Volume 2 Issue 3

february 2011 Working For the Benefit On the blog: • rchsjournalism.wordpress.com of the School Written By: Sam Urrea

Working for the CSI may ter, he subsequently made sound interesting but it is no easy $5.96. “I went to talk to task. Being a criminologist requires Mr. Geivett once more and massive mental strength and patience. made it clear that I would After dedicating yourself to it for so like to start a recycling many years once retirement looms, program as part of the par- ent club”, said Mr. Yip. “A Meeting ou[rc]ity staff you look forward to enjoying your time and reflecting on your life experi- parent meeting was held & Editorial Policy ences. Local RC man Herb Yip thinks the following week and my Page 2 different. project was accepted.” Herb Yip worked for the CSI “A parent even for 30 years and retired in 2003. He went on and challenged me FEATURES: felt he was not ready to retire com- to collect $500.00 before pletely just yet, which ultimately the end of the year. This Sam stands next to the famous Mr.Yip. Students can • Dreaming By Daylight led him to come up with an idea that challenge was met within approach Mr.Yip for Community Service opportunities. Written By: Avneet Singh would benefit the school greatly. a matter of months. Before the end of December 2003, In the spring of 2003, Mr. • What’s Your Type Of $1,630.64 was generated. The project end there. According to Mr. Yip, since Yip was in the POP (Parent on Patrol) Schedule had been a total success,” said a happy 2004 a total of $24,500 has been given association and it made him wonder Written By: Cindy Oseguera Mr. Yip. in scholarships just from the program. why there wasn’t a better recycling Also, in 2008, $840.00 was funded for program at the school. “I was very dis- Mr. Yip did not stop there. • Return to the Winner’s placement testing for 10 students. appointed with the number of cans and He felt the needed to help students Circle bottles I found in the trash,” said Yip. and become more involved in school Written By: Alan Tellez Asked what the reasons for activities so he decided to start donat- his incredible deeds for the local He recalls that during summer ing the recyclables money to RCHS community are, he simply responded, • Student Feature: Gastón school that same year, he became per- school groups as well as giving “My biggest motivating factors are the sistent and brought up the recycling Ferreyra! scholarships to graduating seniors environment and the students!” Written By: Jordan Ligons program idea to Principal Geivett. To and prizes to deserving, hard-working show the principal and everyone what students. RCHS is honored to have an hon- he could do, he went around campus est, determined guy like Herb Yip, and collected recyclable cans and Every year, checks are sent to Ou[RC]ity Sports: so I, along with the rest of the school bottles. clubs like Mecha, the Black Student would like to say thank you Mr. Yip! Page 8&9 Union, Interact and Band. It does not At the local redemption cen- • Arco Arena Soon to Be Power Band Pavilion Written By: Daniel Green Written by: Lindsay Ramirez the Roman Catholic Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day • New Year, New Season Love Is a Saints. Written By: Ivette Lua Battlefield The ones who opposed the bill, known as Equality for All, Many of us have dreamed of were established before November 8 included figures such as Attorney Valentine’s saying “I do” to our true love since were counted and still in effect. General Jerry Brown (current Califor- we were little kids. However, for the nia governor), Gavin Newsom, who is Day Spread LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and The campaign for Proposition the mayor of San Francisco, and even transgender) community, achieving 8 was a long and tiresome journey. celebrities such as Tom Hanks, Brad Page 6 & 7 this dream is proving to be a chal- Both Proposition 8 campaigns (for Pitt, and Lady Gaga, who is known lenge. and against) raised millions of dollars to be an avid supporter of the LGBT each. community. Equality for All’s cam- In November of 2008, Propo- paign was also supported by compa- sition 8, a proposition which states The group in support of Prop nies such as Google and Apple. that only marriage which is between 8, whose campaign was ProtectMar- <3 “a man and a woman is valid,” was riage.com, was supported by people passed by California voters. This was such as Senator John McCain and -Article continued on Page 3 devastating to the LGBT community, Newt Gingrich. Religious organiza- and only same-sex marriages that tions that supported the law included Page 2 | Ou[RC]ity | February 2011 Ou[RC]ity News Staff

Editorial Policy OuRCity News is a student publication and public forum. In accordance with Letters to state education code, the editorial staff of OuRCity News shall be responsible the editor. for assigning and editing the news, editorial and feature content of this publication. Editorials reflect the opinion Questions of only the writer. If no byline appears, the editorial reflects the opinion of the Comments Editorial Board. Letters to the Editor will or Concerns only be published if they are signed. Senders may request their names be About withheld, or OuRCity News editorial staff may decide to withhold a name if it deems it appropriate. OuRCity News Ou[RC]ity reserves the right to not publish any letter it receives. Letters will be edited Newspaper ? for length, clarity and grammar and all Editor-In-Chief: Jordan Ligons letters are subject to laws governing Layout Editor: Leticia Campaz Email: obscenity, libel, privacy, and disruption Managing Editor: Samantha Colbert of the educational process. All contents Jordan_Ligons of the newspaper are subject to the Article Editors: Sam Urrea same standard. All letters become the Article Editors: Karina Bueno @yahoo.com property of OuRCity News. Views of the editors and staff, as well as letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect those of the administration and/or staff of River is libelous or obscene in the opinion of Board of Education. OuRCity News City High School. the editorial board. Advertising must makes no guarantees as to the quality offer merchandise or service and must of a particular service or product. refrain from attacking competitors or Advertising disparaging their products, services or Photography Policy OuRCity staff has the right to methods of doing business. Advertising Published photographs will accept, reject, edit or cancel any accepted by OuRCity News shall not not be altered except as necessary in advertisement. The staff of OuRCity be construed as an endorsement by the professionally accepted darkroom and News will not accept advertising that school staff, adviser administration or cropping procedures. incites or encourages illegal activity or

The Road Ahead, the GED and You F.Y.I Written By: Samantha Colbert High school, television that, if passed, shows that certifies lower type of degree than the high for the SAT and/or the ACT to be shows made it out to be a place that the taker to have the equivalent of an school diploma. taken, also letters of recommenda- where freshman Fridays are cel- American high school level academ- tions may have to be sent in as well. ebrated, where peer pressure into ic skill. ‘Even though some employ- sex is around, best friends can’t be ers may feel this way, there are oth- While the reasoning of tak- trusted and every girl is in love with Originally, the test was for ers who believe the GED is actually ing the test is entirely up to the taker, the football team’s quarterback. young veterans to adjust to civilian harder than it needs to be...’ quoted the high school experience is here life after World War II. Since the test from DiplomaGuide.com. Since the to help students figure out self-inde- High school is only what has been available to take (1942) release of the new test in 2002, 70% pendence and discipline. you make it out to be, these shows over 15 million have received their have been marked for incompletion don’t usually incorporate what in GED. and 30% have been fail rates. The GED can be a great many schools is a growing problem; test for some individuals, but can students who are fed up with school Although the GED may 90% of students that did well cause some issues ahead in the ‘real or can no longer attend and decide to be an easy ticket out of the rest of while in high school and took their world’. take the GED. high school, it is in fact NOT the GED later will be accepted to col- equivalent of a high school diploma. lege, but it is not enough for some If considering the GED, GED stands for the General Employers and colleges take into universities to accept. Many require think about future plans and if it is Education Diploma, which is a test consideration that the GED is a the right decision for you as an adult. Page 3 | Ou[RC]ity | February 2011 Ou[RC]ity Features Dreaming By Daylight Written By: Avneet Singh

Is it even healthy to sit in a daydream. congested classroom for 90 whole minutes; pouring every bit of focus “Males and females daydream and energy into one subject? It takes in different ways,” according to the its toll on one’s mind in ways most book The Minds of Boys by Michael wouldn’t consider. Though it does Gurian and Kathy Stevens, “because have its benefits; daydreaming. girls have 15% increased blood flow to the brain, they have more activity Daydreaming can help a in their minds which enables them to person in numerous ways; it can help keep their eyes up, take notes, as well them find a solution, it can get their as daydream in ways that often go un- mind off some burden, it can also be noticed.” the portal to escape a harsh reality. However, this natural phenomenon The book stated that a resting state is vital to the male brain, for a has been known as a distraction inside Okay, which one’s really bored? the classroom, and students get in guy’s mind is set to recharge, refresh, trouble for it because they’re not on and reorient. So guys stand out when Willing to see if these facts do. However, what the book told was task. they’re bored, they would doodle, tap were true, eight people-four of each evident for every student had at least their pencils, doze-off; they wouldn’t gender-were surveyed. The results one of their own gender’s signs of For decades daydreaming sit still. contained evidence that both genders daydreaming. has been thought of as some type of “Girls on the other hand,” have some of the characteristics the behavioral disorder, when it’s really a opposite gender would carry. Since every child is different, natural occurring process that hap- as told by the book, “can multi-task daydreaming can manifest in various pens when one feels relaxed or bored. and tend to daydream without being Boys can keep their eyes on ways; and although it’s still consid- In fact, if the brain isn’t indulged in noticed that easily; therefore, they can the board, take notes, and multi-task ered a distraction it shouldn’t matter any intense thinking or simply not handle lectures (by means of staying and the girls displayed signs that as long as there’s an “A” on the final interested, people are more likely to awake) much easier than boys.” they move around as much as guys report card.

Continued Article .. Love Is A Return to the Winner’s Circle Battlefield Written By: Alan Tellez

Shante Anthony Franklin, and he had to be to let go. Proposition 8 was passed by a better known by his stage name In 2008, Curren$y released a 4.48% difference, and gay marriage was Curren$y, is an American rapper from series of mixtapes to try and draw more banned. According to Wikipedia, our New Orleans, Louisiana. attention to himself. His mixtapes were own Yolo County voted “no” on the bill, impressive enough to land him on the with 56.4% of the voters opposed, while Curren$y has won over a cover of a magazine called XXL Fresh- 41.3% were in support of Proposition 8. large amount of fans through his mu- sic, but he is more than just a rapper. man 10 of 2009. On August 4, 2010, the fate He is also an activist in the legaliza- Curren$y then signed with the of LGBT marriages took another turn. tion of marijuana. label Amalgam Digital in 2009; he then Judge Vaughn Walker overturned released his debut album, “This Ain’t No Proposition 8, making it ok for same sex When he was a teenager, Mixtape”, through this new label. Then marriages as of August 18. Curren$y was signed to Master P’s label, No Limit Records. He stayed he left Amalgam Digital for a record Of course, this caused much with the label until 2005; then he was deal offered by a more major label Front cover of the mixtape. rejoicing in the LGBT community. Our noticed by Lil Wayne and was of- called, Def Jam. own Midtown was packed with people, fered to be signed onto Wayne’s label, In 2010, Curren$y released two all celebrating equality and love. Young Money. new albums, “Pilot Talk” and “Pilot Talk Once again, the party would be While he was with Young II”, through Def Jam. Curren$y wanted Money, Curren$y partnered up with to give his supportive fan base some- Currently he is referred to as cut short, as the Ninth Circuit Court put Wiz Khalifa’s right hand man and is the marriages on hold, and the consti- skateboarder Terry Kennedy and cre- thing to listen to; so he announced that ated Fly Society. “It started out just he was going to release a new mixtape, now planning on releasing two more tutionality of Proposition 8 is being albums, “Muscle Car Chronicles” and questioned in appeals court. as a clothing company,” said TheHot- “Return to the Winner’s Circle”. Spitta.com,” but later expanded to “Pilot Talk III”, sometime this year. “Return to the Winner’s Circle” While the LGBT community releasing music.” Curren$y’s devotion to his has gained the right to fight through the was released on January 1st, 2011. “It As told by Wikipedia, contained 11 new songs from Curren$y,” musical career has earned him the recent repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, respect of many other rappers; hope- when will they gain the right to love? Curren$y was released from Young according to HotNewHipHop.com, “it Money in 2007. Lil Wayne stated that was one of the month’s most download- fully he’ll reach the same amount of Only time will tell, as the battle for love success as Khalifa has one day. rages on. Curren$y went crazy with his success ed mixtapes.” Page 4 | Ou[RC]ity | February 2011

example, in my country we have four “Finally, I want to say that if meals and here there are three. And some of you want to joy this Student Feature: back at home I used to have dinner at 11 pm, while here I have it at 6 pm. That’s unique program, you have to weird, isn’t it?” take note of these: As Sacramento might be bor- Gastón Ferreyra! ing to most of us and just the ‘same ole Written By: Jordan Ligons same ole’, to Gastón it’s this “not busy, but nice city to live!” When asked if we, -First, think twice what you RCHS students, have been welcoming are going to do, and where. to him, he stated, “The students from With a smile on his face, Junior River City High School are the nicest Gastón Ferreyra walks the campus of people I have met in the U.S. so far, as River City High School delighted to well as all the staff!” be here or better yet, delighted to be in -You have to be less America. Besides getting to travel and than 18 years old. see all what the United States has to Gastón is from Córdoba, offer, taking photos next to monuments, Argentina in South America. He came and meeting a lot of new people, there -Be an open person, and a very to the United States through the Rotary is a downfall of this grand experience. good student. Youth Exchange Program from The “A lot of people ask me if it’s hard to be Rotary International Organization. As a away from your country,” Ferreyra con- Rotary Youth Exchange student, you’ll tinues, “And I always answer YES! It’s spend a year living with host families very hard, mainly in the first months, to -Realize that prepare all the and attending a school in a different be away from your family, friends and stuff to be ready to go, from the country. home. You don’t realize that you can’t sign-up till you are in the airplane, “My exchange consists in liv- Gastón Ferreyra, RCHS Junior, says, see all the people you love for a year till takes more than a year. ing in United States from August, 2010; “Thank you everybody for make my ex- you get to the foreign land.” till July, 2011. It’s an awesome pro- change program one of the best experiences Can you imagine? Still being gram,” Gastón exclaims, “It’s very hard of my life!” Here the Argentina native explores America: the Golden Gate Bridge in High School and being away from to get into it, since you have to be a very everything you have ever known for a -Ask your family, but it’s your good student and have all the qualities and the Capital in Washington D.C.! whole year? However, Gastón is passing decision and there is only one that show that you are able to live in a the time with one of his favorite class- foreign country for a year.” opportunity in life! es—Leadership. He says back in Argen- When you travel to a foreign tina they don’t have classes like these, country, you start to notice things that “There is a lot of stuff to do, but it is fun are very different to where you are and I get to meet great people who are -There are a lot of more things, from: “In Argentina we are very dif- really nice and curious!” He continues, find them out!” ferent people in comparison with U.S. “I think is a great class, where you learn Different customs, meals, way of life, things that you would never learn in any etc.,” Gastón explains, “Since in Argen- other class.” tina I have eighteen classes a week, and The next time you see Gastón we go from 1:30 pm to 8:15 pm, here walking around campus, say “Hey!” and the school is very easy for me. It was make is stay in America the best as it hard to adapt at the meals, too. Like for could possibly be!

Eyes Always Tell The Truth Written by: Gustavo Flores

Have you ever had the feeling would be a lie. tion back and forth from the brain. that you are being lied to by teachers, Our principle here at River She has had many situations parents, or friends? Would you like to City High School, Mrs. Nemer, has where she has used this skill and has find out how you can tell if a person is learned this skill in which she can tell caught a person lying to her. She did lying or telling you the truth? who is lying to her within seconds in confront the person but didn’t tell how According to LovetoKnow. the conversation. Mrs. She learned she knew that she was being lied to. com there are studies can show that this eye reading technique in 1980 in a She only went over the topic and put you can tell whether someone is ly- communication skill class. This class the person in a situation where they ing to you by their eye movement. was about Neuro- Linguistic Program- had to tell the truth eventually. Some things that you look for to tell ming, or NLP.NLP was developed Our principle at River City when a person is lying or if the person by both Richard Bandler and John High school said that learning this you’re talking to is trying to avoid eye Grinder at the University of Califor- skill does not make you a better contact. Ask.com states that people nia, Santa Cruz during the 1960’s and liar, but it can make you a better avoid eye contact when lying because. 1970’s. NLP’s mainly focus was the learner. By learning if you’re a visual People that are telling the truth make study of the brain and how it works. learner(learning by seeing an ex- eye contact, at least half of the time, Mrs. Nemer said that the eye ample), auditory learner (learning by during a conversation. reading works by asking a series of sound), or kinesthetic learner( learn- Another sign of lying would questions and as the person thinks he ing by hands on), you also learn what be a change in pitch of voice. Some or she has to move their eyes either up questions to ask the teacher and how words they might use would be or to the side. When people move their to solve a problem by seeing examples “umm” or “aaaa”. Using these words eyes up or to the side, they put pres- that can actually help you learn and buys time to think of something to sure on the optic nerve. This allows a not make it more difficult for yourself. say, in which case most of the time it person to retrieve and store informa- Page 5 | Ou[RC]ity | February 2011

Goodbye Sacramento I Love Disney Movies! Written By: McKenna Colvin Written By: Karina Bueno

Everyone has seen at least one not the history. In 1923 Disney Broth- Whether it’s walking along a difference between helping the Disney movie in their life time. It’s ers Cartoon Studio was established the river’s shore of jagged rocks city and selling it out for profit. un-American if you haven’t! From The and created a series of Alice Comedies or taking a short cut through the West Sacramento’s Mayor, Little Mermaid to Hercules the classics which introduced Alice from Alice in back roads, admiring the nature Christopher Cabaldon, said in an are, classic. Wonderland. we still have left, Sacramento is interview with the Sacramento Keiko Mertz, a senior here at Many people think Mickey a prodigious city. The way the Bee that, “West Sacramento can’t River City, is passionate about Disney Mouse was the first Disney character, moon’s reflection shines on the risk turning back the clock…” movies. Her favorite Disney movies but it was actually Alice. The series that river that runs through the city and and that “we should keep the are Winnie the Pooh and Fox and the introduced Alice was not recognized and shines back towards its supplier momentum going...” But the Hound. She like Winnie the Pooh mov- makes it unknown to the public. of light; the way the city lights downside of all this growth is the ies because her sister and her used to brighten when the sun starts to set possible collapse of our city. in the pillow of clouds that await An example of this is Elk its return. West Sacramento is what Grove; the Elk Grove community call home. built many structures and a strip Many teenagers have mall, expecting the city to grow complained and whined that there even more in the coming months is nothing to do in this old town but growth stopped short. Now or that they can’t wait to leave but they’re still paying off the debt

Keiko Mertz, Senior is a lifelong Disney lover, her favorite character is Winnie the Pooh. Picture Provided By: (bestkidsmovies.blogspot.com)

watch it together; she likes Fox and the The creator of Disney, Walt Hound she said it’s because she, “Love, Disney, was diagnosed with lung cancer love, loves animals.” in September 1966. He then died three months later on December 15th. Ten When Keiko was asked why days after his 65th birthday. she is attracted to Disney movies; she replied, “I am drawn to Disney movies In 1934 Walt Disney began his because they have a certain familiar- first feature-length animated film, Snow Old Sacramento in the olden days when it’s name was New Sacramento. ity about them and every time I watch White and the Seven Dwarfs. The film them I reminisce about my childhood. finally premiered in December of 1937 That’s what Disney has accomplished and won the honorary Academy award. they don’t see past their adolescent they had given themselves from that no other company has, bringing out thoughts; Sacramento is an assuming more people would everyone’s inner child with stories of Disney has been a part of amazing city they just don’t take settle. Many businesses left struggles coupled with cute animals.” America since 1923 and is continuing the time to look around. Teens are the strip malls from the lack of to amaze society with technology and usually too busy with their heads shoppers and income. Many people know Disney, but ideas that exceed expectations. down concentrated on their phones Elk Grove was the fastest or just rushing through life; they growing community in the U.S., often never take the chance to look according to muninetguide.com LGB Cleaning Service around them. the city grew 12% between July Not many people realize 2004 and 2005, and now their Free Estimates how fast West Sacramento is economy is failing and many • Move Ins-and Move Outs changing all around. Possibly too people were laid off from jobs • Specialized in Kitchens and Bathroom fast for any of us to register that that were promised. Phone: (916)317-7594 our old city that we’ve all grown If West Sacramento Laura Bueno -- Owner/Operator up with is disappearing. Little grows too quickly with the changes made here and there are mayor expecting more people Lic & Insured fine, fixing up the old place isn’t to move and settle here, it will Email: [email protected] horrible at all but changing the city collapse under its own weight. drastically is just taking away from The economy will start to suffer West Sacramento’s originality. and buildings will remain half It all starts with just another built from the fallen through store and one more mall until the construction plans. entire city is consumed by stores We need to find a and businesses, not leaving any balance, we need to make our room for houses and people that city presentable but we don’t have lived here for years. Others want to diminish the character 2939 Promenade Street would argue that bringing in more our city already has. West structures to the city is beneficial; Sacramento is our home and the West Sacramento,CA 95691 and it helps to bring in jobs and best friend we all grew up with. (916)371-2FUN (386) recognition to the city. But there is Let’s keep it that way. Page 6 | Ou[RC]ity | February 2011 Happy Valentine’s Day

Polo, Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you with Mackenzie, all my heart baby!! Today, tomorow, the Happy Valentine’s next day, and the other next day until Day! You’re beauti- forever. And never forget it. I love you baby, ful and I love you. Alex Love, Joey Beall

Alyssa, Sean, Hey Salina, Happy Valentine’s Hey bro, I love you. Babe! Happy Love, Joe Gonzales Valentine’s Day, Babe! I love you so Day! Love, much. I hope this surprises Shanell you. Love, Elmer Jimenez

Robert, Love ya, Jordin and Maddy, Hope this brightens up your day. You’re a great friend :) Love, Taylor Speer Happy Valentine’s Day. Keep the V ;) Love, Samantha Johnston andom Raider i am original; i am different; i stand out; i am random

R Did you have a high school sweetheart? Did it work out with them?

Mrs. Pickett Mrs. McAllister “Yes, he was sweet and my “I had a crush on one of the track Ms. Maygren team members; he went to UC “Yes, he was really smart and boyfriend all throughout high Davis and became a doctor.” he played football and track” school.” “We then got married a few “No, no, it was just a crush; he years later; he’s my husband never even knew I liked him.” VP Mr. Mojsich right now.” “No, no I didn’t.”

Mr. Ferris VP Ms. Reese “I did have one when I “Yes, he was a high achieving wasn’t an athlete. She was the athlete that was the prom king.” reason I got into college.” Page 7 | Ou[RC]ity | February 2011 Happy Valentine’s Day

Krysten, Johnny, Happy freaking V-day. You I love you! Thank you for a bad motha shut yo mouth! always making me happy! Love, Marisa Rivera Love, Jessica Rodriquez

Ana, Happy Valentine’s Day. Have a good day :) Love, Samantha, Terrence Cheeseboro Happy Valentine’s Day, Babe! Love, Tyler Vongphakdy

Marcelina, Happy Valentine’s Day! Love, Shawn Caldwell Valentine’s Day Puzzle

Veronica, Happy Valentine’s Day wife. Have a wonderful day ninja. Love, Eric Bedford

George, Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you so much and I love kissing your smile (: … By the way, I win. Love, Karina Bueno

Teresa, I just want you to know that I’ll be there for you always. Happy Valentine’s Day. Love, Matthew Duff-Kelly

Unscramble each of the clue words. Take the letters that appear in the circled boxes and unscramble them of the final message. Page 8 | Ou[RC]ity | February 2011 Ou[RC]ity Sports

Arco Arena Soon to Be Power New Year, Band Pavilion New Season Written By: Daniel Green Written By: Ivette Lua

When thinking of a Power gration across the Maloof family’s Power Balance is a $35 million a A a new year comes around and Balance most people have doubt many properties. Cross-Platform year company that makes items a brand new semester starts up, however, integration is when one company designed to work with the body’s those are not the only two things starting but with the renaming of Arco off fresh— two words, spring sports. Arena to “Power Balance Pavilion” advertises or is incorporated with natural energy field. They sell Spring sports such as baseball most people might have a second another business. charms and bracelets containing for the boys, track, and last but not least, thought about them now. Arco’s a hologram that people say, “opti- softball for the ladies. Coached by the P.E. agreement with the Maloofs runs Power Balance has faced mizes”, the body’s natural energy teacher herself, Mrs. Mankewich, who has been coaching for the RC softball team out after the flow. The brace- for the past four seasons, is determined to end of the NBA lets were created, get this group of ladies in shape before the season, ending a according to the season starts. 25 year relation- company, by Teaching P.E. during school hours and at the end of the day, she spends ship. Its separa- athletes dedicated her time preparing the girls for their tion leaves the to psychologi- upcoming games, pumping them up for Maloof family cal, physical, and getting the drills about right. searching for a mental health. Coming across a student new partner in a and asking how she would describe “We Mankewich, Carolynn Vela “Oh my god. down economy. She’s a perfectionist, she wants us to do are thrilled to the softball conditioning for ourselves”, The be partners with she explains. owner of the Sac- Power Balance,” Coaching the girls Varsity team ramento Kings Kings co-owners for the past four seasons gives her an idea of what the year might be like and what and Monarchs, st Joe ad Gavin The renaming of Arco will officially be changed on March 1 . she can do to fix it. “Poorly” is a word George Maloof, Picture Provided By: Bing.com Maloof said Mankewich would describe how their announced a deal in a statement. season had gone last year. to form a multiyear partnership some controversy over popular “This is a great collaboration for It’s not just the coach that can for marketing with Power Bal- products. Last year, the Australian the entire Kings franchise and only get the girls prepared physically ance. The new multi-year partner- Competition and Consumer Com- we are particularly excited in this and mentally for their games. “They had seen that they were doing poorly and they ship with Power Balance includes mission ordered that company to economy to be able to sign a multi- weren’t trying to improve, so they just lost naming right for the Sacramento stop marketing its wristbands with year agreement with a company on faith.” Kings home arena, local incentive the claim they boosted athletic Power Balance’s trajectory.” Some of the things that Mrs. programs and cross-platform inte- performance. Mankewich plans on doing to keep this team “strong” setting goals” is what she had said. The way we dealt with losses and will deal with losses is just setting goals for improvement and excellence. Seeing how the girls did in their games last season makes people wonder if they would be in trouble this year. “We plan on being more competitive and proper fundamentals and also just not making mental errors.” Pitchers and catchers will be having an extra day on practicing. One way of preparing these girls is pushing them to lift weights for two extra days. Having the girls conditioning for the upcoming season, Mrs. Mankewich has gotten some help with getting these girl on their feet. “This will be the time that I have an assistant coach, Carl Corsi and a volunteer,” a graduate who helps the girls get them on their feet. “It lets me see what the girls need help with and then I can help them individually.” Seeing how Mankewich has the season had these plans in her head to try and have this team make a comeback this upcoming season, we will be hoping that both JV and Varsity teams don’t give up on themselves and finish the year out with a bang. Page 9 | Ou[RC]ity | February 2011

Staying Fit Matters Most for RC’S Robert Perez Written By: Sam Urrea

Robert Perez is just about would frequently go train crop of wrestlers, he responded, “We your regular River City teenager. He with these college guys are doing well. I think so far we are likes to go out with his friends and who practically made me third. Most of these guys are inexperi- have a good time. One thing differ- the fighter I am today. It enced but are very good wrestlers. Our entiates him from most, though, his was a good experience.” coach and captain are great leaders; passion for combat sports. they always know the right thing to Once High say.” “Bobby” as most like to call School started, Bobby him was born in West Sacramento’s further developed his His story takes a big twist, Broderick. As a kid, he attended growing passion for though. Bobby does not view his Westmore Oaks Elementary; a place the sport and joined future in the sport. However, he does he says brings him countless memo- the wrestling team. He see himself as something a little dif- ries of his dynamic time growing up recalls that at first he was ferent: “I would love to continue my as a kid. not sure if he possessed relationship with the sport in my life the talent to succeed but but professionally I would like to be a “I was a very active little boy, later realized it came chef or become a physical therapist.” and up to this day, I still am. I used to very naturally to him. play basketball, baseball, flag foot- The reason for this, he says, is ball and soccer. I was a very clever “After I started because he loves to cook and helping student as well, I have always been,” wrestling, I realized I people stay fit. “My mom has taught Bobby continued. As time quickly had good potential. Not “Bobby Perez relaxes during his break at school.” me how to cook my whole life, being passed he soon started middle school only that but I became a chef is a very big probability in life at Golden State where he would find year as a wrestler, he believes very for me.” interested in UFC fighting as well as a new passion in his life. much in his, what are now, undoubted boxing.” He went on, “I love watch- Meanwhile, he hopes to con- qualities. He is currently the only In 8th grade, he would often ing George St. Pierre because of his tinue his undefeated run of wrestling undefeated wrestler in his team and spend his time with his older friend, a intelligence as a fighter and Jose Aldo matches, make the school proud and has the full support of his teammates friend who ultimately inspired him to because he is just beast.” prolong his life-long hobby that mat- as well as his coach. develop an interest in wrestling. “My ters most to him, staying fit. Now having started his 3rd older friend Rickey Inzunza and I When asked about the current The ABDOMINAL Snowman Written By: Tyler Stallings

If you’re like most people, The more water you drink nificantly increases the speed at which you’ve put on a bit of weight over the throughout the day, the more toxins fat is burned; all you need is some deter- holiday season. All of that Thanksgiving you will force out of your body through mination and knowledge. turkey, Christmas ham, and endless des- urine. The more water you drink, the serts couldn’t have helped. Now, you’re better your body is able to perform its Cardio should be kept to a a bit closer to the Santa Claus side of the functions properly. Every person should maximum of 20 minutes per session. weight spectrum than an Abercrombie be drinking AT LEAST a gallon of wa- Long runs tend to do more damage model. You indulged in a bit too much ter per day. An individual who is physi- than good as far as fat burning goes. of the Ho-Ho-Ho, and are now starting cally active on a regular basis should be Whenever cardio is done, it should be to feel you should get tested for dia- getting twice that amount. It’s simple; done in short, intense bursts. This style betes. It’s time to start shedding those the more water you drink, the easier you of cardiovascular training is called high winter pounds for spring and summer will lose fat. intensity interval training, or HIIT. An break! example of a HIIT workout would be Start eating lean meats, every sprinting as hard as possible for one If you’re like most high school meal should include at least 20 grams of minute, and then jogging for 30 sec- students, you may feel a bit self con- protein. Protein should come from lean onds. You can also perform HIIT with scious when you go to the beach. You meats, fish, or eggs. a jump rope, a bike, or even step boxes. feel embarrassed because you have Perform HIIT 4-5 times a week for ses- too much FLAB and not enough AB. Protein is the basic building sions of 20 minutes or less and you will Don’t worry any longer. With these Fat block of amino acids. Amino acid are see washboard abs in no time! shedding tips and a little determination, Greg Plitt, a fitness model featured the building blocks of muscle, and mus- you’ll be looking for excuses to be in a by CKO Kickboxing. cle is the building block to your summer Last, but definitely not least is bathing suit! physique. Try and get in 1 to 1.5 grams consistency. You have to be consistent of protein per pound that you weigh. with your workouts for them to do any The first thing you need to get just yet. Diet soda is even WORSE for For example, someone who weighs 185 good. Working out every once in awhile, in check is nutrition. Soda is one of you! Most diet sodas substitute sucrose pounds would eat 185 to 275 grams of or eating healthy SOMETIMES doesn’t the worst things you can put into your (table sugar) for Aspartame, which protein per day. Split the protein up over do anything for you. Think of living body, short of heroin and cocaine. Soda doesn’t provide any nutritional value, five or six meals throughout the day to healthy as a lifestyle change. Doing this causes Cortisol to be secreted, in other and causes your body to turn catabolic. keep your metabolism working all day will make you progress much faster, words, is the hormone that tells your Catabolicism is when your body is over long! keep you motivated, and make working body to start burning muscle and storing secreting Cortisol to make up for a lack out and eating right fun! fat! Soda also can also make you more in nutrients. By downing that Diet Coke, The second thing you need to susceptible to Diabetes and Alzheimer’s you just turned your body into a fat stor- get in check is training. You don’t have Put everything in this article to- disease. But don’t set that Coke down ing factory! Drop the soda and pick up to have a fancy gym membership or gether, stick with it, and you’ll look like for its slightly less tasty counterpart some water. weight set; although weight training sig- a Greek God (or Godess) in no time. Page 10 | Ou[RC]ity | February 2011

learn complex editing, like how to completely photoshop your picture, It’s No Hat Nonsense Say or even just simple editing. Some of these skills include learning how Written By: Emily Herman to crop or alter the picture from color to black and white. With River City High School if you were asked to remove your Cheese! learning these new techniques your may have some outrageous rules, hat. pictures turn out more notable each By Emily Albusche but most students would agree that “River City hats and plain and every week. one of the most useless rules would colored hats are allowed,” stated be that you can’t wear hats on cam- River City principal Katie Nemer. Anastasia Peychev, sopho- Not many people know pus. Even though most students know more at River City, says, “I love what to expect when taking Mrs. the rules, they still wear their this class a lot. It’s really fun to see Schumacher’s Digital Photogra- “I don’t see the dangers in inappropriate hats or beanies. how my pictures turn out after I phy Class. Last semester, I had the it, it’s just a hat,” stated sophomore “Sometimes I am having edit them, and I’ve learned what to opportunity to take this class, and Kayla Evens. “I never understood a bad hair day and I am going to take pictures of. I didn’t think I’d see what it was all about. Most why they weren’t allowed.” wear a hat,” commented Kayla students here think you just take This is the problem with Evens. “I like to push the limits picture after picture and do nothing most students; they never really and test the staff,” said Aguilar. else. But there is more to it than understand the deeper meaning Even our own principal that, you also have the chance to towards something as simple as a said that she would wear a hat if check out a school camera, take hat. “It’s a fashion statement,” says it home, or learn how to edit your Drake Aguilar. pictures in a way that makes them This is true, but what if even more remarkable. your fashion statement has the opposite meaning to another When first entering this student? An innocent symbol to class, you might think that you An example of a picture, taken in Mrs. you could be found very offensive need to go out and buy expensive Schumacher’s photography class to someone else. equipment. But you are provided If you are caught wearing with small digital cameras, for as like this class very much or I would a hat with a symbol, you will be many days as needed to complete need a lot of experience to take it asked to put it away. The reason the assigned project. You may even but you learn all about it on the being is that even if it’s in your use your own small digital camera, way, and it’s actually very fun.” hand, you are still flashing the if you already have one. You are symbol around. Two students decide to break the rules, taught how to use this camera in a Students should consider “Administration says we one student hides his face in fear of the consiquences. way to produce art in the form of taking this course, because not can’t wear hats because of its photography. only are you learning about pho- symbols, but couldn’t we just she knew she could get away with tography, and how to take and edit as easily wear the symbol on a it. Save yourself the trouble, if you The digital camera is not pictures, but you are also learning sweater?” declared sophomore are having a bad hair day, hide it the only item you will use in how to use useful computer soft- Ayeree Pipersburg. with an appropriate hat. Digital Photography. Each week wares. Photography is an entertain- This is a great point, but Something as simple as a you are taught new techniques on ing class, which you can learn a lot if your symbol is too problematic hat should not have to be taken to the Photoshop Adobe Software to from, and I think any student would you will most likely be asked to extreme measures. Just put your apply to your pictures. You can enjoy taking this class. remove the problem just as well as hat away.

A MODEST PROPOSAL TO THE WORLD’S PROBLEMS… DISCRIMINATION ON HOMOSEXUALITY Written By Kayla Evans

It has come to my attention, be ended. I suggest a safe haven Why, the children could choose to ****** that the biggest problem facing for those infected by the unfor- be gay themselves. You see, the our world today is the fight for and tunate disease of Homosexuality. beauty of the NAROW view is Some of you laugh at the against the rights of homosexu- The National Race of the Outsiders that the kids who are infected at an above satire, which is a humorist, als. Those who have problems Whereabouts, or NAROW. A place early stage can be saved from the fictional, and sarcastic article, but with the gay, lesbian sub-human on the outskirts, or perhaps the pressures of their choice and sent believe it or not, it’s real. While can hardly be in the same room center of every other town in the to NAROW to live with adults of homosexuals aren’t being sent with them without being tempted U.S; a place where the homosexu- their own kind, and that way, even away to live at the pseudo organi- to pull out the bible and holy als can live together, with people the homosexuals can see the joys zation, NAROW, they are being water and save the poor souls right who accept them. of raising a child. discriminated on every day. Teased then and there. And those who in school, kicked out of their so- are a part of the race cannot walk Marriage? Oh no, it Without the sub-human called “loving” families and even through life without feeling like would be against the laws of nature race of homosexuality in this murdered, and for what? For be- an outsider, an ostracized inferior to allow two people of the same world, the future of America will ing who they are, for being brave who will fear they will never be sex be wed together in Holy Mat- no longer be infected by the unfor- enough to live a life as somebody accepted into the community like a rimony. The “couple” wouldn’t be tunate plague. NAROW will allow that they didn’t exactly choose normal human being would. able to procreate, to start a family. them all to live together in one to be. Whatever your reason for What would be the point? The act place, and soon enough the plague intolerance, be it your churches And they’re right. is a sin, and we are trying to do an will have evaporated complete- claim that it’s a sin or your simply act right by god, not completely ly. The NAROW point of view is skewed point of view, remember; Fear no more our frail aber- defy His laws. What’s that? Adop- one that will save the human race NAROW will always exist, where rations; the time has come that a tion? Goodness, no! The adoption as we know and change it for the hate exists. solution to this problem be intro- of straight kids into a gay couple, better. duced, and the suffering of yours the idea is completely absurd. Page 11 | Ou[RC]ity | February 2011

Is She a Freshman? Silent Hill: Downpour Written By: Jessica Rodriquez Written By: Carolynn Vela

Since 1999, the survival hor- were released of the upcoming game High School is four years that is may not have affected her, “I liked it better ror video game series called Silent and so were small snippets of the supposed to be cherished and remembered when it was just the regular classes because soundtrack. Fans are anticipating the for the rest of our lives. These are the we actually got all our classes done.” Hill has terrified players and capti- game to shock and scare them just as years that bring all your hard work and vated them with their grim storylines effort together, the years that prepare you After we are out of high school and shocking plot twists. The series it has in the past. for college and the rest of your life. Now, I’m sure everyone wishes they could consists of 7 instalments of the main Johnny Boyd, a new player what happens when you slack off and lose change or even fix some mistakes that game and over 5 spin off games. focus and have to end up making it ALL they have made. Josie has one thing that to the Silent Hill series and a student up your senior year? she would like to fix and that’s going to The games have been pro- at River City, says “I’m excited for school every day and to put more effort into the newest game to come out. The Josie Placencia, a senior here at school. duced on several different systems; River City, has to handle all these chal- they’ve gone from PlayStation 1 to lenges and hardships because she lost It’s extremely difficult for seniors Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and focus her previous years of high school. to be making up certain classes. Josie’s even had some mobile phone games Now it’s her last year, and last term to get states, “senior year is supposed to be fun , along the way. Silent Hill 8, titled it’s really not fun at all for me because all the classes all together. Making up classes Downpour, is to be coming out in was the last thing on her list to do for her I’m doing is classes I should have passed autumn of 2011. senior year. my freshman or sophomore year.”

Josie found it very challenging Josie is retaking a few of her The release of Downpour to retake classes. “Yea, it was hard but classes such as PE; she’s a senior taking PE has fans hopeful that the game will which is a huge downer because all she had renew their interest in the series, see- to do was dress. Even something as simple ing as a lot of the people who have as dressing every day held her back from followed the game since the begin- passing the first two times. “I didn’t dress everyday because I just didn’t want to. And ning started to lose faith in it after th I missed a lot of school so that’s kind of the 4 instalment. why I never did the assignments.” It has been recently an- We, students, don’t understand that nounced that Konami, the develop- at this time grades are the very most impor- ers that produce Silent Hill, disband- tant priority during our four years of high ed Team Silent, the group of people Downpour photo: A nurse from a previous school. Some friends or even boyfriends who made the games, because they Silent Hill game prepares to strike on its and girlfriends won’t always be there when opponent. you grow up, but what will always be there didn’t like what they were doing is what you learned. No student wants to with the series. retake a class that they could have simply past two have been let downs in passed the first time around. Fans were angered to hear comparison to the originals. Down- that Team Silent was disbanded pour has the potential to be the Something that Josie would like by Konami because many fans felt revival Silent Hill needs.” the lower classmen to know is: “do not that they made the best games of procrastinate, and just stay focused. It sucks the series. Since Team Silent was Fans can pre order Silent because I feel out of place when I’m in disassembled, the games have gone Hill: Downpour, for their Xbox 360 Senior, Josie Placencia loves Biology so much a class that I have to retake,” she laughs, or PlayStation3, online at Konami. she took the class twice. “I can pass for a freshman anyway. But I downhill and lost their original roots. know I should be with my own class.” com and receive their game as soon only because I’ve missed so much school Downpour has a lot of ex- as it is released. and that actually affects your grades,” she High school is the gateway to citement surrounding it, screenshots laughs, “so if you have a little cough just your future; no student would ever want come to school!” to retake any classes. But it’s her last term of her last year of high school. Now is the This block schedule here at time to step up and not retake classes but RCHS is a huge deal, now seniors and ju- take advantage of the time you have in class niors have to adapt to the classes and how and stay on track, in the end it’s worth it. they changed. Josie states how it may or

What’s Your Type of Schedule? Written By: Cindy Oseguera

The block schedule has teaching that’s going on in the block schedule can work for us but larly small stuff that usually nips had everybody thinking of which school. Ms. Tapia, Geometry and it needs to be a modified one.” people in the butt.” schedule fits best, not only for stu- Algebra 2 teacher at RCHS ex- dent’s learning, but also teacher’s plained how, as a teacher, she likes Rudy “RJ” Maltez, senior Rudy answers that he teaching. Did changing the sched- the block schedule, but it doesn’t at RCHS, believes the block sched- would rather stay in the block ule have good effects, bad effects give her enough time to teach all ule is a two-edged sword; it could schedule, “Having a class for four or both? the material presented in the math be stressful to have all the material months instead of eight is so much curriculum. to be learned, be learned quickly, better. Since the class is shorter, it California expects students but on the other hand students seems the year goes by faster.” to at least have Proficient scores. Ms. Tapia says the change don’t stay in the same classes all To be an Advanced student, you into the block schedule has year. There are various opinions need to get 80-100%; Proficient is dropped the math scores big time. about what type of schedule fits from 60-80 %. Basic is from 40- Although she doesn’t want to go He added how it affected best for a student’s learning, but it 60%; Below Basic is 20-40% and back to the old schedule, “I don’t the CST scores, “It really depends really depends of the kind person finally, Far Below Basic is 20% have enough time to interact with if you have a core class in the fall, the student is and how their brain and below. each student [in the old schedule] come spring time most of the infor- works. The question is: what’s and I don’t have enough time to mation will be forgotten, particu- your type of schedule? It shows off the kind of make parent contact. I think the Page 12 | Ou[RC]ity | February 2011 Ou[RC]ity Editorials

Stay Healthy Live Well Written by: Najeli Chavez

Many students today consume There’s a large amount of people drugs almost every day, that including smoking, thinking they need it be- cigarettes. Smoking can bring effects cause they think not smoking would to your body if you consume too much make them nervous and anxious. nicotine .When you smoke cigarettes it affects your family and the commu- For example, a teacher nity around you. at River City High School used to smoke everyday for 41 years, he Smoking brings harm in your woke up one day and said, “I have to life that you wouldn’t even wish on stop smoking” because he realized it your worst enemy. Cigarettes are a was bad for him. He started smoking strong addiction, although it’s hard in 1964, graduation night. Everyone to stop, it’s good to quit because else was smoking, and his friends. He the damage it causes to your health. says “Don’t just smoke because your Smoking can cause, lung cancer, heart friends are doing it”. disease, mouth cancer, and severe problems regarding the throat, bladder Not many people actually and pancreas. begged him to stop smoking; he had to have the confidence and motiva- Most of the diseases caused tion to quit. The advice he gives to due to smoking are so dangerous and those people smoking is, “You have severe that there are no treatments A student smoking can cause damage to his health and may or may not to make a choice but chose wisely.” available for them. Most students have a treatment because of its severe damage, taken by whelihanswarriors. He also advises, “Get another hobby smoke in their household or in public wordpress.com there’s a lot of other hobbies that places and cause harm to others while doesn’t cost a lot of money,” because smoking outside. It’s hard to quit smoking costs you a lot of money a Teenagers today are more involved when they smoke, they inhale the smoking but it’s possible. month. in smoking with friends, thinking nicotine and when they stop smoking The only thing one needs to its cool, seeing others doing it, and their body craves for nicotine and they Please get help and learn how quit smoking is the determination and socializing become nervous and when they con- to control yourself because will make passion, only then they can achieve sume it their stimulating the nicotine you feel healthier now and in the long Some people think it relaxes their goal to feel happy and enjoy ac- again and not craving anymore, that’s run. Live better, live healthy. them, but that’s only a myth, because complishing something so important. why people think it relaxes them.

Cancer Hit Home Written By: Carolynn Vela

Cancer is something everyone cancer but she turned tragedy into has probably encountered in their life, triumph. She was an amazing person even if it was knowing someone who and no matter what, she always kept it has affected or losing a loved one to a smile on everyone’s face; her laugh cancer. There are some cases where was the most unique thing about her. people survive cancer and some that She will be greatly missed and never do not. It has definitely hit home this forgotten. Jasmine we love you! time. Cancer is one of the most Seventeen year old Jasmine difficult obstacles in many people’s Erica Taylor, a former student here lives. There are so many types, and no at RCHS recently passed due to age groups. Leukemia on January 21, 2011. Here are some facts Jasmine was a very strong young lady. about teenage cancer according to She was an all-star athlete. Jasmine Teenagecancertrust.org: One in 312 played basketball for Golden State males and one in 361 females will get Bright, beautiful, funny, loving, caring, all Middle school and as well as RCHS cancer before they are 20. Not one word that define Jasmine Taylor. (Pictured for the “Spirit Got Gold” recreational person is prepared for it and yet it’s in Center) You will be missed. team. Also many other numerous such a strong aspect in life that people teams and did her very best. She also have to deal with. “This decreases their chances of ran track for AEIOU Track Club, as “Young people get some survival and can mean they are a consummate track star, she earned of the most aggressive cancers. But excluded from clinical trials.” many accolades and competed at the because only 0.5% of all cancers national level foe two consecutive occurs in young people, they are Cancer is very serious and is years. often misdiagnosed initially,” something that teenagers go through Jasmine was not defined by Teenagecancertrust.org continues, too; not just adults. It really hit home this time.