spend it somewhere special where you can actually celebrate together without having to worry about others? Think about it ! Going to Disneyland is going to suck due to the fact that you will be sharing the night with almost every other Southern California high school!
You will most likely lose sight of your friends and finding them will be Hell. With only six hours to "enjoy" the happiest place on Earth half of the time you’re going to spend it whining on how long the lines are and how you can’t get through. Not to forget the time you will spend looking for others. And you want to spend that time going as many rides as possibly although that might not be so hard to do considering some of the rides will be closed! But then again, there will be many clubs and dance floors to dance on but, you can barely "get your groove on" cause there’s so many people. And that’s not all, folks. All of this does not come cheap. We will be paying about $20 bucks more than the regular admission price. That’s right, about $60 to spend on trying to find your friends, get through the herds of people you don’t even know, and standing in line for huge amounts of time, which you don’t have, because all you have is 6 hours which is 8 hours less than a regular day at the park!
It’s true that that day will probably be the last day you will see many of your friends. If Grad Nite is suppose to be about spending it with the people you have been going to school with most of your lives, why cant it be somewhere our class can celebrate together? We know that most of you don’t care about all this, and you’re only going because everybody else is going and is a tradition.
And that’ s O.K. We are just saying that if you choose to go, make it fun, make it memorable, make it worth it.
BSN: Grad Night: Is it worth it? (pro)
Charissa Six
Issue #4
There are SOME PEOPLE around here who think that grad nite’s going to be pointless and no fun at all. Some are complaining about the long lines, while others about all the people. WHO CARES! Are you going to spend your time complaining or take advantage of the fact that your life will never be run by bells. . . again! Ever.
This is your night, no matter what it means to you, you need to embrace this time that you have with your friends. For many, including myself, it will be the start of the last summer that my friends and I will have together. Then it’s off to bigger and better things. I’m going to make those days memorable and not waste my time complaining about long lines.
The fun part is the opportunity of meeting new people and making short-term friends. But if you are the type of person that actually goes to the park to ride the rides, as if you had never been at Disneyland before, you will be disappointed. Of course there’s going to be long lines. It’s a THEME PARK. Our whole life we’ve stood in lines. We stand in lines every day to get our "food" at lunch time. We stand to get on a bus. We stand and wait to buy a movie ticket. Don’t tell me that after having spent such a large a portion of our lives in lines that we can’t stand to wait for a ride at Disneyland. It’s when you’re waiting in lines that you meet new people. You can talk about anything you want to. It’s your conversation. It’ s your grad nite.
The fact of the matter is, grad nite will be what you make of it. If you choose to go to Disneyland and make the most of your night, that’s up to you. If you don’t want to be bothered by waiting in lines and surrounded by people you don’t know, then don’t go. Grab your friends, go bowling, find a party, see a movie. I don’t care! DO SOMETHING! Then, let the rest of your graduating classmates go stand in lines and make new friends or do whatever they want as well. Grad nite can be one of our most memorable nights, if we choose to make it so. Grad nite will be what you make of it. It’s that simple.
Who let the dogs out? And why are they trampling on our rights?
Staff Editorial
Issue #4
For three years now a friendly, very cute chocolate brown Labrador named Penny has roamed the halls at Colton High. The "drug-dog" (as she has come to be unaffectionately known) helps to locate any drugs or weapons that may be on campus. Her enhanced sense of smell allows for the instant recognition and in most cases leads to the immediate expulsion of offenders.
And so it has been for three years now that the constitutional rights of the students here at Colton have been violated. And we at the Pepper bough think that it’s high time that this wholesale trampling is stopped.
The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution says, "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause... ."
In layman’s terms, this can be interpreted to say police (and school officials) are NOT allowed to search your belongings without a valid reason.
Unreasonable searches and seizures (evidence obtained in a haphazard or random manner) are exactly what happens every time Penny steps foot on campus. School officials order the RANDOM search of classrooms for drugs and weapons. Should the school officials, say, receive a tip that Joe Student was carrying a gun, then they would have reasonable suspicion and thus could search Joe’s bag. The fact stands, however, that more often than not there are no anonymous tips, there are no secret callers, and Joe’s (and our) Constitutional rights are violated.
The argument from school officials holds that Penny does not search private property, merely searches the school, which is public property (and not protected by the Fourth Amendment). "What Penny does is walk down the rows of the classrooms," explains Principal Jerry Almendarez. "She is searching the air particles. When she alerts on a bag we are given probable cause to search that students belongings."
Understandable. But if Penny makes her living smelling the air in classrooms, why must our belongings remain there? Why are we TOLD to leave our stuff? If, technically, the dog is sniffing the air, then technically there is no reason as to why students must leave their book bags and folders behind, right? Are school officials attempting to provide better safety for the students at Colton High, or are they simply taking advantage of another opportunity to flex their bureaucratic muscles?Well, according to Almendarez, "Leaving student property in the classroom while Penny is present is purely voluntary. However, any student wishing not to participate subjects themselves to the suspicion of school officials." So basically students are damned if they do and damned if they don’t.
When we contacted the district, their position was clear: the searches improve student safety, and overall fewer crimes have been committed since the dog was contracted. However, it should be noted that this issue has never gone to the US Supreme Court; lower courts have been divided on its constitutionality. Some courts have upheld having drug dog searches; while some students have sued their districts and won, stopping the searches.
It seems that if the main subject on their agenda was to provide better safety for students, than they’re going about it all wrong. Penny is trained to search for, among other things, gunpowder. Now, gunpowder happens to be a recurring substance in many homemade bombs. If the safety of the students is SOOOO important to school officials, why is a bag immediately searched when Penny alerts on it? Last time we checked administrators didn’t have x-ray vision, nor was there a new Assistant Principal named Clark Kent. Who is to say the bag isn’t rigged to explode when opened? Wouldn’t the proper precaution be to immediately evacuate the school, due to a possible bomb on campus?
So everything seems to be in proper order. A student has one of two choices. Leave your belongings in the classroom and allow your constitutional rights to be violated; or take them with you and get a free trip to the principal’s office.
By the way, that noise you hear coming from the office is George Washington and Thomas Jefferson rolling over in their graves.
"Won't all this candy give us cavaties?"
Amy Carrillo
Issue #4
More candy bars.
Yep, that’s right, it seems like everyday another club or sport starts selling more candy. It’s no doubt that candy sells well on campus both to students and faculty, but is there anything out there to sell besides See’s candy bars? There’s no denying that little craving that hits mid-day before lunch when you’re stuck in fourth period. Now how many of us will admit that we spent our lunch money on buying chocolate from the softball team? "I’m always spending my lunch money on candy that doesn’t even fill me up," says junior Napa Utrapiromsuk.
It is inevitable that people will cave in to temptation after repetitive questioning. "I’m asked at least ten times a day to buy candy," says senior Jason Jones.
Hey, isn’t there a school poilicy that states that students aren’t allowed to sell fundraising items on campus?
The point is, everybody is selling the SAME thing. There are so many other ways to make a buck, must everybody choose the SAME way? Sure, I understand that candy sells well, and the clubs and sports need the money, but there are several other ways to raise money. Spring is right around the corner, why not have a car wash? Or why don’t you have each member on your team sponsored by family and friends, and then play a game for fun on a Saturday to raise money?
There are so many other options to raising money besides chocolate bars...why not take advantage of them?
"Hey you! Read This!" (column)
Kristiana Segura
Issue #4
A lot has been going on in the world. Kids were shot last month, another tragedy for America’s history books. I traveled to Canada, still unaware of where I will end up after graduation. And my dog died.
I’ve never been one for making decisions. Ask anyone who knows me, I hate to plan things. I avoid responsibility whenever possible. Among many simple things in life, I thought writing this column would be a breeze, mouth off about whatever bugged me at the moment, but then I got this burden to say something real. So I wonder, have I said anything meaningful in the past? Have I made a difference with this column? Have I made any of my peers stop, and think, if only for one fleeting moment?I don’t know how many of you know what you are doing in the future. Seniors especially are faced with this looming decision making deadline. We know that come June, we are supposed to have things figured out. Where we are going, what we will do - not only for college but for our lives - how we will support ourselves etc. It seems that as time goes by the pressure has been put on America’s youth to know what they want for their future’s sooner and sooner. My junior friend was told she should already be looking at colleges, and have it somewhat narrowed down. I will not deny that it is good to have a plan, to have a vision, but we’re not all going to get to it at the same time. I believe that we, as teens should have some time to figure things out for ourselves.
So many people get into college, and change their majors a million times, never tying themselves down to any one thing. This occurrence has its good points and its bad points. It is better to change your mind now, instead of thirty years down the line, when you’re nearing retirement and wondering what would have happened if you had changed your job years ago. On the other hand, it is important to know where you want to end up.
My point is. . .1. Don’t let people rush you into something you’re not ready for
2. Find what you want to do in life, and run after that
3. Don’t let others discourage you from your dreams
4. Don’t shy away from challenges ; just go and do itIn this world there are no guarantees. Ralph Waldo Emerson said that "the world belongs to those who will grab it." So go out and grab it. Yeah, we need to make decisions about life, but have enough faith to believe that you will figure it out in your own time.
"What? Minimum wage is too high"
Steven Aguilar
Issue #4
I know what you’re thinking. It’s probably something along the lines of: "What the #$^& is this guy’s problem, saying that the minimum wage is to high ??" Well believe it or not, that’s exactly what I’m thinking.
Let’s start off by analyzing the effectiveness of increasing it in the first place. Proponents of an increase always seem to argue that raising it will benefit minorities and poor people. This however is untrue, because it isn’t just the poor people who take minimum wage jobs. Usually teenagers like us take them for extra gas money and things of that sort. Granted, we’re not the richest people in the world but we’re by no means poor either. Sadly, many poor people take "under the table" positions that are not affected by the minimum wage being raised. In fact many people including minorities get paid more than the base minimum wage, and when it gets raised say a dollar their net gain is around 50 cents because of the very fact that they were getting paid more in he first place.
In addition to the fact that a minimum wage does not accomplish its said goals, it also is unable to make a significant impact on the people who receive it. This is because labor is very costly for any company.
When a company is forced to pay its employees more, it doesn’t just simply take the a loss, it redirects the cost right back to the consumers. Apply this to bigger companies such as Wal-mart and soon a the person who just got a "raise" will find out that they can only buy the same amount of goods as they had done in the past.Now we come to the harms. Although a minimum wage increase has negligible effects on large corporations such as Wal-mart, Target, and companies of that sort, it does have a large impact on smaller companies that don’t have the resources to take the hit.
An example could include a small pizza shop as opposed to say, Dominos. While Dominos will be able to bear paying its employees more, the little pizza shop might not, thus going out of business and ruining the lives of its owners and causing employees to have to find a new job. So in reality an increase in the minimum wage will in fact hurt a different type of minority; the small business.
Even if it did have a few benefits we have to understand that there is a limit when it comes to raising the minimum wage. If it is raised too much, too fast, we will suffer real consequences that will take the form of the unemployment rate rising. Many of the affected people will be those whom the wage increase was trying to help.Our nation needs to be very careful about these things, for we live in uncertain times.
"Our trash might be gold"
Paul Lopez
Issue #4
In the battlefield of our quad area, hidden in the bins made for trash, is littered the solution to the extreme prices of the prom and senior dues: plastic bottles and aluminum cans. A profit recycling program should be in order.
Every student at least buys one soda (can or bottle) per day, and if someone picked up the empties for a week and exchanged them, we would have some serious money in our piggy-bank. So if a club that represents the students, like say ASB, could gather and get the interest of the students to help out, they could use this money towards our dances, carnivals, and pep rallies. And this should not only be for this year only but for the years to come.
So to ASB prez Sarah Stewart, take this into consideration with the school and fellow ASB members.
There’s gold in them thar trash bins! Recycle today!
CHS Rapper Releases CD
By Ismael Zamora
April 6, 2001Very few know of Colton High School’s 200 plus copy selling rap artist, senior John Martinez. Martinez, who goes by the rap name Troublesome sold his 10-track self titled album "Troublesome 2001" to mostly friends who knew about it. To most of Martinez’s friends this album was highly anticipated because he always recorded tracks and people got to hear them, but they never got their hands on any of Troublesome material.
Now with the release of his CD people all over Colton High know the blue chuck, bandana wearing Troublesome with his hard hitting lyrics of gangster rap that "2001" contains. Not forgetting where he came from, John mentions Colton many times on the CD as well as other things that would trouble a normal kid like John who only wants the best and who only wants to give the best.
John admits that "it took a while to release the CD because it was hard getting songs down in the studio but all the time was way worth it because we came out with ten songs that I liked and producers as well." And with the results of "2001" John hopes to get sign to a major record label and just blow up.
And not bad for a Colton kid such as John who loves what he does rapping since the begging of seventh grade from just writing poems and then adding beats to them from suggestion’s of family members thinking he had something going for him self. And now years into the making, Troublesome has arrived with "2001." So if you’re interested in a copy, look up John Martinez, because if you want to hear some good rap I suggest you pick up"Troublesome 2001."
Enemy at the Gates
By Napa Utrapiromsuk
April 6, 2001For Russia, World War II was time of chaos and hopelessness. Germany and Russia fought hard, each struggling to win at Stanlingrad, where many young Russians and Germans were sent to fight. "Enemy at the Gates" begins with dead bodies and bullets flying everywhere. This movie depicts the rude awakening of war and its hard times. Russia, feeling the wrath of Germany, is close to defeat. Until a shepherd boy named Vassili (Jude Law) accidentally falls into the position as a sniper, and becoming the "Hope of Russia."
Vassili is made a hero by a political officer in charge of the newspaper (Joseph Fiennes), who also becomes his closest friend. Germany, upset with Vassili’s sharpshooting, calls in for it’s top sniper (played with icy precision by Ed Harris). The two battle it out, one trying to out smart the other, but knowing at the end only one will be able to walk away alive.
This movie is full of action, romance, and has a great cast. As well as the suspense, "Enemy at the Gates" is jammed with mind games, ready for the audience to guess "what will happen next?" With all the drama, there is still some room for a little human humor; what I mean is that the movie shows different aspect of people’s imperfect personality that gives the movie the little tint of humor.
However, this movie is far from a comedy. It shows footage that makes you feel as if you were there. It has chaotic war scences that bring to mind the classic beginning to "Saving Private Ryan." A great movie to help you realize the world around you, and escape to the past.
I give "Enemy of the Gates" two thumbs up and 4 stars!
Heartbreakers
By Veronica Sanchez
April 6, 2001Heartbreakers, starring Sigourney Weaver, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Gene Hackman, Jason Lee, Ray Liotta, and Anne Bancroft is about a mother and daughter who are dirty rotten scam artists. Max (Weaver) gets wealthy men like Dean(Liotta) a womenanizer, to marry, then divorces him when she catches him with another babe. The other babe is always Page (Hewitt), the little girl Max has trained to scam off men. Suddenly, Max and Page need a lot of money, because the $300,000 settlement they got from Dean isn’t enough to pay off the IRS. An IRS agent (Bancroft) comes looking for them. So they go to Palm Beach, Florida to reel in multibillionaire Willian Tensy (Hackman).
While Max is moving in for the kill, Page starts stalking a bartender (Lee) who owns a restaurant on a parcel of land worth $3,000,000. Unfortunately, Page commits a sin and falls in love with him.
This movie is both heartbreaking and funny. I give it 3 out of 4 stars.
Playing at the Station
By Marrisa Gutierez
April 6, 2001Capcom’s Onimusha: Warlords took a lot of flack early on. "It’s just a Resident Evil with a sword," cried some. "Why use prerendered backgrounds on the PS2?" complained others.
To a certain degree, the naysayers had a point. After all, Onimusha does follow the style of the RE series—its controls, puzzles, etc.—and it does stand to reason that prerendered backgrounds are more of a PS1 thing. Ultimately, Onimusha should quiet most criticisms as it simply does more with the RE formula than we’ve ever seen.To start things off, the game is opened by a kick-butt CG cinema that is good enough to win an academy award. And, oh yeah...there’s a game there too! The hero of Onimusha is a valiant samurai named Samanosuke. His overall quest is to free Princess Yuki from the demonic forces of the Dark Realm—which has also struck a deal with legendary Japanese general Oda Nobunaga. The scenario opens the door for a whole slew of creative-looking [if silly at times] enemies there for your hacking-and-slashing delight, with a bit of Japanese history thrown in too.
And oh, how much fun that hacking and slashing can be! By collecting three orbs and placing them within your mystical gauntlet, the element of magic introduces itself to the RE formula, as you let those hell spawns have it with your thunder, fire, and wind attacks—they’re the type of assaults that make you give an emphatic "oh, yeah!" the first time you see them.
A touch of Soul Reaver comes into play, as well, with your gauntlet’s ability to swallow the souls of the defeated enemies, which in turn supplies you with mana, extra health, and the cool ability to power up your weapons for maximum damage.
You can find other weapons in treasure chests, many of which are protected by some truly great puzzles.
Beside some minor drawbacks, like the slightly ambiguous Resident Evilesque story and the moderately short play time, Onimusha’s spectacular visuals and hack-and-slash action make up for everything.
So get up from where you’re sitting and run for the store because this one is a definite must-play!
Tupac Still with us
By Steven Ramirez
April 6, 2001Put together leftover Tupac Shakur recordings, scatter up some beats, promote a few ads, and send a single to a few radio stations, then what do you got? Money in the pockets of three different record labels. Yep, that’s right Tupac has another album out. It’s a double CD called Until The End Of Time and it has the most songs ever to be on a Tupac album.
Compared to Pac’s previous double CDs this one comes no where close to being as hot as All Eyes On Me or R U Still Down but it has its own unique sound unlike any other Pac albums. You would expect more from Pac, but the only thing he had to do with this CD was the lyrics, which are incredible and like that of no other rapper in the game today.
The beats for the songs fit Pac a little loosely, but it’s a sound that is different from all the rap mumbo jumbo that is out now. There isn’t really any hard core Pac songs like Hit ‘Em Up, the only thing that comes close is the first track, Ballad Of A Dead Soulja, which as far as beat wise, I think is the hardest track. Then there is a little of that real Makaveli taste with the track Everything They Owe where he talks of getting arrested for having kilos, then his family can’t pay an outrageous bail, so they offer him a deal if he was to rat that they would move him to a mansion in Brazil, but he would have to give up everything he owes. This would explain why when he "died" all his money was mysteriously gone.
Most of the songs are songs for when you are feeling down or confused like that of Krazy, from Makaveli The Don Killuminati, which are songs that "bigger" Pac fans enjoy. The whole style of this album is like the style of the album Still I Rise, which came out two years ago; if you like that CD you will definitely love this one.The bottom line is that this album is for people who really like Tupac, not just for his music, but for his personality. You really get to know him a lot better from this album. This is real "thug from the gutter to riches" music. Go buy this album, your money won’t be wasted if you like Tupac.
On a side note executive producer of this album, Suge Knight gets paroled from prison this month. Watch out!
Where's the best place to take a date
By Lisa Humphrey
April 6, 2001Dining out is a great way to begin or end a date. Some restaurants provide the ideal setting for romance, while others enhance a light environment of comfort and fun. Whichever you prefer, these places will provide a satisfying meal. You decide the budget.
In my quest for finding restaurants suited for more than just my tastes, I sampled the likes of The Olive Garden, Claim Jumpers, the Crab Cooker, El Torito, and more. So, if you can hear your stomach thundering now, read on.
If you are in the mood for a big hunk of beef, but your date prefers a salad or sandwich, what do you do? Well, if you are like me and demand some serious grub, you’ll head over to the nearest Claim Jumpers. The prices vary depending on the meal, but I would say it is about $12 on average for a plate. For the most part they’ve got friendly staff, tons of food, and if you tell them it’s your birthday, they will treat you with free cake. Not too bad, that is, if you can spare the embarrassment of a the whole staff crooning in your ear.
Now onto the Italian. The Olive Garden was my pick. This restaurant supplies a nice, more quaint setting. The atmosphere isn’t all wild, but it isn’t too in-your-face mushy. The food is authentic Italian (maybe too authentic for my taste) but hey, that’s what we are going for, right? My estimate is between $20-30 for two; and hey, with free salad and breadsticks, who could pass that up? Did I mention they put cheese on everything?
For seafood, firstly, I recommend leaving town. I have seen the likes of the local fish food; my response: we are better off catching our own. For some really delicious lobster or crab, head down to the Crab Cooker in Newport beach. The fish is definitely fresh, and there is the perfect setting for a nice evening walk on the beach afterward. All you have to do is cross the street, and your toes will be wiggling in the sand. This is a much more romantic date. Don’t leave without trying the clam chowder. This one will be a little more expensive, (the lobster is around $26), but it’s worth it.
Next, there’s El Torito. Mexican food is a touchy subject. I find that most people either love this place, or they hate it. I happen to think that the food is great, and you never have to wait long to get it. Definitely a plus. You won’t have leave until you are full. This restaurant is colorful, but not too overdone. The price is about $8-12 a person, on average.
If a bite to eat, and a little Rock ‘n Roll nostalgia is what you are into, head over to the Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood. Located on the Universal City Walk, this restaurant provides the perfect atmosphere for young people. It’s fun, it’s popular, and you cannot miss the ’57 Chevy tribute parked (not literally) just below the ceiling.
This is a great place to take your boyfriend or girlfriend, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a first date ( the music is a little loud for conversation).
Then of course, for a late night date, or hangout, there’s always good old Dennys. It’s open 24 hours for your convenience, and there is always one located within a fifteen mile radius. Sometimes the service could be quicker. However, the food is inexpensive, and you are sure to find something you like: be it breakfast at 10 pm, or a hot fudge sundae upon request.
Remember: Denny’s does their best to serve any strange eating habits.
So, enjoy your date, enjoy the food, and be safe.
Poll on Homosexuality
By Jason Jones and Julie Connor
Issue 4
How do YOU feel about homosexuals? It’s not a secret anymore about who is gay and who isn’t. More and more homosexual people have "come out" and expressed themselves publicly. We polled 100 Colton High students on three questions on
homosexuaity.The third question was challenged as not being a fair question. "Everyone is criticized in the world no matter what, whether gay or straight, so there is no wrong, whether positive or negative in their depiction in the media," was one such response.
The hot topic of homosexuality is also known to be controversial. A number of students at Colton High said that although they would accept their friends as homosexuals, they would not support their actions. " I would accept her but I wouldn’t support her because I would feel uncomfortable around her," said another student.
The Poll: Attitudes towards
homosexuality
at Colton High SchoolFirst question- Do you believe that homosexuals are born that way?
Reply: 25 said yes
60 said no
15 were undecidedSecond question- If your best friend "came out" to you, would you accept him/her, shun them?
Reply: 69 accept
10 shun
21 were undecidedThird question- Is the media going overboard in their depiction of gays in the movies, TV etc
Reply: 51 said yes
34 said no
15 were undecided
Homosexuality on television
By Kim Powell
and Julie Connor
Issue 4It’s 8:30 p.m. It’s been a long day, and you sit down with your parents or younger siblings to spend some quality time, watching some quality programming. Sounds cozy, doesn’t it? Until you turn on the TV set and find yourself listening to two men discussing which of them is wilder in the bedroom. You find this greatly disturbing. The word "uncomfortable" does not even begin to describe the feeling in the room.
This isn’t a story on gay equality on television. This is about how homosexuals are presented, and to what audience they are presented to.
It began years ago when networks starting slipping in homosexuality into its programming. Take for example, Roseanne. The fantastic comedy was viewed by a wide ranging audience. A show about your typical white trash dysfunctional family. A show that introduced us to five gay characters. Both Rosanne’s mother, Bev and her best friend Nancy were lesbian. Who can forget the episode where Rosanne was kissed in the gay bar? Yes, this was just the beginning and it has been on the rise ever since.
Networks seem to be targeting junior high and high school aged kids with the idea that homosexuality is okay; maybe even encouraging it’s audience that society is ready for gay propaganda. Buffy the Vampire Slayer portrays lesbian witches who get to snuggle, Dawson’s Creek shows Jack (the gay character) coaching peewee soccer, and Popular depicts Lilly taking harassment for starting a gay fan club.
In our humble (and politically incorrect opinion), we feel that the media is taking the whole thing a tad bit too far: basically they’re taking the whole "equality" thing and going buck wild with it. Stop the madness already. Daria , a cartoon on MTV (you can always count on them for some quality, wholesome entertainment), recently ran an episode where a bisexual older woman comes on to Jane, (a high school student) at an art museum. This cartoon is viewed by an audience of children. What are we telling these kids? Back in our day, the most controversial issues we saw was Jesse Spano on Saved By the Bell, who took caffeine pills so she could study longer and who once led a protest against the makers of Styrofoam to protect the environment.Now we want to feed our children ideas about kissing your best friend and other such things that we like to label as "sick trash." There is now a show on Showtime called Queer As Folk, which is specifically devoted to those of same sex preference which drips MA ratings. The only reason this show has gotten so much attention is because it is so graphic. The Cable and Satelite systems hold nothing back from the public nor do they leave anything for the imagination.
If networks are trying to convince the public that homosexuality should be accepted and encouraged in the home, schools, and the workplace, they’re far from taking an effective route because every gay character depicted seems to be flighty, flamboyant and is always used as the punchline of the plot. Take, for instance, Jack from Will and Grace. Jack must make it a point in every episode to "act gay". In their attempt to "diversify America" and include politically correct subject matter on TV, networks are defeating themselves by profiling gays with stereotypes.
So let’s recap: Quit with the gay propaganda already. It’s tiresome seeing the same namby-pamby character stuck into every sitcom in some futile attempt at spreading "acceptance". Television is corrupting the image of gays rather than helping it, and in the process, is selling that image.
Lyric Controversy
By Kim Powell
Issue 4
"She’s a little runaway/
Daddy’s girl in the past- now she works the night away/
Oooh, she’s a little runaway..."
- Bon JoviRemember when this was as risque as lyrics got? Well, apparently tact and wholesome music died along with the eighties. It seems that nowadays, anything short of bubble gum pop has a "Parental Advisory" sticker plastered on it, and even those sugary lyrics are tainted with sultry implicatiuons. It’s no wonder kids are turning to drugs and violence, right? It’s this tasteless, evil music that’s brainwashing the youth of America! Or is it?
Anymore, it seems whenever something goes wrong, the TV, the internet, and the music kids are exposed to is to blame. In the recent Santee school shooting, the suspect told a friend that lyrics to a song by the group Linkin Park "inspired" him to shoot up his school. Whatever happened to taking responsibility for one’s own actions? The old excuse, "The devil made me do it", has turned into "Marilyn Mandson made me do it". And why not? After all, the man is the self proclaimed "All American Anti-Christ", and people will believe it, because in today’s society, it’s easier to blame an outside source rather than believe anyone has an ounce of accountability for themselves.
Still, today’s music honestly does put images up for grabs for the first gullible kid to come along and latch onto. No one type of music is at fault; every music scene has its own prison pal poster boy. Take, for instance, the aforementioned Marilyn Manson- a band whose members, including Manson, Twiggy Ramirez, and Daisy Berkowitz, chose serial killers as their namesakes. Care to sample a few hymns written by these hell-sent choir boys? How about "Irresponsible Hate Anthem", "White Trash", or "Rock n’ Roll Nigger"? It’s obvious these guys are all about spreading the love.
In addition to this motif of ‘live and let live’ is "Last Resort", a song by the rock band Papa Roach, which has been put into heavy rotation on the radio. It’s yet another song about being fed up with life in general, giving reference to cutting and mutilation, and "contemplating suicide." Korn, another popular band, has its fair share of crude content, including song titles such as "Porno Creep" and "Kill You." None, however, are comperable to a beloved Korn track, which we can’t print the name of here, which spews 23 profane insults in a row toward women.Speaking of negativity toward women, allow me to introduce one and all to newcomer Lil’ Wayne, whose rap song, "Break Me Off" uses the affectionate term "bitch" about 500 times. Wayne goes into great detail of sexual acts far too lewd to be printed, including numerous ways and locations of ‘distributing’ various bodily fluids. "...can’t take it when they shake it/ make me rape ‘em..." is a line in this pleasant song. Another song, "Biznite", talks about using women for sex and denying paternity of his abundant illegitimate children. But he doesn’t stop there. The track, "@*#$ Wit Me Now", glorifies every illegal drug known to man, and proudly admits selling them. Did I mention that Lil’ Wayne is 17?
And, of course, there’s Eminem, our most famously crass music artist- and probably the only one with a really good point. We’re all aware of the absurd vulgarity included in his music. For example, the intro to his latest CD, which ends with, "Slim Shady is fed up with your (expletive), and he’s going to kill you". Or "Drug Anthem": apparently, when one reaches a certain level of drunkenness, they are "now allowed to officially slap bitches". The song, "Ammityville" raps rape, sodomy, and incest. Haunting melodies accompany the murderous lyrics of "Stan" and "Kim", the latter being an ode to his ex-wife, in which he kills her. For the second time. Most disturbing, however, are the references to the Columbine shootings and Ron Goldman, which were edited after even Interscope Records refused to release them.
But what’s this ‘really good point’ you might ask? Well, Eminem, being the warped individual that he is, finds it humorous that America blames music for current tragedies, and he uses it as fuel for his song writing. "I never knew I’d affect this kid", he raps, and blames negligent parents for the problems kids are having- most notably, the parents of the Columbine shooters. "It seeme the media immediatly points a finger at me," is the cry of pity on "The Way I Am", as he speaks out against blame falling on Marilyn Manson and heroin, when the question is, "where were the parents at?" Sure, his lyrics are offensive, but there’s a message interlaced with his music. The message is this: It’s a rap song—not a Bible excerpt. His lyrics are drenched with irony and sarcasm; they’re not meant to be taken literally, and anyone with a brain should know that.One such infamous controversy is his repeated use of the word "faggot". In a televised interview with MTV, Eminem said that he does use the word as an insult, but not neccesarily use it to specifically insult homosexuals. Openly gay singer Elton John suppots Eminem’s free expression, going so far as to perform with him at the Grammy’s, much to the outrage of gay rights groups.
So, in retrospect, the lyrical content of today’s music is unquestionably foul and not for public consumption. That’s what the advisory labels are there for- they’re a warning. And, to be honest, yes, youth does look to music icons, and some may be influenced. But the fact of the matter is, the kids who are old enough to buy this music are old enough to think for themselves. No amount of violent rap or speed metal is going to influence them any more than they allow it to. It is not the music industry’s job to raise the children of America. It’s high time we took responsibility for ourselves, and took music for what it’s worth- entertainment.
There's an Elephant in my living room
By Kristiana Sequra
Issue 4
My brother is gay. I’m a Christian. So where do I stand on this ‘make a decision and stand by it’ issue?
My brother came out when I was eleven. I was a kid and I really didn’t know what was going on. I didn’t understand why my parents were yelling, why my grandma was crying, or why my cousin was saying "I told you so". I guess I must have been playing in my room cause I managed to miss the entire conversation that had gotten my family in an uproar.I grew up with an elephant in the living room, everyone knew it was there, and no one was willing to talk about it. I don’t really know when I figured out Justin was gay; or maybe I always knew. But I always loved my brother, that was never an issue. I always accepted him, and whomever he wanted to be with.
I was always really opinionated about gay rights, and all that stuff - in my 13 year old wisdom. I hated the idea of my brother being looked down upon, I hated the thought of him being discriminated against. I grew up in a Presbyterian church (hymnals and all) so it wasn’t a problem going against my mother saying that homosexuality was wrong; ‘cause I didn’t care what the Bible had to say about it, like I didn’t care what the Bible said about a lot of things.
Do you know how hard it is to stand up for something you believe in, when everyone looks at you like you’re crazy? Do you know how hard it is to say that something is wrong; when the entire world is beginning to say that it is right? It’s hard. I can only imagine that it’s about as hard as coming out of the closet.
I became a Christian my freshman year, and for the longest time my views on homosexuality did not change. I believed in God and still fought against anyone who said something against homosexuality. I straddled the fence on this issue.
And in some sense I was being hypocritical about my faith. But my youth pastor asked my youth group one night if they believed in the Bible. Everyone said yes. He went on to say that if we believed that God came to save us, if we believed that He loves us, that He died for us, then we had to believe every other thing that the Bible says.
I can’t pick and chose at the Bible as to what I’m going to believe, and what I’m not going to believe in. It’d be like picking two of the commandments to follow, and going against the other eight.
So where do I stand now? The Bible says clearly "Flee from sexual immorality. He who commits sexual immorality sins against himself." [1 Corinth. 6:18.] That’s talking about any type of sexual sin. Homosexuality is addressed directly in the bible. But that in NO WAY means that Christians hate homosexuals. It’s a common misconception against churches. And some churches have changed their views on the issue, because of popular opinion.
But that is changing their opinions, not God’s. The greatest commandment is to "love one another as God first loved you" [John 15:11.] Although God does not permit homosexuality, he loves homosexuals. Sin is sin in God’s eyes. Lying, murdering, sexual sin, it’s equal, and it’s forgivable.
This whole issue is not as cut and dried as everyone would like it to be. I love my brother, I do not believe that he is living the life God has called him to live, but I do believe that he, like everyone else, deserves respect, and love. Hate the sin, love the sinner. This story was in no way easy to write. I was asked to voice my opinion, and I agreed, but I didn’t know how hard it would be.
Turning 18... What are your options?
By Amy Yarnall
and Lindsay Graham
Issue 4
Most of us have had this day marked on our calendars for the past three years, waiting with anticipation for what the event would bring. It’s finally here the BIG 18! So now that it’s here what will you do? What are your options; really?
Of course there’s the ever loving way of irritating your parents by getting all of those tattoos and piercings you’ve been waiting for, and they’ve been dreading.
Then there is the club’n. Guys and girls dancing together, with enough rub downs and touching to make a porno. Just kidding, but really the energy is intense and the body movement is very suggestive. But hey, if it works for you then technically you’re free to do it. Hey, for all you guys while you’re at it there is always the "gentlemen’s clubs." There’s no need for any further explanation.
For those of you who tend to be on the more conservative side, here’s another angle for you. If you’re an 18 year old senior then you too have certain liberties, such as, signing yourself out of school, and signing your own field trip papers (if you don’t already.) If you are a person interested in the politics, then you can always vote. Financially you can have your own credit card, and checking account, without having to go through that annoying process of having your parents co-sign. This is the perfect time to start forming a credit history, in order to be prepared for all of the "glamorous" responsibilities of being an adult. Responsibilities like buying a car, paying for the car payments and insurance, rent, utilities, and depending on how lucky you are, college tuition, books, and other materials.
On the realistic side, most high school students who are of age, still live at home. Although you have the opportunity to take advantage of these priviledges, not many will go all the way with them. Come on, do you really think that you will be able to financially afford all of these payments that you’ll have if you move out. It’s highly unlikely, unless you have super rich parents, or any other people who are willing to help out. So, what really are your options...really?
The best places to Volunteer
by Ashley Jay
Issue 4
They always say,"It is better to give than to receive." Some think that time is one of the most important gifts of all. If you share this heart warming theory, then volunteering is the road for you. Volunteering for charity work can boost your morale or just give you those good old mushy feelings. There are countless ways to spread your love.
Working to brighten up the day for cute little kids is fun and rewarding to see their little faces light up. Almost all hospitals offer many volunteer options for helping and are more than happy to welcome your charity. You might work with young patients with anything as life threatening as cancer to children with a broken leg who just need some company.
Some convalescent homes offer a chance to get in touch with our elders. Most elderly people just need some company and assistance and are thrilled to have someone to listen to them.
Some people prefer a less personal approach or just don’t consider themselves a ‘people person’. That’s okay, because there are still indirect ways to help out and they are just as rewarding.
Senior Fernanda Cerda, our very own foreign exchange student from Spain, volunteered at home. She helped usher people to their seats in the Madrid Soccer Stadium at the arrival of Pope Juan Paplo, and answered any questions the arrivals might have had. She says that she had the opportunity to come in contact with a variety of people, such as children, elderly, and nuns. "...I enjoyed it because I took a lot of souvenirs and saw the saw the event in the front line."
Even Colton High has a club dedicated to helping out. The key club volunteers for a variety of things. If you have any questions the clubs supervisor is teacher, Frank Miller.
Volunteering is a great way to give back a little and to show that you care. So get out there and make a difference.
Letter to Editor
Issue 4
April 6, 2001
When we, the homosexuals on this campus (and trust us, there are way more than just us two) tried to get a club that specifically addressed gay/lesbian and straight alliances, we were denied. Some must believe we are going to have a group that talks about sex all day, when really a lot of adolescent homosexuals need to know that they are not alone in going through many problems in school and at home.
We placed up flyers when given permission that had nothing to do with sex; they contained simple facts about homosexual adolescents and how they are treated by schoolmates and staff. These flyers were later taken down because they were deemed "offensive," "sexual," and "not appropriate for school." But what exactly was "sexual" or "offensive?" Maybe it was because the flyer stated, "Love is never wrong," and "We are everywhere." Or was it the facts given about how homosexuals are treated in high school? Sex was never mentioned, and yet many parents were so upset about the posters that they called the school to protest. Nobody ever seemed to acknowledge that this was all placed up in a multicultural class.
So why do we care to have a voice? Homophobia . . . we see it everyday right on this campus. Just about all seniors are probably wondering what ever happened with the senior polls. Who really won cutest couple? It is said we lost. But did we? Many on this campus believe we actually won. We tried to find out what happened, to find out how many votes the "winning" couple received compared to how many votes we received. We were told the ballots had been thrown out. We feel there should be a recount, but that’s not possible now. So we will never know for sure.
Just to let everyone know, we all know who really won. Thanks for your votes. We are the future. And it looks a lot better. Thanks for your support.
Stop the hate.
-Holly and Ariana Thompson
Makin riches from rags
by Megan Rieter'
Issue 4
"They are cool just like me," states senior Erik Collins as he grabs his vintage shirt. "Vintage shops are full of unique, one of a kind type clothing. "The shirts there just seem to fit me and my style great," says Collins.
Thrift stores have turned themselves around and have given their name a new meaning. Its the fad of the millenium, its cheap, its worn in and its original. Thrift stores are no longer being perceived as ghetto, but hip.
Throughout the campus, articles of clothing mean a lot to you Yellowjackets. It basically defines you as a person and it’s what people see first. But what better way to describe yourself than through a little second hand type of outfit? No more cutting your own holes in jeans, or washing a shirt to shrink it, to get it worn in, or even throwing in a couple of stains to give yourself a rugged kick back look. The helter-skelter design of thrift stores help any shopper have more of a challenge.
I know you guys have trouble finding things in these thift stores but it’s all about exploring. The shops carry a history within itself. The things that are in the shops have probably been around for quite some years and who knows who owned them? It could’ve been a rock star or just some really nice people not even from America. When you think about it, thrift stores carry artifacts. Things that are twice as old as you.
Money is a big issue for now a day shopping. The clothes in most stores can be costly and not every one has money like that to spend. For a single shirt it varies from $16.00 and up but at a thrift store, you can get about 4 shirts for the price of 1. "I’m always looking for great deals because it’s so ridiculus how the prices for a little piece of material is rambunciously high," says senior Lindsay Graham. "I think it’s who I am and not everyone is meant to wear clothing that looks worn in." Any body can wear vintage clothes but some just like the new clothing better.
A lot of people can’t handle the smell of thrift stores, but hey, you get used to it after awhile. "When I walk into a thrift store," says senior Julie Connor. "that overpowering, musty smell is almost a guarantee that after I search the racks I’m going to emerge with something completely fantastic and that it will have only cost me about a buck and a quarter. I love that smell." It’s almost that smell that makes you want to rummage through time.
Thrift stores also unite people and it’s a place to remenisce about each others youth. "Ahh dude, I use to have one of these when I was about 5 years old. Thats crazy." It’s almost like diging up the past. The toys, the belts, the old records, who knows, they could possibly be worth millions, and so on. It’s all worth while just to sit back and ransack a store that has never ending curiosity within each square inch it can possibly contain. You don’t find that in any Forever 21 or Millers Outpost.
Thrift stores just have that cool feeling. The vibe that sets off in there is electric. Who knows, you might go in and find nothing, but come out remembering some of the coolest things that faded away. As senior Erik Collins said," Thrift stores are COOL!" and that’s the way they will always stay.
By Denise Alcantar
Badminton
issue #4
Badminton is firing up up the season with a winning streak. They have played five games and have won five. The first game was against Redlands, the score was 14 to 5. Next one was against Redlands East Valley, they came out with 17 to 2 . Alta Loma was their next victims and they got clobbered with a 19 to 0 sweep. Etiwanda was next in line and they were smashed with a 15 to 4 win. The last game was against Riverside Polley and we came out victoriously with a score of to . This concluded the end of the first round.
Coach Sandra Guidi says the team is spending more time on foot work. This year the team lost the first and second top singles players, so she had to use doubles players; Kristarrae Flynn , and Meagan Campble,who are both Seniors and now the new top singles players . The boys top singles players are juniors; Tom Fitch and Alan Conrad. The number one top boys doubles players are, Senoirs; Owen Daniels and Aristo Wibawa, who are as of now undeafeted. The second best are Sophmores; Bayau Setyawan , Daniel Sompoton, and alternate Kelli sorensong. The number one girls doubles are Senoirs; Kristen Arakaki and Shelli Baden.The number two doubles players are Amber Arakaki and Brandis Zapata, also Senoirs.
They have practises pretty much everyday there is no game, usually from two thirty to five, at the latest.
The two goals are to "win league championship," and "at least make it to semifinals CIF." says coach Guidi. Need a little more work on anything? Coach Guidi says they are continually working on strikes and shot placement. She comments, "There's always room for improvement." She went on to say the league is so weak, that the team goes to tournaments every weekend, to play stronger players.
The weekend of March 10, the J.V's went to the tournament, the number one J.V. players were sophmores; Maria Aguilara and Rose Trevino, who won second place. The number two J.V. players, sophmores; Marissa Rico and Melissa Rico, won consolation.Of course it is not surprising that they are doing so well , coach Guidi says the reason all the Badminton teams are so well is "Continuity... most of the players begin as freshman and continue through to senior year." Also,"We spend more time than most of the teams in the league on skill drills ." Well , that sure works, seeing as how well the team is doing. "I have an exceptional group this year, as far as willingness to work hard,condition and drill to improve," Coach Guidi proudly stated.
by Steven Perez
issue 4
baseball
Off-season hype was plentiful for the Varsity Baseball team. One could scarecely read an SAL preview without learning about the myriad of players the Jackets were returning, or about how star outfielder/pitcher Chris Howard signed with the USC Trojans this off-season. Heck, the Sun Newspaper’s headline read "Colton to challenge Yucaipa for SAL title." Team goals read loud and clear, "win an SAL title and advance far in CIF Playoffs."
Despite all the attention, the Jackets seem puzzled, and have underachieved to a mediocre 5-5 overall record and an 0-3 league record. But what appears most puzzling is the fact that in several of the team’s five losses, they led the game in the late innings.
"If someone would have told me (this winter) that we would start of 0-3 in league," says Head Coach Chad Bishop, "I would have told them they were crazy. It comes down to one thing: we’re blowing late inning leads."
The Jackets lost league games to the Yucaipa Thunderbirds, the San Bernardino Cardinals, and the Cajon Cowboys by scores of 10-7, 6-5, and 6-3 respectively. What Bishop refers to, however, is that the team led 7-4 in the 6th against Yucaipa, 4-1 in the 4th against San Bernardino, and 3-1 in the 5th against Cajon.
"We just need to start playing consistent baseball," says Howard. "We have to put away the teams we’re supposed to put away."Compared to last years team which compiled an 8-7 record en route to a 2nd place league finish, these Jackets appear to have a much stonger team. In addition to senior co-captain Howard, the team returned senior co-captain/shortstop Mike Rossano, both 1st team all-league recipients.
Despite the slow league start, Bishop points out that several of the Jackets have played well. The team has seen consistent hitting and pitching from the likes of Aaron Grant and Richard Rossano, both juniors. Howard has been his spectacular self and junior catcher Marcus DeVoe has provided some power to the lineup.With talent like this, don’t expect the Jackets to wilt under pressure. On the contrary, we expect them to prove preseason praise correct and contend for a league title.
"I think we can be the first place team," says Howard. "It’s just a matter of us putting it all together."
By Amber Arakaki
issue 4
golf
Although Colton High’s boys’ golf team lost their chance at being the sole champions of the San Andreas League when they faced a hurtful match against Yucaipa. They still look forward to a still rewarding season as co-league champions.
It was a devastating loss for the team against Yucaipa on March 22 with a difference of 17 strokes. Most of the team entered Yucaipa territory for the first time making it difficult to keep up. "The team was very disappointed in the outcome," says Coach Tars Petrie, "but they’re excited to be able to defend in their own course."
Despite the loss, Coach Tars Petrie believes that the team can take it all the way to CIF. The only way to do so, however, Petrie says, is to build confidence in the players. "They have talent, but the goal is to have them mentally prepared for each match." The boys’ team believes that they have good odds in advancing to CIF. Senior co-captain Brandon Hillpot says, "If we practice a lot and stay focused and dedicated to our game, we will do great in league and in the CIF playoffs."
The team has already broken Colton High School’s record for one match (nine holes, 5 players). The boys played a game of 188 points against San Bernardino High School on March 20, surpassing the school’s record of 191 . "The team was very excited" elates Petrie. Senior co-captain Tim Berliner also reached his own personal high school career record in the match against San Berdoo when he shot par. "It was the first time I ever shot four birdies in a row," says Berliner, "Now my new goal is to shoot under par."
Other prominent players are junior Jeff Doolittle and sophomore Cody Moore. The Colton boys will face Yucaipa in a fierce battle on their own turf on the April 17.
Steve Perez
issue 4
softball
It seems the Varsity Softball team has become somewhat one dimensional these days. To most spectators, every game represents almost a carbon copy of the game before. What the Jackets do over and over again is something they’ve done the past three years: WIN, WIN, WIN!
Despite the success, the Jackets have a long road to travel to meet the team goals laid out before the season began. "Our goal is to win another SAL Championship, and a CIF Championship," says Head Coach Joe Montes.With 11 games left, the Jackets seem poised to make a run at an undefeated season. As of March 28, the team posted a record of 12-0 overall, 4-0 in league play and boasted a #1 CIF (Division 1) ranking.
If that’s not impressive enough, the play of senior co-captain/pitcher Desiree Serrano (last years SAL MVP and San Bernardino County Player of The Year) has been nothing short of spectacular. In twelve games, Serrano has allowed no earned runs, and at times scarcely allowed a hit."Desiree’s one of those very special players," says Montes. "She works hard, is a team leader, and gets everybody motivated."
Midway through the season, the Jackets have already tacked on several memorable games. The championship game of the Alta Loma tournament saw the team deadlocked with Chapparal in the bottom of the 7th, with two outs and two strikes on freshman Bionka King. King (3rd base) proved herself the hero in knocking home Serrano to win the contest by a score of 2-1 and the championship.
The upstart Cajon Cowboys came ready to play when they squared off against the team in the first round of league play.In a pitchers duel between Serrano and Cajon star pitcher Roxy Moran, the game approached the 10th inning. Junior shortstop Cary Akins hit a triple, bringing home Serrano and winning the game.
While many teams often talk of bringing home an SAL championship, and possibly a CIF championship, it seems the Varsity Softball team has a realistic chance of accomplishing these goals. With just about half of the season in the bag, look for these Jackets to travel a long journey in the playoffs. Yuciapa comes to visit Colton today at 3:15.
by April Valenti
issue 4
swim team
The dedicated swim team practices and competes rain or shine, two hours a day, five days a week, or when ever they don’t have a meet. "I expect to have fun this season, not necessarily win it, but in the meantime we will be enjoying ourselves," says sophomore Priscilla Montgomery. "We have a lot of school spirit and we are a very close team, very bonded."
A commonly asked question about the team is "How do they practice when Colton High doesn’t have a swimming pool on campus?" After school, the swimmers take bus route 114 to the Hutton Center, where there is a swimming pool and locker rooms. "Our facilities rock! We have warm showers that have separate stalls. I love having home meets," says Montgomery.
Meets are held almost consistently every Tuesday and Thursday. "I think we are going to be ‘young. ‘ We don’t have a lot of experienced swimmers," says James Vickers, one of the swim coaches.
"This year I hope we all pull together as a team," says senior Brian Shumate. "We have a good number of guys unlike other years. For the girls this year will be a learning experience on how to get into the groove of swim meets and stuff like that." This season the team got a new coach, Mr. Elliot, a history teacher here on campus. "Mr. Elliot knows a lot about swimming and he has proved to be a good coach. He is a big benefit to the team," remarks Shumate.
The first league competition was held on March 20. "For the first time sense I’ve been on the team, all the girls had matching bathing suits. It doesn’t seem like a big deal but it was nice looking more like an organized team," said Valarie Reimer.
By Oscar Garcia
issue4
track and field
Track and field is not all about running, there’s also high jump, long jump, triple jump, hurdles, throwing discus and shot-put. The track and field teams have gotten off to a great start. Led by boys coach Wayne Weeks and girls and distance coach William Halley, they expect some individual improvements rather than a team improvement. Due to the fact that there isn’t enough athletes to compete in all areas. "Although we have a small team, we have talent in many areas that can put us at the top of the league. Besides being a small team, our greatest holdback is too many athletes missing practice. If athletes in any sport are serious beyond talk about being successful, they need to realize a missed practice for any reason is a lost opportunity and preparation," expressed Halley.
Junior Stephanie Flynn leads the high jump and hurdles while sophomores Matthew Vinson and Nicole Miller lead the sprint events. In the distance area, sophomore Juanita Martinez has already been close to her personal record in the half mile and the mile, junior Nathan Williams in the half mile, as well, and senior Oscar Garcia in the mile. They are the key runners to qualify for league finals. Junior Heidi Patterson is doing well jumping 14 ft., also. Besides lacking participants, the girls team were close to beating the San Bernardino Cardinals. Another major strength is the girls 4 x 100 meters relay (all four run 100 meters each.) Composed of sophomores Sara Itani, Renae Keith, Nicole Miller and junior Stephanie Flynn. These girls have the potential of taking the championship in the San Andreas League; they have won this event against Kaiser, San Bernardino and Yucaipa.