Issue of June 1, 2001
Volume 84, Number 5
Click on a story title to see story text
News
Every 15 minutes program
Gutierrez wins cash for drawing
Lockout policy alters tardies
Prom for the class of 2001
School Beautification
Will woodshop be canceled?Opinion
Affirmative Action
Healthy Food @ Lunch
Hey You! Read This!
Letter to the Editor
New Tardy Policy
Senior Dues too much
Too many TestsDiversions
A Knight's Tale review
Playstation review- Dark Cloud
Nude Beaches
Pearl Harbor equals trouble?
The Barnyard storyFeatures
Alcohol - still #1 drug
Bullying leads to worse
CAR list blues
Don't legalize marijuana
Drug survey
Ecstasy- the new LSD?
Legalize Marijauna
Orange blossom fest
Summer jobsSpecial Senior Section
A Girl Named Leah
College- where dey don' play dat
Farewell poem
Life after High School
Memories
Predictions
Senior last will and testaments
Teacher Advice
The Breakfast ClubEn Espanol
Edgardo
Fernanda
Herman
Oscar
PedroSports
Badminton
Baseball
Golf
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track and field
Jason Jones
'Every 15 Minutes' program hopes to be effective
June 1, 2001
You’re a victim no matter how you come out of it. You’re either dead, or deeply scarred for life. It is an act in which there are many consequences. Once it’s done, it’s done. There is no escaping it. The deathly matter in which I am talking about is DRUNK DRIVING!
The theme of the "Every 15 minutes" assembly that Colton had on April 25, 2001 was just that. To show people the different consequences of drunk driving and making them think twice before they act. "We hope to save people’s lives," said assistant principal Diana Carreon.
The assembly was student generated and put on by Renaissance. The assembly was as real as it could be. There were six cop cars, two motorcycle cops, an ambulance, three fire trucks, a coroner, and a helicopter. The assembly was acted out on "F" street. It would start out with a bang that would grab the attention of the students of Colton High. When the students reached the gate of the field, they saw the horrific sight of bloody bodies in two different Chevrolet cars. Flares and smoke bombs were put into effect on the ground to have more affects on the audience. Policemen arrived on the bloody scene, examining the bodies, trying to save the lives of the victims who still had life in them . . . and covering up the ones whose lives were taken by the accident. The whole scene was a barrage of special effects done by Joey Mercado. When asked what affect the scene had on you, senior Richie Underwood replied, "It makes me think twice before drinking and driving, and if students take it seriously, they will get a closer look into reality."
The plot of the assembly was that a drunk driver, played by senior Lyndi Melchor, who had been driving with a friend, played by junior Nate Williams, had crashed into another car. A car full of teenagers. Four of them to be exact, played by seniors David Tofolla and Laurel Relph and juniors Erin Rendleman and Heather Tritten( the driver). Rendleman would later be announced dead on the scene. Williams would die later at Loma Linda University Medical Center after being carried away by a helicopter. Tritten would also go on to pass away from the accident. The others survived only to keep the pain of losing their friends. Melchor, the drunk driver, lived, as is often the case. She would be taken away in handcuffs in a police car to the Colton Police Department.
The assembly didn’t stop there. Throughout the entire school day, every 15 minutes a student would be taken out of class and presumed dead for the rest of the day. They would be taken into the office to have white paint put on their face and black circles put around their eyes. After that, they couldn’t talk to anyone for the rest of the day.
The district’s response towards the assembly was very positive. They wanted to help people think more maturely. Many people participated in this event such as the Colton Police Department, who were more than happy to help out. The Colton community also played a big role. Everything needed for the assembly was donated by them.
Marisa Gutierrez wins $250 for a cartoon in a past issue
June 1, 2001
Keeping the winning tradition of the Pepper Bough alive, senior staff member Marisa Gutierrez was recently named winner of the prestigious Los Angeles Times High School Journalism Award of Excellence for her editorial cartoon "Popularity." The cartoon, which accompanied a story on what it takes to be "popular" in the March edition of the Pepper Bough, was cited by the awards committee for its style, strength of artistic achivement, and biting satire. Marisa received an award of $250 from the Times at a banquet held at the Ontario Airport Marriot Hotel on May 15.
A senior with a 4. 0 GPA, Marisa plans to go on to college after graduation June 7 and major in Broadcast Journalism. Congratulations Marisa, for keeping the excellence of the Pepper Bough alive!
Veronica Sanchez
New lockout policy tries to change tardy problem
June 1, 2001
On Apirl 19, during periods 3 and 6 teachers locked their doors. If you were locked out, you were escorted to the quad area, where the staff of Colton High wrote your name down, and then called your parents. Then, you were allowed back to class with a white pass. "Unbelieveable," said Principal Jerry Almendarez when he was asked how well the lockout worked. He said that everyone was running to their classes when they knew it was time for the lockout. Two weeks before lockout started, Almendarez walked around campus and video taped all the people that weren’t going to class on time. Then, when lockout came, he said that it was a big difference. "It was like night and day," commented Almendarez.
Lock out was started by Almendarez because the attendace had become a big problem. The consequences were so severe because warning the kids wasn’t enough. "Students don’t know how important it is to get to class on time," stated Almendarez. If you were tardy more then once you were suspended. The lockout lasted only a couple of days because of the Star Testing. Now that the Star Testing is over Almendarez is going to start the lock out again. If all goes well, the lock out may be used next year.
Amy Yarnall and Stephanie Farrior
'Captured in a Dream'; prom for 2001
June 1, 2001
The Queen Mary, in Long Beach, served as an ideal spot for anyone’s prom. The night encompassed hundreds of people eating, laughing with friends, and dancing above all else. Basketball star, senior Jason Jones and softball queen, senior Desiree Serrano were crowned prom king and queen.
Many students were under the impression that they would be given premission to walk on the decks of the ship. These assumptions arose due to the lack of information given regarding prom and what students would and would not be able to do. The fact was that once you were inside the prom area, there was no in and outs allowed.
There were three floors on the grand old Queen Mary. We entered on the top floor, which consisted of check-in, pictures, and a small table of appetizers which sought to feed about 50 people. All of the floors gave an accomodation of either an escaltor, or a flight of stairs. The second floor was the dinning area and it was so spread out that senior Lisa Humphrey claims, "you had to walk a mile just to get a soda."
The ship’s crew had prepared four buffets of international food for the juniors and seniors. The different food stations consisted of American, Chinese, Italian, and Mexican. In recent years hardly anyone has been seen eating at prom; but at this prom there were a lot of people waiting in lines for the eloquent cuisine prepared.
Prom is noted for being an enchanted evening which is to be shared with friends and perhaps even that special someone in your life. While prom was "practically perfect in every way" for some, senior Eric Vasquez said, "Prom wasn’t as good as I expected." Senior Christine Leyva added, "I didn’t like the way everyting was split up; you didn’t get to see all your friends." This was said in regards to students being divided in the dinning area.
Jones, the man of the night says, "My mom was more excited than me, but I was very flattered. That was the icing on the cake when I was announced prom King. I would like to add a special thanks for all the people out there who voted for me."
All in all the night of prom was suposed to be Captured in a Dream, and to the extent of how long the student’s dream lasted, has been noted to be how much fun you had, who you were with, and the memories that will last you a lifetime.
Herman Marcial
School Beautification hopes to improve attitudes
June 1, 2001
No doubt you have noticed the genuine differences that have enriched our school lately. If you haven’t, it is time to open your eyes. All around our campus changes have been made and things have been added to beautify our school.
For example, at the beginning of the school year, one might have noticed the marquee out on the corner of Rancho and Valley telling everyone what time and temperature it is; along with all the other information one needs to fit their day at school. Something that has been in the works all year and is almost in it’s last phase, is the painting of our school. The wings have been vividly refurbished to life by the crimson color. During the rainy season, one found relief and we were all grateful for the shades in the quad area.
Second semester brought more great additions like the Colton sign painted on the Hubbs and all for the teachers, there are now three copy machines instead of one for all. The two circles by the band room have been filled by two brand new trees (the old ones had termites) and not by fountains as most believed at first. There are new palm trees by the offices and also on the sidewalk on Dorthy Cooley where everyone eats lunch.
Paying for all this does not come cheap and overall the most expensive additions to our school was room 503 and the computer room which cost over $100,000 to remodel. The computer room’s computers have all been replaced by the 10 times faster Gateways instead of the old Macintosh. There is also new carpet and a television up in the corner so teachers may instruct the students on their assignment. Room 503 was an even bigger challenge. Many of us remember it as the old TIR room. The ceiling has been lowered. Carpet was added and it is now the new teacher’s conference room. It includes an LCD projector in which a screen comes down from the roof and is used to teach our staff new techniques in their academic performances. The instructor uses a wireless headset microphone, which provides easy access around the room and helps interaction in order to excel our teachers in their field of education.
"Although Redlands High’s campus may not be that great, it’s reputation is and I want to give Colton that reputation" commented Principal Almendarez. "Colton High will change for the better." This is a goal he plans to achieve in a period of five years and he stands by it. So far his first year as principal seems to be going great.
This perception that our school is "ghetto" is frankly due to people that don’t understand how our campus works. And when people with high standings, like say, the mayor of Grand Terrace, talk bad, it doesn’t help. Mayor Dan Buchanon doesn’t accept the fact that his residents have to go to Colton High. He quoted, "The primary reason he (his son) is attending a private high school in Redlands (Arrowhead Private Academy) is because as parents, we did not like the idea of sending him to Colton," and he went on to say, that if there hadn’t been a private highschool nearby, he would have moved his family out of the district as soon as his son reached highschool age. Those are comments many don’t agree with because they believe he is sending out the wrong images of Colton High and it is true.
Nevertheless, our school is on an uprising. An uprising to a better campus. At the end of the year, we will receive six new portable classrooms and during the summer more plans are in the works for the year to come. An ROTC program class will be introduced and murals will explode all over the place. The mural in front of the school by the receptonist office will be redone and updated. A mural on the back of the cafeteria will be visible from the parking lot with the phrase "Pride is our Guide" and another on the side of the auditorium. Another will be placed on the Macintosh Gym and the word "COLTON" will be painted onto the sides of the wings by Rancho with another phrase "Commited to Higher Standards" and as far as the Juniors gift to the Seniors, a mural will be placed inside the Hubbs.
It’s a shame most seniors will not be here to see the finishing touches but, they are the witnesses to the beginnings of a new era. "The teachers, staff, district, and I are dedicated . . . perceptions have changed and it shows kids we care. Attitudes will change also." said Almendarez.
Maya Minwary
Good deed may be the last for woodshop
June 1, 2001
It’s not often you find students who are willing to take time out of their busy schedules and help build things for the school. But that’s just what juniors Adair Cobley, Jarrod Morgan, Steve Jones, and Kyle Gatlin did. These four students took time and volunteered to build six bookshelves for the portable classrooms on our campus. According to Morgan they are "...working on three more bookshelves for Mr. Almendarez’s office." Making the bookshelves wasn’t an easy thing to do, it took three weeks of arduous work of cutting and measuring the wood just right to make the bookshelves look good.
In a way, these bookshelves that Cobley, Morgan, Jones, and Gatlin did, have put a new spin to woodshop class. Like many of you, I never particularly paid attention to woodshop. Going back to my eighth grade year, all I could remember from woodshop was making a racing car and a tic-tac-toe box. Unfortunately, because of the lack of interest in woodshop there might not even be a class next year. "We’re not really closing down [the class]," states principal Jerry Almendarez, "...the numbers simply aren’t there, and because it’s an elective, if not enough students sign up then we can’t really have a class."
Well, whatever the reason for not having woodshop, it’ll be a bummer for students like Cobley, Morgan, Jones, and Gatlin who enjoy the class. "Don’t close down woodshop," affirms Gatlin. If you’re a student who considered taking woodshop why not sign up and try it? The amazing job that these guys did on the bookshelves proves that woodshop is not another boring elective class where you just sit and yawn. It’s the perfect class for those who like to build things.
Affirmative Action
Maya Minwary
Issue #5
After the Civil Rights Movement Era, numerous laws and policies were created in order to end discrimination, and promote equality. Though many are seen as disputable at first, one policy, however, has been the topic of much heated debate, then and now. It the policy of affirmative action. For decades, the policy has had the media talking, students angrily protesting, and voters confused
So why has affirmative action caused such a ruckus? The answer lies in its highly controversial views and goal concerning discrimination. The idea of affirmative action is to give special attention to or compensatory treatment of members of some previously disadvantage group (i.e. typically, women, African Americans, Asian Americans, etc.). While other policies has been aimed at the goal of equal opportunity where everyone has the same chance of getting, say, a job the goal of affirmative action, on the other hand, is to move beyond equal opportunity toward equal results in which different groups have the same percentage of success of obtaining such things as jobs. Proponents of affirmative action also argue that often times, merit is highly subjective and can embody prejudices of which the decision-maker may be quite unaware. Thus to supporters, increasing the number of women and minorities is a very important social goal that should be considered very highly in determining an individual’s qualification.
It may seem like a good idea at first to "compensate" minorities and give them a better chance to succeed, but, personally, I don’t think that this is the way to do it. What affirmative action is really doing is it yields way for a quota system and preferential treatment of one group over another. Needless to say that affirmative action is simply unfair and hypocritical of the goals of many Civil Rights leaders. Because affirmative action sees race and gender as the same level of merit as a person’s intelligence and capabilities, then those who are not minorities are in turn being discriminated against, which really doesn’t make sense to me. Isn’t the goal of racial and gender equality, EQUALITY? And I emphasize the word equality because it means: of the same measurement, quantity, and value as another. Equality does not mean discriminating against a non-minority to give "special efforts" to a minority. Martin Luther King Jr. and other Civil Rights leader did not went on marches, go through tortures, and eventually die for this cause.
Another problem of affirmative action is that congress and the Supreme Court have been very vague in their view of the policy. Since it was first introduced, new state and federal laws have provided in favor of the idea of discrimination to give advantages to minorities. In due time, the federal government mandated that all state and local governments, and institution receiving aid from or contracting with the federal government adopt an affirmative action program. What a drastic measure it was. Government contracts, school admissions, and even promotions started to adopt this policy. In the end, many non-minorities were left discriminated against, as the case of the Regents of the University of California v. Bakke in 1978. Although Allan Bakke scored on the 96th and 97th percentile in his Medical College Admissions Test while those who got admitted under an affirmative action program scored on the 46th and 35th percentile, Bakke was still denied admissions to the UC Davis’ medical school two straight years. No wonder why a lot of people feel a bitter resentment toward affirmative action. I know I would be pretty angry if I found out that I got rejected because of my gender or race. Luckily, the Supreme Court ruled in Bakke’s favor, and concluded that the UC Davis Medical School could not set aside a quota of spots for particular groups. But the Supreme Court hasn’t always been consistent in their rulings. Cases range from the Bakke case that ruled againts affirmative action, to the case in 1986, Local Number 93 v. Cleveland, that ruled in favor of affirmative action. Perhaps if they were, the government wouldn’t be so contradictory in their policy agenda, and voters wouldn’t be so confused by it.
The notion that one discrimination ends another discrimination may seem like a paradox, but I think it’s more of an insipid oxymoron. True that the struggle for equality has been long and endless, but affirmative action is not a prelude to a conclusion. Giving preferential treatment to minorities to "compensate" past discrimination sends a bad message; many will simply think that grades and skills don’t matter. The Supreme Court really needs to make a final and clear ruling on this matter so that Congress, in turn, can make better laws that concerns equality. In fact, I suggest that more state would initiate more laws like Proposition 209 in California that ended the use of affirmative action in public hiring contracting, and educational admissions. A quota system in jobs and education is not only inequitable, but also utterly absurd. As a so-called member of a minority group I do view racial and gender equality as a tremendously significant social goal, but affirmative action is simply not the way to do it.
Healthy Food At Lunch
Ashley Jay
Issue #5
Every school day, we wait in our fourth or fifth period class for the bell to ring and to fight our way through the never ending lunch lines. Only to get stuck buying from the same old selection of garbage. Little Caeser pizza, crazy bread, Del Taco burritos, Cheetos, and cup cakes, the usual diet of us Colton High students.
Sure, the carts sell salads and sandwiches, but those two selections of healthy food are the only and most expensive items sold that won't clog your arteries. Not only does the non sugar coated food cost the most, but my idea of a good lunch isn't a slice of lunch meat and a soggy piece of lettuce and tomato slapped on two pieces of bread. That's okay, if you share my opinion on the sandwiches, try your choice between a small disgusting salad, or if your hungry for card board, a large one.
Lets take a trip to the cafeteria. I gotta admit, the nachos and cheese fries are great, but they're the only thing coming out of that building without a warning label on it, and liquid cheese isn't my idea of health food.
I guess another alternative to eating this food is to bring a lunch. Although most of us find ourselves digging at the bottom of our pockets for our lunch money at the last minute, some of us find the time to throw a sandwich and chips in a bag, but if your like me, you barely have time to put on your shoes before running late out the door.
I suppose that my point is, that we come here almost every day of our teen age life. Some of us against our will, and some ready to learn. Either way, were stuck here until we graduate or die of food poisoning. So can't they provide us with some half decent meals. PLEASE!
Kristiana Segura
Hey You! Read this!
Issue #5
So here it is, the last column of the year. I guess this is where I'm supposed to get all nostalgic and whatnot, but truthfully I'd rather not. I've been thinking a lot lately, as I tend to do from time to time, and I realized that there's not much left for me to say. Instead of using this column to say good-bye to all my friends and tell them how much I will miss them I'd much rather say something to the underclassmen. So listen up.
The closer you get to graduation the faster time goes by. The friends you have met this year, may not be your friends next year. The way you look at things will change. Your career goals will shift. Your dreams will either get bigger, or more realistic. And you will be scared, sooner or later. My point is, things change, and you can't back away from that. Change is one of the most constant things in this world, and we need to get used to it.
Friends are important, and through high school especially they will come and go. Learn to accept that. Learn to accept them. Be the kind of person that you want to find in others.
I know this sounds really cheesy and Hallmark-ish but this is stuff I've been trying to learn for the three years I've been a Christian. High school is a time to find out who you are, etc. And most people don't. I've seen so many people shrink away from making any conclusions about life, about themselves. And that is dangerous. Learn who you are, and who you want to be.
I realized a couple of months ago while talking to a friend that the only thing worth talking about is something real. This world is full of fake things, of fake people. So when you come across real genuine people grab on to them.
I guess all I have left to say is, say something real, with your words, and with your life. Find something real to keep you sane through this madness we call high school.
Letter to the Editor
Victor Valdez
Issue #5
The story "Music Lyric controversy just won't go away," (Pepperbough, April 6) mentioned the band Korn and three of their songs. But do you know the story behind the song lyrics? First of all the song you couldn't mention is about the women the lead singer Jonathan Davis has been with and how horrible they treated him, that’s the meaning. The song "Kill You" is about Davis' step-mom and his aunt. People with step-parents know how it can be. His aunt used to do crude things to him, like put tabasco in his soup and feed it to him.
You mentioned the song "Porno Creep", but what you conveniently forgot to say is there are no words to that song. You most likely mentioned it because of the title. But if we started judging songs by name, then why didn't you mention Brittany Spears "Oops I did it again," or "What a girl wants," by Christina Aguilera? If you want to talk about offensive lyric content, how about Backstreet Boys’ "Everybody"? In the chorus of the song it says "Am I sexual," and this is what little girls are listening to. And you can’t say it's not meant to be for little girls, because it's marketed towards pre-adolescent children. If it weren't for little girls their record sales wouldn't be so high.
So lay off of bands like Korn. You shouldn't mention the names of their songs unless you know the story behind the music.Victor Valdez
Grade 9
The New Tardy Policy
Kristiana Segura
Issue #5
The NEW tardy policy . . . what can really be said? For the longest time all anyone heard was rumors of the new policy going into effect. Security guards didn't know when or really what was going to go on specifically, teachers weren't sure what they were supposed to do, and when all was said and done third period hit on April 19 and students scattered. So how effective was this break down policy? I'm not too sure. I'm almost certain that more people were on time than ever before in third and sixth period, but other than that, who knows.
Personally, I tried my hardest to get to class, and succeeded, so maybe I'm not the one to write on the effectiveness of this new legislation. But I talked to some people to get their input, most people who got caught did indeed get called home, and did indeed make it on time to their next class, that one day. How effective can this be if the school only does it once? That's what confuses me. I know they're trying to crack down, and with good enough reason, but I wonder, will this policy keep its steam as the months or years go by? Back in the day T.I.R. used to be a threat, but shortly afterwards everyone realized that T.I.R. wasn't such a bad place to be compared to the test we didn't study for.
So yeah, we're all supposed to learn life aiding skills in high school, like how to study, and how to do home work. How to be on time and barely get by, by doing barely enough work . . . but is a round up at the beginning of two periods a day really going to help?
Marisa Gutierrez
Issue #5
Senior Dues are too much!
It sucks to not have any money, but it also sucks to not have any money and be in high school. Why am I so poor? The answer is simple: I am a senior, who, along with the rest of the senior class, has to shell out a ton of cash just to graduate.
Yes, I'm talking about the infamous senior dues. Call me crazy but it seems as though the price of senior dues just keeps rising as the years pass. From what I recall, the senior class of 2000 only had to pay $45 in senior dues. Hmm...that's strange, for some reason our class has to pay $10 more!
In moderation, paying senior dues wouldn't be so bad if that was all we had to purchase. But, on the other hand, who can graduate without buying the whole package? Let's see: throw in one $60 yearbook, a $60 gradnite ticket, possible $15 senior T-shirt, maybe one of those $10 senior video things, oh yeah, don't forget those pesky prom fees, and whatever else you want to purchase; you'll probably end up spending well over $300!
While the gradnite ticket and yearbook are essential (the prom stuff is pending), the senior dues don't really seem that necessary. If you really think about it, why do we need to pay to graduate? Haven't we already paid our dues by surviving at Colton High for four years? If the school officials shared my perspective, then we probably wouldn't have to pay senior dues. Unfortunately, not everyone is perfect.
In reality, the bottom line is that we are being forced to pay to rent graduation robes (that really only cost $15), walk on a field that we have walked on a million times before, and attend a graduation ceremony in honor of the senior class. In my opinion, if it's in our honor then we shouldn't have to pay senior dues. I tell ya, where's the justice?
As of this moment, I guess all we can do is live with all of these extra costs. I've already shelled out my life savings for all of the things I mentioned before. So despite the nasty hole it burned in my pocket, I'm just glad to be graduating.
Megan Holden
Issue 6
Opinion: Too much testing, not enough school time?
The SAT. The PSAT. The SAT 9, COPES & COPS, ASVAB, and the GOLDEN STATE EXAM. Not to mention the HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAM. The litany of standardized tests is seemingly endless. These, and at LEAST three other tests that we ALL will at some point or another end up taking, are threatening to overload us all.
Sure, these tests aren't ALL mandatory to take, but if you want to achieve and go to college they sure seem to be. But, how are we supposed to learn what's ON these tests if we're never in class enough to take them? It seems like everything we do in school is for these tests for some type of academic statistic.
On average, it takes about eleven weeks for school faculty to get ready to administer the tests to its students, and a little over two weeks for the students to actually take the tests. That's about 2 weeks that I miss out on getting MY education. I'm currently in a freshman algebra class and because of the High School Exit Exam I had to miss 2 days of that class to sit around in the Band room doing absolutely nothing, because my teacher was involved with giving the Exam. I know for a fact that I'm not the only one that's had that experience.
We spend a large amount of time in school taking tests, weather it be one for my Physics or Geometry class, or a test that the state is requiring us to take, the fact is we still have to take a test. We spend so much time taking tests so the state can add our scores to a nationwide statistic that we never learn anything we actually need to. Why can't all these test be rolled into one big one, instead of the many smaller ones? All these tests seem to be about the same anyway. Last week as I was taking my Reading Comprehension test (for the state) I noticed that one of the examples they used was the same one that was used last year, and the year before that even! I can still remember the title of it... "Rick's Wait" I'm sure most of you remember it, about the boy Rick, going outside to wait for his brother and notices the approaching storm...
What I'm trying to get at here is even though we're doing all this testing year to year, and getting older each year, we're still taking the same tests, and even if it is that JUST the examples are the same, that's still wrong. If the test is going to be at a certain level, the examples should ALSO be at that same level.
Our entire future seems to depend on doing well on these tests, and if that's true, then fine so be it, but the amount of tests and the time that they take up need to have a dramatic drop because if the state wants me to do well on one of their tests, then they need to give me the CLASS time to learn it so that I will do well on it.
A Knight’s Tale Movie Review
By Amy Carrillo
June 1, 2001"He will rock you" is the best way to describe Heath Ledger’s jousting abilities in " A Knight’s Tale". Ledger, who made his big break as the rebel without a cause in 1998’s blockbuster "10 Things I Hate About You", plays the lead role as the peasant who craves knighthood. William Thatcher (Ledger) has grown up assisting a knight, but when he dies after a brutal joust, Thatcher finds the opportunity to "change his stars" and takes up the opportunity. Of course, there is a girl, what renaissance period film doesn’t, but I do believe that if there are any flaws in this movie, they are with her character. She wears clothes that are more provocative and quite the contrary to the clothes worn in Shakespeare’s days. Oh, and you can’t forget her hair being highlighted in colors that are anything but natural.
"A Knight’s Tale" is based on the classic Canterbury Tale of the same name, written by Geoffrey Chaucer. In the flick, actor Paul Bettany plays Chaucer who has a gambling problem, and becomes part of Thatcher’s entourage and entertains his crowds by his elaborate introductions. Swaying the crowds to support Thatcher.
When you see the trailers for the flick, you can’t help but recognize Queen’s infamous 70s hit song "We will rock you". This is another trait of the movie that doesn’t quite stay true to it’s 14th century nature (you’ll see what I mean if you see the movie). It seems as though the soundtrack is made up of classic rock music from Queen’s period of time, but that was rather smart on the part of the movies producers, because hey, the trailers with the fast paced music and action scenes, and not to mention Heath Ledger, drew me in to go see the movie as soon as it hit theaters.
If you want to see the movie because you are in love with the classic romance stories from the 14th century, you might be a little disappointed. But if you look at it for the entertainment value, or because you just think that Heath Ledger is a hottie, then you are in for a treat. It is a really good movie, heck, I’ll probably go see it again. I’d give this movie 5 stars!
Playing at the Station
Video Game review
By Marisa Gutierrez
June 1, 2001
Sony’s first Playstation 2 RPG, Dark Cloud, is certainly a departure from other mainstream RPGs. The gameplay is pretty straightforward. Each location in the game has a dungeon and a massive open field. According to the game’s intro movie, these fields used to be the cites of bustling towns. However, a sadistic genie has taken all of the towns and inhabitants, split them apart, and imprisoned them in the various dungeons.
With the main objective in mind, you play as Toan (the protagonist) who has agreed to venture into these monster-infested dungeons, find all of the pieces of the towns, and restore them to their former glory.
Dark Cloud’s combat system, interestingly enough, bears a striking resemblance to the one found in the two latest Zelda games. There’s a lock-on feature which allows you to target individual enemies and circle strafe around them. In general, there are two basic offensive moves available to you. Tapping the Circle button causes Toan to perform his basic sword swing. Now, if you hold down Circle for a second or two, Toan will perform a more powerful attack. Hmm...does that sound like <oh I don’t know> Link’s fighting style? Since each of the game’s five playable characters have different attacks, the strategy is figuring out which character to use against which enemies.
Adding to the challenge is the fact that weapons aren’t indestructible. That is, unlike most RPGs, the more you use a weapon, the weaker it will become. If you’re not careful, your weapon could actually break and become completely useless. The only way to replenish your weapon’s vitality is to use a special potion which can be found in dungeons or purchased in shops.
The most interesting element of Dark Cloud is the ability to rebuild the different towns in whatever design you want via the Georama feature. After finding the various pieces of a town in a dungeon, you can piece together the different buildings and place them anywhere. The Georama gameplay is what makes Dark Cloud so unique. Ultimately, your mission is to pretty much recreate all of the destroyed villages.
To sum it up, Dark Cloud has a few eye-catching innovative gameplay elements and some really stunning visuals. Despite the creativity of the Georama feature, dungeon crawling and town-building can become tedious to some gamers. If you go for Zelda/Sim City hybrids, then this game is a must-play. Dark Cloud is slated to release in late May.
Where the Nekkid bodies are…
By Kim Powell
June 1, 2001
Ah, summer.... No school, no worries, no curfew. Lazy days lounging in the sun, barbecues in the back yard, and pool parties every night. And yes, the beach. Warm sunshine, salty sea air, and the whole ocean stretched out just for you. And yet, you find yourself glued in front of the mirror, stressing over how you look in that teeny bikini. Who needs it? Ditch the bathing suit and hit the beach in your birthday suit. But, NAKED, you say, in front of all those people?! No need to be bashful; more and more people are indulging in the "naturalist" experience- including quite a few of our fellow Colton High students..... (who will, of course, remain annonymous).
Years ago, when the whole "free love" escapade started, it was no surprise that people got tired of the whole ‘love is all you need’ deal and decided to take things to another level: gratuitous nudity. And what better place to get naked than the beach? These beaches have had to keep a low profile, for the most part, because of public distain. Several beaches have been shut down or threatened after failing to meet unreasonable standards, or for minor rule infractions. But nudity is still going strong in California, with more than 100 beaches up and running. Presently, there are no legal nude beaches in Orange or L.A. County. There are, however, two in San Diego: San Onofre State Beach and the notorious Black’s Beach. Let’s just get one thing straight. These are public beaches, not the set of Baywatch, so if it’s insecurity that’s holding you back, don’t fret. Let’s remember that nudists are normal people, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Not many supermodels frequent these beaches.
An important thing to know is that these beaches are "clothing optional", so getting naked right away, or at all, for that matter, is not mandatory. However, if you choose to remain clothed for a while, bathing suit bottoms are preferable to t-shirts. And getting naked is kind of the point of going, right?
San Onofre is probably the safest bet if it’s your first time to a beach like this. An area for camping is provided, and parking is relatively cheap, but varies on weekends and busy seasons. This beach is reportedly safer and more family oriented than Black’s Beach, and goes to greater lengths to keep gawkers and perverts out. Nice to know they care, right? One Colton High senior used to frequent the beach with her family every summer. "I’ve gone to San Onofre since I was about six years old," she remembers. "We’d stay down there for the weekend every so often... it’s so relaxing, nobody ever caused any problems."
So is not the case with Black’s Beach. This famed party beach has a rap sheet as long as the California coast. Black’s is more popular with the younger college generation, and is reputed for it’s many run-ins with the law over alcohol, drunken fights, and lewd conduct-including, put simply, much sex on the beach. A couple of male seniors ended their summer last year with a visit to Black’s, stating that they were attracted by the wild rumors and wanted to experience it for themselves. So, in their most humble opinions, how does Black’s Beach measure up? " Naked girls- not old flabby ones either. Just naked, naked girls..." and so on. Obviously, this beach attracts a bit of a different crowd.
So, who’s ready to hit the beach? Sunblock is obviously a must, especially for those areas where the sun don’t shine....usually. Plan on leaving early, because with traffic, the drive could be a long one, or you could save some time (for a small fee) by opting for the toll road. You can find directions to either beach, as well as other nudist resorts, at NudePlaces.com.
Will "Pearl Harbor" harbor racist views?
By Amber Arakaki
June 1, 2001Last week, a couple of my friends asked if I wanted to go to the movie theater with them to catch a flick. When I asked them what they were going to see, their answer ran a chill down my spine: Pearl Harbor.
Sure, to everyone else, it might seem o.k. to watch a 3 hour movie that encompassed one shocking event that occured on December 7, 1941. For me however, it was quite different.
Yes, I am a 17 year old teenager. Yes, I am an American citizen . . . and yes, I am Japanese. I couldn’t imagine sitting in a theater watching a movie where those "damn Japs" are the enemies. Who would look at the screen, and then , who would look at me?
Ironically, neither my dad , my grandfather nor my great grandfather were even born in Japan, but just imagine the potential backlash of emotions that could occur against Japanese-Americans and Asian-Americans alike by the viewers of this movie.
I’m positive that Disney, in making the movie, looked out for the concerns of Japanese Americans. Despite the media’s recent allegations of JACL’s (Japanese American Citizen League) disagreement of the film, JACL National Executive Director, John Tateishi, felt that the film didn’t leave the viewer with an "Anti-Japanese sentiment." In fact, it was mostly about a love triangle, which included Ben Affleck. As set, the film didn’t exactly portray true realitiy, either. For example, Pearl Harbor is a naval base on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Hawaii, back then, (and still today) has mainly a large population of Japanese-Americans and other Pacific Islanders. The movie really didn’t show an accurate portrayal of this (most of the people shown in Pearl Harbor are white). But you can’t tell movie-makers what they can or cannot do.
The attack on Pearl Harbor changed the lives of Japanese-Americans ever since its occurance. My grandfather, who lives in Hawaii, at the time was put in an internment camp, called Huliuliuli, which is a little known about today. He was asked many questions by military officials, but one of the most devastating one was this one: "If your brother was fighting on the other side, would you shoot him?" Who on this earth could answer such a question? Like my grandfather, many other Japanese-Americans were put in between their allegiance to their country and their families, which is a tough position to be in.
Pearl Harbor was an event that will be forever etched in the history books, as it should. The movie itself may have some Hollywood dreams that should have been looked more closely at, but as they say, entertainment is entertainment. When I learned about how my grandfather and my other family members were affected by the attack, I never thought that it would have direct effect on me, personally.
I guess it just did.
The Return of the Barn
By Lindsay Graham and Megan Reiter
June 1, 2001
Farm animals? Hay stacks? People dressed in suspenders and straw hats? Uh uhh, nope. After 2 years, the Barn is again the place to be to get up close and personal with all your favorite indie bands. Although it has a new face and a new founder, the vibe has not changed, it’s all about the music.
Since its closing in January of ’99, the 98 Posse has officially retired from the Barn and has been replaced by the Sound Foundation. Joey Hernandez, the promotion and booking agent, has been real busy keeping up with today’s music. By the way, Mr. Hernandez is also part of the horny (oops, we mean horn) section of the local favorites Voodoo Glow Skulls. When asked if the band has any plans to play a show, his response was, "Maybe. It’ll have to be a surprise."
The first show was March 30, and according to senior Erik Collins, "I couldn’t believe how great the place looked. It’s so cool that they’re having shows there again. It has the perfect setting for this type of thing. I hope that my cool band, Charlie Cargo, will play there soon." For all of you who had been to the Barn before its makeover, the place looks entirely different. For one thing, the bathrooms actually have toilet paper, soap, paper towels and they’re free from graffiti. The main entrance is now in the back with a nice patio with tables, chairs, and flowers. The stage has been lowered to about a foot high and the bar has been enlarged so there is less moshing room. But for all of you old school dare devils, there’s no worry. The rafters are still there for you to climb and hang on.
As the Barn keeps exfoliating, the environment that has been created has changed for the better. People used to show up with so much aggression that it would disturb the bands to a halt. The Popos were often notified to the scene and once the trouble was thrown out, the bands would pick up where they left off. It has this aura, now, that can no longer contain hate, but just love for music.
With all this fun that the Barn has to offer, it also the benefit of the doubt that you will meet really nice people. With the intimate settings, not only will you receive some free stuff but meet the bands as well. At the Barn, you can have a one on one talk with basically anyone. Some of the biggest bands that are famous now, started at the Barn. Such as Rage Against the Machine, Incubus, Korn, and other bands as well. So, if you are in a band and need a place to play, go to the Barn and find the little Mexican guy with big hair and he will hook you up. If the chance arises be sure to go to the Barn and you just might find yourself talking/listening to the future face of music.
The 411 on alcohol
by Marissa Gutierrez
Issue 5Many teenagers enjoy a glass of wine, a beer, or a cocktail now and then; either to unwind or simply just to experience the exotic flavors. The use of alcohol in this way has been common in most cultures throughout history and is usually harmless at this minimal level. However, most teenagers go to the extreme of abusing alcohol: they literally drink too much or too often. Eventually, these same individuals have problems with their health, work, and relationships; usually resulting in a severe addiction to alcohol.
Alcohol is the drug used most often by high school seniors. Even though most seniors cannot legally buy alcohol, over 90% of them report that they have had more than five drinks (binge drinking) in the past two weeks (Addiction Science Research and Education, August 21, 2000).
The line between alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction, or alcoholism, can be hard to see. Both alcoholics and those who abuse alcohol use it dangerously. In other words, they drink even when it puts themselves and others at risk. However, alcoholism is a physical addiction marked by loss of control: the alcoholic has a physical craving for alcohol, and going without a drink causes symptoms of withdrawal such as shakiness, headaches, anxiety, and sometimes convulsions and hallucinations. Alcohol abuse, though it shares some of the symptoms of alcoholism, is not considered an addiction.
What most teenagers don’t know is that alcohol is a drug, specifically a central nervous system depressant. It slows the activity of neurons causing damage to the nervous system. Thus, the result is (after the first few drinks) intoxication, or a feeling of being "high." The experience of being "high" is mainly what attracts teenagers to experiment with alcohol. In addition to getting high, inhibitions and judgment are diminished, which is why some people take a drink to "loosen up." Even a little alcohol interferes with coordination and reaction time, which is why you should never drive if you’d even had one drink. Large doses of alcohol can slow breathing and circulation and also cause loss of consciousness.
When you drink alcohol, the substance quickly enters your blood and travels throughout your body. Alcohol has wide ranging effects on vital organs. In fact, alcohol causes more health problems than all illegal drugs combined. It leads to liver disease, heart and stomach ailments, nervous system disorders, and birth defects.
In a person who drinks regularly, alcohol begins to lose its effect on the brain. Then the drinker must drink more heavily than normal to reach the desired "high." This sets the stage for alcohol abusers to become victims to alcoholism. A person’s tolerance for alcohol depends on many factors, his or her gender, weight, height, and age. In general, young adults are more tolerant of alcohol than older people which puts them at higher risk of addiction.
Sadly, it has been estimated that over three million teenagers are out-and-out alcoholics. Several million more have a serious drinking problem that they cannot manage on their own. Teenage drinking problems account for tens of thousands of highway deaths and nearly half of all teenage suicides each year. Dependence on alcohol is associated with psychiatric problems such as depression, anxiety, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or Antisocial Personality Disorder.
Despite all of these terrifying facts there is still hope. If you think you have a problem with alcohol, you and your doctor can take steps to halt it. A person with a desire to stop drinking and a good support system has an excellent chance of staying sober and creating a safe environment for others as well.
Bullying on school grounds
by Amber Arakaki
Issue 5The blame for school violence has been put on parents, drugs, gangs, and especially the media, but the most prominent cause for these outrages, as evidenced by Columbine, is bullying. Bullying is not only physical. Social pariahs and outcasts are undoubtedly sneered, snickered, and laughed at, whether it’s because of their weight, height, race, or gender. Each year, hundreds of thousands of U.S. teenagers attempt suicide. These teenagers aren’t able to cope with the combination of severe depression and a difficult school environment, therefore, they take their own lives. Other conflicted teenagers, however, find other venues of retaliation toward their tormentors: GUNS.
The aftermath of Columbine has prevailed throughout California. San Diego’s two shootings shocked the state, as well as the nation. Our own school district has experienced encounters with scares and threats of school violence. On April 27, Colton High, among other high schools in the Inland empire, had a drastically low attendance, which was attributed to a rumor circulating about a shoot-out. Some parents feared for their children’s lives and even were compelled to call the school. Yet, there was no such occurrence. Principal Almendarez has commented that a the school was adequately prepared for the worst. "We took enough safety precautions," said Almendarez. "We had many uniformed safety officers, and patrol cars on and off campus that day." The School District also has a safety plan that includes fires, earthquakes, as well as school shootings. Although many students believe the lock-outs are for the sole purpose of reducing tardies, they also serve as a secondary precaution to protect students if an act of school violence actually occurs.What the school district hasn’t prepared us for, is HOW to avoid a school shooting. According to an anonymous source, a Colton Middle School student possessed a hit list and even a knife in his own backpack. Many of his peers saw the knife, but none of them reported it to a teacher or school official. When we contacted the School District as well as Colton Middle School’s principal, they denied any knowledge of the incident.
It’s apparent that there is much ignorance in dealing with what might be a very hazardous situation for many school in our district—whether it’s coming from school officials OR students, themselves. The way we interact with one another really makes a difference. Perhaps bullying is a main cause for school violence, however, bullying can be generally described as hurting someone, whether physically or emotionally, who then feels left out, out of place, and lost. Even as ordinary students, we have a duty to our friends, our school, and community to protect others from any harm. If "tattling" is what it takes to do so, then it should be done. The fear of doing so is probably less terrifying than the fear you have inside when the tip of a knife blade or the barrel of a gun is pointed directly at you.
The Car you don't want to drive
by Stephen Aguilar
Issue 5
The C.A.R. list, this stands fir "Ceremony At Risk" and is better knows as the "cinch list." It includes a list of people that are in danger of not graduating. This list alone has been responsible countless times for the anxiety of some of our fellow seniors at Colton High. The question is however, how does one get on this dreaded list? And what the heck is it for?
Let us start off by going through how one gets on this list. There are three common ways that one gets on it. One of which is failing to pass one or more of the four or so competency requirements within the four years that one attends this school. These include Reading, Writing, Math and Computer Literacy. The purpose of these requirements is to show that students graduating from our school are at least decent at reading; writing, mathematics, and the ability to somewhat use a computer.
Another way one gets on this list is to be lacking 30 units near the time of graduation. Lacking these units basically means that one failed to pass just a wee bit oftheir classes during the course of his or her four years at Colton High.
The last of the big three reasons responsible for placement on this list is quite literally your teacher’s fault. If one of your teachers sees that you are getting a "D" or "F" in the class, then that teacher can request that your are placed onto this list. The tricky part is that once you’re on by this method you can’t get off unless a teacher HAND DELIVERS a paper stating that you should be taken off. Why hand delivered? The reasoning behind this is that there’s always the possibility of a desperate senior forging the note, or finding some other way to get a note that was apparently written by the teacher.
Now to the important part: why? Mostly because fear is the best motivater. If one is in "danger" of not walking (graduating) one might pick up the pace a bit ant not slack as much. They know we want to get out of here as fast as humanly possible. That, however, does not mean that we have the right to just go into shut-off mode and sit on our butts for the remainder of the year. No matter how much we want to...
Marijuana shouldn't be legalized
by Maya Minwary
Issue 5
Call it weed, pot, roach, hemp, or marijuana, but one thing is for sure it that these days a lot of attention has been focused on whether to legalize the drug or not. From commercials on TV emphasizing the negative effects of marijuana, to advocates of the drug stating its so-called "benefits", the ethics of legalizing pot sure can be confusing. The truth is that marijuana is a drug, and studies have shown that it does have harmful consequences. There is really no reason to validate it, yes, even for medical reasons.
Former President Clinton said he never inhaled it, but former Vice President Gore doesn’t deny that he did as well as a million other people. In the 1960’s and 70’s many smoked it freely. It is even said that marijuana is the number one distributed drug in society today and can simply be grown in someone’s backyard. Some would like you to believe that marijuana is actually a benign drug that causes no apparent harmful effects. In addition, they state that marijuana has many benefits to it, such as inducement of nausea for AIDS and cancer patients, relief for people suffering with glaucoma. I even came across a website that said it can increase a person’s awareness while driving. But the reality is, marijuana has been proven to be detrimental. Some of the affects associated with the drugs are: muscular tremors, transient muscular rigidity, euphoria, disorientation, coated tongue, slurred speech, it destroys brain cells, and causes dry mouth and throat, and thatís not even the half of it. If a woman is pregnant, the baby can be delivered early, have a low birthrate, and can cause congenital heart disease, clubfoot, spina bifida; the baby can also end up with leukemia before or during birth. If used for a long time, the brain cells can begin to adapt or " tolerate " the chemicals found in marijuana and eventually cause brain damage. A study done by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse show that kids who use marijuana at a young age, are 85 times more likely to use cocaine and other drugs than kids who don’t use the drug. In other words, pot is really a ìgatewayî drug. Of course, the biggest concern on legalizing pot has to do with its claim of medicinal purposes. The active ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannibol, or THC, that help relieve symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss, can also be found in the drug marinol. The FDA approved this drug in 1985 in its purified form. While smoking marijuana can vary wildly in its THC content, and creates a distinct level in your blood, marinol, however, is a time-release THC pill, which provides a more affective and acceptable method.
Cigarettes were once very easily obtain by kids, what makes you think that if big brother Ben, or Uncle Henry can legally grow marijuana in their backyard that little Johny or Sue wont use it? By legalizing marijuana, this nation will undermine the effort of keeping kids drug free. This nation will inevitably lose the war on drug by definite if we legalize this drug. It is certainly not harmless and advantageous, even for AIDS, cancer, and glaucoma patients.
Survey: Who's using what
by Jennifer Logan
Issue 5
Alcohol is no stranger to the Yellowjackets. A random survey was taken by 100 students who admitted to using at least one of the drugs mentioned in the following at least once in the past year. 96% of students here, at Colton High said they had tried alcohol. This is a pretty amazing stat especially considering the fast that we are all UNDER AGE! Alcohol is the number one abused drug in America.
72% admitted to smoking marijuana. 30% said they had abused their prescription drugs to get high and 29% said they had "huffed" or inhaled toxic chemicals such as nitrous oxide, paint, gasoline, glue, or other household products for the high. 20% admitted to experimenting with Methamphetamine (more commonly known as "speed" or concentrated in the form of "crystal meth"). Ecstasy, a dangerous hallucinogen, is continuing to make it’s debut in the party scene at an alarming 18% and Cocaine almost catches it’s tail at 12%. LSD has been used by 11% of students surveyed and 9% said they have done Heroin.
With approximately 2700 student in attendance, this survey covered less than 1% of the student body. If professionally administered, we believe the reasons stated for why students do drugs would remain the same. 65% said they did it for the good feeling (the "high"), 24% said they were bored or had nothing better to do, 21% said they did drugs because of depression, or to escape the pressures of life and 15% said they did it because of peer pressure.
The effects of Ecstasy
by Charissa Six
and April Valenti
Issue 5
Ecstasy. There is so much that can be found about it, yet that information can lead to confusion. When we were asked to write this story we weren’t too sure where to begin. Neither of us has been to a rave, neither of us has tried it, and we don’t come into contact with it on a regular basis.
From our research we have found many article headlines on Ecstasy such as: "Youth Ecstasy drug use rising", "New York serves as hub for ecstasy flooding U.S.", "Ecstasy is no party", and "U.S. teenagers catch the Ecstasy habit". They made us curious of what the real story on Ecstasy was.
Congress was introduced to a Senate bill in 2000 that called for stiffer penalties for those involved in the trafficking of Ecstasy. According to Tom Hays of the Associated Press, the confiscation of Ecstasy pills has risen from 750,000 in the fiscal 1998, to 3.5 million during fiscal 1999, and by April 2000, 4 million had already been seized. Typically, Ecstasy, known scientifically as methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and more popularly as E, the love drug, Adam, XTC, etc., is presumed to only be accessible at raves. However, despite the attempt to control the purchasing and dealing of E, it has rapidly become available just about anywhere. An unidentified college student in Hays’ story said, "It’s been the one drug where there’s been the steadiest supply this semester."
In our exploration, there have been two primary ways to the avoidance of this drug. One is a zero tolerance method, and the other an organized explanation session targeting youth and reducing the "potential for harm". The zero tolerance is fairly self-explanatory. If you are caught with the drug, you will be expelled from school, no matter why it was in your possession. A zero tolerance also is simply not allowing it anywhere, anytime, for any reason.
The informative sessions, on the other hand, want to give tips to people in order to, they hope, reduce the harm of the drug. Accoridng to Andrew Epstein, referred to in a story on E by Martha Irvine, the sessions are more "realistic", rather than the classic "just say no" policy, by giving facts about Ecstasy. They give tips such as: "Stay hydrated to avoid severe, and sometimes deadly, overheating," and "avoid ‘stacking’, or taking more than one tablet a night."
People like Epstein are hoping to help people such as an anonymous junior at Colton who says "I love it", but knew "nothing" about it when she was 14 and took a pill from a family member. With Epstein’s help, this junior wouldn’t take too many pills and accidentally overdose simply because she didn’t know the risks. When this student saw stories of others dying in result of an intake of the drug, her thoughts were, "It made me feel really mad, because it could happen to me, but I can’t stop."
Marijuana should be legalized
by Steve Perez
Issue 5
Marijuana. It’s use is so widespread, one would be hard-pressed to find an adult who has not experimented at one point or another. The fact that this drug is marred by such controversy, speaks volumes about it’s impact on society. Heck, presidential candidate’s (Ralph Nader to name one) have supported it’s legalization, and Attorney General’s have demanded it’s downfall. So what should be done?
Well, in three words: Make It Legal. Make it legal to smoke marijuana in public, private, anytime a person wants. It’s really NOT that big of a deal; too many people dedicate too much time and effort to this issue. Why is marijuana looked at any differently than beer, or cigarettes? Aren’t alcohol and nicotine types of drugs which have been legal for decades? Sure, when used in excess, the effects can be scary, but name any drug which can boast of no ill effects to a person’s health when used to the extreme? None. Not one, not two, not any.
To tell you the truth, it’s completely unfathomable as to why the government has yet to make it legal. I fail to see the detractors. Everyone from little Johnny down the street who smokes a bowl everyday, to Congressman Joe Blow will benefit. For people who already smoke, hey, they’re not breaking the law anymore. For money-hungry government officials, it gives them one more thing to tax.
That’s not to mention the positive effect it will have on the economy. The production of marijuana will result in thousands and thousands of new jobs. Jobs in manufacturing, jobs in marketing... jobs, jobs and more jobs. It will lead to a multi-million dollar industry; one which, again, everyone will benefit from.
As to the possible side effects of a more wide-spread use, it’s a proven fact they will not be in any way comparable to cigarettes. Excessive use of marijuana will result in the loss of short-term memory. Excessive use of cigarettes can be linked with various types of cancer (among them lung and throat).
So what if people are walk down the street with bloodshot eyes, high as a kite. What’s the matter with that? I’m not saying that people should be allowed to operate a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana (they should be dealt with in the same manner as people driving while intoxicated), I’m simply saying that we need to give people the benefit of the doubt.
It doesn’t make sense that people are trusted to drink responsibly, yet not trusted to smoke pot responsibly. In the end it comes down to logic; you can’t have cigarettes and alcohol without also having marijuana.
The Orange Blossom comes to the I.E.
by Jennifer Logan
Issue 5
What can be said about a festival of oranges? The 2001 Stater Bros. Orange Blossom Festival presented by Stater Bros., the Press Enterprise, X 103.9 radio station and many others, was held Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21 in downtown Riverside with light showers and light hovering over the festivities all weekend. But all together, the celebration went quite well despite the disappointing dew.
People brought their families from all over the Inland Empire to witness the famous Orange Blossom Parade and travel through this city centered faire which upheld a host of themes. Fiesta grove was complete with Mariachi bands, Folklorico dancers and the Gun Slinger Bucking Bronco. The Children’s Grove had a kid’s photo museum, rock climbing, an Astro Canyon Cimulator Coaster, and clowns with face painting accessories.
Vendors included Pape John’s Pizza, famous festival kettle corn, Haagen Daz Ice Cram, Godiva Chocholatier and many others. Some other businesses collecting new clientel were Verizon Wireless, State Farm Insurance, Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine, and KOLA 99.9 radio. Live bands also set up at nearby stages and performed throughout the day. Performers included Berlin,
Festival souvenirs in the Arts and Crafts Grove included a man who made decoratice candles out of dish-soap and wax, paintings of every kind, authentic Spanish/Indian jewelry, and even handcrafted boxes made from real orange peels.
Some highlights of the weekend were the Sweet Barrel Candy Shop, the Meet Dixie Elephant rides and the All Animals Great and Small Petting Zoo complete with goats, camels and a "zorse"! (Half zebra, half horse...of coarse.) A mini-canival that stretched over 2 and-a-half blocks brought excitement to every child under the age of 20 in the entire city.
Overall the blossoms were a success. Fun and good times for everyone, every year.
Where all the summer jobs are
by Renee Negrete
Issue 5
What do you plan to do for your summer break 2001? Are you tired of doing the same boring thing over and over?
Instead of sitting in a hot classroom all summer long, why don’t you get a summer job? Not only will a summer job keep you out of the hot classroom and the long boring days, but it will also allow you to learn about responsiblities. However, if it is to be your first real job then it is a great opportunity to learn about people skills. Also you will be making you own money, and it is up to you how you spend it. The following stores are businesses which are accepting aplications. Good luck!1) Stater Bros.
2) Del Taco
3) JC Penny
4) HomeTown Buffet
5) Tom’s Burgers
6) McDonalds
7) In N Out
8) Pharoah’s Lost Kingdom
9) Wal-Mart
10) Chuck E. Cheese
Lindsay Graham
Remembering Leah
June 1, 2001
Her name is Leah. She’s my other half. She’s a contributing factor to the person I’ve become. If there is one thing that I’ve learned through my experience, it’s that friendship, true friendship, holds the absolute value in this life. People, acquaintances, and friends may come and go, but best friends, people who leave their footprints and sparkles on your heart, mind, and spirit, are gifts from God, which only come along once in a lifetime.
I’ve been fortunate enough to know this kind of partnership. Of course, like anyone else, we had our ups and downs, but the bottom line was that we had a mutual respect and unconditional love for each other. We had the kind of connection where we could go weeks without seeing each other and with just one glance, we knew exactly what the other was thinking and feeling. Being there in the moment I knew we had a friendship which was hard to come by, but it wasn’t until she was gone that I TRULY realized this.
Losing Leah was THE HARDEST thing I’ve ever dealt with. Before the accident, I never had to deal with things completely on my own. Whenever a problem came up, each of us took on a portion of it and worked it out together. It didn’t matter if it was problems with our parents, or if the latest guy was spreading RUMORS and saying he got a little extra milk with his cookies. The point is, we never had to face anything alone.
After she died, I had no one to turn to. Don’t get me wrong, my friends and family were amazing. I couldn’t have survived without those certain people who know who they are. But no one could be there for me the way she was. Even though I knew no one could take her place in my life, I was constantly searching. I needed someone to help keep me afloat the way she did. But of course, through all my continuous struggles, I only came out empty handed and broken hearted. Finally, I realized that the only place I could find that strength was within myself.
Now, I have the strength and confidence to hold my head high. I can honestly say that I’m overall happy with my life and the person I’ve become. I know I can face any heartache, because I’ve already come out of one of the hardest fighting. This is the message I wish to pass on to my fellow seniors before we graduate. The only thing that could complete this picture would be to have Leah walk at Graduation, by my side, along with all of our other friends and a few certain special people on the sidelines cheering for us. Physically, I know that can’t happen. But knowing her friendship, even though it was only for a short period of time, has made me a better person. As I walk up to receive my diploma, she’ll be there. She’s in my mind, heart and spirit forever.
I guess what I’m trying to say is; learn from each other. Take in new knowledge with every person you meet and leave a piece of yourself to let them know how much you care for them. This is the true meaning of friendship. As we move forward in our lives, we may tend to forget about this. It’s only natural. But the experiences you share now with your friends will later make you stronger. Out of everything I learned from Leah, this was the most important. She taught me how to love myself and gave me the power and confidence to pass it on to all of you.
Thank you Leah. You’ll forever be my butterfly who shines like a star. Your light has helped guide me to self-discovery and happiness.
I LOVE YOU!!
Marisa Gutierrez
College life
June 1, 2001
Don’t you just hate it when you think you know everything about the real world, but you end up knowing nothing at all? That’s basically the story of my life. Even so, this revelation was magnified tenfold when I began taking college courses at UCR for extra college credit. That was when the reality of college sucker-punched me, leaving me down for the count.
My basic logic was: "High school is similar to college, and since high school is so complicated anyway, college should be a breeze."
Boy, was I wrong. I wasn’t wrong about everything though, because I was definitely prepared for college academically, but mentally <sigh> that’s another issue.
Being social is what college is all about, but it goes beyond the controlled environment of high school(where you already know everyone) and skyrockets into a liberal arena of extreme opinions, lifestyles, and anything else you can imagine. When I stepped on campus for the first time, it was like entering a whole new universe. I felt as apprehensive as a timid animal treading innocently on dangerous terrain. Everything appeared exaggerated in proportion and the people seemed radically fictional. The real world sucks when you don’t know what’s going on.
A classic example of my intense revelation would be aptly reflected through the acting course I took at UCR last winter quarter. I must have assumed that I was super-woman or something because I was confident I could take on college and high school at the same time. But when I actually arrived, that class literally scared me to death. To sum it up, I was trapped in a room with a hundred extreme liberals and an eccentric professor every Monday and Wednesday for three hours straight.
If you thought that was tolerable, you’re dead wrong. Learning the art of acting wasn’t so bad, in fact, that ended up being my only motivation for continuing the class. It was the social aspect of it all that killed me. Don’t get me wrong, I love meeting new people and socializing, but these people were impossible to relate with. I felt as though I couldn’t connect with any of the other students because they were so frickin’ immature. Now, I know I’m serious, but whenever I entered that class I felt like a senior citizen. I don’t know what floats your boat but talking about sex, in any shape or form, for three hours isn’t very appealing to me. It seemed like no one had any respect for anything. They could just talk about or do anything and not feel any shame.
That was when I realized the major differences between high school and college. I am used to a controlled environment, where I’m monitored by adults and still dependent on people for a lot of things. Sure, I can believe I’m independent but that’s just as far from the truth as anything can get.
Now that I think about it, the whole concept of attending college and high school at the same time is the stupidest idea ever. There’s absolutely no way I can understand a typical college student’s behavior because I never really assimilated into that environment. The only way to feel secure in college is to become one of them.
Remember, even though you think you know everything there is to know, you’d better wise up quick before you experience a major reality check. That’s a promise.
Amy Yarnall
Poem
June 1,2001
Finally the gates are opened
And we are able to walk on through.
This is our year, this is our time.
The day of Graduation will be our hour.We have come a long way
And though the year may end
We should be happy we no longer have to stay.
Let no one tell you that you
Don’t deserve this moment.
We have all earned the day
When we will walk on that grassy knoll
And recieve our diploma.Embracing all the smiles, while we are
Crying out all our trials;
Is one way our high school years
Have been spent.
Good friendships come and last only
As long as the amount of effort you put into them.
So, work hard for everything you want.
Nothing can be achieved
Without perserverence.
So, don’t ever sell yourself short
Be persistent and achieve your goals.So close is that open road,
Which we are soon to venture on.
The choices we will make
May bring us up or
Allow us to crash into the ground.
So, be wise in decison making.While the future lies in front of us,
Let us not worry about it,
Because it will come in due time.
Live today.
Live every moment out
Every second is precious-without a doubt
Lisa Humphrey
Life after high school is what’s important
June 1, 2001
These past four years, we’ve laughed, we’ve cried, gotten angry, and then laughed again, and all I can really say to sum it up is this: high school is quite an experience. Whether or not you have enjoyed your high school years, or wished that you could rid yourself of them forever may be yet to be determined. Nonetheless, they are no more.
As we hit the home stretch, I think back to all those things I longed for as a freshman: a spot in the student parking lot, a ticket to the senior prom, and a dedication page in the back of the yearbook. Having those things only leaves me wanting more.
As we embark on a new journey toward a college degree, a high paying job, or even a family someday, one thing is certain: you will always have the memories of your high school years.
There will always be that one teacher that made a difference, and that one that made you work so hard you’d swear that he was the cause of your heart attack. There will always be that lunch lady that got on your nerves, the class that made you laugh, and the one that made you cry, and that one person that made coming to school worthwhile. There will always be that one "clique" that you just didn’t understand, or the one you’d secretly wished you were a part of.
Soon, people will stop living up to those things written about them in the bathroom stalls. When we come back ten years from now, it won’t matter if you were the most popular kid in school, the biggest geek, or the class clown. It won’t matter that you successfully toilet-papered a campus fence, or got the highest grade in math class. All that will matter is what you have done with your life.
You might have been one of those people that spent time making your senior year memorable, or one of those that forgot you were still here. What matters now is where you go from here. What matters is what you’ve learned these past four years, and how you have grown from the experience. To all those who will succeed us in this overrated monumental abyss of high school drama, (in other words to the juniors) make the most of your experience because it is the only chance you get.
Brenda Quintero and Oscar Garcia
Memories
June 1, 2001
For most of us, high school was a fun experience. A place where we learned, laughed, argued and had fun. While some of us played sports, others were involved in activities and some just decided to go home and watch T.V. In high school most of us learned to mature, but most important we learned to make wise choices that were best fit for us and the right path to take. And who can forget the teachers that gave us a hard time for our best, (although many of us didn’t think so) the memories that exists probably cannot be replaced, but they are moments that we won’t be able to forget. Here are some of the most memorable moments of our fellow seniors:
"My most memorable moment in high school was during my sophomore year. I was walking up to the music building when my extremely messy folder flew and everything came out. No one helped me. I was on my knees gathering all the work. It was embarrassing."
-Cindy Sanchez"My most memorable moment of high school was the first assembly we had this year. All the seniors were wearing yellow shirts and we were all screaming and we were all happy that it was finally our senior year. I remember that after the assembly all the seniors were following a guy that had a yellow flag. We were all screaming "Seniors Rule." I had fun that day, it seemed like the last day of school. This memory will always stay with me as the day we had fun."
-Nancy Gonzalez
"My most memorable moment during high school was a tennis match. I was a tenth grader and I had made the Varsity Tennis Team. It was a must win situation. I was playing San Gorgonio’s # 2 singles player. We went to a tie-breaker and I won. I helped take my team to C.I.F. team finals."
-Ana Monterrosa"My most memorable moment was when Kimberly Powell and I were walking down the hall in the music room talking about how scary it looked when two people popped out of the hiding space and scared us half to death. This situation didn’t happen once, a couple of days after that incident happened again in the exact same place. I never saw Kim jump so high!"
-Nicole Powell"I was ditching to go get breakfast with Julie, and my foot got caught on the fence and I fell over the gate, but my foot was still stuck. I was still trying to get loose when I saw the driver of the dump truck parked there, laughing at us."
-Kimberly Powell"It was the day of the Senior Panoramic Picture when everyone decided they were going to leave campus but the gates were locked. Seeing all those seniors climbing over the fence and running to get out is a vision that is etched in my mind forever."
-Corie O’neal"This year on Halloween, I got on my friend Tyler’s shoulders and I covered him up with a blanket. It was pretty fun to walk around as a 10-foot, big hairy guy wearing a huge leopard skin cape and having everybody look at you."
-Erik Collin
Steve Perez and Megan Reiter
Predictions
June 1, 2001
As the Class of 2001 graduates and ventures into reality, many people wonder what’s going to happen to them. Will our graduating class contain the new Michael Jackson? Will there be the next Tiger Woods among this years’ departees? Or maybe even the future President of the United States of America? In any case we, Megan Reiter and Steve Perez, have managed, in our infinite power and wisdom, to obtain facts about the future of a few of our fellow seniors. This is what we have learned:
Sheila Boyd will follow the path of Jennifer Lopez, structuring her career around her exceptionally large derrière, leading her to insure it for an amazing $1 billion dollars.
Richie Underwood will toil as Hugh Hefner’s assistant for years, before becoming CEO and President of the Playboy Corporation. He too will follow the Hefner legacy, and maintain multiple relationships with Playboy Playmates.
Kalin Nix will have herself in the Guinness Book of World Records as the girl with the longest leg hair.
Brandon Crenshaw will become the new Puff Daddy (P. Diddy, or whatever the heck his name is!). He will also maintain Puff’s zest for controversy as he constantly appears in the news in attempts to avoid his ever-growing list of psycho ex-girlfriends.
Janina Garraway becomes a future Miss America, before having a modeling career as the next Tyra Banks.
Owen Daniels joins Miss Nix in the Guinness Book of World Records when the "Shortest Man in the World marries the Tallest Woman in the World."
Christine Leyva and Eric Vasquez live happily ever after as Mrs. and Mr. Christine Leyva.
Dat Vo mysteriously disappears, before reappearing 15 years later with the news that Einstein was wrong all along; E doesn’t equal MC2, it equals MD2.
Kim Powell embarks on an exciting journey in the field of law enforcement. She is forced to make a career move when she is fired for excessive abuse of inmates.
Ramy Abouelsood decides on a career in politics, going so far as to be elected 51st President of the United States of America. He is, however, kicked out of office amidst stories that Ramy worked as a male gigolo along the mean Cairo, Egypt.
Gabby Sinouhi gets her big break when she sings the National Anthem at the Olympics. Her career includes several multi-platinum albums (and she becomes the only singer from Colton worth a damn!)
Brandon Hillpot will arrive on the PGA Tour touted as Tiger’s new rival. The two go back and forth for three years before Hillpot is kicked off the Tour for hitting Woods in the head with his nine iron.
Joe Hernandez gauges his ears and travels aroung the world barefoot, because he hears it’s the "in thing".
And finally, Seth Purcell and Julie Connor will run away together to Hawaii, finally professing their love for each other.
[Editor’s Note: Steve Perez will go off to fight in WWIII for the Navy, secretly having an affair with Megan Reiter like a true sailor.]
Compiled by Maya Minwary and Amany Hajyassin
Senior Wills
June 1, 2001
I, Petra Kassouf "Princess" #32, leave my knee-high socks for basketball to Fallon Richards "Angel" #20 because shaving is just a waste of an athlete’s time—143.
We, Hern and J.J., leave our Lexus to Aysar because we love him!
I, Veronica Limon, leave my love and support to Mrs. Gordon because she is the best teacher at Colton. Best friends, forever!
I, Christy Casillas, leave my peer assistance T-shirt to my cousin, Jessica Lopez because she has helped me out throughout these two years. Thanks cuz, I love you!
I, Petra Kassouf, leave Paula Kassouf her own identity because she was always known as "Petra’s sister"—143.
I, Amber Arakaki, leave all the worries and time-consuming jobs of being Editor-in-Chief of the Pepper Bough, to Amy Carillo, because she deserves it (and it’s a lot off my back.) Good luck to you Amy
Kristiana Segura and Charissa Six
Teachers’ Advice
June 1, 2001
How better to send off the class of 2001 than with a little advice, and some words of encouragement, from the teachers we’ve had over the years. So we asked some teachers and this is what they had to say.
"If you pulled this off, you can pull anything off."
- The Science Dept."I think that one of the things that I learned, is that you really do have to live with yourself for the rest of your life. For this reason, it is important to do things that you will be proud of. And don’t be afraid to do things alone sometimes. That is the time when you will really get to know yourself the best. [Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and your ideas.] Sometimes we learn the most when we step out of our comfort zones and open up to the notion that there may be other points of view besides our own. [This is one of the most challenging tasks in life since we seek things that are comfortable and secure.] Ultimately you have your lifetime to learn these things, but, as they say, practice makes perfect."
- Ms. Kristen Tornero"Education has a profound effect on our future, it ultimately determines which road you take to make your life a success. Without it you will run into detours and road blocks everytime."
- Ms. Nadine Kelly"All kids can learn something, even if it’s just sit down and shut up, you’ve gotta learn something."
- Mr. Larry Pearce
"Live for today, but plan for tomorrow. You have to have balance in life, enjoy yourselves, but you don’t know what’s going to happen, so be prepared."
- Mr.. Kirk McVey"I think that our society measures success in two ways: money and recognition. Seldom will our society admire an individual whose personal dignity is the yardstick of success. Seldom do we spend time in reflection; developing ways to make the world around us a better place, analyzing our own weaknesses in character and turning them into strengths, or determining what we really want rather than what others want for us. Have the courage to take the road less traveled and consciously work steadfastly toward what you dream of. Your success then will depend upon the leap that you’re willing to take into the unknown possibilities."
- Ms. Lucy Khairullah"If you don’t know where you’re going you’ll probably wind up somewhere else." (Rene Descartes)
- Ms. Susan Morse-Pointer"Always be reliable. People want to know that they can count on you. 90% of success in life is showing up. And cherish your friends. Friendship is one of the greatest joys in life. It is almost equal to family."
-Mr. Dave Rainey"Knowledge is good" (Animal House)
- Mr. Bob DeGroff"Anything worth having is worth giving 110% for. Never give up."
- Mr. Chris Burner"In life you are given two ends; one the think with and the other to sit on. Your success in life depends on which end you use most. Heads you win, tails you lose." (Conrad Burns)
- Mr. Bill Webb"Don’t be a follower, be a leader."
- Mr. Ed Monroe
"Don’t vote, and don’t breed. ‘It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are’" (E.E. Cummings)
- Mrs. Holly Lacy
"You can achieve, whatever goals you have for yourself, sometime in your life. You shouldn’t push those goals, those desires out of your heart and mind, because one day the opportunity may present itself for you to accomplish all that you’ve set before yourself. Don’t give up on your dreams they can come true, maybe not today but one day."
- Mr. Raymond Ortega"Listen, you graduating seniors: You are not merely tattered coats upon sticks. Do not—under any circumstances—go gentle into that good night! Instead, take the road less traveled; go about the woodlands to see the cherry hung with snow.Strive, seek, find, and do not yield. Sail beyond the sunset, and drink life to the lees. Above all, rage, rage against the dying of the light (and don’t look back at the quivering masses of teachers, hearts and singing souls fastened to dying animals, bobbing in your wakes). We will meet again when we are all golden clouds on the edge of the wind, Bon voyage, me hearties."
Mr. Steve Goodyear
"To thine own self be true" (Shakespeare)
- Ms. Mitzi Abbot
Kim Powell and Julie Connor
Breakfast
June 1, 2001
As we reflect upon all the past impossible assignments, impossible teachers, detentions, and ridiculous rules, we realize that somewhere along the way, we learned a thing or two. Some of the most important lessons are learned outside the classroom- say, at a Denny’s perhaps. We’ve compiled a list of bits of senior wisdom, in hopes that they will come of good use to future graduating classes. So, without further adieu, here it is- everything we need to know, we learned from going to breakfast:
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. The simple truth is, if you want something bad enough, you’ll find a way to get to it. When the world (or the school) fences you in, hop the darn fence. Whether it’s getting an extra day on that report, getting out of a detention, or just getting across the street for some warm food, never give up on what you want.
It’s not what you know, it’s who you know- and what you know about them. A lesson we learned via a few security guards who will go nameless. It’s all about knowing who likes jelly donuts, who likes McDonald’s fruit parfaits, and who’s willing to turn their head. But whoever says that sucess isn’t accompanied by bribery and a bit of manipulation is probably going to spend the rest of his life wearing a shirt with his name on it.
Tools of the trade. Not that we like to label ourselves "material girls", but there are a few vital items. The school is a system governed by rules, fences, and if you don’t have the proper equipment you could fall into the rut of attending class everyday for the next few years. Take, for example, the fatty stack of xeroxed off-campus p and hall passes, which come handy when trying to cut back on truancies..
Let’s recap- High school to many is nothing but hard work and drudgery. But we’d like to say "Au contraire". The secret is that you have to make high school work for you. These are supposed to be "the best years of our lives". Don’t spend them behind locked gates. Live it up.
Edgardo Cerda
Deportes
June 1, 2001
Hola, espero que a lo largo de las ediciones hayan disfrutado los articulos que con mucho gusto escribi para ustedes,en estas ediciones trate de que conocieran un poco mas del deporte mas popular del mundo el soccer, asi que en esta ultima edicion quiero mostrarles una serie de fotografias del considerado mejor equipo en italia este es el AC Milan, equipo que ha dado asilo al 2 veces mejor jugador de Europa el Africano George Weah.
Tambien quiero mostrarles acontinuacion una tabla de algunos de los paises y sus equipos mas populares:Alemania Bayer Munich/Bayer Leberkusen
España Real Madrid/Barcelona/Valencia/Atletico M.
Italia AC Milan/Inter Milan/Juventus/Roma/Lazio
Brazil Flamengo/Vasco/Botafogo/Cruzeiro/Palmeiras
Argentina Boca Juniors/River Plate/Velez Sarsfield
Holanda PSV/ Ajax
Francia Paris Saint Germain/Monaco
Mexico America/Chivas/Cruz Azul/Tigres/Pumas
Chile U de Chile/ Colo Colo
Portugal Oporto/Sporting de Lisboa
Inglaterra Manchester United/Liverpool/ArsenalDeaspues se muestra una lista de los paises antes mencionados y los mejores jugadores que estas selecciones han tenido:
Kleinsman/Matheus/Feller
Zubizarreta/Mendieta/Butrageno/Mitchel/Raul
Maldini/Del Piero/Baggio
PELE/Tita/Bebeto/Romario
Maradona/Batistuta/Riquelme/Veron
Marco Van Vasten/Rudd Gullit/Davis
Zidane/Blanc/Lizarazu/Pettite/Platini
Hugo Sanchez/Luis Hernandez/Cuahutemoc Blanco
Zamorano/Salas
Figo/Nuno Gomez
Beckham/Sherinham/Giggs¿DONDE SERAN LOS SIGUIENTES MUNDIALES? Como todos sabemos el siguiente mundial sera jugado en Japon y Korea 2002,pero,el mundial del 2006 sera en el pais Europeo de Alemania,y el mundial del 2010 todavia no se sabe pero los candidatos son Sud Africa, Mexico y Brazil del que destaca Sud Africa ya que nunca se ha desempeñado una copa en ese continente, y el ahora presidente de la FIFA Joseph Blater obtuvo muchos votos en su candidatura por parte de este continente cuando se postulo para presidente de este organismo asi que todos sabemos que se siente comprometido con este pais por lo que es casi un hecho que el mundial 2010 se celebre en Sud Africa y el del 2014 en Mexico o Brazil o quien sabe a la mejor algun otro candidato se apunta.
Fernanda Cerda
Despedida
June 1, 2001
Todo lo que empieza debe terminar y a este año escolar le restan tan solo 2 semanas. Se supone que debo escribir una despedida ya que no solo termino el bachillerato (high school), si no que tambien regreso a mi pais.
La verdad que durante estos 9 meses que estuve estudiando en Colton me la pase muy bien, me diverti bastante, aprendi muchas cosas, y conoci mucha gente interesante. El haber venido a un lugar tan diferente al que yo vivo y en el que he permanecido toda mi vida fue para mi un reto muy interesante y a la vez un tanto triste.
Cuando llegue en el mes de Agosto estaba triste porque habia dejado mi casa, a mis padres, amigos y estaba sola con mi sombra aqui en un lugar diferente con un idioma diferente, todo completamente nuevo. Despues vino el primer dia de clases, como olvidarlo! ¡Nunca en mi vida me senti mas nerviosa! Conforme pasaron los dias empece a conocer gente que me hizo sentir mejor y comence a dejar de sentirme sola. Ahora ya han pasado 9 meses y siento tristeza porque tengo que dejar este pais pero no lo veo como una despedida sino como un hasta luego.
Los maestros son excelentes aqui al menos te tratan como persona, porque en mis anteriores escuelas los maestros solian ser bastante malas personas que no te trataban con respeto y mucho menos se preocupaban por ti, que ironico porque pagabas por ir a la escuela y te trataban mal y aqui no pague ni una peseta y me trataron bastante bien.
Claro no todo es estudiar, que aburrido seria! Durante este tiempo aqui conoci muchos lugares increibles como Las Vegas, (aunque no pude apostar), San Diego, San Francisco, centros comerciales y parques de diversion.
No me arrepiento para nada de haber venido a esta escuela y sin dudas alguna lo volveria a hacer porque pase uno de los mejores años de mi vida, ademas este tiempo lejos de mis padres, mi casa, mis amigos, de mi pais, me ha ensenado a valorar mas lo que tengo y ha no estar quejandome todo el tiempo por cosas que carecen importancia.
Quiero aprovechar para agradecer a todos lo profesores que tuve en Colton durante este año escolar, ya que todos se portaron increibele conmigo y me ayudaron bastante, tambien un agradecimiento especial a mis amigos( los considero mis amigos aunque solo nos conocimos poco), de mi mesa de periodismo: Jason Jones, Ashley Jay, Amy Carrillo y Napa U. y tambien Jessica Pfeifer porque me hicieron sentir muy bien y me trataron aun mejor.
Por ultimo quiero recomendarles que si se les presenta la oportunidad vayan a estudiar a otro pais, la experiencia no tiene precio.
Asi que realmente no veo este articulo como una despedida sino como una reflexion y un hasta luego porque lo que bien empieza, bien debe terminar y sin duda alguna aqui empece una nueva etapa de mi vida ademas siempre voy a recordar todo las cosas increibles que pase aqui.
¡Gracias por todo Colton y Hasta la vista, Baby !
Herman Marcial
Despedida
June 1, 2001
Buenos dias Mexico!...digo Colton. Bueno, que puedo decir? Este año estuvo suave. Era mi unico año escribiendo para The Pepper Bough pero tuve la oportunidad de escribir y dibujar con la garantia de que muchos lo vieran. Desde mi primer año en la prepa, queria hacer esto pero mi ultimo año lo logre. Me diverti mucho y conoci a mucha gente interesante. Quisiera segir escribiendo en la universidad y de alli, veremos lo que pasa. Le quisiera dar, bueno, le voy a dar las gracias a mi maestro, Mr. Rainey porque si no haya visto mis dibujos durante la escuela del verano, no haya decidido ponerme como su caricatunista junto a Marisa. Tambien a Brenda- mi editora quien me dejo dibujar y por confiar en mi. Mis mejores amigos Matt Karns y Alex Fernandez quienes son como mis hermanos y porque siempre estaban alli para hablar (a veces demasiado) en la escuela y en el trabajo y en mi casa (Don’t worry we’ll still kick it!). No se me puede olvidar de darle las gracias a mi maestra de catesismo Lydia Leyva y a Cynthia Jimenez quienes fueron como segundas madres y me ayudaron en mucho. Sin ustedes, no hubiera podido ser mi primera comuñion y confirmacion. Gracias al padre Pierre tambien por consigirme estos sacramentos. A mi counselor Mrs. Halter-Day tambien por toda la ayuda que me a dado en todo.
Les quiero dar las gracias a todos los de esta escuela quienes tomaron el tiempo para leer mis articulos y ver mis dibujos y por supuesto, les quiero dar las gracias a mis padres por todo lo que me han tenido que aguantar durante mis años de escuela especialmente el ultimo porque estuve muy ocupado en todas mis actividades y aveces parecia como si se me olvidara de mi casa y mi familia pero no fue haci. Siempre los tenia a todos en mi mente con la esperanza de que con todo lo que hacia, iban a ser orgullosos de mi. Ojala que lo haya logrado aunque mi vida apenas a empesado y tengo mucho que hacer por mi y por ustedes. Los Quiero Mucho.
"¡Viva los frijoles, las
tortillas y la clase de 2001!"
Oscar Garcia
Despedida
June 1, 2001
Al comenzar en la preparatoria no tenia ni idea de lo que me esperaba en estos cuatro años. Aprendi que todo se alcanza con perseverancia y que con lucha uno puede conseguir lo que mas quieres. Al estar aqui tuve la oportunidad de mantenerme ocupado escribiendo para este sofisticado periodico, corriendo (Cross- Country), siendo editor en el libro del año y vice presidente de la Sociedad de Honores. Pero lo mas importante es que aprendi a madurar y a tomar decisiones importantes por mi mismo. Al escribir en este periodico me dio la oportunidad de expresarme como ser humano y demostrar lo que siento.
Quiero dar gracias a todos los que me ayudaron en estos años. Gracias Brenda Quintero por las risas de siempre, Alejandra Perez por su compania, Randy Ceballos y Jacob Treviño por ser mis compañeros de correr y Linda Wells por siempre estar ahi, tambien.Ana Monterrosa: gracias por todo. A Jason Jones (eeehhh) What’s up Buddy?Sin mensionar a muchos mas pero ustedes saben quien son. Una vez mas gracias por todo. A los maestros que con su apoyo nos ayudaron a entender lo que es estudiar y enseñarnos a tener exito. Tambien a mis padres por todo su apoyo en todos estos años de estudio. Pero sin mayor duda mis gracias van para Dios que sin el no pude haber hecho lo que hice y que me dio la oportunidad de vivir la vida.
Creo que estos cuatro años me han hecho refleccionar en muchas cosas y les quiero decir a todos ustedes que si sueñan en hacer algo lo hagan porque si no se pueden arrepentir despues y almenos si no lo logran podran decir que lo intentaron. ¡Es lo que mas cuenta! Tambien que aprovechen las oportunidades que vengan. Algunas solo se presentan una vez. Vivan la vida un dia a la vez y vivanla con alegria, que vida nadamas hay una.
Pedro Vargas
Despedida
June 1, 2001
Al empesar el año todos los estudiantes esperaban un año muy aburrido, pero no fue asi, si no todo lo contrario fue un año divertido, (al pezar de todos los momentos inesperados y de mal momento). La divercion empesaba en las asembleas, seguia con los carnivales, con musica en los lonches y hasta "senior ditch day", pero hubo mas que todo eso, hubo muchos bailes incluyendo prom (fiesta de graduacion). Esa noche fue la noche de todos, especialmente de los seniors (estudiantes del doce grado) se divertieron y todo salio como lo tenian planeado, muchos de los estudiantes disfrutaron de los "After parties" fiestas despues de prom.
Al fin llego el fin del año, lo mas esperado de todos lo estudiantes verdad? No, no es asi, no para todos los estudiantes. Unos de los estudiantes esperaban el fin del año mas que otros pero ahora no es asi, porque no todos se quieren despedir de sus amigos, no todos quieren despedirse de sus maestros, no todos quieren decir adios a las memorias que dejaran atras, es doloroso decir adios a un lugar que ya se acostumbrado uno. Muchos de los estudiantes del doce grado (seniors) no quieren dejar eso atras, y yo soy uno de esos estudiantes, porque despedirte de tus amigos es triste, porque tus sentimientos, tus pensamientos, y tu presencia se quedaran con todos ellos, se quedaran en el corazon. Para mi el ano se paso muy rapido ya que todo lo que hisimos parece que apenas fue ayer. Le quiero dar las gracias a todos mis maestros por toda la ayuda que me ofrecieron especialmente a Sonia, si no fuera por ella no estubiera apunto de graduarme (Gracias Sonia), y todos mis amigos que me dieron la mano cuando mas la necesitaba y que estubieron detras de mi apoyandome GRACIAS. Tambien le quiero dar las gracias a Mr. Rainey por dar me la oportunidad de estar en el"PepperBough"
"¡Gracias y Buena Suerte A Todos!"
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.
Megan Holden
issue #5
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."
Denise Alcantar
issue #5
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.
StevePerez
issue#5
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.
Napa Utrapiromsuk
issue #5
swimming
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.
Paul Lopez
issue #5
Tennis
Inexperience mixed with a lot of heart has been the byword so far for this year’s Boys Tennis squad.
"The majority of the players are new," says Terry Urban, boys tennis coach. "Some have never even picked up a racquet."
Boys tennis began four weeks ago. They have played six matches. Even though they have lost all of them, they never seem to focus on their record. "Losing doesn’t feel good, but they seem to have fun," says Urban.
The squad has four returning varsity players out of a total of about 13 players. Urban says, "The rest of the players are just learning. We have steps to work on, but they are improving."
After the games, the team goes out for pizza. "Its something to relax them after the game. Something to make them feel good," says Urban.
Boys tennis has games every Wednesdays and Fridays.
Their season ends during the first week of May.
Brenda Ureno
issue #5
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 te