Chatsworth High School The Clarion December 2008 2008: A Year Of Triumph And Tragedy College

By Sam Bae and Wendy Chan time an African American has A Metrolink Costs Keep Staff Writers been elected president. After a train collided momentous race, he stood vic- with a freight Going Up Every year has its share of torious over McCain, becoming train in Chats- ups and downs, but 2008 was a the 44 th president. In his speech worth in Sep- By Erick Reyes and wild rollercoaster ride, and to an enormous crowd in Chi- tember, one of there are still a couple of weeks cago on election night, Obama Andy Situ the tragic events Staff Writers left to go. declared, “The road ahead will from 2008. The last 12 months brought be long. Our climb will be Photo from The financial crisis is mak- exhilaration in the form of a steep. We may not get there in Yahoo Images historic presidential election one year or even one term, but ing it more difficult to get a col- and thrilling Olympic games, America—I have never been lege education. Faced with but also a terrible train wreck a more hopeful than I am tonight afraid. ing to and from the train’s engi- shrinking budgets, couple of miles from campus, that we will get there. I promise Metrolink crash in Chats- neer just seconds before the ac- universities are raising tuition devastating wildfires in the hills you—we as a people will get worth cident may have contributed. It and cutting the number of appli- and an economic collapse that there.” He will be sworn into A Metrolink train collided was the deadliest crash in cants they will accept. Plus, stu- made 2008 look an awful lot the White House on Jan. 20, with a freight train in Chats- Metrolink’s history. dent loans are getting more ex- like 1932. Here’s a look back at 2009. worth on the afternoon of Sept. The economy tanks pensive and difficult to find. some of the most significant According to a survey con- 12, killing 25 people and injur- Home prices plummeted, For those hoping for stu- events of the last year. ducted by the ing 135 others. Chatsworth gas prices hit $4.50 a gallon, dent loans, lenders are charging The exciting election Times, this is how people feel High School was used as a re- more than a million people lost higher rates and demanding a This day signifies the end about Obama’s win: 57 percent unification site for passengers their jobs and the stock market high credit score due to the bad of the longest presidential cam- are hopeful or optimistic, 14 and their families. The cause is cratered. To try and keep the economy. This comes at a bad paign season in the United percent are proud, 9 percent are still under investigation, but country’s economic ship from time because the average debt States’ history , and the first disappointed, and 9 percent are authorities believe text messag- Continued on page 7 for college increased from $18,976 to $20,098 since 2007. College tuition and fees in- ‘Big Three’ creased by 6.4 percent at public universities, while room and board went up 5.2 percent. Running Many factors are working to make college more expen-

Out Of Gas sive, including the dropping stock market, declines in dona- By Andy Situ tions, layoffs, foreclosures and Staff Writer minimal investments. Consider- Henry Ford began the mod- ing the way things are looking ern assembly lines using mass right now, people expect col- production for the Model T in lege prices to continue to rise 1908, the same year that Gen- until the 2010-2011 school eral Motors was founded. One year. hundred years later, Ford, GM While universities will be and Chrysler are reporting that charging more, the number of they will fail within months students admitted will decrease. unless they receive billions in CSU and UC campuses may not federal assistance. enroll all of the student appli- So, why should you care? cants, even those that meet all Well, the Center for Automo- of the requirements. That’s be- tive Research recently released cause Gov. Arnold Schwar- a study estimating that should zenegger is planning to cut off the Detroit three’s U.S. opera- $65 million from the $3 billion tions cease in 2009, 3 million in state funding for the schools. jobs would be lost. It would There will also be a 9.4 percent also reduce U.S. personal in- rise in college tuition. come by about $150 billion in "We recognize that the cur- the first year and $400 billion in Clarion staff photo rent economic situation has cre- three years. Cold, wet and windy weather hit Chatsworth this week. High winds Wednesday morning snapped this ated real financial challenges Continued on page 5 limb from a tree near S84. for students and their families, who are increasingly concerned about how they can secure loans to help cover college Ed Tech Academy Gets Trouble Brewing For costs," said Secretary of Educa- tion Margaret Spellings in the LA Times. Grant For $280,000 L.A. Schools By Andy Situ anything related to Ed. Tech In This Issue and Erick Reyes students,” Aviv said. The By Christopher Alarcon million to keep up with the free Staff Writer and reduced-price lunch pro- What’s next for the U.S. with Staff Writers money will be used over a four- Obama in charge? See page 2. grams. year period to “help us make It’s a hectic year, to say the The United Teachers of The Engineering and De- sure our program grows and Shopping on a budget? Find least, for schools as the eco- Los Angeles may strike this sign Academy received a keeps growing.” tips of page 4. nomic crisis pushes the school winter over health benefits and $280,000 grant from the Cali- It will improve class budget over the line, teachers fornia Department of Educa- equipment and fund Project other budget cutbacks that af- Does your cell phone make you get ready for a possible strike, tion. Lead the Way, which offers fect contracts. The teacher’s itch? See page 5. and the Los Angeles Unified Mrs. Aviv, the lead teacher alternative courses with an en- union also announced a boycott of the academy, wants to use gineering and scientific tweak. School District’s superintendent of all after-school meetings be- See page 6 to find out if the the money to better the acad- It means more college classes, is shown the door. ginning Dec. 8 th . Also, on De- th movie “Twilight” measures up emy. When asked why the partnerships and internships, Budget cuts are going to be cember 10 the union had a to the book. academy received the grant, she events, and design carnivals for affecting all schools in LAUSD. demonstration against the responded, “We have really students. This year LAUSD has to cut budget cuts. College presidents are asking worked hard on involving local Although the grant is defi- $200 to $400 million; next year The school board decided whether the drinking age should businesses and educational in- nite, the 27 teachers have yet to it’s estimated to cut $400 mil- Superintendent David Brewer be lowered to 18. See page 7. stitutions in developing our decide how to spend the money. lion and the year after the cut III isn’t getting the job done, so academy.” “It’s cool that our academy may be up to $325 million. The they worked out a deal for him Winter means soccer, basket- The grant provides funds is the only one getting it,” said state superintendent is already to leave his position in the mid ball and wrestling. See page 8. for “programs, field trips, (and) junior Adam Santiago. asking for federal help of $31 Continued on page 6 Election The Clarion December 2008 Page 2 Students Praise Presidential Pick What Will By Wendy Chan, Obama’s success in cam- Obama Karen Leung and paigning and on Election Day Elizabeth Redondo has proven that our country does Do Now? Staff Writers understand change. “I believe that America finally accepted By Wendy Chan History was made when diversity (rather) than just talk- Staff Writer Barack Obama won the Democ- ing about it,” said junior Gatsby ratic presidential nomination Paredes. After eight years of national and when he became the first Some diehard McCain fans turmoil, Americans now have great expectations for Barack African American President- felt that diversity was not the Obama for the next four years. Elect of the . issue in this election, “I was up- In his campaign speeches, Senior Julian Leiro felt that set because McCain should have Obama often promised “change ethnicity should not have been a been elected,” Hall stated, for America,” and set out his factor in deciding whom to vote “McCain’s policies just made agenda for the nation. His grand for. “I thought that this race more sense.” plans may seem far-fetched to would be a lot different in terms Other McCain supporters – some, but to others, they provide of people would have to over- like junior Kevin Widjaja – said, a long-lost sense of hope and come the race of the candidate “People chose him as the presi- optimism. Here are some of the and vote on how they were go- dent, so now he’s my president, http://www.lusakatimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/obama.jpg things Obama said he would do ing to run the country,” he said. and I will trust and respect him Barack Obama and his family greet a crowd in Chicago shortly after once he becomes president. Others, however, expressed as my leader.” In the end he he was declared the winner of the election. Obama’s aim to “jumpstart contrary opinions. “I felt that feels that, “Republicans have to the economy” begins with pro- Obama would lose because get back up.” Junior Jeanny Hu said, “I’m settling in. “Very surprising, viding $50 billion to the econ- America wasn’t ready for a Obama fans felt that true glad Obama will be our presi- Obama being the first black presi- omy in order to save 1 million black president,” said senior Luc change has come over America. dent because I supported him dent in the U.S.,” said junior Americans from losing their Hall. “I was really happy because this from the beginning.” She con- Daniel Lin. He continued saying, jobs. According to his website, When the elections were is a monumental step in our na- tinued by saying that, “He’ll be “We aren’t sure what he’s going www.barackobama.com , he will done and the dust had settled, tion’s history since our history a good president because of his to do. Right now, though, he then provide a tax cut for work- reactions were still just as mixed has been plagued with racism,” policies and ideas.” shows he’s going to be a good ing families, eliminate income as they were in the beginning. said Leiro. For some, the shock is still president. We’ll see in January.” taxes for seniors earning an an- nual income of less than $50,000, and simplify tax filing for middle class Americans. He Cali Girls Obama Bug Bites Computers will also create new jobs in sci- ences, manufacturing, and infra- By Derek Lau information off of the now in- attack should remind students Can Still Staff Writer structure/ construction. fected computer. Another strat- that they are never completely What with skyrocketing egy the hackers employ is in- safe on the Internet. There are A new wave of malware college costs and nose-diving Keep a Secret fecting legit sites with harmful effective ways to protect your budgets, Obama promised to using the presidential election as content like infected videos. computers from these attacks a means to infect computers is reform education. His “Zero to Students generally thought that and surf the web safely. Many Five” plan will provide prepar- By Elizabeth Redondo catching unsuspecting users off the tactics were underhanded. companies, like Zone Alarm, edness for young children for Staff Writer guard. offer free firewall or anti-virus kindergarten and on. The No According to the Washing- “I think it's wrong of peo- software to remedy the solution. Child Left Behind Act will also The votes are in and adoles- ton Post, hackers send emails to ple to take advantage of the Most email clients automatically be reformed, as schools that cent girls are still able to abort inboxes with Barack Obama or situation as an opportunity to scan incoming and outgoing the election results as the sub- need improvement also need unwanted pregnancies in the state send viruses to people because emails for traces of malicious support, not punishment, ac- of California without the consent ject headings. Links or actual the election was taken seriously code. videos are attached to the email. cording to www.barackobama. of their parents by a lot of people, and who's not Geddie thought that the com . Moreover, he will attempt The suggested amendment to When users click on the links going to click something that most effective way to prevent they are directed to a website to decrease drop-out rates, ex- the Constitution of California – says its going to give you more infection is to stay smart and that asks them to download up- pand afterschool enrichment commonly known as Proposition information about the new presi- wary on the Internet. “My ad- dates or plugins required to programs and opportunities, 4 – failed on Nov. 4. Prop. 4 dent's campaign,” said Mariah vice is to not open any e-mails view the video. What the users support college outreach pro- sought to mandate parental con- Geddie, a senior. from people or companies that are actually downloading is mal- grams, et cetera. In addition to sent for all un-emancipated mi- This certain wave malware you don’t know of,” she said. ware intended to steal private those is his plan to “recruit, pre- nors and install a 48-hour wait pare, retain, and reward Amer- period after the parents have been ica’s teachers.” informed of the decision to go California Voters Deny Green tea Another pressing issue, as through with an abortion, among Continued from page 5 always, is healthcare. Obama other things. aims to make health insurance Gays The Right To Wed cial in diets and weight loss. California Now, the state’s According to a study at the Uni- affordable and accessible to all section of the National Organiza- Americans and to promote pub- By Wendy Chan The background of this versity of Geneva in Switzer- tion for Women, released a state- land, men who were given a lic health. His goal is to “make ment saying, “Parents rightfully Staff Writer proposition is one of vast con- health insurance work for peo- troversy and fluctuation. In combination of caffeine and want to be involved in their teen- green tea extract burned more ple and businesses—not just For many people, the March 2000, California voters agers’ lives and we want our calories than those given only insurance and drug companies.” world—in California, at least-- passed Prop 22 “to specify in daughters to come to us if they the former or a placebo. Ac- Additionally, he will reduce has come to an end, for same- state law that only marriage be- become pregnant, and most do. cordingly, studies also suggest costs by an average of $2,500 by sex marriage is now illegal in But in the real world, laws like tween a man and a woman is that the green tea extract boosts allowing importation of safe the state. Passing Proposition 8 this don’t work. Prop. 4 can’t valid or recognized in Califor- metabolism and helps burn fat. medicines from other developed force teens to talk to their parents, might just be one of the most nia.” You must be careful how countries at lower prices, and but it may force them to do some- uncompassionate actions taken much of the tea you drink be- mandating hospitals to collect thing desperate and dangerous.” by voters this month. This May, though, the Cali- cause it contains caffeine. How- and report health care costs. Some students think that this “Well, I feel that Prop. 8 is fornia Supreme Court stated that ever, the content of caffeine in On the issue of immigra- law should have been passed. “I unfair. It’s the same as women’s the proposition “violated the one cup of green tea is consid- tion, Obama said he would cre- think that girls should have the rights; and everyone has the equal protection clause of the erably less than that in one cup ate safer borders that more effi- permission (of their parents) be- right to love, regardless of who California Constitution.” For of coffee: about 60 mg as op- ciently utilize infrastructure and cause it would cut down on the they are,” stated junior Daniel about six months, same-sex posed to over 100 mg. technology to “preserve the in- abortion rate,” said senior Luc Lin. marriage was legal. Unfortu- When asked to describe the tegrity of our borders.” He will Hall. On Nov. 4, voters passed nately, those who were happy taste of green tea, junior Ryan remove incentives for illegal Others, like senior Julian Prop. 8, which is a constitu- about it before will now experi- Lee simply said, “Bittersweet.” immigration by cracking down Leiro, however, see it differently. tional amendment that banishes ence a period of injustice as they “It just tastes good, so I on employers who hire undocu- “It’s a wonderful that they don’t the right of same-sex couples to endure the lack of the right to drink it,” explained junior Brian mented persons. Obama hopes illegal immigrants will learn need permission. It’s their body marry and asserts that only het- marry their significant other of Ishiba. English and then wait to become and they can do what they want erosexual marriage is valid in the same gender. That is, unless legal residents. with it,” he said. California. they move to another state. News The Clarion December 2008 Page 3

‘Can’cellors Build for the Better Faster Food Finally By Alexis Nabong and do charity,” said Naama the theme. “I think this activ- Brandon Tse Shemesh, a junior involved ity is good for building team Comes To CHS Staff Writers with the building. spirit,” said West. The struc- Cans were donated by local tures were judged, and prizes By Derek Lau and more smoothly. “We hope On Nov. 21, Chatsworth stores that share a common pur- given out. Staff Writer to get the whole line in in 15 students in the Engineering and pose in bettering the commu- The judges were people minutes,” Johns said. Design Technology Academy nity for the holidays. “Part of in the community who came The students arrived at Student reactions were got a chance to have fun while EDTech was to reach out to out to observe these works of school recently to find a whole generally positive. Many of donating to the poor. companies and ask for their art. new cafeteria. them liked the new cafeteria Students built structures support,” said Mrs. Aviv, lead “I think that it’s pretty The new cafeteria consists because it was able to shorten out of cans, giving the event the teacher for the academy. cool that we get to get out of of some noticeable new equip- the line by serving food faster. name “Can-Struction.” Boxes, The theme this year was class and have fun, and then ment. Some of these new tech- Senior Alek Sukharev thought string, foil, and plastic wrap “Harvest.” Each team decided donate what we created to nologies are hot and cold dis- that the new cafeteria was ideal were acceptable for the students what kind of structure they those who are in need,” said play cases. According to Leo- for a high school. to use. The structures were to wanted to make pertaining to junior Abraham Zhang. nard Johns, the cafeteria man- “I don’t have to wait until be a maximum of six feet tall ager, they allow food to be kept the lines are short to get my and four feet wide. Each home- Freshman Academies Compete warm or cool so that they re- food because they move more room could have one team of main appetizing. With this new quickly,” he said. eight students representing the To Collect Cans For The Needy equipment, Mr. Johns expects According to the cafeteria class. lunch to run more efficiently manager, the money to pay for Can-struction was a chance By Clarion Staff compared with 532 for the Ti- compared to the hectic environ- the upgrades came from a grant for students to be involved in The Freshman Academies tans. Students in the two home- ment students are all accus- worth about $800,000. With the their community. “This activity collected nearly 1,100 cans of rooms that collected the most tomed to. Another big change is grant they also expect to make has two purposes; to get service food in December to help the were to receive pizza for lunch the introduction of additional more changes as the year goes learning credits, and help the needy throughout the Valley. Friday. Those rooms were Mrs. lines in order to speed up the on. For example, they plan to community,” said Mr. West, The food donation drive McSwain for the Olympians, process. They expect to be able introduce a new card swipe sys- one of the teachers of the acad- was a competition between the whose students donated 324 to serve more students faster tem to replace the tickets. emy. Students will be able to two academies - the Titans and cans, and Mrs. Scott for the Ti- get credit for their Service the Olympians - to see which tans, with 175. Learning projects by spending could collect more food. The The food was given to the time creating art. Olympians narrowly edged the Valley Interfaith Council for “It’s a pretty good way to Titans by bringing in 551 cans, distribution.

Funding Forces Show’s Cancellation By Elizabeth Redondo and been a drama teacher for 21 ing to have a miracle. Everyone Alexis Nabong years, including 15 here at was looking forward to it but it Staff Writers Chatsworth High School, this is didn’t work out. It sucked.” the first time he has ever had to The Arts and Media Club Drama’s fall musical pro- cancel a performance. McDow- president and a CHS thespian, duction was cancelled for finan- ell said, “It was a hard decision. junior Samantha Gordon, said, cial reasons, but plans are in the I don’t like to accept defeat, but “I was definitely disappointed, works for a spring show. I really didn’t want to get but I realized we would over- The financial difficulties deeper into (debt).” He went on come it. I knew that we would arose from the fact that the to say that, “Like the economy, get to do another play and as Staff photo by Andy Situ school is now charging for everything right now is hard on long as we get to (perform), Changes to the CHS cafeteria should make the lunch lines move weekend and holiday rehears- money.” then it’s okay.” faster. als, up to $250 a weekend, said Senior Janet Pinedo, one of When asked about how the Mr. McDowell, the drama the many students involved in club would direct funds to the teacher. the behind the scenes work, Drama program, she replied, For McDowell, who has stated, “I thought we were go- Continued on page 7 Choosing The Test That

Suits You The Best Chancellors Bring Home Awards By Derek Lau ference is the fact that the SAT By Diana De Los Santos ley) by earning the average Trahin, and Holly Weaver) for Staff Writer Reasoning Test is given in three Staff writer grade of at least 3.25 on all AP the All – Academic Volleyball parts, a reading section, a math exams taken and grades of 3 or Team. In order to be included, For those planning to go to section, as well as a writing sec- During the last few months higher on four or more of these the girls must be seniors in var- college, a few letters are ex- tion. On the other hand, the a group of Chatsworth’s stu- exams. Another group of sen- sity volleyball who maintained tremely important: SAT or ACT exam is given in five dents have received awards. iors qualified for AP Scholar a 3.0 G.P.A or higher for all ACT. Many students wonder, parts, a reading section, a math The students earned these with Distinction Award four years of high school. though, which of these aptitude section, a science section, an awards due to their hard work (Deborah Davidson, Katherine The Drama Department tests is the best one to take. English section, and an optional and dedication. Falcon Zapata, Deja Johnson, participated in the Drama Theoretically, both tests are writing section. The SAT’s The College Board has Julian Leiro, William Men- Teachers Association of South- similar in difficulty and are ac- math section only tests students named 21 students AP Schol- danha, and An Nguyen) by ern California (DTA) Fall cepted by most colleges as up to Algebra 2, while the ACT ars: Faith Buchanan, Justin earning an average grade of at Drama Festival in which they equivalents. However, scores contains questions relating to Chan William Choy, Jonathan least 3.5 on all AP exams taken separated into two distinct lev- and student experiences prove Trigonometry. The SAT exam Cui, Henry Der, Katherine Fal- and grades of 3 or higher on els based on grade level. The otherwise. According to their has a penalty for wrong an- con Zapata, Mariah Geddie, five or more of these exams. results of this competition con- respective websites, the ACT swers, a deduction of ¼ point. Imelda Houndonougbo, Sarel Lisa Plattenberger earn the sisted of first place in overall exam tests students on the in- However, the ACT does not Iskender, John Le, Christopher ranking of National AP Scholar excellence sweepstakes at “C” formation they learned in high penalize students for wrong an- Leyden, Julia Lim, Stephanie due to the fact that she earn the festival and third place overall school while the SAT tests a swers. Students who are Liu, Elissa Min, Raymond Ngo, average grades of four or higher excellence sweepstakes at “B” student’s reasoning and test- stronger in a single subject Micheal Phy, Desire Ramirez, on all AP exams taken during festival. taking abilities. Some claim that seem to perform well on one Stephanie Ramos, Elizabeth her high school career. The school band entered the ACT is more challenging. test. Redondo, Estafanie Rodigruez, The Los Angeles Volley- the Granada Hills competition Others say the opposite and in- When asked about this, Andrew Sewell, Darrick Shin ball Coaches Association and the sist that the SAT is more pun- Mrs. Koch, the college coun- and David Wong for complet- named twelve of thirteen sen- Veteran Parade competition. ishing. selor, said, “Students that excel ing three or more exams with iors of the girl’s volleyball team The band, drummers and drill “The ACT is way easier. It in math might do better on the scores of 3 or higher. Six cur- (Erica Alcantara, Gennifer team won first place in the San is a simpler test,” said Jonathan SAT. Students who are stronger rent seniors qualified for AP Brandon, Tyler Cano, Jessica Fernando Valley, but in the Cui, a senior. in language arts will sometimes scholar with Honors (Suzan Lasater, Reanna Hill, Andrea Granada Hills competition, only The subtle differences be- do better on the ACT.” Arashben, Sarah Duong, Shan- Meneses, Dana Moreno, Jacqui band and drill team participated tween each test seem to be the Although opinions about non Gordon, Kambrie Keith, Neale, Vanessa Ostovich, and won first place. There was cause of the various student re- the two exams vary from person Eleanor Trinh, Matthew Week- Melissa Trahin, Michelle no category for drummers. sponses. The most obvious dif- Continued on page 4 Holiday The Clarion December 2008 Page 4 Students Healthier Season’s Eatings What’s The By Thalia Willis • Have no seconds don’t have to as long as you Make Plans Staff writer substitute high sugar foods for One Gift • Take your time; it’s not a lower ones. race. For Break The holidays are just • Have a delicious low fat You Would • Drink lots of water around the corner, so here are pumpkin cheesecake or a sugar- By Jayshawna Robnett some ways to make this year’s • Don’t starve yourself the less apple pie instead of a cinna- Staff Writer celebration dinners guilt free. whole day anticipating for din- mon filled fattening pumpkin Want? An average turkey dinner has ner. Have a light breakfast and pie. By Andrew Park and Three weeks of sleeping in, 2,000 calories in it and 100 lunch. Remove the skin from Alexandra Jancich three weeks of memories, three grams of fat, while the average You will see how much less chicken or turkey because it’s Staff Writers weeks of pure fun; winter break person needs about 1,500 calo- you eat and how much faster filled with fats. is right around the corner and ries and 50-60 grams. Holiday you get full. “Eat something “My family is very big so If you could only have one waiting to be celebrated. Many dinners need a little bit of sub- good, than eat something bad,” we always have different varie- thing for Christmas, what would people are celebrating this break stitution to be healthy. ”You can said Mr. Rooney. ties of food, from healthy turkey it be? That’s the question the by going out of town, partying, be sure it has fat and sugar if it • If you help cook on the and vegetables to pumpkin pie Clarion asked students and staff and playing winter sports. tastes good,” said Mr. Rooney, a holidays, try making your meal and butter filled baked potatoes. recently. Here are their answers. Sophomore Jacob Keyser is health teacher. and vegetables butter-less. I think this year I’ll try to eat raving everyday. In case you did- Here are some helpful tips: • We all know dessert is hard healthy” said Abel Casas, jun- n’t know, raving is where teens/ • Try eating smaller portions ior. young adults go for social danc- to turn down, but you really ing to famous electro/hard core DJ’s. Alex Bolishchuk, a junior, is Holiday Shopping On A Budget traveling. He’s snowboarding By Brandon Tse and to have to spend less because “There are a lot of opportu- everywhere in California and Karen Leung they don’t have much to nities for people to get the bet- heading to Utah to do the same. Staff Writers spend,” said junior Hien Pham. ter price,” said junior Julie Yoo. Junior Joshua Miller is leav- The website www. Catalina Daneshfar, Junior ing to Texas, taking a one and a Shopping this year for the So people for the holidays sundaysavers.com posts the “I want a car because I want to half hour plane ride to visit his donate blood and food.” mom (he lives with his sister). holidays will be tough. Although this year are going to have to weekly ads for store chains, “It’s always nice to visit my mom the spiraling economy has led pick up some new habits, and such as Best Buy and Macy’s. when I have the opportunity,” shoppers this year to be more fru- learn to shop for less, while still Bargain hunters can find Miller said. Senior, Taye Smith gal, the average shopper can still bringing the holiday cheer. deals through their local news- is taking a road trip to Las Vegas buy gifts for friends and family. Many stores sell the same papers and companies, such as the heading to Paris, France. But let’s face it; prices proba- merchandise, but at varying Penny Pinchers and several Freshman Brandon White is bly will not lower very much even prices. Keep an eye out for the websites such as www. spending his three weeks of fun though the rest of the country is item you want to buy because it insidesocal.com/bargain , www. by going to Utah to visit Dad and hurting. will probably go on sale during bargainsla.com/index , and his new girlfriend, who lives “This year people are going the upcoming shopping season. www.budget.com/budgetweb . Izaira Nixon, Senior there. “Sharing the love with the “I want a penthouse in New other side of family is wonder- York fully furnished with a ful,” says White. A Lot Of Gifts For Not A Lot Of Bucks maid and chauffer.”

SAT vs. ACT By Joseph Huang berguys.com and x-tremegeek. amusement to kids and adults as Continued from page 3 Staff Writer com . well. 2. Another handy and fashion- 4. For all those stuffed animal to person, most would agree that Short on cash this holiday able gadget is the Lava Lamp lovers, you can purchase a furry, they take time and dedication to season, here are some inexpen- USB at kleargear.com, which cuddling teddy bear, koala bear, prepare for. When questioned sive and intriguing gifts under costs at $9.99, providing a light or puppy at the price of $10 at about preparing for the SAT Rea- the price of $10 to purchase for source on the desktop at night. any Build-A-Bear Workshop soning Test, Cui said, “I recom- friends and family. The lava lamp USB is filled location. mend them (students) to go to the with glitter inside, emitting the 5. To put all the Christmas Justin Gonzalez, Junior memories together this season, a college office to get a SAT book- 1. An innovative USB- similar effect as a disco ball. “I want a new phone; the Black- 6 x 6 photo albums or scrapbook let to study from.” powered cup warmer by Ziotek, berry Storm because it’s a nice at the price of $7.88 is the best phone. It attracts the ladies.” Students have the choice to keeps your beverage warm on 3. The mystifying puzzle, Ru- method to approach, which can take the SAT, ACT, or even both. the desk while using the com- bik’s Cube at HasbroToyShop. be bought at scrapbooking- puter and weighing at less than com is another alternative gift at Although taking one of the two warehouse.com. 0.5 ounces, it costs $7.99 at cy- the price of $9.99, bringing tests does no harm, Koch recom- mends that students take both tests as well as two additional SAT Subject Tests. Most Plan To Spend Less On Gifts The reason is that some col- leges accept one or the other test. By Kevin G. Hall cent said they'd spend more. Scott Krugman. Your results on the tests are also McClatchy Newspapers The Ipsos/McClatchy poll In the Ipsos/McClatchy used to determine scholarship eli- (MCT) results are consistent with retail poll, of those who said they Oscar Villa, sophomore gibilities and other scholarship For those of you hoping for sales numbers after Thanksgiv- would spend less this year, 48 “I want a Toyota Supra ‘98. It’s purposes as well. plenty of presents this holiday ing, which is generally a good percent said they didn't have twin turbo charged and I could Koch also urges younger stu- season, a new survey has some barometer for what consumers extra money to spend, were race it.” dents to start preparing for the two bad news. will do over the entire holiday anxious about the future or tests immediately by taking the A slight majority of Ameri- period. ShopperTrak RCT were otherwise coping with the PSAT in high school at least twice cans intend to spend less on Corp., which tracks retail sales, economic downturn. Another and taking advantage of numerous gifts this Christmas than they reported that in-store sales fell 30 percent cited the bad econ- courses that are offered by many did last year, but half plan to 3.5 percent compared with the omy in general as their reason sources, such as the Princeton Re- spend at least $500, according same week in 2007. for spending less. Some 15 per- view. to a survey by Ipsos/ However, the poll results cent cited worries about their Although the SATs and the McClatchy. conflict with economic projec- job. And 13 percent said they ACT are extremely important for The nationwide survey, tions and a consumer poll by were trying to save money this the future, Koch assures students taken Dec. 4-8, pointed to the the National Retail Federation. holiday season. sagging economy as the reason "Our economic forecast is The mean-average amount that they are not the only things Jerome Thomas, Gardener they should focus on. “Don’t why consumers said they would calling for 2.2 percent growth that Americans plan to spend spend less this Christmas. (in holiday spending), and con- over the holidays was $840, but “I want every teenager in the stress about getting the perfect world to see my Child Predator While 55 percent said sumers said they were going to that's skewed by high amounts score because colleges look at the Awareness seminar.” they'd spend less, 39 percent spend 1.9 percent more this at the top. The median, or mid- whole picture: academics, extra- said they'd spend about the year than last," said National point, of what respondents said curricular activities, sports, and same as last year. Only 5 per- Retail Federation spokesman they would spend was $500. even family situations.” Features The Clarion December 2008 Page 5 Are Cell Before An Interview, Review This By Wendy Chan and Show off your intelligence strengths/weaknesses?” Learn Try not to interrupt the inter- Phones Karen Leung Since you’re constantly on to be comfortable with yourself, viewer while he is asking you a Staff Writers the Internet anyway, you might make eye contact, and exercise question. End the interview as well research the com- good volume control. with a handshake and a courte- Hazardous? Has your wallet been hun- pany. From time to time, your Impress through dress ous ‘thank you’ and ask if you gry? Getting a job is the best interviewer will ask how you Dress respectfully. Be may contact the company in By Simon Chen and way to satisfy its lust for Lin- found out about the job groomed and remove excess two or three days for the results. Alexis Nabong coln, Hamilton, Jackson – even opening. Give the interviewer piercings (e.g. tongue studs). Ask questions Staff Writers Grant and Franklin. The follow- the impression that you know “Generally, the interviewer will This is the opportunity for ing helpful tips will prepare you what you are talking about. know in three minutes whether you to learn more about the You may have heard that for a successful job interview. Practice, practice, prac- you will be hired or not, based available position, such as job talking on your cell phone may “The key is to get the inter- tice on first impressions, or your requirements and expectations. be extremely dangerous to your view. Companies will accept You don’t want to look like appearance,” said Piña. If you do not ask questions, the health, but before you say applications all day long, but if a fool. Improvisation does not Be polite interviewer may think you are “goodbye” to your cellular de- you can obtain an interview, work in this case. Be prepared Be confident and start with not taking the interview as seri- vice, get the facts straight. you are more than 50 percent to answer a variety of ques- a firm handshake. Engage in a ously as you should. Is cell phone radiation (of the way to getting the job),” tions, such as “How well do brief chat (e.g. “How was your Write a thank-you note . linked to brain tumors or even said Mr. Piña, the career ad- you work under pressure?” or morning?”) with the interviewer Even if you do not get the brain cancer? According to viser. “What are your greatest to display your social graces. Continued on page 7 switch.com, there have been many studies to test whether or not prolonged cell phone use Do You Know What You’re Drinking? can create brain defects through the emitted radiation from your phone. Unfortunately, there is Green Tea Provides A Does That Extra Boost Do still not enough information to blame cell phones for the severe Plethora Of Health Benefits More Harm Than Good? health hazards. “If it’s not proven yet, then yes, I will still use my phone,” said junior By Wendy Chan 70 to 200 mg of caffeine, while Sean Alviz. Staff Writer Dr. Pepper gives you 41 mg, Additionally, you can actu- and a can of Coca-Cola pro- ally be allergic to your mobile Put down all those sugary vides 34 mg.” phone. Dermatologist Dennis beverages and pick up a cup of Students expressed mixed Gross from cbsnews.com in- green tea, because green tea has judgments regarding the effects formed that 1 out of every 10 been discovered to be a benefi- of energy drinks and their in- people is allergic to metal cial natural remedy. gredients. nickel. Cell phones may contain A cup of green tea will re- Tim Ta, a junior, conveyed nickel, and those who have sen- juvenate your health and im- his dissatisfaction toward en- sitive skin can develop rashes. mune system, which can reduce ergy drinks and the excessive You can prevent any possi- your risks of various diseases amount of sugar and caffeine in ble harmful radiation and the and complications, suggests the them. “Many energy drinks nickel rash allergy from your University of Maryland Medi- contain caffeine which is ad- cell phone by following these cal Center. Not only does it dicting and unhealthy for the techniques: use speakerphone contain numerous advantages to body,” he said. or a bluetooth device, because your health, but it is also easy When asked how often she there will be less contact be- to make. fections. It also boosts your im- By Joseph Huang consumes Monster energy tween your body and the phone. Scientific research has been mune system functions. Staff Writer drinks, Daniela Rodriguez, a Students are still willing to providing plentiful evidence for About.com indicates that junior, said, “I don’t drink it use their phones regardless of the health benefits that accom- what makes green tea different Students who consume anymore because it gave me the harm they may cause to pany a daily dose of green tea. from other teas is EGCG, a highly caffeinated energy headaches and chest pains.” their health. “I still have to have According to University of Pur- powerful anti-oxidant that pre- drinks may want to reconsider In contrast, Paul Lee, a jun- my phone because I always due researchers, a particular vents the occurrence of cancer before taking another gulp. ior, enjoys the fizzing and sug- have to talk to people,” said compound in the tea restrains cells without harming normal The most common ingredi- ary taste of energy drinks. “I junior Rochelle Quijano. the growth of cancer cells. In healthy tissue and slows down ents found in energy drinks are drink it most of the time. Some- addition, research also indicates the formation of blood clots, sugar and caffeine. Caffeine is times I make my own with dif- which lead to various cardio- responsible for the stimulating that drinking green tea lowers ferent mixtures,” he said. Volleyball vascular abnormalities. Re- effects in the nervous system, total cholesterol levels and in- Although some of the in- Continued from page 8 creases the ratio of good choles- search from 1997 by the Uni- generating attentiveness. Yet gredients found in energy terol (HDL) to bad cholesterol versity of Kansas also led scien- students rarely acknowledge drinks may be bought over-the- expected, it was a great year. (LDL). tists to find that Japanese smok- that caffeine may be harmful to counter, they are considered The team eventually bonded The same researchers also ers who drink green tea have a them. People experience head- nutritional supplements, accord- together as one and dominated claim that among some medical longer life expectancy than do aches, nausea, rapid heartbeat, ing to the Food and Drug Ad- through the West Valley conditions green tea is known those who do not drink it. and numbness from high con- ministration. These ingredients League,” said junior Cheyenne for alleviating are cancer, ar- Some of you may have sumption of caffeine. Accord- include of taurine, guarana, B Coyle. “I have bonded with the thritis, high cholesterol levels, heard that green tea is benefi ing to EnergyFiend.com, “most vitamins, ginseng, ginkgo senior girls and I’m definitely cardiovascular disease, and in- Continued on page 2 energy drinks contain between giloba, and L-Canitine. going to miss them next year.”

Cars Continued from page 1

This would devastate an that to $14 billion. Congress 62,500 U.S. employees by the cars are failing, senior Maurice economy that has already lost rejected both, but the White end of this year, compared to McFarland responded, 1.25 million jobs in the last House is working on another 125,000 in 2003. Chrysler plans “Because gas is so much in de- three months. plan to bail out the companies. to cut 25 percent, or about mand. Most of the American President-Elect Barack CNN’s Fortune 500 ranks 5,000, of its workers, while cars run on gas so the cars are Obama advocated helping the General Motors and Ford Motor Ford expects to have 42,000 more expensive.” car companies. According to as the fourth and seventh largest workers left, with 41,000 laid On top of the gas mileage, New York Times, he said, “The American corporations, respec- off since 2006. trust and reliance are a problem auto industry is the backbone of tively. The magnitude of the However, despite the im- for the car companies. “They’re American manufacturing and a effect on the economy would be portance of the automotive in- not (economical) enough, not critical part of our attempt to overwhelming. Local dealers, dustry and the troubles the car efficient. They’re not as reliant reduce our dependence on for- suppliers, and many other jobs companies face, there was apa- as foreign cars,” said Michael eign oil.” would be affected directly and thy among students and parents Unger, parent of a Chatsworth America’s car manufacturers The three American auto- indirectly, while tax revenues about the prospect of them fail- High School student. He sug- are struggling to stay in busi- mobile companies asked for a would be lost. ing. gested that American cars ness. $34 billion lifeline, but revised GM expects to have When asked why American “would always be in the shop.” Entertainment The Clarion December 2008 Page 6 ‘World Tour’ Movies Of 2008 Had Heroes Flawed And Great Has More By Joseph Huang and guard in a way that made them ers of the movie will get a laugh careless actions, the civilians of Erick Reyes jump out of their seats. The and will be astonished at the Los Angeles wanted him to stop Staff Writers movie received nominations for action and story development of damaging the city or depart to To Explore several 2009 People's Choice the film. another city. After Ray Embrey A look back at 2008 movies Awards: Favorite Movie, Favor- Indiana Jones and The (Jason Bateman), a public rela- drew in millions of dollars at the ite Cast, Favorite Male Actor Kingdom of the Crystal Skull tions executive, was rescued by By Elizabeth Redondo box office, ranging from robots (Christian Bale), and Favorite Indiana Jones and The Hancock, he decided to return Staff Writer in space to invincible, notorious On-Screen Matchup (Bale and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull the favor by transforming Han- superheroes. Heath Ledger). didn’t uncover the ancient se- cock into a well-known figure. Love to play the plastic The Dark Knight Iron Man crets of making the number one Hancock pulled in $66 mil- guitar? Guitar Hero’s got a new Batman “The Dark Knight” Iron Man blasted its way to movie, but Steven Spielberg’s lion in its opening three-day twist on synthetic instruments. lived up to the title of number the number two spot in 2008, fourth installment of the adven- weekend, making it Will “World Tour” will allow you to one movie of 2008. making $35.2 million on its re- turous archaeologist, Indiana Smith’s second-largest opening strum, drum, and sing off key Heath Ledger made his last lease day, the 13th biggest open- Jones, rounded up $25 million movie. until the day is done. act one to remember when he ing day of all time. It was the in its opening day, making it the Wall-E Guitar Hero World Tour hit played the Joker like no other first movie this year to pass the third highest rank in opening Wall-E, about a robot de- stores Oct. 26. This new version ever could. Christian Bale re- $300 million mark in domestic day of all. signed to cleanse the polluted of 2007’s best selling video turned to the lead role of Bat- box office. Robert Downey Jr. Harrison Ford returned to Earth, grabbed $63 million in its game franchise has been rein- man and continued his excep- was the perfect man to play the portray Indiana Jones in the best opening weekend. According to terpreted to allow faux musi- tional performance. The film role of Tony Stark because he is way possible. The movie was the Weekend Gross, “Wall-E cians the ability to expand their constantly caught its viewers off a fan of the comic. Many view- fast paced with Jones racing became the ninth straight No. 1 mastery of artificial instruments against the Soviets to find a debut for computer animation on their 360’s and PS3’s. mysterious Crystal Skull. from Pixar.” “World Tour” introduces a re- Hancock Wall-E (Waste Allocation designed guitar, a newly added John Hancock (Will Smith), Load Lifter Earth-Class), spends drum kit and a microphone for an alcoholic superhero, has several lonesome years on Earth aspiring singers. The software saved many innocent lives but before meeting Eve, an im- caused millions of dollars in proved robot sent to Earth in also allows for rock and rollers damage. Frustrated with his search of any life. to write their own music and lyrics.

Adding more instruments ‘Twilight’ The Movie ups the competition. “Bands” will now be able to face off against one another online. Are Dawns To Mixed Reviews the game junkies excited about “Battle of the Bands” in the By Alexis Nabong William Choy, who were fans comfort of their home? “Heck Staff Writer of the book but not the movie. yes,” said senior Chris Leyden. “The book was many, many, “I am looking forward to Twilight has gone from many, many, many, many, creating my own songs,” Ley- being a best-selling book to be- many, many times better than den continued, referring to the ing a record-breaking box of- the movie,” said Choy. newly added ability to generate fice opening. The four-book Others had fun with the love ballads with killer solos series had a terrific year of suc- director’s take of the book. “A that can make even the hardest cess. lot of it was kind of off, but I rockers wave their lighters. It all began as a dream that still enjoyed it,” said senior Besides allowing a player’s author Stephenie Meyer could- Zaneta Madrona. creative juices to flow with the n’t get out of her head. She saw Even those who have yet Music Studio feature, many two people sitting on a clearing to read the book felt like the new bands will be headlining talking about how they couldn’t movie lived up to the hype. “I the show. The Oasis Track Pack be together, one human and one thought it was really good. I became available for download a glittering vampire. It has now loved it. I heard from people on Nov. 6 th for the Xbox as well become a nationwide phenome- who read the book (that they) as for the PS3.The entire Dig non, rivaling “Lord of the didn’t like it that much, so it’s a Out Your Soul album will be By Simon Chen Rings” and “Harry Potter.” good thing I didn’t read it,” said ready for download next year. There are those, like senior Gabriela Magnana. Lock And Load: Halo Tourney Coming New Versions Of Warcraft By Derek Lau to 7:30 p.m., because students tion to bulletins or contact Ms. And Call Of Duty Arrive Staff Writer were irritated that the tourna- Aviv for more information or to ment was starting at 6 p.m., register. By Simon Chen game, with a payment of $15 For the first time ever, stu- which required them to come According to Ms. Aviv, the Staff Writer each month. In this new install- dents will be able to come to back to school. The time has ED TECH teachers created this ment of WoW, the controls and school, get together with been changed so it begins di- tournament because they want If you like sequels, two general user interface remain the friends, and blast each other rectly after school. students to enjoy the school well-known games, World of same, but new additions are inte- with high powered weapons for According to Ms. Aviv, the year. “We want school to be Warcraft and Call of Duty, re- grated into the game, such as an afternoon. lead teacher of the ED TECH fun, not just work, work, work,” cently released expansion quests, items, classes, bosses, The Engineering and De- Academy, the event will be a she said. packs. maps, a new continent, and new sign Technology academy at tournament with 32 players in a When asked whether or not character customization options. Chatsworth High School has round. The game will be pro- he would play the sequel of his Call of Duty: World at War, decided to set aside one night of jected onto large screens so favorite game, Robert Salazar also known as Call of Duty 5, the 2008-2009 school year to spectators will be able to watch School issues said, “I enjoy mastering the revolves around infantry and host a Halo tournament open to all the action. Continued from page 1 new dynamic systems that combined arms warfare of World the whole school. For those of All Chatsworth High come with sequels, but only if War II. CoD5 has a single- you who don’t know, Halo is a School students can participate dle of his four-year contract. they change the strategies re- player mode and a multiplayer first person shooter, set a few in the tournament for an en- Brewer will be paid more than quired to complete it.” mode, where the single-player centuries in the future, that cen- trance fee of $5. Otherwise, $500,000 when he leaves. World of Warcraft: The mode ties in a story to the Call of ters on the Master Chief as he there is a $1 charge to watch. Brewer recently hired a deputy Wrath of the Lich King is the Duty series. New features in fights enemies from two differ- There will also be food and superintendent, Ramon Corti- third installment to the World CoD5 include new technology in ent races, the Covenant and the beverages available for pur- nes, to handle the day-to-day of Warcraft series, which was the arms warfare, which gives an Flood. chase. In addition, there will be operations for the second largest released on November 13, advantage over the old guns in The event was supposed to prizes awarded to winners. school district in the country, 2008. Unlike the Warcraft se- the previous CoD installments. take place on Friday, December However, ED TECH teachers paying him $250,000 a year. ries that Blizzard has released, “I play games to experience 5th , from 6 P.M. to 10 P.M. have yet to decide whether cash Cortines agreed on Tuesday to World of Warcraft, nicknamed the things that I don’t experience However, the date was changed or prizes, such as iPod Shuffles, take over as superintendent for WoW, is a massively multi- in society”, said Bryan Liu, a to February 26, from 3:30 p.m. will be awarded. So, pay atten- the next three years. player online role-playing junior. Editorials The Clarion December 2008 Page 7 Failing Companies Shouldn’t It’s Not Easy Being The New Kid Be Rewarded With Bailouts By Sam Bae My unknown comrades may adapt to this school, other peo- Staff Writer share the same emotions that I ple may ask; and I have to say By Diana De Los Santos the automobile companies feel. yes, in a way. Staff Writer should not be directed towards When I stepped alone into “I felt homesick when I For Emmanuel Farias, a panhandling, but towards great the hallways of a completely started new,” said Danny Ortiz, junior, the hardest thing about Congress should not bail out administrative action. The new, unknown school called a sophomore that also has re- adapting is “catching up with the automobile industries. The power to overcome any obsta- Chatsworth High, I knew my cently moved in to Chatsworth the schoolwork.” I myself was automobile industries are failing cle in this troubled economy life had taken a big turn. Strange High. Like Ortiz, I was haunted very confused with my new due to their incompetence and a does not lie in begging, but in emotions enveloped me, and I by homesickness as well as classes when I found out that vice such as that should never be putting time and the best minds told myself repeatedly, “So this loneliness during my first days. what I learned from my old awarded with a multi- billion- to work in order to create an is what being a new student At my old school, I had friends school differs slightly from dollar hand out. excellent plan to keep the cor- feels like. I better get used to to talk to. what the students here learn, Any company that is facing poration afloat and not sink into this.” Here at Chatsworth, “You despite that they are the exact bankruptcy should never be re- the sea of bankruptcy. You would never know the don’t know anybody,” Ortiz same courses. lieved by governmental action. The theory of evolution disastrous story of a new student said, implying that new friends About the new adventure in Millions of taxpayers do not get cannot solely apply to nature, on his/her beginning days in a are hard to find. That explains the lives of all the new students, assistance when facing foreclo- but also to the world of eco- new school unless you experi- why I finished my first day of I can testify that this road is sure therefore why should an in- nomics. The survival of the fit- enced it yourself. I trudged school with only two new treacherous but full of surprises. ept billion-dollar industry be test is a universal concept. If the through most of my first day of names stuck in my head. I hope that a group of new given any special consideration? Big Three cannot compete in school wrapped in all kinds of friends, superior grades, and According to Catherine Clif- this changing economy, then feelings: nervousness, confu- Some veterans here ask me more knowledge about Chats- ford of CNNMoney.com, “ The they should suffer the conse- sion, loneliness, and even fear. why in the world I came here worth High, my new school, Detroit automakers have been lob- quences and leave the road But I am not alone. About three during the middle of a semester. will welcome me in the end. bying for a piece of $700 billion open to more financially secure hundred new students come to Well, for one reason, I moved These things should go on my bail out pie to survive the eco- companies. CHS during each school year. into this district. Is it hard to Christmas wish list. nomic downturn.” The efforts of College Presidents Want You Fall Fires’ Effects Linger By Elizabeth Redondo inferno that plagued the south- hind,” he voiced. Was he To Think About Drinking Staff Writer land that distant weekend in scared? “Indubitably so,” he November. The fire took off at said after mentioning that the By Andrew Park driving. The older the age re- By now the smoke has 3 p.m. menacing the cities of fire had come within 200 yards Staff Writer quirement, the more likely it cleared from both the sky and Corona and Yorba Linda in Or- from his property. would be for teenagers to dis- our minds and last month’s fires ange County, burning up The devastation wrought Earlier this year, 100 college obey it. are a faded glow in the confines 23,722 acres. The fire con- by these three flames did not presidents met together and The Mothers Against Drunk of our memory. For a few sumed 60 homes and scarred end when the last ember went signed a petition saying that low- Driving (MADD) disagrees with Chancellors, however, the 100 others; 1,000 were threat- out. “Everything is gone,” Men- ering the drinking age from 21 to the initiative. According to the flames did more than irritate ened. danha said, referring to the 18 should be considered. Their Los Angeles Times, they ac- their allergies. While the lists of numbers charred scenery behind his basis for this argument was that cused the presidents of The firestorm started at ap- are hardly news, they are more home. “It sucks because I grew lowering the drinking age would “misrepresenting science and proximately 7 p.m. on Thurs- than numbers to some. Senior up with everything green.” decrease the amount of binge looking for an easy way out of day, Nov. 13, with the Tea Fire Ashley Satenstein housed her drinking in college students. an inconvenient problem.” Lowering the drinking age to MADD even warns parents of in Montecito, north of Santa frightened grandmother and Drama 18 would help create a controlled the colleges who signed the pe- Barbara. This particular blaze cousins when flames threatened Continued from page 3 environment of drinking, espe- destroyed roughly 1,500 acres their home. “They were there a tition. “We’re having fundraisers at cially among those seniors who by the next day, destroying 210 day and a half,” she said. MADD’s argument is sim- restaurants.” Gordon went on to turn 18 before they graduate. homes and damaging 9 others. When asked how she her- ply not logical. Accusing more explain that a portion of the Honestly, the 21-year-old age re- than 100 colleges of taking an Saturday, Nov. 15, also self felt, Satenstein replied, proceeds would go to the quirement is not doing anything to “easy way out” of the drinking colored the sky with bitter ash “(Kind of) scared. Honestly it Drama department, as well as decrease binge drinking and drunk problem is unreasonable. as two fires ignited, the first of was (kind of) like everything other art based programs. which was the , which (my grandma) had done might In the end McDowell began at 12:45 a.m. and inciner- be for naught.” stated, “Everything worked out ated a total of 8,000 acres. It Senior William Mendanha really well.” He and his stu- threatened 7,500 homes and was asked to evacuate during dents are looking forward to the finally destroyed a total of 477 both the Porter Ranch and Simi spring show. A preview to the Clarion Staff homes and marred 23 others. Valley fires, although he and production? “I want to keep that The Freeway Complex his family complied with only Adviser: a surprise, but it will be fun, Mr. Lehr Fire – originally called the Tri- the first. “I felt really bad be- Editor in Chief: Katherine Falcon with singing, and dancing, and angle fire – is the third and final cause it’s like you’re leaving News Editor: Wendy Chan comedy,” he said. everything your family has be- Editorial Editor: Andrew Park Assistant: Diana De Los Santos Features Editor: Elizabeth Redondo Assistant: Alexis Nabong Interviewing Sports Editor: Brandon Tse Continued from page 5 2008 Events Continued from page 1 Chief Copy Editor: Andrew Park Copy Editors: Karen Leung, Elizabeth Redondo, Wendy Chan position, it is always polite to sinking further, the Bush ad- ever seeing Michael Phelps Design and Layout Editors: Katherine Falcon and Simon Chen send a thank-you note to the in- ministration developed a dominate the swimming pool Staff Writers: Christopher Alarcon, Sam Bae, Wendy Chan, Simon terviewer for considering your “stimulus” plan that gave people and win a record eight gold Chen, Diana De Los Santos, Katherine Falcon, Joseph Huang, Alex- application and taking the time tax rebates of a few hundred to a medals. Usain Bolt (also known andra Jancich, Derek Lau, Karen Leung, Alexis Nabong, Andrew to interview you. couple of thousand dollars. That as “Lightning Bolt”) broke nu- Park, Elizabeth Redondo, Erick Reyes, Jayshawna Robnett, Andy Last, but not least, do not cost $145 billion. Then in Octo- merous records as well, win- Situ, Brandon Tse, Thalia Willis lie during the interview. ber, Congress approved a $700 ning gold for Jamaica. In bas- Don’t… billion bailout of the financial ketball, the United States took Clarion’s Editorial Policy Chew gum. Chewing gum industry. Now the Big Three over the courts with the best The goal of The Clarion is to provide relevant and reliable news to is impolite and disrespectful; auto makers are asking for bil- players of the nation collaborat- students and staff at Chatsworth High School. All stories are pro- instead, have a sip of water be- lions of dollars to keep them ing to win the gold. duced by students in the journalism and school newspaper classes fore you go in. from going out of business. A fiery fall unless otherwise stated. The paper is subject to review by school ad- Fuss around. Playing with On the plus side, gas is In October and November, ministrators before publication. The newspaper is funded by the hair, examining nails, etc. shows down to about $1.65 a gallon. wildfires in Porter Ranch, Syl- school and private advertisers. that you are disinterested and Golden Olympics mar, Yorba Linda, Montecito The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the individual are not paying attention With the motto, “one world, one and elsewhere swept through writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff as a Develop Restless-Leg Syn- dream,” China hosted the 2008 Southern California, destroying whole. drome. It is rude to constantly International Olympic Games in hundreds of homes and devas- We hold ourselves accountable for the accuracy and fairness of our shake your legs, especially in a August, which were one of the tating many residents, who work. If factual errors are brought to our attention we will correct place in which you are not fa- most exciting and expensive watched the engulfing flames them in the next edition. miliar. Cross your legs at the Olympic games of all time. helplessly, as a portion of their ankles and leave them be. Americans were as proud as lives burned away. Sports The Clarion December 2008 Page 8 Winter Sports Teams Looking Forward To The Season By Brandon Tse and Key Match up: The team hopes provided that their three new perform at their highest level. High School and Birmingham Derek Lau to defeat Taft’s basketball team, players can adapt to the change They also expect to reach the High School, two teams that Staff Writers a strong rival team. and find a way to fit into the city finals and to send many of have developed rivalries with coach’s program. their wrestlers to state. the CHS team. With the winter sport teams Girls’ Basketball Boys’ Soccer Girls’ Soccer about to begin their regular sea- According to Coach Cheva- Wrestling The boys this year will be After making it to the quar- sons, here’s a look at what to lier, the girls’ team had a very The Chatsworth High working with new and old tal- ter finals last year, and the girls expect. successful season last year, until School Wrestling team placed ent. They played well last year, this year want it more than ever, they fell short of the city cham- 4th in the city finals and man- but they want to do even better. according to Coach Altshule. Boys’ Basketball pionships and the state quarterfi- aged to send one wrestler to the They have a new coach this “We’ve grown a lot together and According to Coach nals. They ended the season state tournament. The coaching year; Coach Campos. “I think we can act more as one,” said Switalla, the Chatsworth High with a 27-6 record. staff expects the current team to that we can do pretty well this Altshule. School Boys’ Basketball team’s Changes: The 2008-2009 team have an extremely successful year with the talent we have,” Changes: The team is more performance was unsatisfactory is much smaller compared to the season this year. “Expect each said Campos. united and with 10 senior play- last year. This year the coaching team last year because they lost wrestler to perform at their high- Changes: Along with a new ers, the team will be well-lead staff expects a better record. five seniors who graduated. est level,” said Coach Landau. coach, about a quarter of the this year. “All the young guys have ma- What to Watch For: Since the Changes: All the returning play- team is new to the varsity team, Key Match up: All the teams tured,” said Coach Switalla, team lost depth, staying healthy ers have matured and have more yet they are ready to play hard this year will be good, but the Changes: All the returning play- is a priority for the team. “It can experience. Many of them are and fight all the way. most important games will be ers from last season have ma- affect us as we get deeper into extremely motivated. There are Key Match ups: The first two against our city rivals; El tured and they have gotten rid of playoffs,” Chevalier said. How- also new coaches in the staff. games this season will be the Camino Real High School, and players that did not fit in the ever, the team has the potential What to watch For : The coach- toughest and most important. Granada Hills Charter High coach’s program. for another successful season, ing staff expects each wrestler to They will play El Camino Real School. Ready, Aim...Paint! By Brandon Tse As videogames promote their nal, speedball, and airball. Staff Writer first-person shooters, many want Original is the typical game of to take that idea to real life. The two large teams, usually be- How would you feel as an adrenaline rush of taking cover tween 10-20 people on each, object flies at intense speeds and taking out the bad guys has playing a game of survival that with the intent to nail you? caused people all over the nation can take up to an hour to win. What if you are crawling for to go out and buy $300 guns just Speedball is a game on a small your life as rounds fly through for paintballing and then spend playing field with several ob- the air, hitting anything they the day shooting their friends. jects that can be used as cover, collide with? Most would call Places like SC Village and and can take as little as 5 min- that war, but some call that fun. Paintball USA provide fields utes to win. Airball is the most In recent year, teens and designed to act as battlegrounds publicized of the three on TV. It young adults have fallen for a for the experience. features a small field like that new kind of sport: paintballing. “Paintballing is pretty in- for speedball, but uses inflatable The thrill of surviving to win tense and it’s a lot of fun,” said covers strewn about. Both air- has created a newfound source junior Allen De Leon. ball and speedball usually con- of entertainment. Most teens view the poten- sist of teams of 2-4 people. “It’s a rush of adrenaline tially painful experience as a The game occasionally does while you run through a wall of hobby. Since the outbreak of cause injuries, since a projectile paintballs, driving to the next this sport, official arenas have is smashing into a person. Yet, shelter,” said Daniel Rochin, a sprung up to supply these teens “despite the injuries someone junior. with a place to annihilate each can get, it’s still attracting,” said Paintballing recreates the other--legally. Rochin. “The bruises you come experience of what many have Various types of playing home with are stories to tell Photo illustration by Erick Reyes experienced only virtually: war. have developed, such as origi- your friends at school.” Varsity Football Says Volleyball Team Full Of Girls’ Golf

Farewell To Season, Coach Seniors Rebuilding Next Year Takes Third By Christopher Alarcon Junior Evan Forman, a var- By Andy Situ and Simon Chen son the “rebuilding year” as By Alexis Nabong Staff Writer sity football player, saw the sea- Staff Writers there are currently thirteen sen- Staff Writer son as a learning experience for iors in the varsity team. Half of CHS’s varsity football team the team and commented, “We Expect some changes next the varsity team would proba- Girls’ golf ended their sea- was on a rough road this year never gave up, no matter how year as only two varsity players bly be from the sophomores this son with a record of 6-3. They leaving the season with more badly we lost.” will remain on the girls’ varsity year that are currently in the finished 3 rd in League and 3 rd in losses than wins, and will be in This was Hayashida’s sec- volleyball team. junior varsity team or frosh/ City. for a change next year as a new ond and last season here at CHS. The team ended their season soph team. Three players made it all head coach comes in. He said, “(After) twenty-three with a record of 26-7. They lost The captain, Reanna Hill, the way to state, Hannah Jun, Coach Hayashida, the head years of coaching I’m going to to Granada Hills Charter High said, “It’s been a great season, Sylvia Dhimdis, and Cynthia varsity football coach, is ending step down. I have a family and School in the playoffs, but were and it has been a lot of fun. We Dhimdis. The Dhimdis sisters his coaching days at CHS to be two kids to take care of.” second in the West Valley should have won.” She is cur- have been CHS golfers for all with his family, since the job of Mr. Immken, athletic direc- League due to losing a coin toss rently a senior and has been of their three years in high a football coach never ends. tor, said, “I think he (Hayashida) with Granada. playing volleyball in Chats- school. This year Sylvia was The CHS varsity football should receive recognition for Coach Sheriff said, worth for three years. successful by beating her all team’s rocky season ended with over two decades of interscho- “Overall, the season was very Of the things to look for time best score during a compe- four wins and six losses. They lastic athletics.” Mr. Immken successful on all levels.” On the next year, Coach Sheriff men- tition. beat Kennedy and Reseda by a also gives light to next year’s improvements to be made, he tioned, “Times of brilliance that “They had a great season,” good margin, but losing to de- coach commenting, “We’ll have said, “we need to have better will show what our capabilities said Coach Lapaz. fending city champion Birming- an interview process and we’ve passing so that our offense can are,” but there would be a Junior Jeannine Garcia ham left them a win short of go- had a lot of interest.” be more effective.” There were “difficult road” for next year’s joined the team this year and ing to the playoffs. Forman said, “He “a lot of ups and downs, but in team to accomplish what the said, “It was a great first season Hayashida said, “It (the sea- (Hayashida) coached a lot of the end, I was satisfied with how team this year had. for me and a great experience. son) hasn’t been what we good players that are going from the team finished and what our “Although the 2008 volley- Golf is seriously something to thought it’d be. Maybe I put here to a lot of good colleges. future looks like.” ball season ended shorter than do to get away from it all. It’s these guys through too rough of He was a good coach, he had a Also, he called the next sea- Continued on page 5 very relaxing.” a pre-season.” good influence on the team.”