The Poly Optimist John H. Francis Polytechnic High School Vol. xxi 12431 Roscoe blvd. sun valley, california, 91352 Mid-February 2009 Klinker Former OPTIMIST Art At Lands Interview

By Karinina Cruz Poly Staff Writer A recent OPTIMIST editor and Poly grad sold two sto- By Angel Silva Staff Writer ries to the New York Post in January. Pedro Oliveira Jr., 21, currently news editor of the “Badger Herald” at the [This is the second part of Photo by Karina Muniz University of Wisconsin, Madison, interviewed Jeffrey a four-part series on Poly’s Skiles, copilot of the US Airways jet that crash-landed in art collection. Part 1. ran OIL ON CANVAS: Prominent artist and Parrot grad Orpha in the February edition, New York’s Hudson River on January 15. At that time, no currently online at poly- Klinker’s “Original Campus” (1936) shows the L.A location. high.org] one from the flight crew had spoken to the press because Two works by renowned Klinker attended Poly when After graduation from Poly, the incident was under investigation. California illustrator and paint- it was known as Commercial Klinker was working as a sales Skiles is a resident of nearby an interview concerning the er Orpha Mae Klinker, “Com- High School and apparently clerk in a department store Oregon, Wisconsin. Oliveira crash. The “Post” ran the in- mercial High, Poly’s Second donated the two works to her when her employer noticed drove to Skiles’ residence and terview and a follow-up story Home” (1935) and “Original alma mater some years later. [ See Klinker, pg 5 ] convinced the copilot to give January 23. Campus” (1936), were recent- The two Klinker oils depict Skiles and pilot Chesley ly uncovered among a group the original vocational high “Sully” Sullenberger have of valuable paintings long in school in Los Angeles before been in the news daily since storage at Poly. it was renamed John H. Fran- January 15, when their plane, In late 2008, LAUSD Cu- cis Polytechnic High School in Poly Scores US Airways Flight 1549, ratorial and Collections Man- 1935 and eventually relocated made a forced landing in the agement Consultant Leslie to Sun Valley in 1957. Hudson River after both en- Fischer cataloged and ap- Klinker also painted a por- Highest Ever gines stopped. All 155 people praised Poly’s art as part of a trait of Francis, the founder aboard were saved. The crew larger project for LAUSD. The and first principal of Poly, but cathlon competition and was later received a special invi- two Klinker works, valued its whereabouts are unknown. By Jason Castro Editor In-Chief held last Saturday at UCLA’s tation to President Obama’s at around $3,500 each, were “She was very attached to John Wooden Center in West- inauguration, appeared at the among the art works Fischer the school,” said author Phyllis Poly’s Academic Decathlon wood. Superbowl and was inter- researched. Hansen, who is currently writ- team scored a total of 35,542 viewed by Katy Couric on “60 An oil painting by Califor- ing a biography of Klinker. points at Saturday’s “Super Minutes” on CBS. nia watercolorist Lee Blair en- Born in 1891 in Fairfield, Quiz,” an increase of almost Oliveira Jr. spoke with the titled “The Ranch Horses” and Iowa, Klinker was a child 5,500 over last year, and the OPTIMIST last week about valued at $15,000 was also when her family moved to highest score in Poly history the Skiles interview. among the paintings Fischer northern California and later by over 4,000 points. The documented. (See part one of Los Angeles, where her father event was part of Los Ange- Q. Who first contacted you this series.) invested in real estate. les Unified School District’s about doing a Skiles inter- (LAUSD) 2009 Academic De- view?

Politics ‘09 Photo by Karina Muniz I was contacted by an assign- COACH: Brian Block. ment editor from the “New York Post's” city desk. I am GM’s Rocky Road The Parrots also earned a not quite sure why the “Post” Most Improved in Conference called us. Our editor in chief, departure raises several issues crippled auto market and steep Award. By Angel Silva Tom Schalmo, passed the call Staff Writer concerning the plan in ques- losses. The Academic Decathlon on to me. I remember him say- tion. GM and competitor competition awards med- ing, "sounds like a job for Pe- General Motors may still be “It is a little unusual, frank- Chrysler are both under a Feb. als for the overall competi- dro." on the road to ruin. ly, to see this kind of a transi- 17 deadline to submit plans tion as well as certificates for A week before the Detroit tion at this time,” said Aaron to the Treasury Department achievement in conference. They wanted to get anything auto maker presents a plan to Bragman, an industry analyst or risk losing their $17.4 bil- Poly students earned six med- from Mr. Skiles' personal life, Congress, vice chairman Bob at IHS Global Insight. “He had lion in federal loans. To meet als and six certificates. what he was like, family, fly- Lutz stated that he would step said that he wanted to stick bailout requirements, GM has Junior Karinina Cruz’s ing history. They didn't give down to become a senior advi- around to see the Volt land.” been trying to reduce its debt score of 6,924 was the high- me specifics because there sor for GM. Lutz’s exit was one of many by reducing pay and laying off est total score in Poly history. wasn't a lot of information on Lutz was the figurehead in by top GM executives, in- workers. Cruz had a perfect gold medal him. The story developed on the development of the hyped cluding two directors, as the GM lost $23 billion through score of 1000 for her speech, a the spot. That happens quite Chevy Volt, which has been company scurries to ready its the first nine months of last silver medal for her interview, frequently in this profession. seen as the solution to many of economic turnaround plan for year, and its U.S. sales volume the company’s problems. His a skeptical Congress amidst a declined 23% in 2008. [ See Poly, pg 3 ] [ See Ex., pg 4 ]

Glory Kickin’ It League toPoly Old School Leader See Comics See Soccer Girls See Hurt Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Comments The Poly 2 Mid-February 2009 Optimist EDITORIAL L E T T E R S T O T H E E D I T O R Love and Money The OPTIMIST talked to Parrots about what they’re reading, Here’s what they told us: This month is supposed to be the month of love and “The Killer Angels” (1974) “Always Running” (1993) friendship, where you show - Michael Shaara - Luis Rodriguez how you truly feel for that one special person. “It’s about the Civil War.” “I think that people would like it because right Instead, we get the usual now we are living in a world that everyone is yearly mass fabricated junk in “My teacher introduced it to the class.” fearing.” stores around the country. It’s sickening to see that today’s “It has the story of men who fought and died for Marielena Villatoro, 11 society sees love as a measur- a cause they believed in.” able substance-something you “Communion: The Female Search can pick up at the local 99- Isaac Aleman, 12 For Love” (2002) cent store. - Bell Hooks Love is defined as a -pro “Secret Life of Bees” (2002) foundly tender, passionate af- - Sue Monk Kidd “It’s about a female finding love in the feminist fection for another person, not movement and the stages of loving.” a box of fattening chocolates pression of love you can give “My friend Helen told me it was a good or a group of dying flowers a person. It doesn’t have to be book.” “My cousin gave it to me. She had a class at wrapped in plastic. It’s not on a date or something-just be- UCLA and was assigned to read it.” what you give a person that ing together doing schoolwork “I saw the movie and the book is always better defines what you feel for him or at lunch is enough. than the movie. If you liked the movie, you’ll “I think girls would like it because they could or her, it’s what you do togeth- This month show how much love the book.” relate.” er. you care for your loved one, The time spent with another not necessarily by showering Joe Martinez, 12 Isabel Sandoval, 11 person is something that can- them with material gifts, but not be quantified. Our time by sharing something intan- “Invisible Man” (1952) “The Rogue Hunter” (2008) on this earth is limited, and gible, something that can't be - Ralph Ellison - Lynsay Sands to spend it with someone you tasted or touched-time. Give care about is the true expres- them your love, your undying “It gives you a whole new view of racial segre- “It’s about vampires who are hunting criminals sion of love, not a corny red care, and most importantly, gation and discrimination in the lives of blacks who are vampires.” card with a fat winged baby spend time with them - for to- and whites. on the front. morrow you might not be to- “I was looking through the book section at Tar- Spending time with those gether. “It’s an enjoyable book with complex charac- get and the book triggered my interest.” you care about is the best ex- ters and situations.” Sylvatte Rodriguez, 11 The OPTIMIST Alexandra Garcia, 11 “Anything Can Happen in High School John H. Francis Polytechnic High School (1951) 12431 Roscoe Blvd. Sun Valley, CA, 91352 “Catcher in the Rye” (and it usually does)” (1993) URL: http://www.polyhigh.org - J.D Salinger - William D. McCants “The way Holden (The main character) looks at Editor-In-Chief Editorial “It has interesting things for example: A guy life teaches you that anyone can overcome any named T.J was dumped by a girl named Janet Jason Castro Policy obstacle, no matter how hard life is.” and attempts to get her back. “ Political Editor Angel Silva The OPTIMIST is the voice of the Poly com- Brianda Lopez, 11 Andrea Sanchez, 12 Sports Editor munity and accepts the Marvin Martinez responsibilities of a free “Twilight” (2005) “Girl Hearts” (2001) Art Editor press. The OPTIMIST - Stephanie Meyer - Norma Fox Mazer Karina Muniz follows the Code of Eth- “I just love vampires and werewolves. I also Photo Editors ics for the Society of Pro- “I didn’t like it, I loved it. The best part is how love the action and the never ending love be- Karina Muniz fessional Journalists. Edi- the brave that lost her mom fights to be stron- Michael Obando torials are the opinions of tween characters.” ger.” the staff writers. Cartoonists Evelyn Velazquez, 12 Ricky De Guzman Liliana Benavidez, 12 Marina Turruelles Letters “The Hours” (1999) “A Clockwork Orange” (1962) Writers Letters to the Editor - Michael Cunningham Karinina Cruz, Hazel Ka- must be typed or neatly - Anthony Burgess susky, Lizette Lopez, Mar- printed in ink and include “I liked it because it’s about three different vin Martinez, Angel Silva, the writer’s signature. The “I like this book because I have seen the movie women in different time periods and the author and it was awesome.” Belle Tadena OPTIMIST reserves the somehow connects their lives.” right to edit submissions. “Anyone would like this book because it is Optimist Advisor Send letters to Rm.14 or “I found it in Ms. Elam’s class for silent read- about a gang leader who thinks he is all that.” John Blau Mr. Blau’s box. ing.” Jenny Valles, 12 Glendy Lopez, 11 The Poly Optimist Campus Connection Mid-February 2009 3 Poly Scores Big In Super Quiz

[ Poly, from pg 1 ] and conference certificates in music and essay. Senior Belle Tadena won a silver medal for her speech, and a bronze medal for her essay. Junior Angel Silva was one of only three students in the entire district to earn a gold medal for essay and also earned a conference certificate for this honor. Junior Alexander Lee won a sil- ver medal for speech, and conference certificates for essay and music. Junior Tam Luu earned a conference certifi- cate for music. While not finishing in the top nine schools that qualify for the state com- petition, the Parrot team finished fourth out of 64 teams for the essay event. El Camino finished fifth in this category and second place North Hollywood finished third. Marshall High School won the “Su- per Quiz” competition with a final, unofficial score of 53 points out of 60. El Camino Real and Palisades Char- ter High School tied for second place, scoring 52 points each. Photo courtesy of Brian Block Official winners were announced TEAM: (from left) Junior Karinina Cruz, junior Tam Luu, junior Angel Silva, senior Belle Tadena, junior Cris Vergara, Thursday at the LAUSD Academic junior Steve Miranda, freshman Cathy Capalla, junior Alexander Lee, and junior Freddy Palominos at the Super Quiz. Decathlon awards ceremony at the Los Angeles Convention Center. school name held up high at the start The winning school/team and wild Six Medals Won of the relay. card teams will go on to compete in the Competitors had seven minutes to 2009 California Academic Decathlon, Six Division Certificates won answer ten questions. scheduled March 13-16, in Sacramen- The questions were divided into the to. Four Writing Certificates three levels, Honors, Scholastic and “Our super quiz placement was Varsity. about five places higher than our high- ture, math, music, science, and social Freddy Palominos (11). Despite the pressure, Poly Acadeca est team 2 years ago," said Parrot Aca- science before the written Super Quiz This year’s study topic was “Latin team said they enjoyed the experience. deca coach Brian Block, “and if we are relay. America with a Focus on Mexico.” “It was a great learning experience,” just a little lucky with the seven mul- Participating high schools are al- “It was a great experience learning said freshman Capalla, “and although tiple choice, we might crack the top 20 lowed to send a maximum of nine stu- about the different aspects of Latin my individual super quiz score wasn’t overall.” dents for the school’s team. American culture,” said Miranda. high, it inspired me to do better next Poly's highest finish previously was The team must have three A grade Competition day began at nine in year. Everyone in the Acadeca team 28, according to Block. average students for the Honors level, the morning with a math test, followed was an inspiration to me.” “What makes it more amazing for three B grade average students Scho- by tests in Economics, Social Science, Capalla said being a freshman gave me is that only one student had been lastic level and three C or below grade Language and Literature. her a great opportunity to interact with in Acadeca before and only one was a average students Varsity level. After lunch, students took written juniors and seniors, who give her tips senior,” said Block. Poly’s Decathletes at the Super Quiz tests in Art and Music. on how to handle the academic rigor of Five hundred eighty high school were: Honors Level: Karinina Cruz Then came the written portion of the Acadeca. students in sixty-four teams of decath- (11), Tam Luu (11) and Cathy Capalla Super Quiz. This year’s topic concen- The Relay was broadcast live on letes competed in the event, along with (9). Scholastic Level: Belle Tadena trated on Evolutionary Biology. KLCS channel 58. There will be replay parents, friends and well-wishers. The (12), Angel Silva (11) and Christopher The Super Quiz relay was the final telecasts also on KLCS on February 10 testing covered seven subjects includ- Miranda (11). Varsity Level: Chris event of the day. at 10:30 AM, February 15 at 2:00 PM ing art, economics, language/litera- Vergara (11), Alexander Lee (11) and All the teams marched with their and February 24 at 10:30 AM.

Only five more months until the Zodi- other side of the door and to realize that If you are, you’re lucky. College acs graduate. college life is just around the corner. If you’re not, then know that to ponder Seven or eight more months until the Some of us decided to stay at home these issues is normal. start of my college life. with our parents in order to save housing As English teacher Ethel Matlen said, Journal For a sophomore or a junior, gradua- money. Some decided to leave the nest to “Don’t kill yourself over it. You have your tion is still a lifetime away. This is more find themselves a place to stay. first two years in college to explore and than enough time to plan for the future Dorms, apartments, studios. decide what path you want to pursue.” and plenty of time to procrastinate. For those who chose the latter, we Despite all these thoughts in your head As a service to our read- On the other hand, for a senior like me, question whether we are prepared for this seniors, you still have five more months to ers, the OPTIMIST asked one Poly senior to tell us it feels like there is not enough time to do independence or not. go before you don your togas. about her senior year. anything. What happens after high school? What You still have five more months of Below is the ninth install- Seniors only have one more month to am I going to major in and pursue? How classes to pass. ment of her story. finish and submit the FAFSA application positive am I that this major will get me Do yourselves a favor and leap over to be eligible for college financial aid. somewhere? Am I going to get a job? one hurdle at a time. Don’t worry about However, that is not the only issue in Perhaps these thoughts do not plague the next one. You’ll get there sooner or By Belle Tadena store for seniors. your mind like they do mine, or maybe later. Staff Writer It is mind-boggling to think that there you are already settled on your future, is a whole new life waiting for us on the your major, your career, your life. Interview The Poly 4 Mid-February 2009 Optimist Ex-Optimist Reporter’s Story In New York Post

[ Former, from pg 1 ] resume building at this stage in life.

Q. Did you use your scoop to do a Q. How much time did you have to story for the college paper? prepare for the interview? I did not. My time was committed to It depends on how you look at it. I was the Post and it wouldn't be professional working at my desk when I received a to use the information I collected dur- call from the “Post,” and after explain- ing that time to write a story for a dif- ing what the story entailed, the editor ferent publication. One of the articles asked, "What's the earliest you can be Internet Photo was featured on CNN, though. That there by?" My response was "about 20 WET LANDING: A ferryboat rescues passengers from the wings of U.S Airways was fun. minutes," and without hesitating, I sim- flight 1549 after the plane was forced to crash-land in the Hudson River. ply got up and drove as fast as I could Q. What is your background with to Oregon, a city about 20 minutes out- the college paper? What year are side of Madison, Wis. The story didn't you and what is your major? turn out as we expected at first because “I had no prepared set of questions. Mr. Skiles' family would not talk to I knew where the story had to go and I just ended a semester working as reporters, so I actually spent a total of “The Badger Herald's” news editor. three days working to get the Skiles in- what kind of questions I had to ask...” The “Herald” is divided in four major terview and prepared over the course sections — News, Opinion, Sports and of those days. Arts, etc. — with News being the larg- - Pedro Oliveira Jr. est and more challenging one to lead. Q. Who made the arrangements and At the time, the department was com- where did the interview take place? prised of 12 editors and something be- side his house, near my car. had met with President Barack Obama tween 15 and 30 reporters. Before that, There were no arrangements, and that's during the inauguration. That ended up I had worked as a deputy news editor, what was the most interesting about Q. Did you videotape or voice record being my article's lead (first sentence). campus editor, state reporter and page this story. I simply drove out to Mr. the interview or rely on handwritten designer. I'm currently working as a se- Skiles' house, put on a nice smile and notes? Q. Do you have any idea why neither nior news reporter. knocked on his door. At first I talked to the pilot nor co-pilot offered this in- his wife, Barbara, who was very nice I was ready to go with my voice re- formation to the media before? I'm a junior majoring in Portuguese but was starting to get tired of speaking corder, but did not do so at Mr. Skiles' and journalism. with reporters. She must have had at request. Some people are a bit uneasy From what I understand, the crew has a least 10 different business cards from about being recorded and he' was one "we were just doing our jobs" approach Q. Tell us about the school paper. area media outlets in her kitchen. That of them. He's a pretty humble and shy to this incident. Nobody felt compelled was Friday. guy and I figured that having an exclu- to speak about it because they were The “Herald” prints 15,000 copies dai- sive interview with him was already pretty humble, shy guys who didn't feel ly, M-F. We run on broadsheet, color The following Monday, I came back to good enough. I wasn't going to push it like heroes. and the number of pages varies. The Mr. Skiles' residence in hopes of speak- too much. largest issue of the semester runs with ing with him. After some good six to Q. Did this information come as a re- about 60 pages and comes out on the eight hours, my photographer and I Luckily, a bit of experience reporting sult of a question of yours or was it first day of each semester. On a daily found out he had left to the presiden- gives you quick enough hand writing volunteered by Skiles? basis it could run anywhere from 12 to tial inauguration in Washington, D.C. that you only need your voice recorder 20-some pages. We had not left the area yet because for accurately report long, elaborate It was a question I asked. I asked him nobody would answer the door, though quotes. about the inauguration because of what Q. Tell us about you. there were cars parked in the driveway. his son had told me a few days before. At one point in the afternoon, one of Q. Did you have a prepared set of I was born and raised in Belém, Bra- his sons answered the door and told us questions? Q. How did you work out the freelance zil. At 17, I moved to the United States Mr. and Mrs. Skiles wouldn't be home compensation with the “Post?” and attended Poly for a year and a half. until the following day. That was day I had no prepared set of questions. I I was awarded the Posse Foundation's 2. knew where the story had to go and There was a common understanding full-tuition leadership scholarship, what kind of questions I had to ask, that I would go out and get the story mostly for my work at the OPTIMIST. On day three, Thursday, I drove to his and since I had been looking forward for the Post and that I would receive an house with another area freelance pho- to that moment for a while, I had a few appropriate compensation. Q. Was a journalism career always a tographer and we waited around his question in my head — but no official goal of yours? Did someone inspire house for a bit. He, of course, wouldn't list or order written down. Q. Did you sign away all rights to the you to work for a paper? come out and talk to us, so I decided “Post?” to employ a little journalistic trick Q. Did Skiles come alone? No. Up until late high school, I thought (the kind you don't learn in journalism Yes, as a freelancer, you grant all rights I was going to become a professional classes). I had researched a bit of Mr. He came alone. Funny thing is that I to the publication that contracts your musician because I spent about 12 Skiles' past and found out he attended didn't even know it was an interview work. years in music school studying piano. the University of Wisconsin-Madison, for the first five or so minutes there. He which is the same school I currently at- just came out and started chatting with Q. Any future arrangement with the My dad had done some work for a small tend. So I wrote him a nice hand-writ- my photographer and I. At some point I “Post” to provide other stories? newspaper when he was about my age ten letter explaining who I was and how asked, "So, do you mind if I take some and he battled the military dictatorship we had a few things in common. In the notes?" He joked back, "I thought we My name is in their files for future area Brazil was under at the time. I started letter, I explained I would be quick and were almost done here." He was nice freelance opportunities. They did men- a newspaper in Brazil and that's how I only ask him things he would be com- enough to repeat a few answers. tion I could do some work for them if I became interested in journalism. fortable talking about. I also asked him were ever to live in New York, so that to at least come out and let me know if Q. We understand that Skiles re- could be a nice thing to follow up on in Q. Tell us about your work with the he would talk, so I could know and not vealed aspects of the story to you the future. OPTIMIST? have to stay out there. Temperatures that had not previously been made were nearing zero degrees and I was public. Is that correct? Q. Will you use this experience to I was there in 2005-06. The paper had seriously starting to lose it. negotiate the sale of your stories to actually been shut down for a few Mr. Skiles was unable to speak about other publications? years so I was one of the people who He came out a few minutes later, and the crash because of the ongoing inves- [ See next page ] the interview began. It took place out- tigation. However, he did reveal that he Absolutely. Anything you do works for The Poly Optimist Around Town Mid-February 2009 5 Hollywood Nights

By Hazel Kasusky Staff Writer A night on the town leads to unexpected adventures.

Bummer. songs from various genres. He sang The four of us, Karina, Elizabeth, well and loud, but without any effort or Mari, and I, stood outside Amoeba Re- emotion. A couple of college-looking cords in Hollywood. We had planned kids ridiculed my sweater by singing to watch Franz Ferdinand perform in- Spongebob’s “Striped Sweater” song. side. As we neared the Chinese Mann The- The gig was full. We had come too atre, the crowds got bigger. I couldn’t late. Lesson learned: never go to a free blame them. They were staring at peo- concert. ple dressed up as Iron Man and Jigsaw’s Instead of sulking over the missed puppet from the “Saw” movies. To me, chance to meet Franz Ferdinand, we their costumes screamed “for a couple decided to hit the streets and explore of bucks, I will sell my dignity.” a little. After a bite at Jack-In-the-Box, Not all of the “entertainers” were we headed for the famous Chinese dressed in costume. A break dancer Mann Theatre. stepped to the beat of his boom box. The night sky was dark. Neon lights Some of the “normal” people walk- illuminated the Hollywood Walk of ing up and down the boulevard prob- Fame. Tourists’ heads leaned over to ably had hopes of being discovered one look at each embedded star on the side- walk. Every now and then, a passerby would offer a free something. The smoke in the air made it difficult “Public restrooms were rare. We stepped into a to breathe. At least two people on each McDonald’s where a Michael Jackson impersonator block were smoking. Hollywood’s years of promoting tobacco had paid went to the bathroom. People on Hollywood Boule- off. vard are very…open.” Store windows were filled with the stereotypical Hollywood stuff, includ- ing old movie posters and celebrity hearts, we dragged ourselves to the mannequins wearing feather boas. One day by a famous producer. Hollywood’s corner of Sunset and Hollywood. display featured Elvis Presley in a glamour has been the downfall of many A vendor on the way was selling ros- white suit with a guitar. a would-be star, but that doesn’t seem es for three dollars. I decided to buy a Public restrooms were rare. We to discourage the dreamers. white one for my mother. But I sure as stepped into a McDonald’s where a We were only yards away from the heck wasn’t going to pay three dollars of people and bright lights, out of Michael Jackson impersonator went to Chinese Mann Theatre when my cell for one flower. I haggled with the ven- breath by the time we reached the car. the bathroom. People on Hollywood phone rang. Our ride was ready to go. dor until we settled for two dollars. As we drove away, the smell of Boulevard are very…open. We had to bid farewell to the glitz and It was ten o’clock. The streets were smoke and roses lingered on our On the street, a man with a cane sang head back to the Valley. With heavy crowded. We pushed through the blur clothes.

Interview Poly Grad Klinker

[ continued from pg 4 ] [ Klinker, from pg 1 ] She painted a number of famous and socially promi- her artistic skills and asked her nent people including Mrs. started it up again, along with to do advertising illustration. Alfonso E. Bell, founder with Mrs. Ethel Matlen and later During her twenties, Klinker her husband of Bel Air, avia- Mr. John Blau. I was the first did illustrations for a number tor Willy Post, humorist Will editor in chief and design di- of local department stores and Rogers and comedian Edgar rector. her work appeared in the “Los Bergen and his daughter Can- Angeles Times” and other dice. She was widely exhibited Q. Comments on the OPTI- newspapers. and her paintings were in the MIST? After a brief and failed mar- collections of both Winston riage, Klinker and a girlfriend, Churchill and Franklin Delano I like the number of features also a Poly grad, traveled to Roosevelt. and how developed the stories Europe, where Klinker studied Two of Klinker’s works have become. The OPTIMIST at the Académies Julian and are currently on exhibit at the has also continued to attract Colarossi in Paris. Internet Photo Long Beach Museum of Art extremely talented young re- Homesick, she returned to PORTRAIT: A young Ortha Klinker, shown here with her por- and were the subject of a 2008 porters and won a few prizes, the States and settled in New trait of comedian Will Rogers and aviator Willy Post. exhibition by Sullivan Goss of which makes me proud to have York, illustrating dress pat- Klinker did a series of paint- lished in the “Los Angeles Santa Barbara. started the newspaper. terns for McCall’s and later ings of the adobes of the state Times.” Klinker later lectured Klinker spent her later years doing artwork for “The Ladies called “The Landmarks of with these paintings around in Hollywood, where she died Homes Journal.” California,” that were pub- the state. in 1964 at age 73. During the Depression, The Poly 6 Mid-February 2009 Entertainment Optimist Sudoku Horoscopia Complete the grid By Lizette Lopez Staff Writer so each row, column and 3x3 box contains Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19) every digit from 1 to The love bug is in the air and it has definitely gotten a hold of you. Nothing can stand in your way of finding true love. 9. Good luck! Best Matches: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius Best Avoided: Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn

Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20) You’ll grab your crush’s attention with your brains and ambi- tion. So on Friday, don’t be surprised on who calls. Best Matches: Virgo, Capricorn, Pisces Best Avoided: Leo, Sagittarius, Aquarius Gemini (May 21 - Jun 21) You will spot someone special, someone that can be more than a “friend.” Don’t hold back. Remember cupid is on your side. Glory to Poly Best Matches: Leo, Libra, Aquarius Best Avoided: Virgo, Scorpio, Pisces

Cancer (Jun 22 - Jul 22) You’re a hopeless romantic and your sweet personality will cap- ture many hearts. So don’t let anybody take advantage of you. Best Matches: Virgo, Scorpio, Pisces Best Avoided: Libra, Sagittarius, Aries

Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22) Someone is thinking of you and this could be the start of a love- roller coaster ride you won’t want to end. Best Matches: Aries, Gemini, Sagittarius Best Avoided: Taurus, Capricorn, Pisces

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22) Your inner rebel is dying to come out. Don’t be shy. Your one true love may be just around the corner. Best Matches: Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio Best Avoided: Gemini, Sagittarius, Aquarius

Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 22) You are usually carefree. You don’t need anybody special. How- ever, love can still be on your side. Give that lucky someone a chance. Best Matches: Leo, Gemini, Aries Best Avoided: Pisces, Taurus, Capricorn

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21) Get ready to explore a completely new chapter in your life. And you won’t experience it alone; someone special will be by your side. Pencilhead Best Matches: Capricorn, Cancer, Pisces Best Avoided: Leo, Aquarius, Aries

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21) Don’t make any plans this Valentines Day. There’s adventure ahead and you might even find a special someone on the way. Best Matches: Aries, Gemini, Leo Best Avoided: Taurus, Cancer, Pisces

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19) You’ve been dedicated to someone, but they haven’t done the same. It’s time to let go. You’ll find someone new. Best Matches: Taurus, Scorpio, Pisces, Best Avoided: Aries, Leo, Libra

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) You haven’t been interested in anybody lately, but someone will and the feeling of butterflies in your stomach will take over. Best Matches: Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius Best Avoided: Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio

Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20) “There’s something in the distance, a glorious existence”… That glorious existence is not as far as you may think. Best Matches: Taurus, Cancer, Capricorn Best Avoided: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius The Poly Optimist Sports Mid-February 2009 7 Soccer Girls

Photos by Karina Muniz FOOTWORK: Parrot freshman Maria Grimaldo prepares to pass to a teammate in Friday’s match with the visiting Wolves of Van Nuys, who won, 2-0. (Below) Lady Parrot soccer team members and head coach Ceil Miller leave the field after the Verdugo Hills match. Junior Jessica Soto explains soccer to our OPTIMIST reporter.

By Marvin Martinez Staff Writer

The Game The whole idea is to get the ball into the goal on the opposite side of the field. Of all the players out on the field, defenders, offensive, half-backs, full backs, the forward line, the goalie is the most important. The goalie defends your goal. You’ll lose without a goalie.

Soccer players run up and down the field for 45 min- utes with little or no rest. Stamina is important to maintain. But they also need to have a strong mental- ity. You can think about it like a marathon runner. At some point, they hit ‘the wall’. Their body is telling them ‘I can’t keep going’ but you need to just keep pushing the limit. Your mental state directly affects your body and your game performance. It’s impor- The Captain The Teammate tant to think positive. Since I’m a captain, Coach Miller expects me to lead I play full back or half back line. this team as a family. A team reflects their leader, so The mental aspect of the game is important. If we’re if I’m happy, they’re happy. If I’m in a bad mood, If I’m playing defense, I take about a third of the field. in a bad mood, it affects our game. Once you step they’ll also be in a bad mood and it affects our per- If I’m playing half-back I stay up the field as much over the line and into the field, you can only have formance during a game. Win or lose, I need to hold as possible, but I take the whole field. As a half-back, soccer on your mind. You leave everything else be- this team together. you need to try to be going for a goal at all times. hind you. If the team sees me sad, they’re sad. It can be com- I’ve been playing soccer for seven years now. I would Being an athlete means being fit, able to physically pared to a mother and her kids. It’s not so much giv- always go to watch my dad play soccer. I taught my- withstand obstacles, having a good mentality and ing orders. You need to let them know what needs to self how to play soccer. I started off practicing run- sportsmanship. be done, how to do it and when it needs to be done. ning with the ball and went from there.

A soccer player needs good ball control. Always keep Some of the girls that tried out for the team this year I don’t play any other sports, just soccer. your eye on the ball, always know where it is. Know developed their talent in a short amount of time. where your own two feet are. Your feet are every- I practice four hours a day, not counting weekends. thing in soccer. You run, kick, receive and pass the There isn’t really a higher level of players, we’re all Twenty hours a week I’m either practicing or play- ball with your feet. just teammates. I’m just another player on the team ing. with the responsibility to hold everyone else togeth- er. The Poly 8 Mid-February 2009 Sports Optimist Poly Puts the Hurt on the Hunters Lady Parrots crush C-Park, remain undefeated in league.

Photo by Karina Muniz By Marvin Martinez oly handed visiting DRIVING: Senior playmaker Sara Villanueva spots an opening Staff Writer Canoga Park a 61-21 in the Hunter’s defense during Poly’s 61-21 win on Monday. Psmackdown Monday for the Parrots’ 11th league win in a row. Only Arleta can spoil a perfect sea- “Last year we were 9-1 in league. This year son for head coach Tremeka Batiste’s squad. Making this season somewhat of a sleeper so we’re undefeated. Other teams and coaches far. . . . have noticed us. It’s pretty neat” “I prefer the closer matched games,” said Ba- - varsity head coach Tremeka Batiste tiste, “where we come out on top, of course.” Despite a nine-point second quarter, Poly was up 24-9 at the half and then outscored the Hunters 24-4 in the third to seal the deal. Senior guard Sara Villanueva led the Lady Girls Soccer Parrots with 17 points, 10 steals and six free throws in as many attempts. Senior post player Lady Parrots Get Christine Hernandez had a double-double with Photo by Karina Muniz 10 points and 10 rebounds and senior Faby Romero scored eight. Senior Natalie Barrera CONFERENCE: Senior Crystal Cristales and Dirty At Canoga made six steals. head coach Tremeka Batiste discuss tactics. The win ran the Lady Parrots’ season to 19-6. probably get a home game, since we’re first in Heavy rain makes for muddy field as Poly Poly will travel to Arleta for Friday’s closer. league.” slips and slides to victory. The Lady Parrots cruised to a 76-39 win over “Last year we were 9-1 in league. This year the Mustangs in January. we’re undefeated. Other teams and coaches “Next week we’ll start playoffs,” said Batiste. senior goalie Lillian Solano from other places have noticed us. It’s pretty By Marvin Martinez “We’ll know for sure where they’ve placed us neat.” Staff Writer saved four shots. and who we’re going to play on Saturday. We’ll The win left Poly (4-10-0, Mud was the order of the 4-7-0) in fourth place in league day after heavy rains soaked and dropped Canoga (3-7-3, Boys Basketball the Canoga Park playing field 2-7-2) to sixth. for Monday’s soccer match The Lady Parrots host Arle- with Poly. But the soggy con- ta Friday. The Mustangs hand- Parrot Offense Sinks Canoga ditions didn’t stop the Lady ed Poly a 7-0 defeat earlier in Parrots. the season. Poly picks up a rare road win against seventh-place Canoga Park Two goals by junior Violet “There are no words to de- Perez and one each by sopho- scribe losing to a last place By Marvin Martinez for 8 shooting, Erick Martinez, more Susan Astorga, junior team,” said head coach Ceil Staff Writer 14 points and 6 for 8 and An- Candy Garcia and senior Sar- Miller. “We need to erase that tonio Gutierrez, who had 14 Poly used its largest offen- ah Pinelo gave Poly a 5-1 win 7-0 loss Arleta gave us last points on 5 for 8 shooting. Ten sive output of the season to over the Hunters in an East time.” Parrots got on the scoreboard. sweep its series with winless Valley League game. A win could mean a playoff “I always have high expec- Canoga Park 73-59 on the road After a scoreless first half, slot. tations each year. This year, Monday. The victory was the Perez got her first goal and “If we win against Arleta,” I started out with 10 seniors Parrots’ first of the year away Hunters’ junior Jessica Magal- Miller said, “we might move and felt we would contend for from home. lanes answered to tie. From into third place and qualify for a league championship. Due “We finally put together there, it was all Poly until the the playoffs.” to both off court and on court a complete game on the of- final whistle. Playoff teams will be an- problems, only five seniors re- fensive end of the floor,” said Poly senior goalie Kim Ava- nounced February 14. mained for league.” los had ten saves. Canoga Park head coach David Bonino. “These seniors worked hard “We finally had a game with to overcome the problems more assists than turnovers.” faced with basically an entire While the Hunters seem like new team filled with junior easy pickins’ with one league varsity players. I greatly ap- win in two years, Bonino was preciate all of the seniors and happy to take the victory, as- their hard work. I look forward suring the Parrots won’t finish to next year, the six returners at the bottom of the East Val- Photo by Karina Muniz and the challenges every sea- ley League. son will bring.” “We played good defense PASSER: Parrot senior Chris Poly (5-24, 2-9), not eli- all season,” Bonino said, “but Zamudio looks to pass. gible for the playoffs, will end did not have enough offense its season at home against Ar- to offset our careless turnovers “We shared the ball on of- leta (4-15, 3-8) who beat the and lack of rebounding.” fense and rebounded at both Parrots 60-43 in January. Ca- Poly came out strong and led ends of the court. Canoga noga (2-14, 0-10) has games 34-19 at the half. The Hunters lacked the offensive firepower remaining against Arleta and managed a 20-point fourth, but Photo by Karina Muniz to stay with us.” Grant, both with wins over the by then the Parrots had put the Parrot hot hands included Hunters this season. SOCCER: Lady Parrot junior Jessica Vega at practice. game out of reach. Arthur Rivera, 16 points on 6