Friday, September 27, 2013

El Rancho High School - Volume 62- Issue 1 www.erusd.k12.ca.us/elrancho Faculty makes Kwek quickly connects to El Rancho plans to improve By Odalys Chavez API score El Rodeo Staff Writer By Marisol Almazan After seven years of work- El Rodeo Staff Member ing at El Rancho High school, In 2012, El Rancho’s Mr. Genis has made the decision API Score was 751 and the to transfer and become Durfee growth target for 2013 was an in- Elementary’s new principal. As crease of 5 points. However, in- a result, the Dons were intro- stead of El Rancho increasing its duced to a brand new Princi- API scores, the scores decreased. pal, Jessica Kwek. Kwek, pro- API Scores are ranged nounced “quick,” was a former between 200 and 1000 points Assistant Principal at Huntington and represent a school’s per- Beach Union High School and formance level based on the Fountain Valley High School. results of statewide testing. As Kwek explored the Dr. Yvette Ventura said “It idea of becoming a principal has been a few years since we she researched El Rancho and have seen a decrease in our API became excited about becom- scores.” Ventura was dissap- ing a part of “The Ranch.” pointed with the drop of the score. “Everyone has been so “Each year our goal is to show nice and welcoming to me,” improvement and this past year says Kwek, “Every day I think our score decreased by 1 point about it and I just can’t get over from 751 to 750,” says Ventura. it.” She says that this has been Ventura believes that the the school where she has felt the reason why El Rancho’s API most welcomed and feels very Scores showed a small decrease appreciative toward the Dons. Kwek sits at her new desk after a warm welcome from El Rancho students. was because of the addition of the Kwek is 32 years old. She are doing everything we can to earned the honor of being Vale- Nancy Drew mysteries were an New Common Core Standards. worked as a Spanish teacher for support you guys,” says Kwek. dictorian of her graduating class. important part of her childhood. “Last school year we in- seven years and says that she Kwek is currently in the She highly encourages all stu- Her favorite actress is Meryl troduced the New Common has always been a very moti- process of learning what the dents to try new things and then Streep and she is a fan of Won- Core Standards to our staff,” said vated and focused individual. school can improve upon and find something they are good at der Woman. Kwek loves dancing Ventura. Starting in 2014-2015, These traits helped her become wants to hear what the students so that they can fully pursue it. and is an avid salsa dancer. She students will no longer take the a principal at such a young age. think. “I want students to defi- Kwek is currently attend- enjoys traveling and defines her CST/CMA. Students will take Kwek encourages students nitely share with me those things ing UCLA and working on her perfect vacation as relaxing with the Standards Based Assessment to make the most out of their high they want changed,” she says. doctorate. She is a very busy a book on a beach in Costa Rica. during their junior year in high school years and set goals for Kwek was born in De- woman but still enjoys things Kwek’s parents are both school which is all online. “No themselves. If students encounter troit but her family moved to such as walking on the beach, educators and she has always more paper tests,” says Ventura. any challenges, Kwek encour- California when she was two. She Disney films, and a good book. been a very driven person. She Ventura feels that since ages them to feel free enough to attended the new Ridgeview High Kwek’s favorite food is French says, “I was always involved in last year’s staff focused a lot on talk to their teachers, counsel- School in the city of Bakersfield. fries. On her playlist Pitbull leadership, which is why I am preparing for this new system of ors, deans, and especially her. She participated in cheerleading, and Taylor Swift can be found. a leader today.” Kwek hopes to testing, the API scores decreased. “Our goal is to prepare students sports, ASB, Academic Decath- Although she reads mul- use the power she possesses to “In addition, we switched for college and to make sure we lon, band, and Drama. She even tiple types of educational books, make El Rancho a better place. to a new testing schedule in or- der to not conflict with the AP testing. In the previous year’s students tested with their teach- Dons’ legend Ernie Johnson passes away ers in each subject and this past year they tested with their 1st By Laura Edith Castro-Spencer erations to find success. One period teacher,” said Ventura. El Rodeo Staff Writer way he did this was by coach- In order to increase El ing El Rancho’s football team. Rancho’s API Scores, Ven- Ernie Johnson passed away Mr. Raul Elias had the op- tura believes that there has at the age of eighty-seven on Sep- portunity to play under John- to be a change of priorities. tember 15, 2013 in his home in son’s authority. “He worked “To improve our scores San Juan Capistrano. Johnson is us very hard and set very high [we need] to evaluate the data one of the best football coaches standards for us,” said Elias. (scores) from the previous school to have ever walked the hallways Johnson taught football year,” says Ventura. By evaluat- of El Rancho. Johnson worked players lessons on and off of the ing the data Ventura hopes to be at El Rancho from 1956-1968. field. “[Johnson] gave us hope able to identify the areas that the During his time at El Ran- for the future,” said Elias, “he students need to improve in by cho, Johnson led the El Rancho taught me how to work harder subject area. “Since we are mov- football team to nine League than the next and enjoy it.” Elias ing away from the CST/ CMA Championships. Johnson also says that without El Rancho foot- test to the New Common Core led his team to three South- ball, he would probably be in jail. Assessments, our focus this year ern Section championships. In In 2011, El Rancho dedicat- will be on how to improve our 1966, Johnson’s team made it ed its football field to Johnson and CAHSEE scores,” Says Ventura. to the National Championships created an “Ernie Johnson Day,” Ventura believes that it where they became champions. to commemorate his hard work will be huge for the El Rancho Johnson’s team record of and dedication to the El Ran- Students to undergo this change. 108-31-5 reflects his admired cho and Pico Rivera community. “I think it will be an adjustment coaching abilities. Accord- Johnson will truly be Ernie Johnson will always be remembered as a legend at El Rancho. moving from a traditional test to ing to the website Touch Down missed by his family and people he an online testing format,” said Newport, Johnson “wanted to said Reggie Fields, a former Marine during World War helped and inspired. A ceremony Ventura, “but I feel that our stu- win because he wanted his play- player. Fields told the Whit- II. Johnson was also a mem- in Johnson’s memory took place dents will do very well. It will be ers to know that anyone could tier Daily News in 2011 that ber of the Army Intelligence during last Friday’s football game. new but our teachers are working become successful through “[Pico Rivera] could have been Corps during the Korean War. With Johnson gone, society on developing new curriculum in dedication and hard work.” another little town without an Although he suffered some should know that he has brought order to prepare our students.” Johnson was known identity” if Johnson hadn’t be- injuries during the war, John- pride not only to El Rancho and Ventura hopes the API throughout Pico Rivera. “He gun coaching at El Rancho. son continued to find ways to its memorable football team, but scores increase next year. was the King of Pico Rivera,” Johnson was a former help encourage younger gen- also to Pico Rivera and its people. El Rodeo, Pg 2 El Rancho High School Sept. 27, 2013 world Negotiations help calm crisis in Syria BY CLAUDIA GONZLEZ EL RODEO STAFF WRITER Advisor Paul Zeko On August 21st, it was widely believed that the Syr- Editor-in-Chief ian government chemically at- Angelica Gamez tacked its own people in the Michael Garcia Syrian capital, Damascus. Thou- sands of civilians, including chil- Nazarely Narvaez dren were killed in an instant. Copy Editor The killings started back Darwin Reyes-Vividor in March of 2011 in the Syr- Jesse Enrique Sanchez ian city of Deraa, when protes- Section Editors tors rose up to challenge the News dictator running their country. Angelica Gamez Civilians felt the need to pro- World test because they wanted de- Nazarely Narvaez mocracy and greater freedom. Opinion The government responded Odalys Chavez by opening fire to the protes- The Syrian chemical attack affected people of all ages. Photo Credit AP/Shaam News Network tors, killing four people. Soon Features after, the Syrians began to dump humanitarian support, but the na- these things happened.” “The spoken with Russia’s president, Laura Castro Spencer the bodies of activists and their tion has refused to resort to mili- question now is what the United Vladimir Putin, and the Rus- City family members on the sides tary action. Things took a turn on States of America and the inter- sian government is now willing Michael Garcia of roads after kidnapping, rap- August 21st when the Syrian gov- national community are prepared to join the international com- Campus ing, torturing and killing them. ernment gassed over 1,000 peo- to do about it… it is not only a vi- munity in pushing and convinc- Jazmine Hernandez Civilians began to fight ple, killing off a vast population. olation of an international law, it ing Assad to give up all of the College back after the troops began to When President Obama is also a danger to our security.” chemical weapons they obtain. Claudia Gonzalez addressed the nation on Sep- To avoid another use of As of now the United shoot at every protest. As a re- InDepth sult, the people demanded tember 10, he said that chemical chemical weapons by the Syrian States, along with the leaders that the President, Bashar al- weapons have been internation- government or any other coun- of France, Britain, China and Michael Garcia Assad, resign, but he refused to. ally banned since 1997 by the try, President Obama has de- Russia, will work to put forth Sports All the fighting in Syria United States Senate. “We know cided, after careful deliberation a resolution at the UN Security David Hughes soon turned into a civil war as that Assad’s chemical weap- with Congress, to respond to the Council demanding Assad to MarisolAlmazan civilians began to organize them- ons personnel were prepared for Assad regimes use of chemical destroy his chemical weapons. Entertainment selves into rebel groups. Since an attack in an area where they weapons with a targeted mili- At the Geneva conference, Rubi Macias then, the United Nations has mix sear and gas; they distrib- tary strike which will ultimately the U.S and Russia ordered the Reporters estimated more than 100,000 uted gas masks to their troops.” deter Assad from using them. destruction of chemical weap- Cely Anaya deaths in the clashes between Although there are videos When asked why the Unit- on production and mixing/fill- Julius Arias and evidence of the chemical at- ed States should get involved ing equipment in Syria to be President Bashar al-Assad’s gov- Robert Garcia ernment and rebel forces who tacks on the internet, President in this, President Obama said, due on November 30th, in addi- want him out. They have also Bashar al-Assad denied any mili- “Over the last two years my ad- tion to the inspections from the Breanna Perez estimated two million people tary use of chemical weapons. ministration has tried diploma- Hague’s chemical arms agency. Nichelle Renteria that have escaped from Syria to During his speech, Presi- cy… but chemical weapons were It is expected that by June Nicole Zarate neighboring countries, over one dent Obama said, “When dicta- used by the Assad regime, how- 30, 2014, the complete destruc- Photo Editors million of those being children. tors commit atrocities they de- ever over the last few days we’ve tion of Syrian chemical weap- Debbie Barajas Throughout this time, the pend upon the world to look the seen some encouraging signs.” ons arsenal will be completed. Danielle Hernandez United States has been working other way until those horrifying Since Obama refuses to Evelyn Garcia with allies to provide Syria with pictures fade from memory, but send any troops to Syria he has Sol Mendez Japanese government attempts to solve nuclear crisis in Fukushima Julia Ortiz Alexis Quinones BY RUBI MACIAS in villages surrounding the power EL RODEO STAFF WRITER plant. Some weeks later, twelve minors in the area were found El Rodeo is published monthly to have thyroid cancer, which except during vacations by the El Ran- cho High School journalism class. Deformed fruits and veg- prompted the government to give The El Rodeo offices are located at etables from Japan, who supplies checkups to 360,000 children. 6501 S. Passons Blvd., Pico Rivera, four percent of American food According to the University CA 90660 in room X-1. The paper is imports, could become a problem of New South Wales, contaminat- printed by The Gardena Valley News. after the produce was affected by ed water will reach the U.S. west El Rodeo, the student news- radiation from a nuclear plant. coast in 2014. Although the radia- paper of El Rancho High School is an After two years, Japan has still tion levels are high in Japan, when open, public forum for student expres- Japan’s radiation has affected America’s fruits and vegetables. not successfully contained the ra- the polluted water reaches U.S. sion and an opportunity to discuss its Photo Credit thechive.com audience’s issues of concern. Opinions diation problem that began when shores, it will be much less dan- expressed are those of the writer and do the devastating 2011 tsunami and report by the Nuclear Acci- ers worry about cleaning the gerous because it will be diluted. not necessarily reflect the position of damaged a Fukushima nuclear dent Independent Investigation ocean, a task made more difficult The problem with finding a the school board, administration, spon- plant. The Japanese government Commission concluded that al- when Typhoon Man-yi struck concrete measure for the ocean’s sors, parents, student body or advertisers. The Editorial Board, which took responsibility for solving though the tsunami did damage on September 16 of this year. radiation level is that it is constant- consists of the editor-in-chief, sec- the problem, but all proposed so- the power plant, “the accident In early September of this ly changing. Mycle Schneider, tion editors, and assistant editors, will lutions have been unsuccessful. was clearly ‘manmade.’” They year, the Japanese government a nuclear expert, knows that the determine the content of El Rodeo. The power plant was believe it was the combined lack decided its solution would be to accident is severe. He claims that Student journalists on the El Ro- deo staff will make every effort to publish considerably damaged imme- of effort from all groups associ- build an ice wall barrier to contain the damage will be unpredictably following the legal definitions of libel, diately after the tsunami and ated with the power plant that al- the radiation. This will cost them serious because water is leaking obscenity and invasion of privacy. Con- it was not until the next day lowed the accident to occur. The $320 million. The decision has from the entire area and the Japa- sistent with California Education Code when radioactive material be- building was not built to with- been met with criticism because nese need as much help as they section 48907, the staff will refrain from printing material that may incite students, gan leaking into the ocean. The stand much impact and several this method has never been used can get. Effects from this accident be a violation of school regulations or dis- leaking has been an unsolved people knew this before 2011, on such a large scale and it does may go very far into the future. rupt school operations. At the beginning of problem for more than two years. but nothing was done about it. not do anything about the radiation Foreign countries must take each semester, journalism students will be Interest in the situation in- Once the Japanese gov- already contaminating the water. action and help Japan. The prob- reminded of the legal, financial and ethi- cal implications of each article they write. creased dramatically in the last ernment acknowledged their Immediately after the di- lem is not just local and, according Ed Code 48907 affirms the right month when people realized the need to take action, they evacu- saster, the Japanese knew the to Mycle Schneider, requires the of high school newspapers to publish radioactive material has con- ated the area around the power consequences of the radiation help of an international task force. whatever they choose, so long as the tinued leaking and has become plant for risk of radiation expo- could be severe in the future. It is estimated that within ten content is not explicitly obscene, libel- ous, or slanderous. Also, there shall a problem for all countries de- sure. Since the summer of 2011, Their predictions were proven years, the radiation will be spread be no prior restraint of material pre- pendent on the Pacific Ocean. workers have been clearing this right when deformed fruits and evenly throughout the ocean. pared for official school publications In 2012, an investigation ground of radiation while oth- vegetables were found last month except insofar as it violates this section. Sept. 27, 2013 El Rancho High School El Rodeo, Pg 3 opinionopinionOpinion Dons wave goodbye to their free time Meaningless By Nicole Zarate additions to El Rancho Staff Writer

With a new journey comes the dictionary new memories for Dons this year, but most importantly a new schedule. During the 2012-2013 school year, students were in- formed about the new schedule. Students and staff were all notified that over the past years El Rancho had lost a tremen- dous amount of school hours due to tutorial release during the last twenty minutes of class time. Tutorial began three years ago, which allowed those stu- dents with passing grades to be released from their classroom early. Students grew fond of this one who attends the 2013-2014 dents who are used to the old ridiculous and feels the most af- schedule because it gave them school year must adjust to the schedule argue that the new fected by the change. It is very free time in between classes to go new schedule without tutorial re- schedule is “terrible and should difficult to adjust to the sched- eat, visit the library, or just spend lease. Every Monday and Friday at least change the schedule to six ule due to no late start, which By Nicole Zarate twenty minutes with their friends school used to begin at 8:50AM. classes a day” instead of having affects students’ attendance. El rodeo Staff Writer until the next class started. For Now unfortunatley on Monday four block classes. There are still It is unknown whether or teachers, this schedule was also school begins at 7:50AM and on a small proportion of students not the schedule will change Today, the English lan- beneficial due to the fact that Friday school begins at 8:15AM. that do not mind the new sched- after this school year or until guage has become so diverse they were able to have their own During the school week, Tuesday ule and actually find it beneficial those hours that had been lost and complex that it’s bound to free time to grade papers or sim- through Thursday, school be- because now “with longer peri- are made up, but until then, stu- be the future’s dull education. ply prepare for their next class. gins at 7:50 AM and is also ex- ods, more work can be done.” dents must continue to cope Last month, the Oxford Dic- Since El Rancho lost a great tended to 3:05 PM school release. The senior class at El Ran- with the new schedule and en- tionary announced that ‘twerk- amount of school hours, every- The majority of the stu- cho finds this schedule change joy the rest of the school year. ing’ and ‘selfie’ were officially added to their English dictionary. “Twerking” is defined as a “dance to popular music in a iPads for every LAUSD student: sexually provocative manner in- volving thrusting hip movements a wise investment or a waste of money? and a low, squatting stance” and “selfie” is as “a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typi- cally one taken with a smart- phone or webcam and upload- ed to a social media website.” These words have gained their popularity through social media websites and celebrities such as the pop singer, Miley Cyrus, who is best known as Hannah Montana. Miley Cyrus has contributed to the ‘twerk- ing’ crave with her exotic music videos, which were highly criti- cized by many fans. Many people have opinions toward the new words added to the dictionary, yet the majority of the opinions via social networks have been negative. These words evolved without any meaning and some- how have become part of the English language. It’s as if any- body can come up with a mean- ingless word and still be able to gain a spot in the dictionary. Teenage society has become so involved with social networks that people are beginning to sup- which can do almost everything In 2012, over 9,500 teach- that voters should receive more port idiotic activities and con- by David Hughes that an iPad can do, but with a ers received layoffs notices. The information so they would have tribute to such dull education for El Rodeo Staff Writer cheaper price of only 160 dollars. money that the LAUSD used a better understanding on what the future. Intellectual ideas have The money being used to buy iPads could have helped they are voting on. somehow been lost in today’s The Los Angeles Uni- to fund the purchase of all keep those teachers that re- LAUSD is virtually wast- education, which scares many. fied School District is planning to of these iPads could be used ceived layoff notices. ing its money by ripping off their Most parents want their give iPads to all the students in the to pay for teacher salaries, The Los Angeles Times re- construction budget on iPads children to grow up with a good school district which will cost the school supplies, and school portedly said that money that the that little kids will probably education for their future, but district over one billion dollars. clubs. school board used to pay for these break or lose in a week. how will this be possible if words LAUSD plans to give iPads The school district is trust- iPads was a direct cut from the The misuse of funds doesn’t such as ‘twerk’ are being ac- to over 650,000 students. Each ing kids from K-12 to use these school construction bonds. Con- stop with the iPads; the school knowledged. Those that are ac- iPad has a price of $678. They iPads. After a few weeks of test- struction bonds for schools are district is also planning on buying tually making a difference and come equipped with educational ing the schools will soon allow used for construction purposes keyboards for all of the students, improving the educational curric- tools, a GPS tracker, a case, and the children to take the iPads such as a new gym, new tiles, etc. which will cost the district an- ulum should be the ones getting a three-year warranty. home. Since not every child in the These schools’ construction other $5 million dollars to fund. credit. It is clear that social net- Instead of buying expen- school will pay attention, students bonds were approved by Los An- Money should be more wisely works have impacted society in sive iPads by Apple, LAUSD could just go on websites dur- geles voters who had no idea that spent in schools, and not fool- many ways, whether it is for bet- could buy cheaper alternatives ing class and teachers probably they would be voting for these ishly spent on flashy new tablets. ter or for worse, and will continue like the amazon Kindle Fire, won’t find out about it. iPads. This raises the suggestion to contribute to the social realm. El Rodeo, Pg 4 El Rancho High School Sept. 27, 2013 features Clubs & Gadabouts get set to embark on next journey Organizations By Rubi Macias and dinner, tours, and attraction EL Rodeo Staff Writer entrance fees. Academic Decathlon For the teachers who go Faculty Adviser: Kristin Many El Rancho students on the trip, Zeko says one of the Palomares set traveling goals, and the Gad- most enjoyable experiences is abouts club exists to help them seeing El Rancho students “come Animal Advocates fulfill these. Every year, the cam- back changed” with “knowledge Faculty Adviser: Marcella pus travel club takes a group of and an understanding of differ- Lamar students on an EF Tours trip to ent countries and their cultures.” foreign countries. EF Tours orga- She urges students who are think- nizes trips worldwide to educate ing of traveling to get where they Annual Staff and culture students and adults. want to be, whether it be with the Faculty Adviser: John Crone On December 12th, the Gadabouts or alone. travel club will set off to Germa- For students considering California Scholarship ny, the Czech Republic, Poland, traveling with the Gadabouts, Federation Hungary, and Austria. They will Zeko says “now is the best time Faculty Adviser: Herb Ortiz return on December 23rd. to go.” Dons should not be afraid Olympia Martinez, a senior to look into the tour itself and at- Choraleers/Choralettes signed up for the trip, says, “the Gadabouts discussing plans for next trip to Greece, Italy & Turkey. tend club meetings. Faculty Adviser: Jacqueline Gadabouts expose you to new op- The advisers do all they can Dodd portunities and experiences while abouts will be visiting in Decem- pecially to students who have not to make the process easy. They facing different customs, culture, ber. experienced other cultures. hold meetings to give students College Bound Athletes and history.” Zeko is also enthusiastic The price of each trip is guidelines on the necessities of Faculty Adviser: Frank Llanes, Sophomore English teacher because of the small number of around $3100, and EF Tours of- traveling to each country, depend- Ben Meza Mrs. Charissa Zeko, who plans travelers this year. This allows fers monthly plans for those who ing on the season. the trips each year with her hus- her and Mr. Zeko to “experience cannot pay all at once. The travel The next Gadabouts trip Color Guard band, Digital Photography teach- the trip with each traveler.” club often has different opportu- will be to Turkey, Greece, and It- Director: Reggie Cordero er Mr. Paul Zeko, looks forward Since 2006, the Gadabouts nities for members to fundraise aly in June of 2015. Dons should to “soaking in the history” and club has worked with EF Tours. for their trip, if need be. The definitely look into the trip and Concert Choir “eating all the yummy authentic The advisers can guarantee that prices of trips vary, but include begin saving up for the experi- Faculty Adviser: Jacqueline dishes” of the countries the Gad- all trips have been enriching, es- transportation, hotels, breakfast ance of a lifetime. Dodd Dons 4 Christ Zombie Apocalypse? I think Yes! Faculty Adviser: Paul Brandt By Nazarely Narvaez come a great special affects artist EL Rodeo Staff Writer Executive Commission and work with other great artists.

Faculty Adviser: Mary “Greg Nicotero is my inspiration. Most teenagers are fright- Chapman He’s worked in famous films ened by a zombie apocalypse, such as Kill Bill, The Hills Have but Michelle Benavidez is ex- Eyes, and Scream. He’s the make- Gadabouts cited to create her own zombie up supervisor of The Walking Faculty Adviser: Charissa apocalypse. “I enjoy all types Dead as well,” said Benavidez. Zeko of makeup, but I love monster Benavidez’s experience and injury makeup the most,” with makeup has made her be- Gay-Straight Alliance said Benavidez. Her obsession come highly observant to make- Faculty Adviser: Nadline Segal with monsters has been evident up in films, “The first thing I since she was a little girl, “I judge in a movie is the makeup, Key Club used to steal my mom’s makeup if I see that the makeup is un- Faculty Adviser: Jim Sorenson and make a mess,” she admits. convincing I can’t seem to en- Benavidez began experi- joy the movie,” said Benavidez. Leos Club menting with make up around Benavidez named X-Men Faculty Adviser: Kathy the age of 15. “Around Hal- and How the Grinch Stole Christ- Metaxas & Desiree Palacios loween, I made a fake wound mas as good examples of movies out of make-up. I’d rather make with well-done makeup. “The Marching Band/Instrumental it myself than buy it at an ex- actress who played Mystique in Michelle Benavidez’s love for special effects occured at a young age. Music pensive store. It was a pretty X-Men had 110 separate prosthet- have the opportunity to learn all birthday money,” she admits. Director: Reggie Cordero bad makeup job, but I enjoyed ics that covered 60% of her body. aspects of makeup, from fashion Buying makeup can be very ex- the process,” said Benavidez. How the Grinch Stole Christmas to television work, “EI School pensive, but if one is smart and Mu Alpha Theta Benavidez’s skills have had a charming character design of Professional Makeup is at the uses what he has to his advan- Faculty Adviser: Steve Francis improved greatly; she started for the Grinch,” said Benavidez. top of my list,” said Benavidez. tage, making ends meet will be with making small scars to a point She is interested in attend- Benavidez named Naimie’s possible. Makeup is an art. It is MESA where she can now create an en- ing EI School of Professional to be her favorite place to buy something that society sees ev- Faculty Adviser: Peter tire wound on someone’s face. Makeup, the top makeup school supplies. “The most I’ve spent ery day. Without it, people’s re- Halverson & Joy Tanigawa Benavidez aspires to be- in Los Angeles. Their students on makeup was $80 from my actions wouldn’t be the same.

Newstaff Faculty Adviser: Paul Zeko Welcome Back Class of 1993! Pep Commission BY CLAUDIA GONZALEZ Back in 2003 the class of ‘93 cel- committee, Yvonne Berumen, tion, the reunion committee hopes Faculty Adviser: Mary EL RANCHO STAFF WRITER ebrated their 10th year reunion. said, “We have seen so many that the entire class will enjoy the Chapman Among those who will at- changes in the last 20 years… celebration. “This committee On Friday October 18, El tend the reunion are Alex Are- here is an opportunity to stop time has worked very hard to create Pepsters Rancho’s class of 1993 will kick- valo, CEO of his own tortilla for a second and celebrate us.” an ambiance of class, elegance Faculty Adviser: Kenia Kemp off their 20th year reunion at the company, and Randy Flores, The cruise will consist of and enjoyment,” said Berumen. Homecoming game. The festivi- a Baseball World Series win- live entertainment and dinner. “Don’t miss out on celebrating Teens For Change ties will begin at the football game ner for the St. Louis Cardinals. Entertainment is set to include the class of 1993 in 2013… you Faculty Adviser: Maribeth on Friday and end on Saturday For many alumni, reunit- a D.J, belly and Aztec danc- may find that you will find more Sythe with a cruise of the Marina Bay. ing with their class after 10 years ing and a surprise band. “I want friends by coming, I know I did.” The reunion commit- will bring back bittersweet mem- to see everything but the one Tickets to attend will be on Thespians tee is led by one of El Rancho’s ories. “I have mixed emotions, I’ll enjoy the most, just because sale via PayPal and through Ca- Faculty Adviser: Stan Wlasick own staff member, Lourdes but I’m mainly excited,” said Ser- it has a little bit of a Mexican shier Checks or Money Orders Serrano. They have been plan- rano. “The downside is that a lot heritage, is the Aztec dancing… from 8/1 through 10/14 for $105 UC Partners ning this event since May. of friends have passed away… the Aztec dancing will be made per person. For more information Faculty Adviser: Herb Ortiz This is not the first time it’s exciting and sad at the same up of alumni” said Serrano. and updates please visit the El Ran- the class of ’93 has reunited. time.” Another member of the After months of prepara- cho Class of 1993 Facebook page. Sept. 27, 2013 El Rancho High School El Rodeo, Pg 5 City View “Where the World Began” Pico Rivera

Pico Rivera in the 1930’s Pico Rivera is a fast-growing Airport), and train (via the Union flux of new residents came to Pico city of about 65,200 people in a Pacific Railroad, Southern Pacific Rivera after the end of World War more than eight-square-mile area Line, and the Atchison, Topeka II, development began supplant- located on the eastern border of the and Santa Fe Railway Company). ing farming as the landscape be- Los Angeles basin and southern The towns of Pico and Rivera, came dotted with housing subdivi- El Rancho Teen Court profile border of the San Gabriel valley. from which the city originated, of- sions, schools, stores, and churches. Called Sejat by Native Ameri- ficially began in the 1880s when the As the population grew, so did cans who believed that the world be- Union Pacific, Atchison, Topeka, residents’ collective sense of civic gan in the area where the city is now, and Santa Fe railroads built rail lines duty and desire to blend the two sepa- Pico Rivera today has changed from through the region. Blessed with rate towns. On January 7, 1958, the its original forested and bucolic state fertile soil, both communities be- majority of voters in Pico and Rivera into an urban region easily acces- came known for their walnuts, avo- voted to incorporate as one munici- sible by car (via the Pomona, Santa cados, and other crops, and retained pality and with the decision becoming Ana, and San Gabriel freeways), their agricultural character through official on January 29, Pico Rivera be- plane (via Los Angeles International the mid-1940s. When a growing in- came Los Angeles County’s 61st city.

El Rancho Teen Court Bench Officers is a partnership between the El Judge Olivia Rosales, Rancho Unified School Dis- trict and the City of Pico Rivera Superior Court of Los that provides an opportunity for Angeles County young people who commit non- serious crimes to be questioned, Judge James Horan, judged, and sentenced by a jury Superior Court of Los of their peers. Actual Los Ange- les County Superior Judges and Angeles County Los Angeles County Probation Probation Officers Officers preside over the courts The Los Angeles Teen Vanessa Alvarado, DPO Court is an early intervention Whittier Police Department program that provides an oppor- tunity for selected juvenile of- Court Psychologist fenders to be questioned, judged and sentenced by a jury of their Rebecca Gonzalez-Marin, peers. There is no lawyer role- PSY.D. playing. Teen Court cases teach Doctor of Clinical El Rancho Teen Court Calender the juvenile offender and the stu- Psychology September 4 2013 dent volunteers: 1) The rules of Teen Court convenes at 3:30 p.m. in the City of Pico Rivera Council Chambers the law that apply to the particular Mental Health Consultant Wednesday case; 2) The consequences of the and October 2 2013 offense; and 3) How due process Psychotherapy Teen Court convenes at 3:30 p.m. in the City of Pico Rivera Council Chambers Wednesday is observed by court procedure. Court Judicial Officer All cases are heard November 6 2013 in the Pico Rivera City Hall Teen Court convenes at 3:30 p.m. in the City of Pico Rivera Council Chambers Wednesday Chambers located on 6615 Benjamin Meza Passons Blvd. Pico Rive- December 4 2013 Court Attorneys Teen Court convenes at 3:30 p.m. in the City of Pico Rivera Council Chambers ra during the first Wednes- Wednesday day of the month at 3:30 PM. Dominic Picon, January 1 2014 Our Teen Court offers a Teen Court convenes at 3:30 p.m. in the City of Pico Rivera Council Chambers convicted juvenile offender the Attorney At Law Wednesday incentive of having no record Blanca Pacheco, February 5 2014 of a criminal conviction if the Attorney at Law Teen Court convenes at 3:30 p.m. in the City of Pico Rivera Council Chambers Wednesday sentence imposed is completed School Officials within a six month period. If the March 5 2014 juvenile offender fails to comply Teen Court convenes at 3:30 p.m. in the City of Pico Rivera Council Chambers Wednesday with the conditions of informal Raul Elias, Coordinator probation for the entire six month April 2 2014 Teen Court convenes at 3:30 p.m. in the City of Pico Rivera Council Chambers period, the offender is transferred Jessica Kwek, Principal Wednesday back into the traditional juve- El Rancho Teen Court May 7 2014 nile justice system for adjudica- Teen Court convenes at 3:30 p.m. in the City of Pico Rivera Council Chambers tion. This informal probation/ Foundation Wednesday early intervention program is au- June 4 2014 thorized by Welfare and Institu- Raul Elias, President Last Teen Court for the school year convenes at 3:30 p.m. in the City of Pico Rivera tions Code Sections 236 and 654. Wednesday Council Chambers El Rodeo, Pg 6 El Rancho High School Sept. 27, 2013 campus El Rancho welcomes new teachers! (and one familiar face!) kind of weird when you’re a stu- dent and then [the teachers] be- come your colleagues,” she says. Carreon has returned to El Rancho and has been teaching for twenty-two years. El Rancho has been the only school where she has taught. She left for three years to work with the El Rancho Uni- fied School District. Under the Teach an American History Grant, she trained history teachers. Carreon says, “The grant is used to provide professional develop- ment for high school, elementary, and middle school teachers.” She says, “So I was working with teachers from Pasadena and from El Rancho and we worked with Chita-Williams comes to us from Mr. Jose joins staff after six Ms. Degado moves over from Carreon returns to The Ranch. Huntington Library and profes- North Park Middle School. years at Burke Middle School. Rivera Middle School. By Jazmin Hernandez sors from USC and we had differ- Students who attended Mr. Jesse Jose teaches Eng- Ms. Rosa Delgado also El Rodeo Staff Writer ent professors around the country North Park Middle School lish to special education students teaches special education students. present lessons to our teachers. might recognize Ms. Roxana in L-1. Jose has been working for She teaches English in B-107. Dons, welcome back to So I helped organize that.” Chita-Williams. Chita-Williams the El Rancho Unified School Delgado has taught at Ri- a new school year. This year, Carreon has only focused worked at North Park Middle District for fifteen years. For vera Middle School for five El Rancho welcomes several on history as a teacher. She has School for five years. She cur- the past ten years, he has been years, as well as Birney and Va- new teachers. Some of these taught world history, economics, rently teaches both health and a substitute teacher for many of lencia Elementary School. She teachers have previously been geography and government. She biology for special education the schools in this district. For says, “I love this school, I re- teaching at other local schools says, “I’ve always loved El Ran- students in classroom B-203. the last six years, he has been at ally do. I think the staff is great; that some students here at El cho.” She believes that El Rancho This is her twelfth year Burke Middle School. He says, they’re all very supportive.” Rancho might have attended. has the “best staff” she has ever teaching. Prior to North Park, she “So far, I feel very welcome; the She also says, “[the Many teachers may have worked with. Carreon considers taught in the Los Angeles Uni- students are great.” Jose says, school] is very huge and there known Ms. Lilia Carreon. She the staff her long-term friends. “I fied School District. Chita-Wil- “The English Department and are so many things going on all graduated from El Rancho in love the students from El Rancho, liams is still adapting to El Ran- the Special Education Depart- of the time, a lot of activities.” 1984. “I have a special place I’ve enjoyed working with them. cho. “[The] Science Department ment have been very supportive.” In her class, she feels “there for El Rancho. So I know if I They are the bright spot of my day. is a good team to work with,” Jose is getting into the is a lot of student participation.” would have taught anywhere it My job is to help them be success- says Chita-Williams. She feels spirit at El Rancho as he con- Overall, Ms. Delgado holds a very would be here,” she says, “It’s ful in any way I can,” she says. very welcomed at El Rancho. tinues to adapt to the school. positive opinion of the school. Library Corner Match the title and author to the books’ first lines. The first three students who bring the correct WRITTEN answers to Mrs. Chodos in the Library will receive a prize. ONE entry per student.

1. “It is my first morning of school. I have seven new notebooks, a skirt I hate, and a stomachache.” 2. “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” 3. “On the last day of summer, ten hours before fall…my grandfather took me out to the Wall.”

a. 1984 by George Orwell b. The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Seuss c. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson Word on the Street Who do you think will win the World Series?

“Dodgers obviously.” “Dodgers because they “Dodgers because “The Dodgers because “Dodgers be- -Kevin Ageiar 9th are in 1st place already.” of their good pitching.” they’ve been having a good year cause that’s my team” -Precious Marquez 10th -Luis Perez 11th and have a solid hitting line up.” -Jesus Verduzco 12 -Joseph C. Jimenez 12 Sept. 27, 2013 El Rancho High School El Rodeo, Pg 7 Campus Dons show school spirit during September

Andrew Chandler, Daniel Martinez, and Coach Lopez display Blue Pride. ASB members relaxing after a morning of hard work at the Welcome Back Assembly.

Power 106 player shoots over Mr. Francisco. A group of friends pose after the Welcome Back Assembly. Ivan Sanchez roots for his class.

El Rancho staff member attempts to dribble around a Power 106 player. David Gonzalez rushes to get the win for the senior class.

Amber Garcia getting Dons to show Joey Salinas and Mr.Wlasick satisfied after a well- Students enjoying their time at the Welcome Back Dance. some school spirit. performed skit. El Rodeo, Pg 8 El Rancho High School Sept. 27, 2013 college Save money in college with the Pay It Foward plan By Laura Edith Castro-Spencer would pay three percent of in- fornia that offer lower tuition El Rodeo Staff Writer come for the next twenty or twen- through scholarships and grants. ty five years. This program al- The Pay It Forward pro- The average college gradu- lows students to pick their majors gram allows “more students the ate is in debt approximately based on their interests and skill opportunity at a college educa- 26,600 dollars by the time he rather than financial conditions. tion,” said Zamora, “students finishes his bachelor’s degree. Mike Mendoza, a 2013 who were limited due to money That translates to 3,000 hours El Rancho graduate and incom- don’t have to worry about that spent working a minimum wage ing freshman at Oregon State anymore.” The program not only job to pay for a college educa- College, says that this new pro- helps students, but their parents tion that will, in the end, give gram is “helpful” to nonresiden- find peace of mind when it comes you a piece of paper that states tial students. “It was one of the to deciding what college to go you’re a bit more qualified to many reasons as to why I picked to. “[This program] will help my work than you were 26,600 dol- Oregon,” said Mendoza, “ parents out a lot,” said Gamboa, lars ago. Oregon offered me the major that “we won’t be [bombarded] by 8.8% of college gradu- I wanted along with 5,000 dol- student loans and financial aid.” ates will remain unemployed lars for being an out of state stu- “If other colleges were offering after their four-year college dent.” According to Time Maga- this program, my choosing pro- education is complete, while zine’s July Issue, Oregon state cess would have been longer,” 37.8% of students will be work- colleges also allow students the said Mendoza, “ but in the end, ing a part time or full time job freedom of not being burdened it still would have been Oregon.” that didn’t require a college de- High school graduates save money with the Pay It Forward. USNews. by college debt, permitting stu- Many of the best eco- gree to begin with. dents could have done was ey to the school. After they get dents to focus on their studies nomic minds believe that the Many students agree to a look into Oregon State’s their degree, the student will pay rather than financial problems. Pay It Forward Program is the payment plan that leads them to new Pay It Forward plan. back the state a small percentage El Rancho seniors Ivan way to go. For further ques- working 3,000 hours minimum The Pay It Forward pro- (.75%) of their income for the Zamora and Aaron Gamboa be- tions or information visit Mr. wage or a job that doesn’t require gram allows students to attend an next twenty or twenty-five years. lieve that the program encour- Ortiz in the College and Career a college degree in the first place. Oregon state college without tak- For example, someone who ages fellow seniors to take a Center, or attend college night What these college stu- ing out any loans or owing mon- got their four bachelors degree look at colleges outside of Cali- on October 3rd in the old gym. Moghimi makes the most of her mo-ments

Moghimi’s bond with French students propells her to continue teaching and inspiring students. By David Hughes tial program and I majored in in a Hispanic neighborhood near El Rodeo Staff Writer Spanish Literature and French the Los Angeles airport where Literature,” says Moghimi. she learned Spanish quickly. Mrs. Angela Moghimi- Moghimi received her Moghimi studied French Danesh, commonly known as BA and teaching credentials in high school and for five more Mrs. Mo, is the French teacher at CSUDH. She then attend- years in the university. “I have in O-8 who teaches French 2, ed the University of La Verne family that lives in France so 3, and 4. Mrs. Mo attended where she received her Mas- it is a big part of my life,” says Cal State Dominguez Hills ter’s degree in Education after Moghimi. She also married into and went on to the Univer- an eighteen-month program. a Farsi speaking family, mak- sity of La Verne to receive a Moghimi graduated from ing that language a necessity. Master’s degree in Education. college in 1982 and began teach- “You learn what you desire out Although the decision to at- ing at Carson High and Gardena of necessity,” says Moghimi. tend CSUDH wasn’t Moghimi’s High. She was offered a job at Moghimi is proudest of initial plan, she doesn’t regret it. Rolling Hills High School in Palos her children, Jacob and Andreas Moghimi’s dream school during Verdes, CA but had an interview Moghimi. Jacob graduated from high school was to attend the Uni- on the same day with El Rancho. El Rancho last year and is cur- versity of Southern California, “[I] had just signed to take over a rently attending the American where she attended an orienta- Spanish position for Janice Sala- Jewish University. Andreas is tion workshop, but didn’t qualify zar, a former beloved El Rancho going to graduate with the class for financial aid and her parents Spanish teacher,” says Moghimi. of 2014 and is currently the could not afford to send her there. Moghimi began teaching band’s drum major and a mem- Moghimi also wanted to French when Edwina Rollo re- ber of the Academic Decathalon. attend a school in France and tired. Moghimi has been teach- Moghimi believes in mak- was planning to travel to Aix-en ing at El Rancho since 1983. ing the most out of every oppor- Provence when her grandmother Although she stopped teach- tunity. She made the most out of became ill with Leukemia. “I de- ing Spanish, she still admires attending CSU Dominguez Hills cided to attend Dominguez Hills Spanish and French equally. and now has been teaching for 31 so I could spend as much time Throughout her life, Moghi- years. “My students feel my love with my grandmother as possible mi has learned five languages. for knowledge and for teaching before she died,” says Moghimi. “Languages are my thing,” says and I think it is contagious,” says Moghimi attended CSUDH Moghimi. Moghimi grew up Moghimi, “We are a family in for five years. “They offered speaking German to her grand- French class and there is no where a wonderful teaching creden- mother and parents. She grew up I’d rather be than with my family.” Sept. 27, 2013 El Rancho High School El Rodeo, Pg 9 In Depth Tesla soars in prestige within the car industry Reports for an overall rating. The only thing preventing it from re- ceiving a 100/100 is that on long drives, the Tesla needs to stop and charge for an extended period of time. Also, how is it possible to receive a 5.4/5 on a crash test? During the testing of the crush capacity of the roof, the machine doing the testing broke before the roof could collapse. It was also nearly impossible to flip the car without human intervention. This vehicle can be purchased for around $70,000 before taxes. Somewhere in the midst The Nokia Lumia of Tesla’s upcoming, Musk also 1020: The camera helped start the world’s largest provider of solar power systems, with a smartphone Solar City. His cousin, Lyndon Rive, is a co-founder and the By Nazarely Narvaez current CEO. Musk is the larg- El Rodeo Staff Writer est shareholder of the company. Musk’s primary goals are to Nokia launched their new expand space exploration and to Windows Phone 8, the Nokia company, Compaq, for $307 mil- tional Space Station. Not only has increase the amounts of sustain- Lumia 1020, on July 26, 2013. By Michael Garcia lion in 1999. Off that lump sum, SpaceX flourished in the science able energy. Just recently, he pro- With a 41 megapixel camera, El Rodeo Staff Writer Musk became an instant mil- industry, it is has also been used posed an idea for a solar-powered the device holds the characteris- lionaire, receiving $22 million. as a film location for Iron Man 2. transportation system, the Hyper- tics of a point and shoot camera The fairly new com- He continued on a forward Finally, Musk arrived at loop. In theory, people aboard it rather than those of a regular pany, Tesla Motors, is competing path by co-founding the online co-founding Tesla Motors. He is will be able to travel form San smartphone. The 1020 features a with some of the top car compa- money transfer system, PayPal. currently the CEO and product Francisco to Los Angeles in less Pure View Carl Zeiss fabricated nies in America, such as Toyota, It was sold to Ebay for $1.5 bil- architect. Even though Tesla is than 30 minutes. Musk decided lens with a reinvented zoom and Ford, and Honda. Elon Musk, lion in stock. At the time of the already 10 years old, it has barely to leave it up to the engineers of a Xenon flash to accompany it. inventor, entrepreneur, philan- sale, Musk was the largest share- begun to mass-produce its cars America in hope that the science It is slimmer than other Nokia thropist, father, and investor, co- holder in Paypal with 11.7% of within the previous two years. community comes together to models, weighing in at 5.57 oz., founded Tesla Motors in 2003. the shares. His third creation was The company has only de- make it possible. He said that if with a 4.5-inch display. It also Musk, who was born in that of the space travel company, veloped three different models of there was little progress in the fu- has a 1.2 mega pixel front fac- South Africa, currently resides SpaceX. Musk holds the position cars: a sports car, a luxury sedan, ture years then he might consider ing camera along with a scratch in Los Angeles, California. He as CEO (Chief Executive Offi- and a luxury SUV. The car that has stepping in and leading the project. resistant Gorilla Glass screen. took an early interest in science cer) and CTO (Chief Technology come to represent Tesla has been For now, Musk is busy head- The 1020’s battery has a maxi- and taught himself computer pro- Officer). The company was suc- its luxury sedan, the Model S. ing SpaceX and Tesla, for which mum standby time of 15 days gramming before age 12. Musk cessful in creating the first private The Model S is an electri- Musk reports he invests 100 hours and 13 hours of 3G talk time. went on to receive a Bachelor’s spacecraft to fly into Earth’s orbit. cally powered car that can get a week of work into the two com- The Windows 8 operating degree of Science at the Univer- NASA saw potential in SpaceX so over 200 miles per charge. It has panies. Not to mention, Musk is system allows users to download sity of Pennsylvania. Soon after, they invested somewhere between also proven to be near one of the only 42 and already a billionaire. various music apps like Nokia he started a web-software com- $1.6 billion and $3.1 billion in it safest cars available, having re- Music, Xbox Music and Pan- pany with his brother, which they to have it provide the spacecraft ceived a 5.4/5 on its crash tests dora. The Nokia Lumia 1020 has then sold to the current computer to transport goods to the Interna- and a 99/100 from Consumer access to the Nokia Pro Camera app, allowing you to have full control of exposure, white bal- ance, focus and shutter speed, iPhone 5s vs Galaxy S4 just like a DSLR camera. There are other camera apps like the By Julius Arias, El Rodeo Staff Writer Panorama app and the Nokia Smart Cam app which allows The latest installments to the Apple and Galaxy series of phones are the Galaxy S4 and the iPhone5s. Both phones one to take precise action shots. will feature minor additions from their past models. They will be of improved speed, camera functionality, and graphics. With Windows 8 on the The S4 will feature a 5-inch screen and an improved processor that can support an LTE network. It will also be equipped with a 13-mega- Nokia Lumia 1020, Office 365 pixel camera. Some new features of the software are the “Smart Pause” and “Air View.” The “Smart Pause” pauses a video automatically when is already installed thus allow- the viewer looks away and resumes when the viewer resumes watching. The “Air View” allows the user to utilize hand gestures to navigate ing Microsoft Word, Power Point, through pictures or messages. The phone will also include a feature that allows the phone to be unlocked by simply looking into the front-view One Note and Excel to be uti- camera. The S4 was released in late April and was purchased by over twenty million customers within the first two months following its launch. lized on the road. Writing an es- The newest iPhone, the 5s, will feature plenty of new specs to accompany a 64-bit processing chip, the A7. The smart phone say or starting a power point will will also include an M7 chip that will prevent excessive battery loss due to the increased amount of energy that the A7 will require. be available at a tap of a button. The newest physical addition to the outside of the phone will be the Touch ID ring built into the home button. This is a fin- Setting up a SkyDrive account gerprint sensor that will allow users to unlock the phone with ease. The flash was also improved, and now includes a second LED light will allow the user to save docu- that adjusts to the lighting of the environment, which allows for optimum photo quality. The color spectrum has changed to gray, sil- ments and photos and be able to ver, and gold, but the body of the phone will remain the same. The new software, IOS 7, will be an entire makeover to the appear- work on them from anywhere just ance of the iPhone’s home screen and to several other aspects of the phone’s settings. The phone was made available this past week. by logging into Skydrive.com. Both phones represent the latest technology, but it seems that there is constant controver- AT&T has priced this sy over which is better. Depending on the preferences of the buyer, one phone may be of greater use than the other. phone at $199 with a two-year Which do you prefer, iPhone or Galaxy? contract. AT&T is currently the only carrier with this phone but there are high hopes that it will become available with T-Mobile soon. Some cons of this phone would have to be relying on third party API’s to connect to popular apps like Instagram and YouTube, since the Microsoft app store is still in development. Another con “ I prefer Galaxy well “I’d prefer a Galaxy just “I’d probably prefer a Galaxy “Preferably I would choose a relates to its 32 GB of internal because iPhones are pretty because of the fact that because android technology Galaxy S4 since everyone has memory, the phone lacks a micro much burned out even though iPhones crack too easily is more modified.”- Nicolas iPhones.”- Ruben Barragan SD card slot, making it impossible I have an iPhone.” - Mayra and I’m a clumsy person.”- Bernal 11th 10th to expand the phone’s memory. Jimenez 10th Robert Mercado 12th El Rodeo, Pg 10 El Rancho High School Sept.27, 2013 Sports Dons take on Troy tonight in final pre-league match By Angelica Gamez El Rodeo Staff Writer Santa Fe is another rival Sports for the Dons. Verduzco plans With only one more game to get a victory from each of before league, El Rancho’s foot- these teams by playing disci- Results ball team has a 2-2 record. The plined, hard, smart, and fast. Dons lost against Diamond Ranch Defense is going to be a and Bell Gardens. The Dons will big part of this season. “Defense face Troy tonight, have a bye wins championships,” says Lo- Football: week, and then play their first pez, “if we go out there and play Marina- W league game against Whittier. well defensively and we keep the Before their first preseason other team from scoring, it will Diamond Ranch-L game, the Dons scrimmaged for help us win a championship,” two quarters against Trabuco he adds. With nine defensive Bell Gardens-L Hills. Trabuco Hills is a division starters returning, a lot is go- one school and the Dons made it ing to be expected from them. Montebello-W a close game but fell short, 14-0. Other than defense, focus “Trabuco Hills is a good football is also going to help the Dons team and we went in there and have a great season. “Every- we played well with them,” says Boys Varisty football team preparing before win against Montebello body staying focused on each coach Vinnie Lopez. Lopez be- game one game at a time [will lieves this game was a good op- came back and took a lead of 29- “two times better than the other help],” says senior captain Ryan (G)Volleyball: portunity to show how good El 21 with less than a minute left in team.” The new team members Araujo. Araujo also believes that Rancho’s football team can be. the game. The Dons managed to should be adjusted to the var- his team has to continue play- Cantwell-L The Dons won their first tie the game at 29 and Portillo sity level by the start of league. ing hard and continue fighting Norwalk-L preseason game 49-19, but lost made the field goal that allowed With league just around the no matter what during league. their next game against Diamond the Dons to win the game 30-29. corner, the Dons have set goals The Dons will be play- Montebello-W Ranch 42-14. “It was a close The Dons have added new for themselves, beginning with ing away tonight at Fullerton football game, much more than members to their roster includ- winning league. “This year we High School. They will be play- Valley Christian-L the score would lead you to be- ing juniors Sergio Gamiz and have a lot of senior leadership and ing against Troy High School. lieve,” says Lopez, “it was a good Richard Cuellar. Both of these so as long as we stay healthy and The Dons hope to end Bell Gardens-L chance to play a good football players were moved up from continue to play to our potential, their preseason with a win to go team…and learn how to come junior varsity and had to ad- we’re going to be okay,” says Lo- into league strong. The Dons’ Bellflower-W back from being down,” he adds. just to the varsity level. “The pez. Verduzco hopes to make their next home game will be against Mark Keppel-W Senior captain Jesus Verduzco big difference [between JV and season one to remember, which Pioneer on the 18th of October. says that there were little mistakes varsity] is speed…you have to can happen with the league title. “Just come out and see a football they should’ve capitalized on. have a stronger mentality to Two teams the Dons hope game, you guys will see a good They hope to fix those by league. play with varsity,” says Gamiz. to beat during league are La game,” says Lopez. Verdzuco Last Friday the Dons faced To keep up with the var- Serna and Santa Fe. La Serna wants to make sure that everyone Montebello High. With the help sity team, these boys had to earned the Del Rio League title goes out to support the team at of senior Jose Portillo’s field work extra hard. On his off time, last year and if the Dons want their games. Verduzco says that (G)Tennis: goals, the Dons led 23-21 in the Cuellar works on his footwork to take it away from them this having more people at the foot- St. Lucy’s-L so that during the game he is year, they will have to beat them. fourth quarter but Montebello ball game makes a difference. Los Altos-W Boys Water Polo begins season with new coach Norwalk-W By Breanna Perez Montebello-W El Rodeo Staff Writer Paramount-L The El Rancho boys’ Var- Bellflower-W sity water polo team gets a fresh start as well as a new leading Mark Keppel-L coach, Mr. John Pringle. Prin- gle has helped the team begin the season with a 6-2 record along with placing third in El (B)Water Rancho’s Tournament. Pringle also chose seniors Ricardo Ro- bles and Daniel Gomez to lead Polo: this year’s team as co-captains. Robles, Gomez, and Prin- Montclair-L gle have one specific goal in Bell Gardens-W common: winning league and rd making it into CIF. “[We hope] ER Tour. - 3 Place to compete for a league title and have a good win in CIF. I think Warren-W we’re good enough to win a game [at CIF], but it depends on match- Chino-W ups and a little bit of luck,” said Pringle. Luck can only go so Rowland-L The water polo team practices to dominate during league. far for the team, considering the alternating wins and losses that prove for each game. “[The team] own individual aspect.” Mr. Prin- niors that want to make their they’ve had since season started. spends about 2-3 hours of practice gle’s coaching experience makes season worth-while, so we’re The Dons began their pre- putting in hard work,” remarked the captains’ hopes of progress on the same page,” says Pringle. X-Country: season with a loss against Mont- Robles. The Dons have been a strong possibility for the team. As for the remainder of clair High School on September training since the 12th of August. Although Pringle may ap- the season Pringle says that Woodbridge 5th with a score of 11-12. The Dons As the team continues to pear to be a new coach, he ac- they have high expectations Invitational: redeemed themselves at their sec- demonstrate their strengths, they tually coached at El Rancho that they’re working toward. ond away game on September 10th also acknowledge areas in need between 2007 and 2010. He “I’m doing my part and they’re Boys: 6th place against Bell Gardens High School of improvement. “Hopefully we also gained coaching experi- doing theirs,” says Pringle. with a score of 23-4. The team can get faster [compared to] last ence from Schurr High School The Dons have a couple of Girls: 10th place emerged victorious in their most year and get in better shape,” and Pasadena Poly High School. tournaments left before their first recent match against Chino Hills says Gomez. “I hope we could Getting players used to league game. You can support the High School with a score of 14-7. communicate more and do bet- Pringle’s coaching techniques Dons at their first league game at Throughout this past month, ter fully as a team,” says Robles, didn’t seem to be a prob- El Rancho on the 15th of Octo- the team has been trying to im- “everyone needs to work on their lem. “There are a lot of se- ber. They will be facing La Serna. Sept. 27, 2013 El Rancho High School El Rodeo, Pg 11 Sports Girls’ volleyball looks to start strong in league beat but as long as we come to- gether as a team, we can beat them,” says Ramos. Almeda says they just want to put an end to La Serna’s winning streak. In order to be able to beat La Serna, the Dons must work hard to reach their level. “Even if it means waking up at five in the Girls work on their running morning for practice, we will ded- techniques during practice. icate ourselves to become the best X- country team strives we can,” exclaimed Almeda. Ra- to make it to state mos believes they can win against By Nichele Renteria La Serna. “We must first believe El Rodeo Staff Writer in ourselves and that we can beat La Serna in order to keep an op- Based on their achievements timistic attitude no matter what from previous seasons X-Country the score is, and keep pushing un- is looking forward to continuing til the end,” commented Ramos. their successes. They participated After losing six seniors in the Woodbridge Invitational from last year (three which were where the boys came in sixth starters), the Dons had to re- place and the girls came in tenth place them with new players. place. Their goals for this year Sophomore Miriam Arrellano Miriam Arellano jumps up to block the ball on their game against Village Christian. are to win league and go to state. and junior Elyssa Torres were The Dons have been work- By Angelica Gamez we will be prepared,” remarked didn’t have the best preseason. both moved up to varsity. Ar- ing hard and practicing since El Rodeo Staff Writer senior captain Romy Ramos. “Like all sport teams, we have rellano played on the freshman May of this year. Coach Wynn The game against Bell our good and bad games,” says team and Torres played on the is really looking forward to this The preseason is com- Gardens was a bit more frustrat- Ramos, “I know we have great junior varsity team last season. year’s season saying that the ing to an end and the girls’ vol- ing for the Dons. “The game potential and we can be a strong The transition to varsity team’s goal is to win on all levels. leyball team has a 3-4 record. against Bell Gardens was one of team when we come togeth- was something that both Arrel- The X-Country team com- The Dons defeated Montebello the most disappointing games for er and play to our potential.” lano and Torres needed to adjust peted at the Don Bosco Invita- High School, Bellflower High me,” says Ramos, “I know for a The Dons hope to put pre- to. “Varsity is such a faster ver- tional but was not able to finish School, and Mark Keppel but fact we could have done better.” season behind and start focus- sion of the game,” says Torres. due to the extreme heat. The ju- lost their other four games. Senior Iliana Almeda believed ing on league, which is about The upperclassmen have helped nior and sophomore boys and The Dons began their sea- a win would have been attain- to begin. “Preseason is the per- Arrellano improve. “The up- girls didn’t get a chance to run. son with losses against Cantwell able. “It was those little mistakes fect time to see where our team per class encourages me to push Wynn knows that winning and Norwalk, eventually earn- that cost us in the end and we’re stands and where we can try to myself to be at my best and im- league isn’t going to be easy. ing a victory against Montebello, working on it as best as we can,” improve,” says Almeda. Ramos prove my skills,” says Arrellano. “Our plan is to fight for league only to be defeated by Village says Almeda. The Dons fell to hopes her team starts focusing With the help of Arrel- at every title,” says Wynn, “we Christian and Bell Gardens. Bell Gardens three to nothing. on its main goal. “Whatever lano, Torres, and other new team have a shot but it’s going to be The loss against Village After playing Bell Gar- happened during preseason, we members, the Dons hope to come everybody working together Christian only prepared the team dens, the Dons earned another must forget about it and focus back during league. “I know and getting it all done, that is for its next match. “The game victory against Bellflower. “It on our goal, which is to become our team has potential,” says always going to be our goal.” against Village Christian helped was by far one of the best games league champions,” says Ramos. Almeda. The Dons will have Wynn and the runners were us by not only preparing us men- we played as a team,” claimed One team the Dons hope their first season game on the excited going into the Wood- tally but also giving us an idea Ramos, “[and] coming togeth- to gain against during league 8th of October against Santa Fe bridge Invitational. They prac- of what we need to work on so er is what led us to that win.” is La Serna. “I’m not sure why High School. They will be play- tice after school in order to get that when we do face a hard team Ramos realizes that they they are the toughest team to ing at 4:30pm at Santa Fe High. ready for league. They have been putting a lot of time into workouts in order to get in shape. Tennis captains enthusiastic for new season X-Country’s top runners By Marisol Almazan are senior Geoffrey Sarco and El Rodeo Staff Writer junior Melissa Gutierrez. Cap- tains this year consist of seniors It’s the beginning of a new Sarco, Elias Powell, and Ana year and the tennis team is kick- Galicia. “My goal is to hit a ing off the new season by wel- 14:40 for the three mile and to coming back their senior captain help my team out,” says Sarco. Veronica Torres and a new senior One team the varsity team captain Roxanne Sierra. Torres hopes to “take down” is Cali- and Sierra have helped their team fornia High. “Everyone is look- end pre-season with a 4-3 record. ing at Cal-High as a dominant Coach Cynthia Lippstreu force, given that they did take saw that Torres and Sierra had 2nd at state, but I know that my Captain qualities. “Veronica and group and myself together can Roxanne always come to prac- take them down,” says Sarco. tice and they work hard… they Coach Wynn feels that the know what needs to be done, new incoming freshman team so it was only natural to select “has potential”. Although the them as captains,” said Lippstreu. freshman boys have not won “Roxanne always gets the a title, there are three fresh- girls pumped and Veronica al- Senior Captains Roxanne Sierra and Veronica Torres take a break after a long practice. man runners that Wynn feels ways orders the girls around you just get used to managing your The two are very excited Both captains believe will possibly change that. and gets them to do what needs time wisely,” said Sierra. “I’m in with this upcoming season be- this season will be “one of the For the last two years, to be done,” added Lippstreu. the court year round but I also cause they’ve worked very hard. best” they have ever played. freshman girls have won the Tennis is only one of many stay focused in school,” she adds. “We have to lead the girls to be They feel that they do not have league title and are hoping to car- things Veronica participates in. “I Sierra said that being a good players for when the seniors to worry much. The confidence ry on the past years accomplish- have tennis and then I take part in captain meant you had to be re- leave this year,” said Veronica, that they bring into the team ments. “They have the right con- the Early College Academy,” says sponsible. Both Sierra and Tor- “but I know they’ll be fine.” helps their teammates believe cepts to get better,” says Wynn. Torres. “I also take college class- res agree that “being a leader Roxanne also said that she they will have a great season. Overall, this years X- es at Rio Hondo after school, so is sometimes pressuring but it is very comfortable with this “It’s a great way to start Country team’s goal is to win balancing school with tennis gets all pays off knowing the girls year’s team because “most of the year,” said Sierra and Tor- League and to try to achieve all hard, but I manage,” she adds. rely on [them], and it feels good [them] have a strong bond since res, “we’re extremely excited their goals for this year. They Sierra agreed with Torres to help the girls out and lead [they’ve] known each other since for this season.” They have their will have their first “Cluster” on about managing her time. “I guess them in the right direction.” [they] were in the JV team.” next league game on October 1st. October 3rd at 3pm at Legg Lake. El Rodeo, Pg 12 El Rancho High School Sept. 27, 2013 entertainment Racist remarks directed at Miss America By Jazmin Hernandez El Rodeo Staff Writer

Miss New York, Nina Da- vuluri, took the crown in this year’s Miss America on Sunday September 15, 2013. In the 87th year of the competition, Davuluri was one of two Asian-American finalists. She is the first Indian- American Miss America win- ner. The fact that she has Indian ancestry upset some people. Shortly after being crowned Miss America, racial comments and insults began to be tweeted about Davuluri. Some have called Davuluri an Arab, a terrorist, a for- eigner and many other racial slurs. Tweets included, “Con- gratulations Al-Qaeda. Our Miss America is one of you” and, “Have we forgotten 9/11?” as- sociating her with the 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S. There have also been com- ments such as, ‘’Miss America? You mean Miss 7-11,’’ associat- ing her with the Indian-Ameri- cans employed by the 7-11 fran- chise. “And the Arab wins Miss Miss America winner from New York, Nina Davuluri, celebrates her victory despite negative feedback. Courtesy of SourceFed’s Tumblr. America. Classic” has also been said in regards to her victory. seen or received, I have received Davuluri attended the Uni- luri plans to apply to medical She is very happy that This isn’t the first time Da- dozens of positive words of en- versity of Michigan, earning a school to become a cardiologist. she can be an inspiration to oth- vuluri experienced this negative couragement, support and love.” degree in Brain Behavior and Davuluri has moved on ers as a woman with foreign reaction, “It’s a difficult situa- Davuluri was born in Syra- Cognitive Science. Along the from the negative comments ancestry. “I’m so happy this or- tion, and that was something I cuse, New York. She is Amer- way, she has earned the Michi- and is excited to continue her ganization has embraced diver- experienced even as Miss New ican-born and descends from gan Merit Award and National career, “I have to rise above sity,” Davuluri said, “I’m thank- York,” says Davuluri, “That be- the Telugu of South Asia. After Honor Society Award. With the that…I always viewed myself ful there are children watching ing said, for every one negative New York, she moved to Okla- $50,000 scholarship she won as first and foremost Ameri- at home who can finally re- tweet or comment that I have homa and later to Michigan. from Miss America, Davu- can,” says Nina Davuluri. late to a new Miss America.” Luke Skywalker and Han Solo join Disney By Michael Garcia Spears set to slay Vegas El Rodeo Staff Writer By Nazarely Narvaez El Rodeo Staff Writer George Lucas’s collection of films, “Star Wars,” was sold The controversial Britney this past year for $4.05 billion to Spears has grasped the eye of the legendary Walt Disney Cor- the camera successfully while poration. Robert Iger, Chief Ex- managing to keep a full head of ecutive Officer of Walt Disney, hair. The 31-year-old pop prin- had been attempting to acquire cess surprised her fans on the LucasFilm for nearly a year and show “Good Morning America” a half, when George Lucas final- by announcing her own show at ly agreed to a deal. the Las Vegas resort and casino, Before Iger even consid- Planet Hollywood. The show ered purchasing the franchise, he has assured the singer’s resi- intensively watched all six films, George Lucas with Disney mascots. Courtesy of the Orlando Sentinel. dency in Las Vegas for the next tediously taking notes to ensure Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”). cited to see what Disney could two years, the first show be- there was still opportunity for Although Lucas was reluc- do, but Robert Iger is thrilled. Poster for Britney’s vegas tour. ing held on December 27, 2013. further installments. As any Star tant at first to sell his enterprise, Iger’s success in leading the pur- Courtesy of The Music Universe. Britney Spears made the Wars fanatic will know, there he later felt that the decision was chase of “Star Wars” allowed exciting announcement as she Britney’s live performance must were originally supposed to be a good. “I’m doing this so that the Disney to add plenty of ideas to hovered above a dry Nevada lake be stellar since the show will total of nine films; there are cur- films will have a longer life,” their stockpile for making money. bed in a helicopter. Thousands automatically be up for com- rently only six. Iger knew that if said Lucas in an interview on Iger knows that Disney has taken of fans stood waiting below, parison to Celine Dion’s show Disney was to attain LucasFilm, YouTube. Lucas also said, “I’ve on much pressure from the mil- each of them holding up a post- at the Caesars Palace and Elton there was still a huge margin for never been that much of a money lions of “Star Wars” fans through- ers. As they flipped their posters John’s show at The Colosseum. profit. He proceeded to make a guy. I’m more of a film guy, and out the world to make the movie together, they formed a 10-story A variety of shows, like deal, knowing that a large amount most of the money I’ve made is in great. His confidence is high that ad for Britney’s Las Vegas show. Evil Dead the Musical and Sin of money would be needed to defense of trying to keep creative the movie will be a success. He Spears is scheduled to per- City Comedy, are set to take acquire such a grand enterprise. control of my movies.” Lucas said, “It’s a less forgiving world form fifty shows per year through- place at Planet Hollywood so Disney ended up buy- remains humble over his sellout than it’s ever been. Things have out 2014 and 2015. The show, Spears will be in good com- ing LucasFilm for $4.05 bil- and is not quite ready to retire to be really great to do well.” entitled Britney Spears: Piece pany. As soon as the show kicks lion, making it their fourth larg- at the age of sixty-eight. He will The seventh film is set to of Me, will feature a total of 21 off, Spears will be performing est purchase ever. Their largest now serve as a creative consultant premiere in 2015 and will be ti- songs, including a mixture of her strictly in Las Vegas. This means purchase was that of Capital for the production of future mov- tled “Episode 7.” The plan is to greatest hits and of her new music. that for the next two years, Brit- Cities/ABC for $19.7 billion. ies. Lucas is happy that he gets produce an “Episode 8” as well as The show will be directed ney will not be seen anywhere The deal also included the own- to sit back and watch the films an “Episode 9.” After “Episode 9” by Baz Haplin who has worked else but there. It is rumored that ership of two of LucasFilm’s develop. He said, “It’s now time is complete, the plan is to make a with various artists like P!nk, Spears will be earning $15 mil- high-tech production companies for me to pass the Star Wars on new “Star Wars” film every two Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift. lion a year. Tickets have been on and the movie franchise “Indi- to a new generation of filmmak- to three years. It is believed that The show is predicted to be sale since September 20th, with ana Jones.” Lucas had acquired ers.” He has high confidence in production for the film is sched- 90-100 minutes long; the time prices ranging from $59 to $179. “Indiana Jones” for LucasFilm the filmmakers that they will do uled to start in early 2014, but so frame is still debatable but not The show goes hand in hand with for his personal interests (Lucas an extraordinary job in continu- far there is no concrete statement restricted. The bar has been set her eighth studio album, which teamed up with Steven Spielberg ing the legacy of “Star Wars.” saying so. J.J Abrams, known for high for the show, meaning that debuts on December 3rd, 2013. to direct “Indiana Jones and the George Lucas may be ex- directing Star Trek, will direct it.