September 25, 2007

SPECIAL REPORT:
Back to School
Page 6&7
Fast Food
HORRORS!
Vikings share their fast
food nightmares
PAGE 8
Football Game
vs. Venice
Vol. XCVI No. 1 September 25, 2007
Circulation: 3,600
Page 10
Published Biweekly
The Fight for Free
Student Parking
Reaches a Dead End
a challenge that will affect current
and future student drivers in terms
of affordability and convenience.
Staff Writers
Speaking on Samo’s behalf
during the council meeting on
T a k i n g t h e i r c o n c e r n s Sept. 11, Senior Class President
outside school boundaries, 15 I l a n B e n - M e i r a c k n o w l e d g e d
Samo students congregated at the homeowners’ frustrations but
City Hall on Sept. 11 to challenge explained that, “For the four years we
the introduction of permit attend Samohi, [the neighborhood]
parking into streets adjacent is like a home for us, too.” He asked
to the school. Nevertheless, the Council to include our school
Santa Monica City Council in the new preferential parking
ruled that non-residents may no zone by issuing parking permits to
student drivers
longer park in
as well as to the
the area south
residents of the
of Pico Blvd.
neighborhood.
and west of
His speech
Lincoln Blvd.,
was followed
now dubbed
by a statement
Zone “U,” from
from Senior
7 am to 6 pm on
Class Cabinet
weekdays.
Chair Dana
E v e r y
Sigman, who
year, 40 lotteryasked
the
w i n n i n g
Council to “put
seniors receive
themselves in
spaces in the
[the students’]
Senior Parking
shoes.” Sigman
Lot on campus.
further noted
In the past,
that with the
any others
many laws
who drove
restricting
themselves to
t e e n a g e
school hunted
driving and
for parking
the steep cost
spots in Zone
of buying and
“U,” but the
MAKING A STAND: Senior class
maintaining
proposal
president Ilan Ben-Meir speaks at the
a car, student
presented by
public hearing. Photo by Owen Gorman
drivers have
residents of
earned
their
right
to accessible
this area and approved by the
City Council two weeks ago parking options.
The residents of Zone “U” also
revoked this privilege. This
leaves the $82.50-per-month appeared to support the proposal,
Civic Center Lot as the only voicing frustrations about the
other means of student parking, limited amount of parking near
By Lindsay Reno and
Roland Templeman
CITY HALL: Samo students gather outside City Hall in protest of a proposal to make the parking adjacent to the
Pico gate only accesible to permit-holding residents. Photo by Owen Gorman.
their homes during school hours
as well as the safety hazards posed
by students fighting for spots in
the morning. Said homeowner
Jennifer Hornstock during her
testimony, “While I understand
and completely empathize with
the students…I don’t want to be
a prisoner in my home anymore.”
Added fellow resident James
Duford during the public hearing:
“[Parking restrictions] would
offer some relief..Our street is a
neighborhood with the needs of a
neighborhood...it’s not a defacto
parking lot for Santa Monica
High School.”
Although the council took
this plea to heart and approved
the zone for permit parking, they
also resolved to find alternative
options for Samo student drivers.
Representatives from our school
will work closely with the Santa
Monica Mayor in upcoming
policy discussions, and BenMeir has e-mailed members of
the City Council lobbying for
student discounts at the new
Civic Center parking lot. Still,
Ben-Meir encourages any Samo
students who oppose the parking
restrictions to “stay on their
toes” – any ideas and strategies
are greatly appreciated at this
point.
Lacy Recovering After Fall What’s Inside...
Despite his injury, Lacy
is back on his feet and
excited to return.
By Kourosh Shaffy
Staff Writer
Norm Lacy, Athletic
Department Chair and head
of Physical Education, fell off
a ladder atop the bleachers near
Drake Pool, breaking several
ribs and puncturing a lung.
Lacy, who was climbing the
ladder to access the Drake Pool
roof at around 2 pm on Sept. 6,
slipped and fell on his back onto
the bleachers; he was opening a
latch to allow the football team’s
film crew to set up their equipment
there. An unidentified parent
spotted Lacy shortly thereafter
and immediately called 911. The
paramedics responded quickly and
Lacy was being treated at UCLA
Medical Center within five minutes
of the fall.
The school has since yielded
access to the area where Lacy fell.
The film crew for football games
will continue filming from the roof
of the pool until they can find a
safer spot.
Jose Iniguez, O House principal
and the administrator in charge of
athletics, is now taking on an active
role in the department. Many PE
coaches are voluntarily taking on
additional responsibilities to make
up for Lacy’s absence. Coach Rob
Duron is especially involved,
coordinating football games,
maintaining fields, and staying
extra hours to ensure a smooth
flow of events.
Lacy, who was released from
the Intensive Care Unit at the
UCLA Medical Center a week
ago, is now recuperating in a
rehabilitation center in Culver
City. Lacy is more than earnest to
return, stating, “I feel a hundredpercent better.” He was also
anxious to hear about the Sept.
21 football game against Venice:
“I’m going to be on the phone
to monitor the game.” Pedroza
chided him, saying Lacy’s not to
return until he’s fully recovered
and feeling well enough to return
to his post.
Campus Life . . . . . . . . . . 3
Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . 4 & 5
Special Report . . . . . 6 & 7
Lifestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Sports . . . . . . . . . . 10 & 11
Photo Essay. . . . . . . . . . 12
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Nutrition Guidelines Change for School Lunches
By Salonee Bhaman
Staff Writer
In response to revised
nutrition standards set by
the Santa Monica-Malibu
School District, many of the
items on the menu at both
the Vikes Inn and Café have
c h a n g e d . S i m i l a r c h a n g es
were instituted throughout
the District in an effort to
improve nutrition among
students. Changes include
pizza topped with healthier
cheese and made with dough
from Ameci’s instead of
Pizza Hut. More salads,
s an d wi c he s an d f ree fruit
will be available at the Vikes
Café. In addition, sales of
all chili products and chips
have stopped. Coca-Cola
sales will continue until the
end of this year, though the
Café plans to discontinue the
sale of 32 oz cups, opting to
offer only a 22oz size. Both
the Inn and Café, however,
have stopped selling tea, due
to the caffeine content. When
asked about student response
to the changes on the menu,
the cafeteria reports that sales
this year have been higher than
last year. District Nutrition
Services Director Orlando
Griego says: “The reasoning
behind the new Wellness Policy
is that health issues have got
to be addressed. It’s really a
matter of change that relates
back to all aspects of the
community, from food to P.E.
classes to the classroom.”
How does our food compare to other fast food?
Meal
Calories
Average Meal Served in SMMMUSD
Cafeterias
609 cal.
27%
McDonald’s Hamburger Happy Meal
620 cal.
32%
Pizza Hut 6” Personal Pan Pizza
620 cal.
47%
Taco Bell Bean Burrito
370 cal.
24%
El Pollo Loco BRC (beans, rice and cheese)
burrito
528 cal.
26%
Subway 6” Turkey Breast Sub
290 cal.
16%
% Fat Calories
SAMO IN BRIEF
Crowding In Advanced
Math Reaches New Highs
DRAKE POOL FLOODS
ONCE AGAIN
has shifted from too demanding to
highly in demand for both juniors
and seniors.
According to statistics
provided by math teacher Steve
Rupprecht, the total number of
students enrolled in Calculus
BC has increased by almost 50
percent since last year, with
over two times as many juniors
attempting the course. O House
Advisor Lisa DeMirjian confirms
that there are almost 40 students
in each of Rupprecht’s classes, a
source of annoyance for some of
his seniors.
“It’s hard to cater to so many
people’s needs, a problem which
makes the class even harder,” writes
senior Kaylie Cohen. “I don’t get
any attention.”
Adds Jacob Hattenbach, a
senior currently taking Calculus
BC with Rupprecht, “there are way
too many juniors in this class. It
was made to be a senior class…the
focus should be directed toward
the needs of a senior.”
In contrast, juniors are
mainly positive about the course.
Junior Rina Amatya describes
the difficulty level of Rupprecht’s
class as “manageable.” despite
the challenges of learning in an
overcrowded classroom. Explains
junior Jean-Michel Hoffman, “The
size of the class does not take away
from the quality…Mr. Rupprecht is
an excellent teacher.”
Rupprecht finds his juniors to
be successful in Calculus BC “for
two reasons: they are not distracted
by college applications…and they
aren’t affected by senioritis.”
Moore (left) with fellow John Adams teachers Peggy
O’Meara and Jeanette Asher.
REMEMBERING
MOORE
MR.
Jonathan Moore, ESL and immersion teacher at
John Adams Middle School (JAMS), passed away Sept.
19. Moore worked all throughout SMMUSD Schools,
most recently at JAMS, and touched the lives of countless
students. Senior Carlo Fraracci remembers, “I really liked
him, he was a good teacher. Not only did he teach Spanish
Literature, but he taught me valuable lessons about life
and morals.” A commendable man, Moore will always be
remembered for his hard work and dedication.
MUSIC BUILDING GETS
AIR CONDITIONING
Air conditioning was installed in the orchestra,
band and choir rooms in mid to late August. The
music classes will probably continue to use their
A/C for the next month or so. Dr. Hugo Pedroza
and assistant superintendent Mr. Timothy Walker
were key figures in getting the A/C installed. This
is the first time since the opening of the Music
Building over fifty years ago that they have had air
conditioning.
The Drake pool overflowed for the second time
in the past year on Sept. 3. Four inches of water
filled the pool deck and locker rooms, while small
amounts of water also began to seep onto the track.
The Sept. 4 boys frosh-soph water polo game was
cancelled as were all practices scheduled on that
day. Fortunately, the district maintenance team
filtered out the excess water and cleaned up the
deck before the first day of school.
RESILIENT YOUTH
AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP
The Resilient Youth Foundation plans to award a
1,000 dollar college scholarship to a Samo senior
who “exemplifies the dedication to achievement”
of former student Eddie Lopez. According to Josh
Miller, senior and founder of the organization, the
scholarship is intended for any and all seniors who
wish to apply, saying that : “Eddie didn’t see money
or color, he only saw people and was extremely open
to all kinds of people. Really, this scholarship is
intended for any one who truly exemplified Eddie’s
dedication to excellence. You don’t have to have
a 4.0, just as long as you take advantage of all the
opportunities around you and make the most of
your school.” To apply, students may visit www.
resiliantyouth.org or pick up an application in
their house office.
Briefs Written by Salonee Bhaman, Katy Cain, Jane
Kivnick, and Roland Templeman
Staff Writers
What’s Up Samo?
September 25 :
Back to School Night
September 27: Junior Delian Registration
at Lunch, Period by Period House (S-A-M) Meetings
by Grade Level
Staff Writer
Seniors might be getting
more than they bargained for
by enrolling in Calculus BC
this year – more juniors, at least
– due to the four year-old “Skip
Ahead” policy of John Adams
Middle School and Lincoln
Middle School.
The middle school “Skip
Ahead” programs responsible
for several of the juniors’
higher placement maintained
strict selection criteria;
various factors including
state test scores, teacher
recommendations and an
entrance exam were used by
the two schools to determine
whether or not each student
would succeed long-term on a
more rigorous path.
Samo’s current juniors
were the first to be affected
by this policy, implemented
to give high-achieving math
students the option of taking
Algebra I in seventh grade.
The ripple effect set in place by
this skip is now overcrowding
advanced math classes,
including Calculus BC, which
College Fair 6:30PM, SM Civic
Auditorium, Makeup Delian Registration for all grades,
Senior Portrait Mobile Studio, Outside Barnum Hall,
SAT Registration Deadline (for 11/3/07 test)
October 5:
ACT Late Registration (for 10/27/07
test), Football (V) vs Los Alamitos 7 pm at SMC
October 6 :
October 1 :
October 8-12:
Compiled by Nicky Borenstein, Staff Writer
By Lindsay Reno
October 2 :
September 28 : Sophmore Delian
Registration at Lunch, Period by Period House
(O-H-I) Meetings by Grade Level
Varsity Football vs. Jordan 7:00pm (SMC)
Sophmore Delian Registration
at Lunch, CSU Application Process Begins, Brag
Sheets due to College Center (Early Action/
Decision only)
Calculus BC
reaches its limit08’ and 09’ just
don’t add up
SAT & Subject Tests, Homecoming
Dance 8PM Location TBA
Homecoming Week + Spirit
Week
October 12th: Homecoming Pep Rally, Football
(V) vs Morningside 7PM, SMC [HOMECOMING
GAME]
A FIGHT FOR SPACE : BC students crowd into Rupprecht’s classroom.
Photo by Maisy Bragg
T h e
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P A G E
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Photos by Maisy Bragg and Owen Gorman
From left to right: Stacy La Duke in her office, Julie Honda and La Duke present to a senior English class and Julie Honda in the College Center.
MEET YOUR COLLEGE COUNSELORS:
It’s September again and that time for upperclassmen to make friends with the people who will be helping them get into
college; so The Samohi would like to introduce...
Written by Nicky Borenstein, Staff Writer
Stacy La Duke
Julie Honda
...in her third year as a Samo College Counselor
...in her first year as a Samo College Counselor
Already a seasoned veteran in the college counseling world,
proud Samo alumnus Stacy La Duke is pumped for her third year of
college counseling at Samo. La Duke, a film studies graduate from
the University of California: Santa Barbara, received her masters
in counseling from Loyola Marymount University and has been in
the education field for over a decade. Originally an H-house advisor
at Samo, she has grown up with education in her blood; La Duke’s
mother and father were both teachers in the SMMUSD school
district and her six-year old daughter is currently attending Edison
Elementary. La Duke not only loves her job as a successful counselor,
helping 60 percent of her students continue to a four-year University,
but she is also an avid backpacker.
Ever take a look at that kind woman who wraps your
fractured ankles from track or ices your bruises from soccer?
Well take an even better look; she’s Julie Honda, Samo’s
newest college counselor. Honda, a graduate from California
State University at Dominguez Hills, majored in Physical
Education with a concentration in athletic training and a
minor in Biology. She has been Samo’s own athletic trainer
for seven years. Honda, also a competitive hula dancer,
received her masters in counseling from the University of
LaVerne and is eager to start her first year as the new college
counselor serving for students with last names beginning
with L through Z.
ASB to Implement New House of Representatives
A student from each homeroom will make up the
House meetings, scheduled
to begin early next month.
Katy Cain
Staff Writer
For the first year in recent
memory, the Associated Student Body (ASB) is organizing
a House of Representatives that
is scheduled to begin on Oct. 4,
one week after ASB elections.
The House will allow a student
from each homeroom to weigh
in on many important decisions
that will affect the entire student body.
Although ASB representatives are elected by students
and already have a big say in
Samo’s decisions, activities
director and ASB advisor Pat- was never formally discussed
rick Cady feels that “ASB is not among students. Though parkexactly representative of all of ing does not affect all students
Samo.” In order to get a more on campus, such issues could be
accurate idea of what students discussed through the House in
want, one person will be elected the future.
from every second period class
The most important goal
to represent that
for the House
class and their ...the city council’s decision i s t o c o n c e n ideas. Approxitrate on getting
mately every two to instate permit parking Samo outside
weeks the reprearound Samo was never c h a n g i n g t h e
sentatives will
world. Last
meet with the formally discussed among year, Samo parSpeaker of the
ticipated in the
students.
House, senior
Invisible ChilNicky Borenstein. According dren project, raising money
to Cady, the House will be an for children in Uganda. This
open forum where students can year, representatives will be
discuss any issues – and truly able to take part in deciding
be heard. For example, the city how to get Samo involved in
council’s decision to instate the world community, and
permit parking around Samo which programs to support.
Club Corner: The Future Lawyers of America
Chris Cotten
Staff Writer
Amongst the large range of
clubs here at Samo, The Future
Lawyers of America Club is one
of the newest. The club stands out
because of its unique opportunities
for aspiring lawyers.
According to the club’s
president, senior Ilan Ben-Meir,
Ballroom Champion and English
professor Berkeley Blatz will
be hosting the club. “Blatz is a
tremendous teacher… he’s also
a lawyer specializing in the 1st
Amendment.” Ben-Meir hopes
that the club will work to interpret
the Constitution, analyze famous
cases, and observe the structure of
the court. Club members will also
hold casual proceedings to get a
realistic feel of what it is like to be a
lawyer. “The club will focus on the
positive aspects to inspire a new
generation of lawyers dedicated
to the nobility of the law,” said
Blatz, who is optimistic about the
potential of the club. “Thanks to
Ms. Melrose, we have a growing
law library on all aspects of legal
research.”
In addition to the theory of law,
the club will invite distinguished
guest speakers, possibly John
Roberts, Chief Justice of the
United States Supreme Court,
with whom Blatz has a personal
connection. The club meets
Mondays at lunch in B208.
Said Cady, it’s an “opportunity
to make Samohi a force in the
world.”
However, the House of
Representatives has a few
forces working against it. As
mentioned earlier, the House is
not a new organization. Samo
used to hold House meetings,
but they petered out several
years ago. “[The House] became
something nobody thought was
important,” said Cady. “If you
don’t give it meaningful tasks,
it just becomes a place to send
information back and forth.”
Freshman Ariana Stultz thinks
she’d like to get elected but that
the House would “not appeal
to everyone.” The longevity of
the House depends greatly on
the students who are elected to
do the job.
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School Uniforms:
A Bygone Era
For those who have ever
speculated what Samo
would be like with standardized dress, The Samohi
brings you a resurrected
memorandum,
courtesy
of Samo alumnus and MHouse Mathematics teacher,
Beverly Gleason.
In order that everyone understands campus dress, the Girls’
League Executive Board, through
the Dress Commisioners, offers
the following suggestions and explanations to safeguard against a
girl feeling that she must have an
extensive wardrobe in order to be
well dressed at Samohi, and to
promote standards of good taste
in campus clothes.
Correct attire for campus: (1)
Tailored skirt—any material, except lavish ones, such as velvets,
silks, satins, or taffeta. (2) Sweaters—any style except evening
sweaters, or tight fitting ones. (3)
Tailored blouses. (4) Wool jersey
blouses (not low cut). (5) Jumpers. (6) Two piece sports suit. (7)
Oxfords, loafers, sandals, suede
or leather low heel shoes.
Two bandana permits are
allowed a semester for every girl.
These permits are obtained from
the Campus Dress Commissioners between 8:00 A.M. and 8:20
A.M. in the Information Booth
every morning. On the day of an
all-school dance every girl automatically has permission to wear
a bandana. If a group of girls is
representing Samohi before the
public, each girl automatically
has permission to wear a bandana
during the day before the event.
The sponsor of the group should
list names of members to file in
the office of the Dean of Girls one
day in advance of the event.
If a half slip is to be worn
instead of whole slip, a blouse
should be worn under the sweater.
Friday is free dress day, at
which time any type of suitable
campus dress may be worn.
Loss of citizenship points
(demerits) result for non-cooperation in regard to campus dress.
Advisory Squad members will be
checking at all times. Again we
urge you to make suggestions on
any of these matters and to feel
welcome to discuss with Campus
Dress Commissioners any changes that you would like made. We
are Grateful for the splendid cooperation Samohi girls give in
observing our campus dress suggestions.
Alice B. Eklund
Dean of Girls
Revised Sept. 1953
T h e
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Samo In Need of Immediate Reconstruction
By Pepito Escarce
Staff Writer
With Samo in a state of
disrepair, is 2011 too late
to start improving our
school?
Many argue that our high
school is superior to others in
the area in many ways. However,
appearance is not one of them.
Most of the outdated buildings
are pale and smudged with dirt.
Hardly changed since the 1950’s,
the entire campus is yearning to
be updated with “modern” innovations like the use of a material
other than stucco. The football
field is a desolate wasteland with
occasional piece of grass, accompanied by slanted goal posts and
ancient splintery bleachers. I’ve
always thought that something
needed to be done about this and
finally, there has. Unfortunately, no
one currently attending Samo will
experience the prestine atmosphere
many experience at El Segundo,
Beverly Hills and Mira Costa high
schools.
The era of Samo’s drabness has
ended at last thanks to $268 million dollars supplied to the school
district for the sole purpose of construction and management through
Measure BB, which passed last
November. According to school
board member Ralph Mechur,
$44.4 million of the amount will be
used on Samo, although the school
may have gotten ripped off in the
deal. This measure supplies three
times more money than did similar
programs in the last 10 years, which
helped in Samo’s reconstruction.
The new additions will include
synthetic turf fields, an underground parking lot with tennis
courts on top and updated air con-
ditioning. Additionally, there will be
a new Applied Instruction Building
and a promenade will replace those
dreadful cement walkways. Mechur
elaborated that if they do a “pretty
good job this time,” Samo will be
drastically improved in eight to ten
years. Unfortunatly, that’s at least
four years too late for us currently
attending Samo to enjoy.
Despite the future changes to
our school, more could have been
done. Only 23 percent of the total
money will be spent on Samo even
though it contains 27 percent of the
district’s students. However, Malibu High will receive 14 percent of the
money, and contains only 11 percent
of students and is already much more
attractive than Samo. The fact that a
substantial amount is being spent on
the beautifully maintained Franklin
and Roosevelt elementary schools is
just as appalling.
Hopefully, the devel-
Crumbling ceilings are just some of the problems that could be fixed if the changes
financed by Measure BB take into effect. Photo by Jesse Grebler-Hull
opments of this huge project will
work as well as the reconstruction
of Barnum Hall and not end up
like the disastrous pool and field.
To those of us currently suff ering
through the delapidated parts of
Samo, we can only have hope that
there will be a Samo colored not
only by its diverse personalities,
but by its walls and landscape
as well. And that’s just what it
needs.
$BMJGPSOJB%SFBNJO
With the cur rent reality TV obsession, is America getting
the wrong idea of what it’s like to be young in Los Angeles?
By Nicky Borenstein
Staff Writer
Whether we like to admit it or not, reality television has
caught everyone’s attention. Even though we know there is
little or no actual “reality” in these shows, we tune in and watch
the drama unfold each episode. But what is it about these
shows that chronicle the lives of hipsters in the Hollywood
Hills and high school students who look like 24-year olds in
Orange County that make us continue to watch them? Do
we actually care about the attractive protagonists of these
various shows? Or are we really just hoping to escape our
lives for the moment and focus on theirs?
While nothing makes me happier than to scream at the
idiotic actions of Heidi, one of the stars in MTV’s hit reality
show “The Hills,” from my couch on Monday nights, I wonder if shows such as “The Hills” promote the wrong values and
influences to students like us. “The Hills,” currently MTV’s
highest rated show reaching a peak of 4.4 million viewers a
week (USA Today), records the life
of four beautiful C-list celebrities
“living their lives” in Los Angeles.
The show seemingly idolizes materialism and questionable morals. One doesn’t succeed by reading magazines
on the job (even if such jobs are as questionable as those
seen on “The Hills”), cheating on best friends’ significant
others (Never a good idea), or eating at trendy restaurants
for every meal of the day (Geisha House seems to be the
only restaurant to them amongst the thousands of others
in Los Angeles). People across middle America are left
to assume that the typical life of Los Angelinos is one of
constant partying at local hotspots every night and living
“The Hills” glamorous lifestyle.
While it’s fun to imagine this way of life, we natives
know better. “Laguna Beach,” MTV’s previous hit show,
which graduated the current star of “The Hills,” ran
for three seasons before moving ten miles up to the
coast to Newport Harbor. The city of Laguna Beach
was outraged at the way its residents and especially
Laguana’s youth were portrayed. After considerable
public pressure and a story line that seemed to be going
nowhere, the show ended.
I know we’re attractive, but what is it about trendy
Californians? We live in an area filled with the prospect
of celebrity. We see the hot clubs and the hip restaurants
these “stars” frequent and it almost makes the celebrity
life seem accessible. But let’s get real Lauren; going
to Les Deux everynight with someone with two first
names doesn’t make you a celebrity. And it certainly
doesn’t promote the principles that really exist in our
urban metropolis.
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Editor-in-Chief
Erin Nadel
Cleanliness is Overrated
By Evan Perkins
Lifestyle Editor
Samo was ranked one of the best
schools in the country by Newsweek. But
you wouldn’t know it by looking at our
campus. Samo can be a dirty place. But
whoever said that having a trash-covered
campus is a completely bad thing is sorely
mistaken. There are certain things only a
disrespected, vandalized campus covered
in pure filth can offer. Here are a few reasons why Samo is an inmeasurably better
place because of its blantantly obvious
detriments.
1. Whenever you need a rat or mouse to
dissect for biology, all you have to do is set
out some cheese and wait. And hopefully
not get bitten in the process.
2. The time spent throwing stuff away
is saved when you apparently don’t need a
trash can, and have no choice but to easily
drop your garbage wherever you please.
3. Dirty bathroom stories are always
great conversation starters.
breezeway between the Science and
Technology buildings. Even though they
cleaned it up, it’s only a matter of time before it reappears, hungry for vengeance.
5. The money that is not going towards
more custodians is probably going towards reducing class size. Oh right.....
6. You can always impress freshmen
by telling them how much dirtier is was
last year. And by predicting much dirtier
it will be by the end of this year.
7. The vicious seagulls that come to
pick our trash clean after lunch remind
me of classic Alfred Hitchcock movies.
But a little scarier.
8. It’s not like anybody washes their
hands when their go the bathroom anyways, so the constant lack of soap isn’t
really hurting anyone that much.
9. If our school gets dirty enough,
people might start caring about cleaning
up the stuff around them. But probably
not.
4. Bonus points if you can work in that
patch of perpetually bird poop encrusted
News Editor
Gabrielle Hernandez
Opinion Editor
Jennifer Galamba
Feature Editor
Jeremy Tramer
Special Report Editor
Saba Boradeh-Hamedy
Lifestyle Editor
Evan Perkins
Campus Life Editor
Sam Cotten
Sports Editors
Charlie Paris
Aaron Eslamboly
Managing Editor
Danielle Worthy
Photo Editor
Jesse Grebler-Hull
Ad Editor
Kristina Naderi
Copy Editor
Leah Robinson
Art Editor
Ran Zhang
Adviser
Kathleen Faas
Subscriptions
$40.00 PER YEAR
School Should Be
About Inspiration,
Not Manipulation
By Lulu Mickelson
Staff Writer
Recently I overheard two
administrators talking. When
one asked how the school year
was going, and the other responded, “Good. Everything is
under control.” To him, a good
beginning to the school year
meant that nothing had gone
wrong and that so far things
were “under control.” However,
this is where educators fail to
understand the bigger picture
of education. A “good” start to
the school year should stand
for something greater than a
“controlled” and disciplined
student body. A “good” school
enviroment should mean that
students are inspired to learn
and be successful in their
classes.
To some teachers and administrators, doing their job
well means reducing behavioral
problems and maintaining control over the students. To me,
this is only preventing negative
behavior and takes the focus
away from the much more
important job of promoting
the positive. The success of a
school should not only be measured on how well students are
disciplined, but on how much
they are learning and benefiting
from their classes. This focus
will encourage students not
to misbehave, and enjoy a more
fulfilling learning enviroment.
I do understand that high
school students can be rowdy and
rebellious. Keeping them under
control, especially 3400 of them,
is a remarkable job. And to create safe and productive learning
environment, both order and discipline are completely necessary.
But maintaining an under control
campus, is not what really makes
a school successful. A school’s
success comes when students are
participating and inspired. Some
educators get so caught up in trying to control the drugs, fights,
and poor conduct, that they fail to
facilitate a love of learning among
the students. Their struggle for
control, keeps them from making
the educational well being of the
students the priority.
Students spend much of their
lives learning bonding, and growing through classes and activities on their school campuses. I
completely agree that educators
are responsible for making sure
“everything is under control.” But
they also need to inspire students
to enjoy learning and challenge
them to do their best. When asked
how the school year was going, it
would have meant so much more
to hear an educator say, “Good.
This should be a great year for
students to succeed.”
NEW YEAR
NEW LOOK
The Samohi is undergoing several cosmetic changes this year. Our
paper prides itself in its quality of writing, and we felt it was time that
we were equally proud of our layouts and overall appearance. Through
making these changes we hope to make the paper more accessible and
inviting to read.
We are adding four new pages. This brings our total page count to
12.
Within these pages, there will be an additional News Page, Special
Reports Page, Lifestyle Page, and Photo Essay back cover.
The “Lifestyle” section (page 8) will cover local restaurants and all
varieties of entertainment. It will spotlight and review music, movies, and
all of the things that make Santa Monica such a great place to live.
Additionally, the “Photo Essay” page (the back cover) will convey a
single idea through a collection of photos, adding depth and an artistic
touch to The Samohi.
As an editorial staff, we have reviewed award-winning newspapers
for new design ideas. After reviewing these papers, we have decided to
add more subheadlines, pull-quotes, graphs, and larger pictures.
In order to add to the professional and appealing look, the front page,
Special Report spread, and back page will be in color starting this year.
Additionally, the front page now boasts our new masthead. To make
this choice, we looked to our paper’s roots for inspiration. This masthead
was revived from the original 1919 version, and the blue seal set beneath
it remains from our former Samohi masthead, which was employed from
1941 until last year.
Finally, we will be writing Editorials every cycle to express our
views on issues at Samo, and in the community. Our hope is that these
changes will add even more prestige to the historic Santa Monica High
School Newspaper.
Happy reading!
The Samohi Editorial Board
Published biweekly during the school year by the
Associated Student Body
of Santa Monica High
School, 601 Pico Blvd.,
Santa Monica, CA. 90405.
Unsigned editorials reflect
the opinions of the staff.
Signed editorials represent
the opinions of the writer.
Staff
Salonee Bhaman, Sam
Bleiberg, Nicky Borenstein, Maisy Bragg, Katy
Cain, Chris Cotten, Soraya
Danesh, Cosmo Diener,
Danielle Ehsanipour, Pepito Escarce, Zane Four,
Owen Gorman, Jade Kedrick, Jane Kivnick, Rose
Kleiman, Lulu Mickelson,
Brian Nadel, Jennifer Perdomo, Lindsay Reno, Kourosh Shaffy, Roland Templeton, August Thompson,
Chelsea Watson
Have an
Opinion?
Send a Letter to the
Editor or MyTurn to:
SamohiOpinion@gmail.
com
by October 11.
A
LIS
+
CH
ZA
=
VE
O
L
2+2=4
OMG!
New Teachers
Test this Frid
a
y!
He’s such a hottie
By Chris Cotten, Jade Kedrick, and Kristina Naderi
Staff Writers and Public Relations Officer
Photos by Maisy Bragg, Soraya Danesh, Jesse Grebler-Hull,
and Owen Gorman
Ms.Dreier
Math,
S House
Why Samo?
Moved
from San
Francisco
Interests:
Running
and writing
First Job:
Peace Corp
in West
Africa
Favorite
Food:
Baked
goods
Mr.Parker
Mr.Redecker
Mrs.Keith
Mrs.Perkins
Special Ed,
S House
Special Ed,
S House
Special Ed,
A House
Why Samo?
A short
commute to
work
Interests:
Playing guitar, hiking,
biking and
watching
baseball
First Job:
Telemarketer for
a dating
service
Why Samo?
Loves the
area and
community
Interests:
Rock climbing and
surfing
First Job:
Documentary/film
maker
Favorite
Food: Korean
Why Samo?
Family in
the area
Interests:
Spending
time with
her two
kids
First Job:
Veterinary
assistant
Favorite
Food:
Sushi
English,
A House
Mrs.Kim
Special Ed,
A House
Why Samo?
For the love
of the beach
Interests:
Bikeriding
and going to the
theater
First Job:
Ticket taker
at a movie
theater
Favorite
Food:
Salad
Why Samo?
It’s 5 minutes away
from home
Interests:
Working
with children, and
backpacking
First Job:
Therapist
Favorite
Food: Korean
Survey Time
Compiled by Salonee Bhaman, Katy Cain, Jane Kivnick,
Rose Kleiman-Weiner, Lulu Mickelson, Staff Writers
63%
of seniors like their classes while
do not.
54%
On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the heaviest),
65%
juniors and
64%
thinks their backpacks are a 6.
of freshmen,
17%
73%
58%
of freshmen
of sophomores,
of students
30%
of
of seniors have never tried to change their
schedule.
of students currently have a locker.
55%
On the average school night,
of students spend
2 or more hours
doing their homework
Mrs.Felix
History,
M House
Why Samo?
To grow
professionally
Interests:
Golf and
watching
movies
First Job:
Bagging
clothes at a
department
store
Favorite
Food: Pizza
Mr. Gomez
Mr. Shifren
History,
M House
Spanish,
M House
Why Samo?
New baby,
new area
Interests:
Coaching
football and
and spending time
with family
First Job:
Custodian
Favorite
Food:
Italian
Why Samo?
“Because
it’s the best
school in
the world.”
Interests:
Swimming
and surfing
First Job:
Lifeguard
Favorite
Food:
Salad
A+
Schoo
6th p
For a New Year
Mrs.Farruggia
eriod
l is CO
OL
PEACEA
is bet
ter th
an 5t
h per
iod
Sign up for the SAT
this Saturday!
Ms.Alfred
Mr. Staubitz
English,
M House
English,
O House
Special Ed,
O House
Science,
O House
Science,
I House
English,
I House
Math,
I House
Math,
I House
Why Samo?
To focus on
teaching
English and
reading
Interests:
Hiking,
swimming
and sewing
First Job:
Camp counselor
Favorite
Food: Chinese
Why Samo?
Samo
alumni, “a
part of me
wanted to
come back.”
Interests:
Shopping
First Job:
wanted to
be a model
Favorite
Food:
Unique
foods
Why Samo?
The Special
Education
program
Interests:
Cross country road
trips
First Job: A
profession
in journalism
Favorite
Food: Anything
Why Samo?
Wanted to
live in the
city
Interests:
Running
and reading
First Job:
Originally
planning on
becoming a
pastor for a
church
Favorite
Food:
Italian
Why Samo?
Relocating
from east
coast
Interests:
Reading,
sudoku,
and going to the
beach.
First Job:
Teaching
outside
Boston
Favorite
Food: Pizza
Why Samo?
Grew up in
bay area,
wanted to
work closer
to family
Interests:
Watching
The Daily
Show
First Job:
Working in
a law firm
Favorite
Food: Sushi
Why Samo?
Recently
moved
for good
weather
and community
Interests:
Running
and cleaning
First Job:
Car washer
Favorite
Food:
Chicken.
Why Samo?
Just moved
to California
Interests:
Traveling, scuba
diving and
spending
time with
family
First Job:
Gap
Favorite
Food: Thai
Mr.Marbey
Mrs. Reardon
Mrs. Walker
Mr.Vollstedt
Mrs.Cruce
Samo By The Numbers
Compiled by Salonee Bhaman, Katy Cain,
Jane Kivnick, Rose Kleiman-Weiner, Staff
Writers
Seats in Greek Theater: 3558
Freshmen Count: 821
Students who still don’t have ID
cards: 837
Seats in Barnum Hall: 1250
Number of tickets entered in the
senior parking lo�ery: 123
Steps from Technology Building
to Choir room: 209
Of the class of 2007: 93% are
continuing their education: 59%
to four year colleges, 34% are attending two year colleges
T h e
s a m o h i
P a g e
L I F E S T Y L E
s e p t e m b e r
2 5,
8
2 0 0 7
WHICH ALBUM REIGNS SUPREME? Fast Food Horror!
By August Thompson, Staff Writer
By Jane Kivnick and Rose Kleiman-Weiner
Staff Writers
The greasy salty smell lures you in. You order the burger
and fries with a hint of regret—extra large, of course, you
can’t resist. The enjoyable part of the experience is short
lived; the guilt hits you like a cholesterol driven freight train.
We’re all susceptible to fast food temptations, yet most of us
can emerge from the golden arches of McDonald’s or the
swinging doors of Burger King in one piece. Fast Food Nation supplied the students of Samo with some horror stories
about the fast food industry, most of which were too gross
to believe. The following stories are some experiences that
fellow Vikings have to share:
www.bestbuy.com
www.bestbuy.com
CCCCCout of CCCCC
CC out of CCCCC
“Bow in the presence of greatness” is what Kanye
West commands us to do on his newest album “Graduation,”
and personally, I agree. The album begins with the mind
blowing “Good Morning” and continues into the equally
good “Champion” where his famous immodesty comes
into play, “This is the story of a champion.” The album then
jumps into “Stronger,” the well written, catchy, and hypnotic
single that we’ve all heard. The next three tracks are equally
great, but the album hits a minor slump at “Barry Bonds”
and “Drunk and Hot Girls” where West seems to trade his
political values in for inane 50 Cent like lyrics. While they are
still quality, they feel below the high standards of this album.
The remaining tracks are all golden, with “Homecoming,”
featuring Coldplay’s Chris Martin standing out. Overall,
Graduation has great beats, great guests, great raps, and
great tracks. In all honesty, this is one of the best albums
of the year, especially for rap. Even though West has quite
an ego, or maybe three, he has a right to be cocky. He truly
delivers with his latest record. Even if 50 Cent doesn’t retire
(though “Graduation” has outsold “Curtis” by a huge margin),
he has been truly outclassed by Kanye West.
If you like listensing to the same repetitive and uninspired songs about dealing, being rich, getting women and
murder then 50 Cent’s “Curtis” is for you. The album kicks
off with the entertaining and interesting “My Gun Go Off”
but the album soon degrades into mediocrity. The single “I
Get Money,” fails to capture the catchiness that former greats
like “P.I.M.P.” or “Candy Shop” had. After “I Get Money”
the album is momentarily redeemed by “Ayo Technology,”
where Justin Timberlake and Timbaland’s appearances are
greatly appreciated, but the album soon hits a six song repeat
of money, women and dealing. While I hoped that “Peep
Show,” featuring Eminem would be a great, it turned out to
be a tasteless ode to things that not even R. Kelly would do.
After all of the gang-banging repetition, the very catchy “Fire”
comes along. While 50’s rap is nothing special, the appearance of Young Buck and Nicole Scherzinger make this song
one of the better ones, with an awesomely blasting beat. “All
of Me” with Mary J Blige is worth mentioning; her pleasing voice and a driving beat make this a solid song. Overall
“Curtis” has its moments, but it’s mostly an uninspired mess.
50 Cent simply does not hold up against West.
CD Highlights: “Good Morning,” “Champion,” CD Highlights: “My Gun Go Off,” “Ayo Technology,”
“Stronger,” “I Wonder,” “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” “Fire,” and “All of Me.”
“Everything I Am,” “The Glory,” “Homecoming,”
“Big Brother.”
Emily Ferro, 10th grade: “I walked into McDonald’s and
ordered a chicken sandwich. When I walked back to my seat,
the first bite I took was mushy and cold. I then realized that
the chicken was frozen in the middle.”
Hanna Masubuchi, 10th grade: “On my way home from
school I wanted Panda Express. I ordered the two item
combo with beef and broccoli, orange chicken and chow
mein. After taking a few bites, I noticed something squirming in the dish. An earthworm was buried in the noodles.”
Mr. Dennis, I House Teacher: “A past student of mine was
at a burger stand in Westwood, which no longer exists, with
her mother. The student’s mother bit into her burger and
screamed ‘Ow!’ She thought her tooth had broken off due
to something hard in the meat, so she spat it out. What she
found in her mouth was someone else’s tooth that she had
bitten into from inside the meat of the patty.”
Kyle Carriere, 11th grade: “I went to Burger King one afternoon over the summer. I was really hungry, so I ordered a
burger and as I was biting into it, something didn’t feel right.
I spat the food in my mouth out, looked down and saw that
the meat was green and moldy.”
Autumn Davidson, 10th grade: “I was eating at an Indian
food stand with my aunt at a nearby mall. She was eating a
chicken dish and bit into something crunchy. As she took
a bite her eyes opened really wide, and I saw little stick
like things dangling from her mouth. She ran to the bathroom—she had bitten into a dead cockroach that was inside
the chicken meat.”
Vegetarian Restaurants: Not Just Rabbit Food
By Danielle Ehsanipour and Kritina Naderi,
Staff Writer and Public Relations Officer
www.kayndaves.com
Photo by Kristina Naderi
After the horrors described in Fast Food Nation,
vegetarianism suddenly seems like a very wise lifestyle
choice. But where do you go if you want both meaty
and meatless options? To solve this dilemma, The
Samohi has compiled a list of some restaurants in Santa
Monica that have great food for both vegetarians and
non- vegetarians alike. (Ratings are out of five).
1002 Montana Ave
262 26th Street
530 Wilshire Boulevard
CCCC
Non- vegetarian Rating: CC
Vegetarian Rating:
Photo by Kristina Naderi
CCC
Non- vegetarian Rating: CCCC
Vegetarian Rating:
Babalu is home to good dishes that will fit anyone’s palette type. There’s the classic veggie burger for vegetarians,
and although it’s expensive at ten dollars, you’re getting
what you pay for. The burger is fantastic and delicious,
coming with a mountain of the tastiest fries you will ever
have and a steak knife. The burger is so big that you need
the steak knife to handle the mountain of flavor on your
plate. And if you aren’t a vegetarian, then you’ve hit the
jackpot. The regular Babalu burger makes the Veggie
burger look scrawny.
The Newsroom Café really looks like it belongs to the
towering office building behind it. Although the menu does
lean heavily towards healthy and organic vegan and vegetarian
dishes, there are still a few items that carnivores can enjoy. Why
not try the VIP Turkey Sandwich? It comes with a nice salad
and has a fresh taste that you don’t get with most sandwiches. A
must-order for vegetarians is the awesome Maui burger, which
the sign outside the restaurant claims they’re famous for. The
patty combined with some special sauce dances on your taste
buds. But the one dish that beats them all is the vegetarian
tamale. You will never find a dish like this anywhere else. The
sides that comes with it are a reason alone to order it. The wild
rice is fluffy and compliments the salad adorned with strawberries and a slightly spicy vinaigrette dressing. The tamale itself
is cooked to perfection and with the peppers wrapped inside
the wrapping, it’s quite a delight. And to finish off the meal,
why not order the mouth-watering vegan brownie? You may
feel a little guilty finishing off the rich dessert, but you’ll be so
much happier.
Vegetarian Rating: CCC
Non-vegetarian Rating: CCCC
Kay ‘n Dave’s is a casual chain restaurant with a multitude
of options for the health conscious, with their Santa Monica
location just half a block south of San Vicente Boulevard.
Although not primarily vegetarian, they know how to cater
to every diet. Kay ‘n Dave’s prohibits trans fats and lard, and
serves only completely vegetarian sauces and white meat
chicken. Known for their Mexican inspired cooking, Kay
‘n Dave’s offers food for all tastes, including a “Designer
Burrito which includes black or pinto beans and rice for
less than 6 dollars. For those looking for lighter fare, any
of the salads offer a great way to eat healthy, with hearty
veggie or bean tostadas filling you up as well as any meat
dish could. The non-vegetarian options are plenty and full of
flavor, and include fish, beef and pork for people who can’t
stand salads. The guarantee that artery blocking fats are
nowhere in sight helps to soothe your guilty conscience after
these feasts. Be careful though, for the lack of cholesterol
and healthy ingredients can sneak up on your bill faster
than you can say “Sin Mantequilla Mexicana.”
T h e
F E A T U R E
s a m o h i
An Education to Die For
Is it worth it? Samo students weigh in on paying the price of a free education
By Cosmo Diener
Staff Writer
Summer school was getting old. Poetry analysis simply
couldn’t hold the class’ attention.
Suddenly Darcell Buckner burst
into Ms. Roberts’ classroom
to say goodbye to his younger
brother Devon Buckner. Eighteen-year-old Darcell was leaving for Japan as a
member of the U.S.
armed services. He
had enlisted in return for a free education, under the
GI Bill. As upbeat
and brief as Darcell
was when saying
goodbye to Devon,
I was moved by witnessing the parting
of these two brothers. Darcell left the
room, closing the
door quietly behind
him, but a second
later Devon asked for permission
to sprint after his brother so that
they could share a more private
and prolonged goodbye.
Having a younger brother
myself, I could sympathize with
how painful it must have been for
Devon and Darcell to part with
each other. My own brother was
getting ready to leave for three
years of boarding school. I was
going to miss him, but I was
happy for him too and had high
hopes that he would do well academically and make some quality
friends while enjoying one of the
greatest times of his life.
Devon, on the other hand,
would have to contend with
much more than simply missing
joining the army. “They’re proud
of him because he is getting an
education, but it’s hard,” Devon
said. When the GI Bill was first
created, it was intended to give
something back to the men and
women who sacrificed so much
for their country. But today it is
more often used to lure young
people to enlist. Sadly, the only
shot at an education
a growing number of
underprivileged young
people have is to join
the army. If they want
to get an education,
they have to risk their
lives.
One of Devon’s
friends, junior Joshua
McDonald, who has a
cousin in Iraq, chimed
in with his own feelings. “It’s stupid to join
with all this stuff going on in the world,”
he said. Young people
should not be put into the position of having to trade their lives
for their educations. Students
have to be 21 to drink but only 18
to die and kill. Having a college
degree is supposed to help you
have a good life, but if you have to
join the army to get your degree
you may not be alive very long to
enjoy it.
A second later Devon
asked for permission to
sprint a�er his brother
so that they could share
a more private and prolonged goodbye.
his brother. Once you’re in the
army, anything can happen to
you. What if his brother were to
get transferred to Iraq? What if
we went to war with Iran, and his
brother was sent there to fight?
He might be wounded or killed.
Sitting with a group of his
friends, Devon talked about how
his parents felt about his brother
ISSUE
OF THE ISSUE
This year, Samo has 200 fewer students
than last year. Does campus feel crowded?
Javon Johnson
Freshman
“It’s kind of hard to get
around with so many
people trying to get
someplace.”
Alex Deagan
Junior
“I am indifferent to the
buzzes and confusions
of life at a city school.”
P a g e
Caesar Bravo
Sophomore
“It smells in the hallways all the time
because of the overcrowding.”
Devon Blitz
Senior
“I like the big school
and big environment,
and seeing new faces
every day.”
s e p t e m b e r
2 5,
9
2 0 0 7
A TYPICAL SCHEDULE
By Ran Zhang
I I
UNIVERSITY DRIVING SCHOOL
(310) 559-9056
Driver’s Education, Enrollment, and
Training
Six hours of driver’s training includes:
Free pick up, drop off, and private lesson
Classes also available online
Good price-Good service
10680 W. Pico Blvd. #288 L.A., CA 90064
www.universitydriving.com
Six More Reasons to Love Samo
With all the schedule changes going on, we thought we would find out, in a random
and highly unscientific sampling, which teachers students want to have the most.
By Jennifer Perdomo
Staff Writer
S AM
S House English teacher
Rob Thais is a favorite among S
House students. Just about everyone who had him as a teacher
raves about his great lessons and
his excellent methods of teaching literature. “He’s an awesome
teacher. He plays guitar, and he’s
hilarious,” says Samo sophomore
Caesar Bravo. Thais really pushes and encourages his students.
He has an interesting personality to match his interesting class.
“Mr. Thais? I don’t know, there’s
just so many good things to say
about him,” says junior Maggie
Burton. “He is truly passionate
about everything that he teaches.”
A House A.P. English teacher Berkeley Blatz is many students’ first choice when it comes
to English teachers. Blatz is so
appreciated by students because
“he’s a lot of fun, extremely smart
and very involved with his class,”
says junior Rasa Jakelinaite. “He
keeps the class going and is a very
interesting person,” says junior
Nicole Franco, who is a current
student of Blatz. Franco goes
on to say that Blatz “has been at
Samo for a very long time, so he
knows what he’s doing.” Blatz
has been with Samo for years
now, ever since he graduated as
a Viking in 1967. It seems his fan
club grows every year.
One of M House’s most wanted teachers is Michael Felix.
Mr. Felix is so popular because,
according to junior Marvin
Recinos, “he keeps it interesting.” While most AP classes are
known to have long and agonizing daily lectures, Mr. Felix tells
a story every day, complete with
music, in his AP U.S. History
classes. Felix “makes you want
to know more,” says junior Mana
Marashi. “Everyone loves him,”
says O House advisor Laura
Simone. “He’s awesome and he
makes the lectures interesting,”
says junior Raquel Chavez, explaining how Felix keeps his students engaged.
One of O House’s favorite
teachers is World History, immersion U.S. History and U.S.
History teacher Ned Acker.
“He’s just awesome,” says junior
Alejandra Martin. Many other
Samo students agree that Acker
is an “awesome” teacher who they
would love to have. Christina Jimenez, a junior who is a former
and current Acker student, says,
“He’s super funny while teaching.” Having humor in a classroom brings in the popular vote
of the students. Many of Acker’s
former students say that he gives
an extra effort to relate to and
befriend his students, which is
something they appreciate.
One of H House’s most favorite and laid back teachers
has to be marine biology teacher
Mark Black. “He’s really funny
and he’s an interesting teacher,”
says junior Aisha Garcia. Black,
besides being a Marine Biology
teacher, is a P.E. teacher, and
many of his P.E. students look
forward to having him for Marine Biology as well. Black is
known among his students for
his strange teaching style, which
seems to be the main reason why
he’s their favorite. “Even though
his class is kind of weird and he
is pretty laid back, he really is a
good teacher,” says junior Nalley
Lopez.
Many students agree that I
House Spanish teacher Guadalupe Toumayan is the Spanish
teacher to have. “She’ll do whatever it takes for you to understand what she is teaching,” says
junior Samantha Guzman. She
has a way of “letting students be
free when it comes to learning,”
says junior Jaclyn Santiago. Toumayan is a very compassionate
teacher. This is her second year
teaching at Samo, but already
the kids want her. In the beginning of the school year, students
wanted her so badly that they
were willing to sit on the floor
just to be able to have her as a
teacher.
OH I
T h e
S P O R T S
s a m o h i
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Venice Rains On Samo’s Parade
Venice running Curtis McNeal (5) takes on senior Al-Rilwan Adeyemi (10) near the sideline on a wet and rainy Sept. 21. The Vikings lost 33-7.
Gondoliers put up 33
points in the third quarter
alone to defeat Samo for
fifth straight year.
By Zane Four and Charlie Paris
Staff Writer and Sports Editor
The Vikings simply could not contain the
Gondoliers’ star running back long enough.
USC bound Curtis McNeal ran for three
touchdowns in the third quarter, helping
Venice turn a one point Samo advantage into
a 27 point Venice lead on a rainy Sept. 21 at
Corsair Field at SMC.
Tied at zero heading into halftime, Samo
seemed to have the advantage, controlling the
ball for most of the half offensively, and utilizing a swarming defense that would bend, but
not break. With seniors Max Monbouquette,
Ronald Austin and Al-Rilwan Adeyemi leading the way, the Viking defense was matching
the physicality of their opponents blow for
blow. Head coach Zach Cuda predicted that
this would be crucial towards winning the
game, especially in the wet weather.
But Venice came out firing on all cylinders in the third quarter. Even after having
a touchdown called back for holding on the
opening kickoff, the Gondos scored just 47
seconds into the third quarter when McNeal
busted through the Viking defense on a tiebreaking 38-yard touchdown run.
Samo bounced back on their next possession. After blocking the extra point attempt,
the Viking offense started to find a rhythm
as they marched downfield. With the help
of a long scramble and a pass interference
call, senior Ryan Katz capped the drive with
a 17-yard touchdown pass to senior Taylor
Wright standing in the end zone for his first
career touchdown reception. Senior Alex Kovacs kicked the extra point, giving the Vikings
a one point lead and the Samo crowd plenty
to cheer about.
But Venice came right back down the
field on their next possession, and McNeal
rushed for another touchdown to steal back
the lead and the momentum. After the stingy
Venice defense forced the Vikings to punt,
McNeal burst through once again for another long score, his third of the game, on the first
play of the drive for a 19-7 edge.
The Viking offense was unable to muster
much else against the Gondos, and the opposing quarterback added two touchdown passes later in the third quarter, with the second
one coming after a Katz lateral was recovered
by Venice, to extend the lead to 33-7.
Entering the game, Cuda described the
importance of running the football. “If we can
establish a running game,” he said, “we can
open things up in our passing game.” But, as
Photo by Jesse Grebler-Hull
junior tailback Vince Lawrence found out first
hand, it was easier said than done. The Gondoliers held Lawrence, who had notched four
touchdowns and over 170 yards rushing in the
first two games, to minimal yardage, making
him fight for every step.
The Vikings, despite the score, remain
positive about the outcome of the game.
“That’s probably the best [running] back we’re
going to face,” commented Wright, “and we
were able to shut him down for two quarters.
Now we have to work on doing it for all four,
regardless of who we are playing.”
“It was definitely disappointing,” said senior Jon Dunn. “But it’s important for us to
move on.” And move on they must, as the Vikings will host both Long Beach Jordan and
Los Alamitos in the following two weeks,
two very good teams that will prove to be major tests for the Vikings.
Added Katz: “This was only week three,
and we’ve got seven more to go. This was a
big test, and we can grow from it as a team.”
Previous Football Box Scores For the Vikings, Now 2-1
Girls Tennis Ready for Season Hueneme
Valley........21
Palisades......................0
Despite youth, team is prepared for a strong season as coach shows
confidence in his young players.
T
he girls tennis team has been training hard in anticipation of its first match
against El Segundo tomorrow. After a recent pre-season meeting against Mira Costa, a Division I team known for giving Samo trouble in the past, the team was able to gain important
information about itself as well as its competitors, despite losing the match.
This was also the first time head coach Wilston Poon was able to see his new team captains
in action: juniors Jennie Harding, Molly Southam, and Ellis Izumoto. While most coaches
reserve their captain spots for seniors, Poon takes a different approach, describing the girls as
“[his] veteran players.”
The captains also make up the top three players on varsity and, according to Harding, are
hoping “their personal goals are met, as well as those of the team.” Sophomore Laura Pollock
said of the trio, “They are people we can look up to.” It is apparent that what the captain’s lack
in age, they make up for in their ability to lead and in the quality of their play.
This year, the varsity team hopes to improve on last year’s regular season record of 8-4, have
more Ocean League champions and hopefully advance in CIF.
When asked about his goals for the season, coach Poon put it simply: “To win.” Although all
coaches hope for their teams to go undefeated, to finish in first place and to win a championship, Poon has set what he considers a realistic goal that he wants his team to achieve and then
surpass: “to come second in league.”
“The entire team is well balanced, and certainly has the ability to win,” said Poon, noting that
the team could be a true contender.
By Zane Four, Staff Writer
Friday Sept. 7
Santa Monica............46
Offense:
Passing
Ryan Katz
Rushing
Vince Lawrence
Ryan Katz
Christian Ross
Shane Jones
Tom Moore
Receving
Jon Dunn
Isai Carrilo
Taylor Wright
Defense:
Max Monbouquette
Al-Rilwan Adeyemi
Taylor Wright
Christian Ross
Drew Hammond
Terry Wilson
Billy Arnold
Jackson Knox
Luke Zelon
Ronald Austin
Max Klein
Amar Pal
Others
Comp-Att Yds
11-23
255
Att
Yds
13
62
4
46
3
17
2
6
1
1
Rec
Yds
7
120
3
97
1
38
Tacks
12
11
9
6
6
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
Sacks
2
1
TD-Int
2-0
TD
3
TD
2
Int
1
3
Santa Monica............35
Offense:
Passing
Ryan Katz
Rushing
Vince Lawrence
Ryan Katz
Christian Ross
Jared Onouye
Tom Moore
Jah-herb Johnson
Drew Hammond
Receving
Christian Ross
Jon Dunn
Defense:
Max Monbouquette
Taylor Wright
Terry Wilson
Jah-herb Johnson
Al-Rilwan Adeyemi
Luke Zelon
Jose Perez
Drew Hammond
Isai Carillo
Ronald Austin
Billy Arnold
Jackson Knox
Samo Welcomes New Athletic Trainer: Shauna
By Sam Bleiberg
Staff Writer
To the average sports fan, the trainer
may seem like a trivial position, but this could
not be farther from the truth. A good trainer
is the oil in the machine of sports, providing
immediate medical attention to injured players
and also distributing essentials such as ice and
tape. For this reason, everyone should get to
know Shauna Grady, the new full time athletic
trainer at Samo.
The well qualified Grady, who is
replacing former trainer Julie Honda,
graduated from Merrimack College in 2005
after studying sports medicine for four years.
She then worked as a trainer for two years
at Whitman Hanson High School, and is
optimistic about starting her third year as a
trainer here at Samo. Of all the injuries Grady
has seen, she claims a broken femur is the worst.
Grady says Samohi is bigger than the last school
she was at. Said Grady, “Everyone has been so
welcoming.” So far her experience has been positive
and she has noticed Samo athletes are overall very
enthusiastic. Feel free to stop by the trainer’s room,
located by the north entrance to the sports locker
room. She welcomes all athletes and states that she
is here to help them even if they don’t have a broken
femur.
Friday Sept. 14
Comp-Att Yds
8-11
117
Att
Yds
17
106
3
27
2
14
6
9
3
9
2
9
1
6
Rec
Yds
4
62
4
55
Tacks
14
6
6
6
4
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
Sacks
TD-Int
2-0
TD
1
1
1
TD
Int
1
1
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WATER POLO OFF TO PROMISING 5-2 START
The Greenies are ready to take
on the Beverly Norms - this
time for the league title.
By Brian Nadel
Staff Writer
After a heart breaking loss less
than 24 hours before, the Samo
Boys Water Polo Team rebounded
from their previous overtime loss
to Chadwick, and routed Crespi
20-3 last Wednesday. “That game
could have been against anyone,”
said captain senior Sam Einstein,
“We weren’t going to lose after what
happened Tuesday.” The Greenies
jumped to an early lead against
Crespi, and never looked back.
When Samo faced Chadwick
the day before on Sept. 18, Samo
finished the first half well ahead, 71. Chadwick nearly caught up with
Samo in the third quarter, starting
the final period just one point behind, 7-6. “We played well in the first
half, but we underestimated them
going into the second,” said captain
senior Shane Keckin. Samo also lost
key starter senior Adrian Stepian,
who was ejected from the game on a
brutality foul. Stepian said, “The guy
was grabbing something he wasn’t
supposed to… so I threw my elbow
at him to get him off me, and the by at least five in each game. With
referee only saw me.” But even with a perfect record, Samo advanced
the loss of
to the championship
Stepien just
to play Beverly Hills,
before the
a team that had easfourth pe- “I think we have a ily beaten the Greenies
riod, Samo really good shot at several times during
was able to
the preseason, and is
extend their beating Beverly next favored for the Ocean
lead to 10-6. time.”
League Championship.
It was not
However, Samo put up
-Fernando Navaratte
until the last
a fight in the final game
minutes of
and finished barely bethe match, however, that Chadwick hind Beverly, 10-12. The Greenies
clawed back into the game, scoring worked hard to get back in the game
a 4-0 streak in less than two and a after they fell behind in the first half,
half minutes, and matching Samo’s but Beverly continously stayed just
score in the final moments of the a few points ahead of Samo.
fourth quarter. The Greenies were
Navarrete thinks it was a game
not able to keep up with Chadwick that could have easily been turned
in the resulting overtime, and fin- around. “We missed a 5-meter, and
ished one point behind with a score we only scored on around 30 percent
of 11-12. The Greenies felt that they of our six-on-fives,” said Navarette,
should have never lost to Chadwick. “I think we have a really good shot
“They were a less experienced team,” at beating Beverly next time.” Einsaid Keckin. Head coach Fernando stein thought playing Beverly was
Navarette was also disappointed in helpful for the team. “Now we know
the loss: “We played down to their what we need to do beat Beverly
level,” said Navaratte.
in league,” he said. The two teams
The boys began their season will play again soon, quite possibly
just three weeks ago when they for the League Championship, and
placed second in the Bell Gardens whether or not the Greenies come
Tournament on the weekend of out on top, these teams will certainly
Sept. 6. Samo outscored their oppo- play an exciting game.
nents a total of 63-23, and was ahead
Junior Zach White passes out of a double team defense against
Crespi on Wed., Sept. 19. The boys would continue on to defeat
Crespi 20-3.
Photo by Maisy Bragg
Cross Country Boys Wins First Woodbridge Title in Samo History
Boys
Last year’s cross-country MVP, senior
Damon Coffman and reigning JV Ocean
league champion, senior Matt Cohen, were
obvious choices for co-captains under head
coach Tania Fisher this year. “I think the
varsity team is really strong this year and I
know we can go far,” said Coffman.
“We have a lot of experience coming
back and a lot of talent,” added Cohen.
Both ran extremely well in the team’s first
meet of the season. With a time of 16:03
and an overall 17th place ranking, Coffman
lead the senior boys to a fourth place finish
at the Woodbridge Invitational. The finish
also landed Samo its first trophy at Wood-
bridge. The successful finish was also attributed to senior Simon Einstein’s 16:41
time and Shane Browne’s 16:43.
After an outstanding meet, the Samo
boys looked to their first league meet at
Kenneth Hahn Park, where they began
their bid for a 9th consecutive Ocean
League title. Coffman easily stole the race
with a time of 16:44. Browne followed in
second up the infamous Suicide Hill less
than a minute after. Einstein finished the
race with only one shoe on, in fourth place,
completing 17:47, while sophomore Daniel
Reddick and Cohen took fifth and sixth,
respectively. Samo won the dual meet, leaving Beverly and Culver in the dust.
Girls
After finishing second in league last
year, the girl’s cross-country team looks to
return to dominance. Co-captain seniors
Maki Nakamura, Karissa Gonzalez, Rachel Horn and Catherine Banach are no
strangers to tough competition, as all four
have run varsity in the past. This year they
look to use that experience to their advantage in their goal for a league championship. “Our goal is to push each other to win
league,” said Nakamura. This goal began
on Sept. 15 as the girls traveled to Woodbridge High where they ended up finishing
26th. The team was lead by junior Gabi
Cruz who finished 56th. Cruz ran an excel-
Athlete of the Issue: Ryan Katz
By Charlie Paris
Sports Editor
Photo by Soraya Danesh
Anyone who has seen a football game over the last three years
knows what senior Ryan Katz is
all about. Katz, the starting quarterback for the Vikings since his
sophomore year, has had considerable success at the position, leading the Vikings to a 16-8 record in
games he starts. Katz has already
gotten off to a fast start this year,
with five touchdowns in just the
first three games of his final high
school season.
Katz has been a focal point
of the Vikings’ offense over the
last three years, and has 48 career
touchdown passes thus far, as well
as seven rushing scores. “He’s definitely the center of our offense,”
said head coach Zach Cuda, who
has coached Katz in all four of his
years at Samo. “Everything we do
is centered around his abilities,
and he’s a very talented kid.”
A very talented athlete indeed,
Katz will continue his outstanding
football career next year at Oregon State University on a football scholarship, already verbally
agreeing to sign with the school
on the national signing day in February. Although he received many
scholarship offers after his junior
season, Katz ultimately picked
Oregon State, “because it was the
best fit for me coach-wise and campus-wise.”
Cuda agrees with his selection, adding that “he’ll fit in well
with their spread offense.”
Katz also has high praise for
his teamates. “Most of us have
been playing together for quite a
while now, and so we have a good
feel for each other on the field,” he
said. “We have great chemistry,
and it shows.”
Long time teammate and
friend, senior Jon Dunn, has
equally high praise for Katz. “He’s
definitely a leader on the field,” he
said, “and he always knows when
to take charge.”
“The thing about Ryan,”
Dunn continued, “is he always
works hard, and keeps working
hard, as if he doesn’t already have
a scholarship.”
lent time of 19:53, followed by three of the
co-captains: Horn (20:58), Gonzalez (21:42)
and Nakamura (23:32).
With newly gained confidence, Samo
prepared for their first league meet at Kenneth Hahn Park on Sept. 20. There, the
girls managed to fall just short of a victory.
Cruz (21:10) came in second to Anniya
Louis (20:37), a speedy Culver City senior.
Horn ran a 22:36, neck and neck with Beverly Hills sophomore Raquel Hefflin, who
kept just behind Horn, passing her at the
sprint, and taking the winning point. Regardless, the girls cross-country team is still
hoping for a succesful season.
By Danielle Ehsanipour and Zane Four
Staff Writers
Girls Volleyball Leaves Nothing To Chance
By Sam Bleiberg
Staff Writer
to North Torrance with two
Last year’s volleyball season victories against Serra High and
left much to be desired, but at the St. Mary’s Academy. The girls
same time raised the expectations were eliminated in the playoffs
for this year. The second place by Torrance in a game that Sato
finish in Ocean League last year believed her girls had the potential
was decided by a coin toss, and to win. The loss, according to Sato,
there are no plans
was due to a lack of
of being placed in
“I see so much potential. aggressiveness and
that position again. . . [that] we need to. . . go competitiveness.
“This year we don’t
“The tournament
far in CIF.”
want to rely on a
was a great way to see
-Jennifer Katona
coin toss to decide
how compete with
our seed in the playoffs,” said head other teams,” Sato explained.
coach Liane Sato. Led by juniors
In addition, Sato claims that
Jennifer Katona and Jeana Schkud, the team has gained maturity since
the Lady Vikings are geared up last year. Said Sato, “The girls have
for a very successful season. Said experience playing together and
Katona: “I see so much potential have gained a lot of strength.” She
and raw talent in our varsity team. also points to Katona’s move from
We have everything we need to middle blocker to outside hitter as
not only win league but go far in a strategical advantage.
CIF.”
With any luck, the girls will
The Lady Vikings got their be able to use this tournament to
first taste of competition on Sept. their advantage as fuel for their
15, at a tournament in North competitive fire. The Lady Vikings
Torrance. Samo was successful play El Segundo High School
in pool play, outweighing a loss today in the north gym.
T h e
s a m o h i
P H O T O
E S S A Y
A Day in the Life of
Dr. Pedroza
Photos by Jesse Grebler-Hull, Photo Editor
Standing in the main quad during
lunch, Dr. Hugo Pedroza, Santa Monica High
School’s principal, surveys the scene and
watches students interact. He’s been here for
just over a year and is easily recognizable to
most Samo students, but does anyone know
what he actually does? He talks and smiles:
Dr. Pedroza is Santa Monica High School’s
spokesman. Don’t get the wrong idea; this is
by no means a walk-in-the-park job and Dr.
Pedroza, a hands-on principal, is busy from
morning until night with meetings, paperwork
and school affairs. In addition, throughout
the day Dr. Pedroza visits classes, talks with
campus visitors and religiously attends Samo
athletic events, especially football games.
Dr. Pedroza maintains that one of the most
important parts of his job is to be personable
and easily approachable.
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