By Joani Gillam

Staff Writer

Supporters of the Mira Costa baseball and softball programs expressed concern at a Manhattan Beach Athletic Foundation meet-ing on Oct. 6 that the proposed redesign of athletic facilities will reduce the number of fields on which to practice.

In the tentative plan, in response to BB, the six tennis courts facing Artesia will be removed to make way for a new parking lot

This will be a replacement for the parking lot that will be lost with the construction of the new math and science building. As a result, new tennis courts will be built on parts of the existing soft-ball and baseball fields, as well

FIELD OF DREAMS: In the original, MBAF-proposed design, the baseball field would be moved to make way for three multipurpose fields.

Kendall BuSBy/la ViSta

ASB holds “Manhattan”-themed Homecoming

Baseball boosters express doubt of redesign

A CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT: Seniors Jason Boxer and Anastasia Moore took home the titles of Homecoming King and Queen last Friday at the football game, after being nominated and elected by the senior class.

small gym was styled in a beach theme, like Manhattan Beach.

“The theme was awesome and a great idea,” Student Activities Director Lisa Claypoole said.

Many students said that they enjoyed the dance and looked forward to events that took place during Spirit Week.

“Homecoming was sentimental for us because it’s our senior year, but whether a senior or not, it’s a good time for students and staff,” senior Tristan Köster said.

as tentatively on the new parking lot.

“It is a domino effect. The bot-tom line is, after the construction, the three baseball fields and two softball fields will be reduced to one a piece,” baseball coach Cassidy Olsen said. “We use them all now, so the question is, where will the other, non-varsity teams practice?”

Baseball and softball support-ers and booster clubs worry that their needs won’t be met, and that the elimination of the fields will result in a loss of athletes.

“I believe that the current plan for Costa athletics will eliminate the frosh-soph softball program all together. They won’t have a place to practice,” Mira Costa softball representative Bill von

Behren said.The MBAF currently proposes

adding three general fields to the campus. Each could be used by the baseball program, but would also be available to other sports programs.

“The intention of this plan was to provide open multi-sport fields that everyone could use, with minimal damage to the baseball program. We wanted to make lemonade out of lemons, and build facilities that provide the most flexibility,” MBAF Presi-dent Gary Wayland said.

The $67.5 million bond Mea-sure BB, approved in 2008, funds the construction of various Mira Costa campus facilities, exclud-

See ‘Baseball’ on page 3

Will GoodWin/la ViSta

See ‘Contracts’ on page 3

Teachers union settles on a new contract

Sports

Page 20

EntertainmentOpinion OnlineNo Age’s new album proves that they are now of age.

October 15, 20101401 Artesia Blvd.Vol. LXI Issue 2 www.lavistamchs.com

Page 17

By maGGie roBaK

Staff Writer

The Manhattan Beach Unified Teachers Association came to an agreement with the Manhattan Beach Unified School District Board on teacher contracts on Sept. 15.

Every year, the contract is opened for specific items to be changed, usually minor altera-tions. However, this year the entire contract and its terms had expired and, therefore, could be revised or altered completely.

One of the biggest changes was modifying the average class size ratio of K-5 classes. The ratio was raised from 29:1 to 31:1. The class size average for grades 6-12 will remain at 29:1.

“We would have preferred not to change elementary class size because we feel kids do better in smaller classes. We hope to nego-tiate that again when the economy gets better,” MBUTA President Rachel Thomas said.

In addition to this change, teachers at Mira Costa who chap-erone students on an extended trip will be paid for the days they are out of school. At the elemen-tary schools, teachers whose class is attending a program outside of class, with another credentialed teacher, can use the time as a prep period instead of with their class.

Page 5

Seniors Jason Boxer and Anastasia Moore are chosen as Homecoming King and QueenBy ShelBy adair Staff Writer

Student Government held this year’s “Manhattan in Manhattan”-themed Homecoming Dance Oct. 9, the day after Homecoming. The King and Queen were announced during halftime at the varsity football game on Oct. 8.

Seniors Jason Boxer and An-astasia Moore were chosen as Homecoming King and Queen af-ter seniors voted from six princes and six princesses.

“It was great to win. The whole week was a lot of fun, especially hanging out with a lot of people who I wouldn’t normally hang out with,” Boxer said. “Now I know that I can call them up any-time. It felt really cool, and I felt really well-liked.”

The other princes on court were seniors Ryan Ascencio, Aiden Daye, Julian Monk, J.R. Oshima, and Shane Sisson. The princesses were Sierra Bloodgood, Saman-tha Curry, Mackenzie Green, Sa-vannah Pio, and Sydney Pratt.

The week before the Homecom-ing game was filled with many festive activities. Students par-ticipated in spirit days like “Flan-nel Funday Monday” and “Green and Gold Day.” The Homecom-ing Court, however, had different costume days like “Disney char-acters,” “professions” and “holi-days.” Each member of the court corresponded in costume to its partner’s costume.

“This is all very exciting be-cause I’ve wanted to be on Home-coming Court since freshman year. It has been a very memo-

rable experience,” Pratt said.The Homecoming dance, which

took place in Fisher Gym from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., was decorated to look like New York City.

“The theme this year is very unique because it shows the strik-ing differences between New York and our beach town,” Stu-dent Government member senior Allie Wisialowski said.

Student Government was in charge of organizing and decorat-ing the gym for the dance, along

with running the dance and su-pervising the attendees. They be-gan preparations that morning.

“We worked all Saturday start-ing at 7 to whenever we were done. But it was a satisfying turnout. It was gnarly, so we were stoked,” sophomore Student Government member Dylan Shambaugh said.

Student Government adorned the gym with a variety of decora-tions for the “Manhattan in Man-hattan” theme. The large gym was styled like New York City and the

Mustang football upsets the Sailors, 17-7.

Can you see through the smoke surrounding Prop 19?

Page 7

Did you agree with the Home-coming nomination system? See web-only show reviews,

including Vampire Weekend.

Boys Water PoloOct. 18: Mustangs play Los Alamitos at home, 3:30 p.m.Oct. 21: Costa competes against Palos Verdes at home, 3 p.m.Oct. 28: Mustangs face off against West at home, 3 p.m.Nov. 2: Costa plays Peninsula at home, 5 p.m.

Girls VolleyballOct. 22: Costa faces Palos Verdes at home in Fisher Gym, 7 p.m.Oct. 26: Mustangs play Laguna at home, 6 p.m.Oct. 28: Costa competes against West at home, 5:15 p.m.Oct. 29-30: The Mustangs compete in a tournament in Santa Barbara.Nov. 2: The Mustangs play at Peninsula, 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 4: Costa plays its final Bay League game against Redondo at home, 7 p.m.

Girls TennisOct. 15: Costa travels to Palm Desert for a match, 3 p.m.Oct. 26: Costa plays West at home, 3 p.m.Oct. 28: Costa competes at Peninsula, 2:30 p.m.Nov. 1: Costa ends Bay League season at home against Redondo, 3 p.m.

FootballOct. 22: Mustangs play at Palos Verdes, 7 p.m.Oct. 29: Costa plays Peninsula at home, 7 p.m.

Cross CountryNov. 4: Both teams compete in the Bay League Finals at Peninsula, 1:30 p.m.

CALENDAR

OCT. 19 OCT. 19 OCT. 20

Football plays away at West at 7 p.m.

Boys Water Polo competes away against rival Redondo at 3 p.m.

Girls Tennis ends its Bay League season with a home mach against Palos Verdes at 3 p.m.

Girls Volleyball faces off against Redondo to end its Bay League sea-son at 7 p.m.

SPORTS

On The Web

Overheard“Spirit days take everday monotony and add a touch of fun. I was like, today, I am going to go out in some Spongebob Squarepants pajamas.”

-Vice Principal Jaime Mancilla on the importance of spirit days.

Campus

PSAT Test: The test starts promptly at 8 a.m. All students should bring their Mira Costa ID, number 2 pencils, test receipt, and calculator.

Prism Concert: Hear the Mira Costa vo-cal ensemble, wind ensemble and sympho-ny orchestra all in one concert. The per-formances start at 7 p.m. in the auditorium and is free.

Club Day: Mira Costa clubs will be selling food and drink in the new quad at lunch. Among the items sold will be In-N-Out, Coffe Bean Ice Blendids and Taco Bell.

Red Ribbon Week:Monday: PACE members will be distrib-uting Red Ribbon Week wristbands and lollipops at lunch. Homeroom classrooms can begin decorating their doors. Tuesday: A DJ will be playing music at lunch. Wednesday: Students can get Drug Free tattoos from PACE members at lunch. PACE will begin judging for the door contest. Thursday: PACE members will finish judging Homeroom doors. Friday: Door contest winners will be an-nounced. All students will attend an as-sembly to hear three young speakers tell their stories of substance abuse.

Halloween Costume Contest: Judging will take place in the quad at lunch.

8th Grade Green and Gold Dance: Eighth graders from MBMS are invited to a Mira Costa dance from 5-6:45 p.m. in the cafeteria.

After-Game Dance: All Mira Costa stu-dents are invited to a dance after the foot-ball game against Peninsula from 9-11 p.m. in the cafeteria.

In-N-Out Spring Honor Roll Lunch: Mira Costa students who received a mini-mum 3.5 GPA last semester will receive a complimentary burger, chips, and drink.

Lavistamchs.com now has video! Our up-dated article on Superintendent Dr. Mike Matthews now includes video. Also, view our daily photos and follow all Mustang fall sports with up-to-date sports briefs.

Community

“Moonlight and Magnolias” Opening Night: This comedy set in 1939 about the making of “Gone With The Wind” will run from Oct. 26 to Nov. 7 at the Hermosa Beach Playhouse. Tickets are $35-$40 and can be purchased online at www.hermosabeachplayhouse.com or by calling the box office at (310) 372-4477.

Pier-to-Pier Friendship Walk: This walk starts at 9:30 a.m. and benefits local education foundations as well as the Friendship Circle Club. To register and donate go to www.pier2pierwalk.com

Manhattan Beach City Council Meeting: The meeting will take place at City Hall, 6:30 p.m.

TODAY

Manhattan Beach Pumpkin Races: Come to the Manhattan Beach pier from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Bring a decorated pumpkin on wheels to race, or come just to watch and enjoy the festivities.

Hermosa Beach City Council: Meeting at City Hall, 7 p.m.

Manhattan Beach City Council Meet-ing: The meeting will take place at City Hall, 6:30 p.m.

COURT IS IN SESSION: Homecoming court members (from left) Anastasia Moore, Ryan As-cencio, Shane Sisson, Mackenzie Green, and Samantha Curry charge across Bill Cooper Field, exciting the crowd for the Homecoming pep rally on Oct. 8.

Mira Costa Night: Students interested in enrolling at Mira Costa can talk to dif-ferent Mira Costa organizations and stu-dents to learn about all of Costa’s offer-ings at 7 p.m. in the MBMS gym.

will goodwin/la vista

to

carina glasser/la vista

wEAkENING THE wARRIORS: Senior captain Ella Rosenfeld spikes the ball past west’s blockers on Oct. 12 in Costa’s three-game sweep against West. Despite barely winning the first game 25-20, Costa finished the match easily, winning the second and third games, 25-13 and 25-16, re-spectively. Rosenfeld’s 10 kills helped bring the Mustangs a win and a 2-0 Bay League record.

News 3La VistaOctober 15, 2010

‘Contracts’ continued from page one

‘Baseball’ continued from page one

Marching Band wins five awards in competitionBy Krista roBerts

staff Writer

Lindon Chen/La Vista

AT LEAST THERE ARE NO GUNS AT THIS FAIR: Mira Costa and Redondo Union High School students visited the College Fair, held in the Redondo gym on Oct. 6. Colleges from around the nation came to show students about their schools and the application process for their universities. Read the full story at www.lavistamchs.com

Therefore, the MBAF is privately fund-ing the redesign of the athletic facilities with a budget of $1 million, which it will raise independently.

“It is MBAF’s job with the million dol-lars to come up with the best solution pos-sible. We want to find an option that ev-eryone will be able to compromise with,” Wayland said.

Demolition of the tennis courts begins next summer, so the MBAF would like to submit the athletic blueprints to MBUSD as soon as possible. In order to address the needs of all of Mira Costa’s entire athletic program, Wayland is creating a “steering” committee to discuss the plans.

This committee will consist of eight to 14 representatives from various athletic programs including the baseball, softball and youth athletic programs. This commit-tee will meet on a regular basis to ensure

that the most accommodating plan pos-sible will be submitted to the school board in December.

“The most positive thing regarding the next steps for the plan is the committee. It’ll get everyone’s opinions involved, which is something we’ve been wanting,” Manhattan Beach Little League Executive Board member Jeff Proctor said.

The proposed plan for Mira Costa ath-letic construction is not final. Alternative ideas may still be taken into consideration. Suggestions include reducing the number of tennis courts or building tennis courts on top of the new parking lot.

“The goal is to look for an option to uti-lize space for each sport and for them to all have a home on campus. We want to make sure that each and every student athlete will enjoy participating in Costa athletics after the construction,” Wayland said.

The Mira Costa Marching Band took home five awards, at the South Bay Invitational Field Tournament for its show “Coastal Waters” on Oct. 2.

The Marching Band won three first-place awards for music, gen-eral effect, and best overall.

“Clearly, every band member's hard work paid off at the field tournament and as a drum ma-jor, I am extremely proud of the band's accomplishments,” drum major and senior Zeena Bhakta said. “This taste of success has only further invigorated the band to perform even better in upcom-ing competitions.”

The band also won two first- place awards in its division for percussion and color guard.

“Color guard has a majority of newcomers this year. The fact that we are performing so well despite having so many first-year team members is really encourag-ing,” said color guard captain and junior Satkartar Khalsa.

The Marching Band’s show is titled “Coastal Waters.” The per-formance features the movements Sunset, Shoreline Bonfire, Celes-tial Reflections and Sunrise, all

variations on a tropical theme.“Sunset shows the changing

color of the water as it reflects the sun; Shoreline Bonfire is just after the sun sets and has some tribal-type music and dancing,” assistant drum major and senior Amy Boone said. “Celestial Re-flections focuses on the stars and their reflections in the water, as well as Sunrise.”

Ten marching bands partici-pated in the competition, includ-ing those from Redondo Union High School, El Segundo High School, and Granada Hills Senior High School. Later this fall, the Marching Band will compete at competitions in Chino, Moorpark and Baldwin Park.

“We’ve lost to some of these high schools in other competi-tions last year, so it was great see how much we have improved since then,” sophomore Lauren Schnuckel said.

This year, Marching Band di-rector Joel Carlson decided to take a more aggressive, organized approach to practice in order to maximize the band’s benefits. They met three times a week, for a total of six hours, in order to practice for future competitions.

“We worked to create a rehears-al environment where everyone from freshmen to seniors knows

the routine inside and out. We hold everyone responsible to per-form their best, regardless of their age,” said Carlson. “It puts a lot of pressure on our freshmen, but ultimately when we are perform-ing, nobody will know who is a freshman and who is a senior.”

With their new rehearsal pro-

cess, which includes singing at practice with the help of choir director Michael Hayden, the Marching Band hopes to contin-ue their recent success in future competitions.

“The Marching Band has changed its rehearsal technique this past year, and it has paid off

tremendously. These are the high-est awards we have won since any of us have been here, including Mr. Carlson,” Boone said. “Al-though the awards themselves are not what we are striving for, it is great to have a physical represen-tation of the progress this band has made.”

Teachers who are forced to switch class-rooms or grade levels during the school year get two days’ worth of extra pay as compensation for the time they spend moving rooms or coming up with new cur-riculum for their students.

“The changes were mostly minor. Most of them were internal changes affecting the teachers,” Thomas said.

The teachers voted on this new contract the day before school started. After it was passed, the contract was ratified by the MBUSD School Board.

The teachers voted anonymously then signed a document confirming they had voted. Once the votes were cast, they were sent to the South Bay United Teachers of-fice. They were then tallied and the con-tract was passed.

Though it took some time for the district

and union to settle, they are satisfied that they settled on good terms.

“We were pleased that we were able to come to terms with our teachers and were able to keep our school year at 180 days. Many districts around us have cut the school year by five days,” MBUSD Board President Ida Vanderpoorte said.

Overall, the negotiation went well and the contract was passed by the majority of the teachers. The district and teachers were able to come to an agreement they were both happy with.

“Anytime we shake hands and come to an agreement is great with our union. We didn’t have to add any furlough days or make cuts to teachers and classified pay. I think we are all happy with the way things turned out,” MBUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Matthews said.

4 La Vista October 15, 2010

Local organization carries firearms to exercise rights at fairNews

FIREARMS AND FUNNEL CAKE: The South Bay Open Carry Movement visited the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair, which took place on Oct. 2 and 3, after threatening to sue the city and fair if it was not able to attend.

By Diane Lee

Staff Writer

The South Bay Open Carry Movement, after a heated debate with Hometown Fair officials, at-tended this year’s Hometown fair to exercise its Second Amend-ment rights.

The South Bay Open Carry movement, founded by Hermosa Beach resident Harley Green, hoped to raise awareness of its right to carry guns for protection.

The Hometown Fair Commit-tee asked the group not to bring any weapons to the fair, and gave Green of a map that detailed gun-free zones of the fairgrounds.

This map indicated that almost two thirds of the Hometown Fair was inaccessible to open-carriers due to a church building nearby that is considered a facility of American Martyrs School, thus violating the Gun-Free School Act that states no weapons are allowed within 1,000 feet of an educational building.

“It’s very clear that the police department was manipulating the Gun-Free School Zone Act to keep us from being at the fair,” Green said.

Green responded by declaring that the group would sue fair of-ficials for limiting its rights, as it believed the board was not legal in extending the boundaries of the gun free zone.

The fair board then lifted the bans on weapons to avoid a costly legal battle and allowed the orga-nization to attend the fair.

“They have been very difficult to work with and things were just getting so distracted that we de-cided to ask people not to bring weapons, but we are not going to have them arrested if they do,” Hometown Fair Board President Maggie Movius said.

Green held a meeting with several police officers in August to inform the Manhattan Beach Police Department of the group’s intention to enter the fair with weapons and their rights to do so.

“When you have an unedu-cated police force about open car-rying, conflict arises.” Green said. “So before we do events, I meet with the police departments to ex-plain what we are doing, so it’s all clear, we’re on the same page. If they have any concerns, they let me know then, and I can address them with my group.”

The officers told Green that he needed to ask the Hometown Fair board for permission to carry unloaded weapons. Green then had another meeting with the fair board in September.

“We have an excellent relation-ship with the city and the police, and our fair is safe. [The fair] has a 38-year history of safety, and we neither thought necessary nor welcomed their presence at our

fair,” Movius said.Although fair officials were

worried about the outcome, most police were content with the end-ing results, as no arrests were made or violent actions taken.

“The day seemed to go fine. There were no arrests, and I’m not aware of any conflicts. They were respectful and they were able to demonstrate their rights to open carry,” MBPD Officer

Stephanie Martin said. “I also had many people come up and ask me about the open carrying folks.”

Green said that he was pleased with the way the weekend turned out and that he will definitely come back next year. He also said many citizens at the fair came up to ask him questions about their organization and motives.

He explained that some were rude and disrespectful to him,

while others were curious and asked about the movement.

“You need to put aside your prejudice and emotional feelings against it and do a little bit of per-sonal research first.” Green said. “Look at the statistics of what happened when cities adopted gun-control policies. Crime rates rocketed. Research the Second Amendment and see what it says. Read the Constitution.”

KenDaLL BuSBy/La ViSta

5OPINIONOctober 15, 2010 La Vista

DSniatiohStahdard

Proposition 19 smokes out the state budget deficit

Fortune gives Whitman unfair advantage

The social status quo must evolve in light of bullying suicidesBy Justin tam

staff Writer

Intolerance and bigotry take many different forms, whether in laws restricting human rights or the abuse of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twit-ter, in order to pester a certain de-mographic.

In a recent case, social networks were used as vehicles for callous-ness and harassment, resulting in the death of Tyler Clementi, a gay student at Rutgers University. This begs the question: when will action be taken to stop acts like this from occurring in the future?

Clementi, who was reportedly not open about his sexuality, had his privacy invaded by his room-mate, Dhuran Ravi, and another

Rutgers freshman, Molly Wei. They secretly recorded Clem-enti’s sexual encounters with an-other man and posted a link to the video on their Twitter accounts.

Three days after the incident, Clementi posted a Facebook sta-tus saying, “Jumping off the GW [George Washington] bridge sor-ry” and his body was found in the Hudson River a week later.

Backlash regarding the incident was immediate. Condemnation of Ravi and Wei’s acts came from all over the country, with critics cit-ing anti-gay sentiments, the rise of cyberbullying and the increas-ing intolerance of the American youth over social networks.

Garden State Equality (GSE), a New Jersey statewide gay, les-bian, bisexual, and transgender

(LGBT) group, called for schools to better educate students regard-ing bullying and for Ravi and Wei to receive the highest possible punishment for their acts.

“We are sickened that anyone in our society, such as the stu-dents allegedly responsible for

making the surreptitious video, might consider destroying others’ lives as a sport,” GSE chair Ste-ven Goldstein said in an interview with the Princeton Packet.

Ravi and Wei are currently charged with two counts of inva-sion of privacy, each with a maxi-mum sentence of five years, and

pending charges of bias. Besides these charges, the pair

may also be expelled from Rut-gers for violating the code of con-duct which prohibits cyber-bul-lying, harassment and recording someone without consent in a set-ting of presumed privacy, accord-

ing to Direc-tor of Student Content Anne Newman.

On the sur-face, the problem seems to be the result of lax education regarding cyber-bullying and tolerance. In recent years, cyber-bullying has risen dramatically, often because of intolerance toward a person’s sexuality or mannerisms.

In the three weeks between Clementi’s suicide and when he

was found, four other boys, some open about their sexuality, oth-ers not, committed suicide due to bullying.

This rise of intolerance is driv-en by the message sent to Ameri-ca’s teens by the continued efforts of intolerant organizations as well as laws and regulations put in place by the government. Policies such as the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and the lack of recognition of same-sex marriage in all but eight states fuel intoler-ance toward gays and others.

The hope is that, in the future, tolerance will become the status quo in a progressive America and that incidents such as the tragic deaths of Clementi and four other young men will never happen again.

Top ten Halloween costumes

10. Mr. Fauver’s DBQ prompts

9. The Truckstop frontman

8. Dress up as Ron Burgundy; make sure you ask Julian Monk where he got his suit.

7. Lame Kiffin, complete with a genuine Pop Warner playbook

6. Snooki

5. Chrisine O’Donnell; break out the witch costume.

4. Bring back “Star Wars” costumes; Party City, prepare for a meteoric rise in demand of Jar-Jar Binks and Yoda costumes in adult large.

3. Cover yourself in lunch meat and call yourself Lady Gaga.

2. Be some sort of scantily dressed animal/insect/plant and call the lack of clothing ironic.

1. Try to measure up to Jason Boxer’s impeccable Wall-E costume; we dare you.

- Kyle allen, eric Zheng, and casey ZirBel/ OpiniOn editOrs

The proposed legalization of Marijuana through Proposition 19 would bring in an estimated $8.7 billion of revenue for California during the fiscal crisis.

Keely murphy/ la Vista

By alex White

cOntriButing Writer

Is $140 million enough to win a gubernatorial election? Meg Whitman hopes so. As of Oct. 5, she has spent at least $140 mil-lion, $119 million out of her own pocket, to fund her campaign to be California’s governor. This leaves her competitor, Jerry Brown, at a severe and unfair disadvantage.

Allowing Whitman to freely spend her own fortune, which has no bearing on political capability, changes the focus of the election from policy to flashy advertise-ments and cripples our democ-racy.

This spending has had a con-siderable effect on the race. Whit-man’s popularity has been on a steady rise in points since late June, shortly after winning her primary. It is a travesty to see people deciding to vote for Whit-man, not because of her platform, but because of what is conveyed about Brown through ads.

Whitman, who was CEO of Ebay for 10 years, is currently

worth $1.3 billion, according to Forbes, and she has spent much of this vast fortune on advertising in both her primary and general elections. Jerry Brown, Califor-nia’s governor from 1975-83, has spent just $10.7 million on his campaign.

Whitman’s funding goes to many different places, but Polit-ico says that over $60 million of this has gone to the Federal Elec-tion Commission, a company that buys radio and television advertis-ing spots. Californians have seen and heard these ads for months, and they seemed to have worked. Whitman won her primary by 37 percent, in no small part because of her controversial attack ads.

The two most recent gov-ernors of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gray Davis, each outspent their opponents in their respective elections.

This system where ads can sway swing voters and sometimes steal an election corrupts the purpose of democracy. Whitman is buying votes to get herself elected. Cali-fornians should be casting their

votes based on their opinions and facts about the candidates, not li-bel and empty promises.

Before Whitman ran for gov-ernor, she ran a major corpora-tion, making billions of dollars, while Brown has spent most of his career dedicated to public of-fice. The current system punishes Brown for not having his own personal wealth. Allowing Whit-man to spend a fortune on her campaign without limit is unfair.

Some may say that Whitman is just taking advantage of what she has, but in reality she is using an advantage that has nothing to do with her political capabilities. The billions she earned before she ran for governor should have no bearing on the election.

Whitman’s actions affirm the need for a campaign spending cap. The cap would even the play-ing field and force voters to focus on policy and not advertisements.

Hopefully, Whitman’s record-setting spending will not sway voters, but instead they will take the time to evaluate the candi-dates based on their positions.

By emma rOsenBaum

spOrts editOr

The economy is in its worst state since the Great Depression, and California’s $19.9 billion budget deficit has grown to be the largest nationwide. Without try-ing everything possible to get out of the economic hole that Califor-nia has dug itself into, debts will continue to grow indefinitely.

Marijuana should not be seen as one of California’s problems. Legalizing it would greatly alle-viate California’s budget crisis.

Proposition 19, which will be on the statewide ballot on Nov. 2, offers the legalization of mari-juana as one solution. It legalizes marijuana but also places restric-tions upon how much can be sold as well as who can sell and buy it. It also proposes a tax on all can-nabis products, which would be

collected by local governments.Collecting taxes on cannabis

products creates revenue for the state. Currently, the state wastes taxpayers money and law en-forcement resources prosecuting marijuana-related offenses in-stead of more severe crimes.

According to the Cato Insti-tute, legalizing marijuana would bring in $8.7 billion annually via taxes, saved legal fees and fines. These savings would cut Califor-nia’s budget deficit nearly in half, increasing the amount of money that could be spent on reforming California’s education and health care systems in California.

According to The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, there are 65,000 to 85,000 people incarcerated in this country for marijuana-related crimes. The legalization of mari-juana would alleviate the stress

on California’s prison system. The opposition to Prop 19

claims that the gaps in the propo-sition will have serious unintend-ed effects on public safety and workplaces. If anything, bring-ing marijuana under government -control will bring down chances of marijuana-related crime.

In the 1930s, when the prohibi-tion of alcohol was repealed in the U.S., organized crime went down significantly because there was no longer a need for it. The same can be predicted for marijuana.

The effects of the Great Depres-sion radiated throughout America and the rest of the world until the late 1940s. America has suffered greatly through economic hard-ships since 2008. It is irrespon-sible to not make every attempt at salvaging the situation, and Prop-osition 19 presents an opportunity to do so.

The hope is that, in the future, tolerance will become the status quo in a progres-sive America.

6 OPINION October 15, 2010La Vista

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LA ViSTA iS The STudenT newSpApeR of miRA coSTA high SchooL. iTS conTenT, iS The ReSponSibiLiTy of The LA ViSTA STAff, And noT SubJecT To AdminiSTRATiVe AppRoVAL. unSigned ediToRiALS RefLecT The opinionS of The newSpApeR, whiLe opinion coLumnS RepReSenT The wRiTeR’S View. AdVeRTiSemenTS do noT neceSSAR-iLy RepReSenT The newSpApeR’S View. LA ViSTA, An open foRum, weLcomeS Signed LeTTeRS on iSSueS fRom The mchS communiTy. They mAy be mAiLed To mike mcAVin in The AdminiSTRATion mAiLbox oR emAiLed To LAViSTAopinion@gmAiL.com. LeTTeRS mAy be ediTed foR LengTh And cLARiTy. foR Ad RATeS, pLeASe conTAcT ouR buSineSS mAnAgeR AT LAViSTAbuSineSS@gmAiL.com

Editor’s NotE

staff Editorial

by Leo ShAw

ediToR-in-chief

The college application process often turns exciting, discouraging, nerve-wrack-ing and downright mystifying. As ardu-ous as it is, though, the frenzy of picking schools, writing essays, and doing paper-work before the year ends is a great oppor-tunity to reflect on past achievements and look forward to a clean slate.

To be totally honest, today is the dead-line I set for myself to submit my Early Decision application, and I am exhausted. On the other hand, it means that I will have time to start the UC application early, and I now have my main Common Application writing section done. So the first moral of the story is time management, and the thing to do is start early.

Given that it is October already, it is pretty late in the game to be doing that. In my short experience with the applica-tion process, though, the best cure for pro-crastination is to get excited about where that application is going. The more of a school’s website and publications I read

and the more research I do, the more I want to be there and the more motivated I am to work toward that.

The college application process and the whole idea of moving beyond high school are daunting, but also present the opportu-nity to consider the direction one wants to go professionally as well as personally. As much as senior year is a time for stepping

back from the maelstrom of activities and classes that consume the first three years of high school, it is also a time to make criti-cal decisions about the future.

At the same time, it is impossible to consider future careers, potential majors and other efforts further down the road without some introspection on the journey thus far.

The more that I think about where I want to go, the more it forces me to reflect on who I have become over the last three years and how high school has shaped me.

The severity of senioritis varies across cam-pus on a case-by-case basis, but as much as the most eager senior wants to leave Mira Costa, it is impossible not to think about how we have changed during our tenures as Mustangs.

In addition to an API score among the best in the state, seniors have a lot to be thankful for. Costa is a place defined by the

c o m m u n i -ties that it consists of. From the arts and aca-

demic classes to sports and extracurricu-lars, the stories of our high school careers are told in the experiences we have had in these activities, ones that have hopefully oriented us to what it is we will make of the rest of our lives.

So as seniors trudge through the process of neglecting their academic studies during the day and frantically working on applica-tions by night, we need to remember that we still have a few precious months left to burn as brightly as we can. And juniors: where are you applying again?

Applications offer chances to reflect

input, two necessary factors in a compre-hensive evaluation. On the other hand, the administrator evaluation is an incomplete assessment which relies solely on an obser-vation made during a single class period of

observations, greatly narrowing the scope of assessment.

According to the MBUTA, a tenured teacher can either be approved or recom-mended for reevaluation in two years at the conclusion of an evaluation. In theory, if a teacher has repeatedly not improved, he or she works with an administrator on an improvement plan and could ultimately be

In recent months, the evaluation of teachers has been recognized as an area of issue in the nationwide effort to reform America’s education system.

In the last two years, The Los Angeles Times has published a series of articles describing some of the difficulties school dis-tricts face with upholding the quality of teaching. The most recent installment in this se-ries discussed modifying the Los Angeles Unified School District’s current system of evaluating teachers to include a “value-added” approach.

“Value added” merely means considering a teacher’s improvement from one year to the next based on how well his or her students performed on standardized tests, such as STAR tests.

This aspect provides valu-able information, but it does not address many of the im-portant facts of good teach-ing, such as student response, classroom presence, com-mand of the material, etc.

Given that a teacher is the most critical part of a child’s education and the district cannot afford to pay for inef-fective teaching, an effective evaluation is necessary. Es-pecially in this fiscal crisis, having teachers that are com-petent, committed and reli-able is essential to providing the best education possible.

As of now, teachers in the MBUSD are evaluated one of two ways: a “360” evalu-ation that includes input from students and parents and an administrator evaluation in which an administrator sits in on a teacher’s class for a class period.

These methods cannot give a fully accu-rate picture of a teacher’s performance on their own. The 360 evaluation, once con-sidered to be an avant-garde solution to the evaluation problem, actually neglects ad-equate administrator and department chair

recommended for dismissal if the teacher is proven to be a detriment to his or her stu-dents’ learning.

However, in practice the process is not as simple as it appears and rarely results in

the dismissal of a teacher.Many opponents to teachers

unions favor a more punitive ap-proach, which is both counter-productive and naive. According to a study done by LA Weekly, the average cost of firing a teacher in LAUSD is $500,000. Although MBUSD is certainly not comparable in many areas, it is obvious that the district doesn’t have the resources to threaten job status.

Thus, a more constructive and holistic approach to the evalu-ation process is the best way to improve the quality of teaching in the district.

For an evaluation to be ef-fective, it must include student, peer, parent, department chair and administrator input, as well as standardized testing scores (such as STAR and AP) and grades on department finals. Considering such a wide range of information will provide a complete picture of teacher per-formance and give concrete fo-cus to areas of improvement.

The respective weight of these components should also differ between the elementary and the secondary level. For in-stance, a student’s input should progressively outweigh the par-ent’s as the student advances through the education system.

A revised evaluation system would allow an administra-

tor and teacher to devise a more accurate improvement plan at the conclusion of the evaluation.

This holistic approach to the evaluation process would do a better job of improving the quality of teaching in the district than the current system, while working within the realities of our district’s budget and tenure system.

In my short experience with the application process the best cure for procrastination is to get excited about where it is the application is going.

Evaluation system needs adjustment

keeLy muRphy/ LA ViSTA

OPINIONOctober 15, 2010 7La Vista

Pro/Con

Is the Homecoming voting system adequate?

Does the Homecoming election process need change?roving rePorter

Pro: Con:

By Krista roBerts

staff Writer

With such a talented and accomplished senior class, it is difficult to elect only 12 to the 2011 Homecoming Court.

As part of Mira Costa tradition, a system of student voting has been used to select which students will be on court. In theory, this procedure chooses students based on their contributions to the school and com-munity. However, the process only allows students to vote, excluding the opinions of teachers and administrators and eliminat-ing perspectives teachers may have of their students in the classroom.

To select Homecoming court, a list of nominees is first presented to ASB. Clubs and selected electives each hold a super-vised election to nominate one boy and one

girl; clubs with over 60 people are allowed four nominees total. A list of nominees is created, and all seniors and juniors vote for up to six boys and six girls.

The Homecoming Court should repre-sent the very best of the senior class, with nominees well-respected among the teach-ers as well as the students. Teachers are often well informed of students’ extracur-ricular activities and sports, and, therefore, could contribute valid opinions to the nom-ination process.

Selection of the court should not be like that of the Student of the Year, with too much teacher consideration and emphasis on grades.

However, if every teacher was given a ballot like the rest of the upperclassmen, it would ensure the selection of 12 students that are not only respected by their peers but also their instructors.

Teachers can either simply be included in the overall vote,

or the election process could be divided up. Teachers could select two of the

nominees, while the students select the

remaining 10. Either way, teachers would have a voice

without changing the purpose of the court.

In addition, only upperclass-men are allowed to vote. Instead of receiving 12 votes like the upperclassmen, underclassmen could vote for six of the nomi-nees. The court members are meant to be leaders and examples for underclassmen; therefore, they should have a voice.

With a Homecoming Court chosen by both students and teachers, a well-rounded group of students would be chosen to represent each senior class.

These nominees would reflect the views of the entire student

body and the faculty, instead of just those of juniors and seniors.

By eric Zheng

opinion editor

Homecoming is an annual tradition which takes place at Costa and high schools across the nation. It is centered around a dance and the naming of a Homecoming King and Queen. Homecoming requires little change in its process, including that of forming the Homecoming Court.

Currently at Costa, participants in the Homecoming Court are nominated by clubs or student groups and then elected by the student body. The nominees then participate in a week of school-sponsored activities in hopes of winning the honor of Homecoming King or Queen.

The current Homecoming system is the most suitable for Costa. Having clubs and groups nominate participants ensures that nominees are active students who meet the expected standards of the homecom-ing court.

As a result, the Home-coming court is unique, as it models the di-verse interests of the senior class. Giving clubs and groups the power to nominate participants rather than individual students also prevents the entire process from become a popularity contest on a mass scale.

Allowing only upperclassmen to vote in the elections ensures that the Homecoming Court is nominated and decided upon by its peers. It also prevents popularity from becoming a central issue with underclassmen who are not familiar with the students of the court. The court should represent the most ac-tive students who are both admired and respected by their peers, rather than merely popular.

On another note, a leading goal of the Homecoming week festivities is to promote school spirit and student

ASB does Homecoming just right Homecoming needs big changesinvolvement. Drawing the Homecoming Court nominees from clubs promotes stu-dent involvement in extracurriculars such as clubs.

However, other systems do have their advantages, but none are more appropriate than ASB’s current policy. Having students nominate participants allows more students to be involved in the Court, but results in a large court that is subject to popularity, and not the merits of its nominees.

The existing policy creates a Homecom-ing Court that includes active students, rep-resents the majority of the senior class and promotes participation in extracurriculars.

Changing the Homecoming nomination system would be like reinventing the wheel and obtaining an inferior product. Costa’s current policy is best suited to produce the Homecoming King and Queen.

“I like it because it gives people who are involved in the school

a chance to be recognized instead of simply being a

popularity contest.”

Katie WarshawJunior

“I think that it goes pretty well.”

Page olsonSophomore

“Yes, it should be more fair. They should show the video

before the elections.”

Matt BeuderFreshman

photos By LeLand Lesnever/ La vista

“The election process doesn’t matter to me.”

Alexandra guggisbergJunior

Dan Debevecteacher

“Let the student body vote.”

KeeLy Murphy/ La vista

Team L.A. Club members give to the team they love8 La Vista FEATURES October 15, 2010

By Logan SchLoSSBerg and erica Schnieder

Staff WriterS

KendaLL BuSBy/ La ViSta

Every Tuesday at lunch in room 5, it’s all about purple and gold.

Team L.A. Club on campus, led by senior presidents Ryan Siegelman and Brendan Sofen, works to raise money for the Lak-ers Youth Foundation. The club comes together to talk about its pride for all-things related to L.A. sports, as well as giving back to their community.

Team L.A. has entirely new leadership this year, with Siegelman and Sofen acting as co-presidents and senior Chance Keenan and junior Alec Weaver sharing the duties of vice-presi-dent.

“Ryan Siegelman and I learned many lessons from Brett Nielson,

KOBE CLUB: Team L.A. Club’s passion for the Lakers has inspired its members to make plans donate to the Lakers Youth Foundation later this year.

our former president. Next year, Alec Weaver is going to run Team L.A. and further our teaching

of loving our local Los Angeles sports,” Sofen said.

Team L.A. is also a club dedi-

cated to following and supporting the Los Angeles Lakers. Meet-ings consist of debriefings on recent Lakers news, including games, scores, team standing, and game schedules. Members also share their opinions on these sub-jects and when possible, attend games.

“Last year, we got free tickets from the Lakers for our gener-ous donations to The Los Ange-les Lakers Foundation and at-tended multiple Laker games,” Siegelman said.

The goals of this non-profit community organization include using basketball to encourage education and promote self-confidence among young people in Los Angeles. The foundation specifically finances after-school programs for underprivileged youth.

“We hope to raise money by

conducting car washes, Club Day proceeds and maybe even small events to reach out to those in need,” club secretary and senior Kendra Carlo said. “Specifically, we’re trying to raise money for the Lakers Youth Foundation, which was very appreciative of our donations in the previous years of this clubs.”

Those interested in learning more about the upcoming Laker events and other Team L.A. relat-ed activities, as well as donating to the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation should visit room 5 at lunch on Tuesdays.

“Team L.A. is not just a club. It’s a place where we can come together with a common interest: the fact that we bleed purple and gold,” Weaver said. “I am glad to be part of a club that represents the greatest city in the world. I love L.A.”

Thiftis makes memorable debut at the Hometown FairBy Katie Mcgregor

Staff Writer

Some of the South Bay’s most talented musicians, including the Mira Costa student band Thiftis, duked it out with riffs and chords at the Manhattan Beach Old Hometown Fair’s annual Battle of the Bands on Oct. 2.

Thiftis is a pop-punk band that features seniors Andy Hershey on lead guitar and vocals, Max Wohlmuth on rhythm guitar, Joey Nichols on bass and Colin Olson on drums. Their sound is heav-ily influenced by bands such as Thrice, Blink-182 and Alkaline Trio.

“It was definitely fun playing at the Hometown Fair,” Wohl-muth said. “We had been prac-ticing a lot during the two weeks before it and the practices were pretty serious. Playing was a lot more fun than the practice, and it was really cool to hear our final result.”

Thiftis competed against five different bands and artists from around the South Bay and Los Angeles area. Although they did not win at the Battle of the Bands, the band views the experience as a valuable learning opportunity.

“Thiftis brought good energy to the stage. All of their songs were catchy, and the vocal har-monies were great,” senior Joe McMahon said.

The first-place winner was Goodfellas, a “country folk” band from Manhattan Beach. The sec-ond-place prize went to Ayline, a pop singer from Redondo Beach,

and Taylor Collins, a blues rock band from Torrance. The other competitors included PLEJ, a rock and pop band from Redondo Beach, and Oak Street Blues of Pasadena.

“The band got a great recep-tion from the audience. They played a very energetic set de-spite the fact that they had never played an event or show of that size,” McMahon said.

Thiftis played a 10-minute set of three songs, two of their own, called “Marxxx” and “Shift,” and a cover of “In Exile” by Thrice. Overall, they were happy with their reception from the audience, although the band would have loved to win the competition.

“All in all, it was fun because that was the first time all of us played together in a real show,” Nichols said. “We had a good time, regardless of the judging process.”

The band is a relatively new band at Mira Costa that was started by Hershey, Wohlmuth, and Olson during their junior year. Nichols joined the band in January to round out their line up. Soon after, they decided on the name Thiftis.

Thiftis has yet to record any of

their songs, and The Battle of the Bands was their first major show.

“Thiftis was great at Battle of the Bands,” senior Kerianne Grant said. “I definitely want to see them perform again.”

The band plans to record and is looking forward to being able to play other shows. Nichols and Hershey are responsible for writ-ing the music, but every member of the band works together to pro-duce the final product.

The band wants its sound to be

unique, and members hope their music will not be compared to bands in the same pop-punk genre that are considered unoriginal.

“We are planning on recording when we get around to it. With school, we are pretty busy but we’ll find time,” Wohlmuth said. “Hopefully, people will like the kind of music we play and word about Thiftis will get around. Honestly, I’m happy with where we are now and progressing will just make it that much better.”

KendaLL BuSBy/ La ViSta

PUNK ROCK: Seniors Max Wohlmuth (left),Andy Hershey, Colin Olson and Joey Nichols have recently joined forces to start the punk-rock band Thiftis.

ROCK ON: Wohlmuth (left) and Her-shey perform at the Old Hometown Fair Battle of the Bands on Oct. 2.

KendaLL BuSBy/ La ViSta

‘The Dining Room’ is bound to serve a theatrical feastBy aVa KLein

Staff Writer

The Mira Costa Drama De-partment’s fall show is sure to be a topic of conversation at dinner tables across the South Bay.

The fall play, “The Dining Room,” which is directed by Costa drama teacher Carol Mat-thews and director Luke Yankee, will open on Nov. 5.

Yankee and Matthews held au-ditions during the week of Sept. 20. In order to audition, students prepared a one-minute dramatic or comedic monologue to per-form in front of Yankee and Mat-thews. The next day the directors

held call-backs in which they in-vited a select number of students to perform a second time. At call-backs, students were given scenes from the play to perform so the directors could see more of their acting abilities.

“I was absolutely thrilled when I made the cast of the fall play,” sophomore Sawyer Fuller said. “It was a really hard show to get into because of the competitive auditioning process, and I am just thrilled that I will get to be a part of this production.”

Despite the loss of many tal-ented performers in last year’s graduating class, Drama Thespian Club president and senior Kris-

tin O’Brien is optimistic about Costa’s future plays and budding talent.

“We miss p e r f o r m i n g with the peo-ple who gradu-ated last year,” O’Brien said. “It’s definitely the people that make the ex-perience. The Drama Depart-ment continues to be full of tal-ented people dedicated to making each production successful.”

The Dining Room was first

performed in New York, writ-ten and directed by A.R. Gurney in January 1981. The play is set

entirely in the dining room of a wealthy, elitist New England fam-ily, with some satirical, funny and touching scenes.

The dining table repre-sents a touch-stone for all

families. One of the most memo-rable scenes occurs when a young college student interviews his

“I hope the fall and future plays bring new opportuni-ties for students to showcase their talent and creativity whether it be onstage or be-

hind the scenes.”

Kristin O’BrienDrama Club President

aunt about how people would eat in such a dining room.

The Mira Costa Drama De-partment is very excited to begin the rehearsals for the first play of the school year. Although it will require many long hours of re-hearsal, they are ready to put in the work.

“I’m really excited to see where our department will go in the future. We have really en-thusiastic underclassmen, which is extremely exciting,” O’Brien said. “I hope the fall and future plays bring new opportunities for students to showcase their talent and creativity whether it be on-stage or behind the scenes.”

THEME 9La VistaOctober 15, 2010

Mira Costa clubs make a difference in the lives of othersCosta clubs like Baby Help, Big Hearts Club and Habitat for Humanity are not publicized as much as oth-er clubs, but that does not stop them from enriching the lives of the needy on both a local and global scale.

Insler said.During Spring Break, a few

members of the club will visit the orphanage to check on its prog-ress. Furthermore, from Oct. 12 to Dec. 1, the club will be hav-ing a fund raiser in order to send computers to the orphanage.

Inspired by a young girl in the Dominican Republic, Big Hearts Club has developed into a non-

profit organization to aid people with heart conditions and provide other community service oppor-tunities. Its meetings are held in room 36 on Tuesdays at lunch.

“The club started out because we wanted to help a girl with an enlarged heart and her family. They didn’t have enough money to pay for her operations or medi-cation,” club president and senior

Sierra Bloodgood said.The club raises money through

fund raisers and benefits. In addi-tion, the club makes weekly trips to Skid Row to benefit the those living in poverty. The club hopes to spread the Big Hearts organiza-tion to other countries and places in the U.S.

Habitat for Humanity Club meets in room 20 on Tuesdays at

lunch. They coordinate with Hab-itat for Humanity of the Greater Los Angeles area to build homes for families in need. The orga-nization provides families who have lost their homes or are liv-ing in very poor conditions with a new functioning house.

“A house is something that many of us take for granted. We do not appreciate coming home to a clean and safe house when there are many people who don’t have that luxury,” club president and senior Roxy Lyter said.

Last year, the club members visited Lynwood, California to build groups of 10-track homes for families who had recently lost their homes. The club plans to visit more cities in need in the upcoming year.

Through Baby Help Club, Hab-itat for Humanity, Big Hearts Club and similar service clubs, Mira Costa students are provided with the opportunity to get involved in the community and make a differ-ence in the lives of others.

“Ultimately, I will always sup-port clubs with a philanthropic or charitable purpose. Clubs like this make Costa great,” student activi-ties director Lisa Claypoole said.

“We are focused on a specific orphanage in Peru which allows

us to develop a consistent and meaningful relationship with

the people there.”

Natalie Insler Senior

Baby Help Club President

“Instead of simply supply-ing large groups of people, we target the individual and build

long-lasting relationships.”

Sierra BloodgoodSenior

Big Hearts Club President

“Instead of simply fundraising or donating money, we donate our time, which not only helps the organization, but gives us a sense of pride and fulfillment.”

Audrey McKenzieSenior

Habitat for Humanity

Roving Reporter: What makes your club unique?

What kind of clubs are at Mira Costa?*

How many clubs are Costa students in?*

Baby Help Club brainstorms ways to raise money to help out an orphanage in Peru during a weekly Thursday meeting on Oct. 7 in room 36. They are planning on holding a drive to send computers to the orphans soon.

Because there are so many clubs at Costa, many of them go unnoticed. However, many of these clubs work with outside organizations to provide money, supplies and service to people in need of assistance.

Baby Help Club, Big Hearts Club and Habitat for Humanity all provide volunteering opportu-nities but are not as well-known. They offer students community service hours as well as a chance to help those that are less fortu-nate.

Baby Help Club, which meets in room 36 on Thursdays at lunch, aids an orphanage in Peru called Casa de Milagros, or House of Miracles. Over the past two years the club has raised money to sup-port the children and hopes to continue this aid.

The club is connected with a non-profit group that aids children in countries around the world and currently helps children in Haiti get materials for their schools and orphanages.

“I am trying to create a non-profit organization out of this club called For Children, so I can continue it when I go to college,” club president and senior Natalie

Compiled by Joani Gillam, maGGie Robak, lisa duCkeRs/ staff WRiteRs photos by leland lesneveR

Charitable/Service 43%Common Interest 29%School Spirit 4%Arts and Entertainment 8%Academic 7%Other 6%

0

1

3

2

4

5

50%5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%* poll of 100 students

* total of 90 clubs

The road to college is filled with applications, tests, essays and stress, but with careful planning and preparation, this road can lead to a first-choice school and an invaluable educa-tion.

Although the process seems daunting initially, it can be completed with the right mindset and steps. According to the College Board, the three most im-portant things to remember are to be organized, open-minded and flexible.

Making a mad rush to complete brag sheets and applications at the last min-ute can only result in frus-tration. This can also lead to poor-quality applications.

“Take the time to deal with deadlines, scholarships, supplementary aid and let-ters of recommendation. Keeping yourself organized

1. Are you better at: A. Memorizing facts and figures B. Figuring new things out as you go 2. Do you want to apply to colleges in the Midwest? A. Yes B. No

3. Do you plan to apply for all the scholarships you can get? A. Yes B. No

4. Did you get a good grade in trigonometry? A. Yes B. No

5. Do you consider writing to be one of your weakest attributes? A. Yes B. No

6. If you got to pick what showed up on your next math test, it’d be: A. Problems just like the kind we worked on this week in class B. A random code-breaking cipher like the one in the newspaper

Medical SchoolsTop 5 Schools1) Washington University at Saint Louis 2) University of California at Los Angeles3) John Hopkins University4) Harvard University 5) Stanford University

Music Schools Top 5 Schools 1) The Juilliard School 2) Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University 3) Berklee College of Music 4) The New England Conservatory 5) Eastman School of Music

Athletic Schools Top SchoolsFootball: Michigan State UniversityWomen’s Soccer: University of North Carolina Men’s Soccer: University of AkronWomen’s Swimming: University of GeorgiaMen’s Swimming: University of ArizonaMen’s Baseball: Louisiana State UniversityWomen’s Softball: University of AlabamaMen’s Basketball: University of North Carolina Women’s Basketball: University of ConnecticutMen’s Tennis: University of VirginiaWomen’s Tennis: Baylor UniversityMen’s Volleyball: Stanford UniversityWomen’s Volleyball: University of Florida

Art schools Top 5 schools 1) The California Institute of the Arts 2) The Art Institute of Chicago 3) Pratt Institute 4) The Rhode Island School of Design 5) Yale Art School

More SAT takers

More ACT takers

Nationwide ACTScores

Nationwide SATScores

SAT vs. ACTGetting to the facts

ACT

SAT

Length: Three hours, 25 minutes (includes optional 30-minute Writing Test)

Sections: Four required sections and one optional section

Subjects: English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing (optional)

Reading: Four passages, 10 questions per passage

Science: Analysis, knowledge, problem solving

Math: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry

Essay: Optional (final section)

Scoring: Composite score of 1-36 based on average of 4 sec tions; score 0-12 for optional essay.

Penalties: No penalties for incorrect answers

Sending scores: Student decides which scores are sent

Length: Three hours, 45 minutes

Sections: Three Critical Reading, three Math, three Writing (including essay), one experimental (not scored)

Subjects: Critical Reading, Math, Writing

Reading: Reading passages with questions pertaining to comprehension and sentence completion

Science: N/A

Math: Arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and algebra II

Essay: Required

Scoring: Aggregate score 600 - 2400 based on total of 3 scores 200- 800 (Reading, Math, Writing); Score of 0-12 for Essay

Penalties: ¼ point deducted for wrong answers

Sending scores: Student decides which scores are sent

Courtesy of www.inlikeme.Com

Brandon Hafetz Junior

“I’ve been taking all AP

science classes and studying hard to do well in all my classes. I’ve also been trying to volun-

teer at hospitals in the area.”

“This past summer

I took the 12-week Produc-ing Music with Logic Course on the Berklee College of Music’s

online school.”

What can you do to get a head start?- Summer dance intensives and Jazz band seminars are available at Juilliard. Get more info at http://www.juilliard.edu/summer/summer.html.- Immerse yourself in your chosen subject with some of the finest music educa-tors in the country at Jacobs School of Music. Get more info at http://www.music.indiana.edu/precollege/summer.- Berklee has various programs including music production, song writing, and stage performance. Get more info at http://www.berklee.edu/summer.

Jordyn Irwin Junior

7. Do you have an effusive vocabulary replete with copious verbiage? A. What does that mean? B. Yes

8. Are you a science whiz? A. Yes B. No

9. Does your dream school require the ACT? A. Yes B. No

If you answered mostly A’s, you should probably take the ACT. You are better at science, writing isn’t your strongest point, and you know trigo-nometry.

If you answered mostly B’s, You should probably take the SAT. Your writing is good, science isn’t your strongest point, and you’re better at algebra and geometry rather than trigonometry.

Courtesy of www.Channelone.Com

Which test is for you?

- Volunteer at your local hospital. Many volunteer depart-ments also provide letters of recommendation. Hospitals include Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Little Company of Mary, and Torrence Memorial. - UCLA offers high school students to study stem cell research in one of its summer programs. Get more info athttp://www.summer.ucla.edu/highschool/overview.htm

What can you do to get a head start?

- California Institute of the Arts hosts programs which include courses in animation, theater arts, visual arts, film and video, music, dance and creative writing. Get more info at http://experience.calarts.edu/

- Rhode Island School of Design offers a variety of engaging educational programs ranging from Continuing Education (RISD|CE) classes to hands-on activities, performances, videos and special gallery guests. Find out more about the programs at http://www.risd.edu/kids_teens.cfm

Oct. 18

Mills College

University of Deleware

Oregon State University

2)

6)

3)

Occidental College

University of Colorado, Boulder

University of DenverNew York University

6)

3)

2)

1)

Oct. 19 Oct. 20 Oct. 21 Oct. 22

Swarthmore College

Northwestern University

Hope College

Lunch)

1)

5)

Oct. 25

School of the Museumof Fine Arts

1)

Oct. 26

Illinois WesleyenUniversity

Tulane University

Rider University

5)

4)

2)

Oct. 27 Oct. 28

Loyola University at New Orleans

Stonehill College

Hofstra University

Colleges visiting the College and Career Center

Oct. 29

1)

2)

3)

Duke University4)

Nov. 1

Whitman College

Marymount College

2)

3)

Nov. 2 Nov. 3 Nov. 4 Nov. 5

Nov. 8 Nov. 9 Nov. 10 Nov. 11 Nov. 12

Nov. 15 Nov. 16 Nov 17 Nov. 18 Nov. 19

Syracuse University

Whittier College

4)

5)

McDaniel College5) Gettysburg College1) Macalester College2)

Evergreen State College

3) Bryant University1)

4) Ursinus College

University of Southern California

2)

George Washington University

5) Santa Monica College4)

“The process involves

talking to coaches. I also sent my scores into Columbia Univer-sity, and I’m now verbally com-

mitted there.

Aryn Foland Senior

“A couple of years

ago I did a summer art program at NYU. I also did an art program

offered through UCLA.”

What can you do to get a head start?

Keely Murphy Senior

and on time with each step will relieve the majority of the stress,” College and Ca-reer Center Counselor Gail Currey said.

When considering what extracurriculars to partici-pate in, The Princeton Re-view reccomends that a strong dedication to a few programs is better than hav-ing little participation in a large number of activities. Choosing extracurriculars that are related to specific majors are also beneficiary.

Also, students having a leadership role in their ex-tracurriculars stand out to admissions departments.

At the beginning of the search for a college, it is important to consider which school is the right match. Universities offer many op-portunities to students, and the possibilities for educa-tion are limitless.

According to the College Board, students should try sitting in on a class or look-ing at a student newspaper to get to know the school. Many college programs are also offered to high school students to participate in throughout the school year and during the summer.

“Our students are admit-ted to wonderful schools and looking back, they have all chosen the college that was right for them. The co-hesion between student and school is what is most im-portant,” Currey said.

When submitting college applications, there are some key tips for success. Hun-tington Learning Center states that it is imperative to write an application essay in time to have it properly revised by parents and even teachers. If necessary, finan-cial aid paperwork should

also be completed as soon as possible. Kaplan advises applying to at least one “safe school,” a college you know you will be accepted into.

The last tip for a success-ful admission is to avoid senioritis after applying. Many, if not all, schools take first-semester senior grades into account to see if students are truly ready for college-level work.

Once the college applica-tion process is completed, congratulate yourself. The previously gigantic task has been finished.

“Applying to college is the difficult battle of tell-ing a school you love them and hoping they say ‘I love you’ back,” senior Sam Henneberry said. “It takes a lot to do it, and the fear of rejection is always pres-ent, but in the end it will be worth it.”

College-bound CostaCompiled by Katie Barger, alec lautanen, and connor Wright/ theme editors

photos Kendall BusBy/ la vista

Your journey to college starts here:

Consider what extracurriculars you enjoy most and how they will effect your college admissions.

Register for and take the PLAN or PSAT to prepare for the SAT and ACT.

Start looking into which col-leges you would like to attend and start visiting their campuses. Ask teachers to write your letters

of recommendation.

Wait for the arrival of your let-ter....AH!

Per. Per.

Per.

Per.

Per.

Per.

Per.

Per.

Per.

Per.

Per.

Per.

Per. Per.

Per.

Per.

Per.

Köster’s compositions provide music to our ears 12 La Vista FEATURES October 15, 2010

By Isaac sIegemund-Broka

entertaInment WeB edItor

madIson sWart/ La VIsta

Playing music just wasn’t enough for senior Tristan Köster.

As Mira Costa’s up-and-com-ing composer, Köster has writ-ten several pieces, one of which was performed at last year’s Mira Costa Pops Concert.

Köster has been involved with music almost all of his life, start-ing with the piano in second grade and the cello in third.

Even though he had to give up the piano after five years, he still plays the cello in Mira Cos-ta’s symphony orchestra and has joined the multicultural choir this year. Along the way, Köster also started play-ing the guitar, and currently performs in the Mira Costa Jazz band.

“When I started playing in third grade, all 90 of the students went to one classroom with one teacher. She crowded us into a room and taught us to play,” Köster said.

When he first became in-volved with composition, Köster was looking for a way to articu-late his own musical ideas instead of playing others’ pieces in the school ensembles.

“I wasn’t getting enough in the orchestra. I wasn’t able to express my own melodies and feelings. I wanted to do my own thing,” Köster said.

Köster’s true introduction to composition came when former orchestral director Chris Schwabe informed him of a composition fellowship at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Out of close to 180 applicants, Köster was accepted as one of the top five, but was later cut when the number of open spots dropped to four. Despite the cut, the expe-

rience made Köster realize his potential as a compos-er.

“I thought, hey, why not continue with music and composition; I think this might be my

niche,” Köster said.After he found a desire to

compose, Köster threw himself into the art, trying out all types of music. Still attempting to find his own style, he listens to immense amounts of music and composes different varieties of songs.

“I used to write really slow, somber songs, then I started to write faster songs, then trippy and weird songs. I’m writing in every style I can think of. Hopefully when I pursue music in college,

I will find my own voice. Right now, I am just experimenting with everything and trying to be as eclectic as I can possibly be,” Köster said.

With aspirations of pursuing composition as a career, Köster hopes to enter a college or con-servatory and then go to graduate school for composition and for conducting.

“My ultimate goal would be to write for a symphony orchestra or my own ensemble,” Köster said. “That’s not going to happen in the beginning, so I hope to pursue a life of composing in the movie business. Once I build up a reper-toire with that, hopefully people will see me and hire me for big gigs.”

Köster also took AP music theory last year, which helped him add structure to his composi-tions.

“One thing I appreciated about Tristan was that he has a lot of ideas and he writes them all down, which is what the best composers do,” AP music theory teacher Joel Carlson said.

To begin a composition, Köster first finds a melody and then thinks of the routes in which he could take it, creating a structure and path for the theme to follow.

“With me, getting started is the hardest part. I’ll come up with a melody somehow. I don’t know how; it just happens. Then I sit alone and figure out what di-rection I want to go in with this

song and what I want do with it,” Köster said.

In addition to composing, Köster has competed in many competitions and performed in a variety of honor groups for the cello, including the Southern Cal-ifornia School Band and Orches-tra Association.

“I played in an orchestra with the University of Texas’s con-ductor; it was really fun,” Köster

said.Köster is currently working on

four compositions for his college applications as well as one for Costa’s choirs.

“Tristan’s caliber of work is very impressive for someone so young; his pieces show a great deal of commitment and creativ-ity, and they are a joy to play,” senior orchestra member Maura Chen said.

“With me, getting started is the hard part. I’ll come

up with a melody somehow. I don’t know how; it just

happens.”

Tristan KösterSenior

THE NEXT MOZART: Senior Tristan Köster’s ability has stood out since he was in elementary school. He is now venturing into the world of composition.

Luke Yankee brings prestige and expertise to ‘The Dining Room’

La Vista 13FEATURESOctober 15, 2010

By Erin WEldon

Staff WritEr

KEEP TALKIN’ RAP: Inspired by his own passion for music and a determina-tion to succeed, senior Josh “Chris” Martin spends his time writing unique rap songs that he hopes will lead to a successful career in the music industry.

lEland lESnEvEr/ la viSta

Playwright, director, producer, actor and screenwriter Luke Yan-kee has a resume that will blow anyone’s mind. The Mira Costa Drama Department is priveleged to have Yankee’s insightful direc-tion for the fall play.

Yankee is the son of famous theater and movie actress Eileen Heckart, about whom he has writ-ten a book, entitled “Just Outside the Spotlight: Growing Up with Eileen Heckart.”

Having grown up in the per-forming arts business, Yankee developed an interest for enter-tainment at a young age. This in-terest soon grew into an exciting career.

“I think I was about six or seven years old when I realized not every kid sat around watch-ing mommy on television. My mom was considered to be one of the greatest char-acter actresses of her time,” Yankee said.

“She won an Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony and she is in the Theatre Hall of Fame. She critiqued everything I did onstage starting from age 12, as if I were a profes-sional.”

Yankee received training at higher institutions including the Juilliard School of Drama, New York University, USC School of Cinema and Television, Circle in the Square and Northwestern University.

Nobody hates Costa’s new rapper Josh “Chris” Martin

While many Costa students are unsure of what they want to do after they graduate from high school, senior Josh “Chris” Mar-tin has already begun his career as a rapper and is determined to make his dreams come true through strong determination and natural talent.

Martin has already released several songs, established the groundwork of his own label, “Everybody Records,” and is planning on releasing a mixtape titled “Everybody Hates Chris” in November.

Martin has many fans. What makes him different, they say, is his clear commitment and deter-mination.

“Talent comes a dime-a-dozen. If I work hard enough, I can get an upper hand over my competitors. My determination is what sets me apart,” Martin said. “I plan my life for music and, honestly, I want to rap until I die.”

By CaSEy ZirBEl

opinion Editor

Many of the Costa students who know Martin’s music vouch for his obvious talent. Many of his classmates have enjoyed his rhymes at school. During and be-tween classes, he has impressed peers with freestyle raps.

“Chris is a really promising rapper and shows a lot of poten-tial in what he does. It’s great to know that Costa has people of so many different skills,” senior Brian Vu said. “He might actually get far with his talent if he puts the effort into it.”

Martin’s signature rap rhythm and lyrics rely heavily upon com-plex wordplay, smooth flow and a rich knowledge of rap’s greatest artists. He has already achieved critical acclaim from multiple hip-hop review sites including Vibetothis.com and Pigeonsand-planes.com.

“This kid was such a nice sur-prise upon first hearing “[Dia-mond] Supreme” — a fresh dose of rhyming prowess delivered with confidence and a whole lotta attitude,” a review of Martin’s

work on Vibetothis.com said.It is evident that Martin’s pas-

sion for music is much deeper than just a hobby or interest. Mu-sic is Martin’s way of expressing what he can’t say with words.

He thoroughly enjoys being able to use his art to display his innermost thoughts and inspira-tions.

“My mother and father told me I could not be a rapper. I used to hold things inside, but it’s easier to put things down,” Martin said. “You can talk to a pen and a pad. To me, music is a form of thera-py.”

Martin is extremely passion-ate about his music and maintains confidence in his approach to his rap career. Inevitably, he says, he is going to be the only person who has the power to dictate his career.

“I made a saying when I was in eighth grade: success is mea-sured by our own aspirations,” Martin said. “Ultimately, I will determine whether I’m successful in life with my rap career.”

Calderon knows the biology of running

His training has given him the necessary background to write scripts for shows including “Brothers & Sisters” and “Push-ing Daisies.” He has also directed some of the Mira Costa Drama Department’s shows, includ-ing previous p roduc t ions such as “Crazy for You” and “The Apple Tree.”

“I really like his work ethic because he wants to provide as much informa-tion as possible about the industry to students,” Mira Costa drama teacher Carol Mathews said.

Students feel that Yankee pro-vides a mo-tivation that enhances the actors and actresses’ ex-periences in productions.

They feel that he is con-sistently able to create an exciting at-m o s p h e r e while provid-ing his per-formers with

direction and inspiration.“I love the level of profes-

sionalism he brings to the shows. He is strict about rehearsal attire and learning lines, but at the same time he understands that the cast wants a fun and memorable ex-perience,” senior drama student Kellianne Safarik said.

Many of the performers in

“I love the level of profes-sionalism he brings to the shows. He is strict about re-hearsal attire and learning lines, but at the same time he understands that the cast wants a fun and memorable

experience.”

Kelliane Safarik Senior

“I love working with the students here at Mira Cos-ta. There is definitely an energy and a vitality about working with young actors that makes me remember why I wanted to do this in

the first place. ”

Luke YankeeFall Play Director

the shows feel that inspiration in acting and improvisation is very important and essential. Yankee has been an inspiration to them because his vast experience helps bring the best out of their per-

formances and allows them to improve as thespians.

“Yankee’s experience in-cludes acting, directing and play writing, which makes him a well-rounded direc-tor,” Safarik said.

“He expects a lot from us, which helps us achieve success, but he also cre-ates a fun and safe environment where we feel comfortable going out of our comfort zone and trying new things. He really has a vision for the show and will do anything to help us do the best we can.”

Yankee said he genuinely en-joys his passion for the perform-ing arts and is glad to have a ca-reer that allows him to pursue his interests.

Considering the success of the previous plays that he has been involved in at Mira Costa, Yankee plans to bring his experience and knowledge from past productions to the upcoming production of “The Dining Room,” Mira Cos-ta’s fall production.

“I love working with the stu-dents here at Mira Costa. This is the third play I have worked on at this school,” Yankee said. “There is definitely an energy and a vi-tality about working with young actors that makes me remember why I wanted to do this in the first place.”

MadiSon SWart/ la viSta

CELLULAR RESPIRATION: Biology teacher Roberto Calderon brought his love for running to Costa’s cross country team this year as its new assistant coach.

By dianE lEE

Staff WritEr

Science teachers are some-times stereotyped as braniacs, not star athletes.

Mira Costa biology teacher Roberto Calderon, however, has proved this wrong by accepting the job as the assistant coach for the boys cross country team this year.

Calderon joined coach Bob Fish to coach the boys cross coun-try team this season.

“One of the coaches had re-signed and I got recruited by my former students. Then Fish heard about it and he asked me if I wanted to coach cross country,” Calderon said.

Calderon started working with the boys team during summer practices and went to Mammoth with them for their annual sum-mer training.

“At first he was not that com-fortable around the team, but after

a while we got to know him a lot better and he started to become more comfortable around us as a coach,” senior Jimmy Breen said.

Calderon has a strong back-ground in cross country that be-gan when he ran in high school. He also participated in and coached in the Students Run L.A. program, an organization that helps students prepare for the Los Angeles Marathon.

He feels that the students and coaches of cross country have been very welcoming.

“Parents have been really en-couraging, students have been great and Coach Fish has been phenomenal to me,” Calderon said.

Overall, Calderon hopes that each team member will become a better runner by the end of the season.

“My favorite part about coach-ing is interacting with kids and running with them. I get to know them on a much more personal level,” Calderon said.

‘I Am Not A Human Being’ satisfies Lil Wayne listenersBy Logan SchLoSSBerg

Staff Writer

With an already chart-topping digital album on Billboard’s Top 100, there is someone in New York’s Ryker’s Island prison with a smile on his face.

Lil Wayne did not let his time go to waste these past months while locked up. With his passion and talent, Wayne was able to re-lease “I Am Not A Human Being” on his birthday in September.

Lil Wayne completed the ma-terial for a 12-track album before serving his final weeks in prison for attempted criminal possession of a weapon.

The album, entitled “I Am Not A Human Being,” includes other

well-known artists from his label, Young Money, such as Nicki Mi-naj, Lil Twist and Drake. It opens with a set party theme as Drake and Lil Wayne do what they do best: drop ridiculously clever flows over beats that are too catchy to forget.

Lil Wayne, who always refers to himself as Weezy F Baby or Mr. Carter in each of his albums, imposes his creative vocabulary, unique beat, gripping lyrics, and indelicate humor on his work like never before.

In his oddly titled song, “Gon-orrhea,” Lil Wayne starts off the track by making a shout-out to “all [his] moon men” before div-ing into four captivating verses with something of a disappoint-

Wrap-up: Lil Wayne released another successful album in late September that far exceeded the expectations fans were left with following his last album, “Rebirth,” and may even be his greatest album yet.

‘It’s Kind of a Funny Story’By JuLiana hoft

Staff Writer

When life gets out of hand, would it be the smartest thing to check into a mental ward? In the witty movie “It’s Kind of a Funny Story,” the lead character does just that, but has second thoughts after being admitted.

This movie grabs the viewers’ emotions and is easily relatable for teens. They will identify with this movie because it is about real-life situations that all teens struggle with. The humor in the movie is very clev-er, while the plotline and story are very charming and heartfelt.

Sixteen-year-old Craig (Keir Gilchrist) has been struggling with depression and dreams of killing himself. He begs a doctor to admit him to a mental ward, and as soon as he is admitted he wants to leave because he feels like he doesn’t belong there.

In his five-day stay at the facility, Craig meets Bobby (Zach Galifianakis), who is reluctant to share why he is there and puts up a front around other people. Through-out Craig’s stay, Bobby begins to open up to him while becoming his role model. He also meets Noelle (Emma Roberts), who struggles with cutting herself, and man-ages to help Craig forget about his obses-sion with his friend’s girlfriend, eventually becoming his new love interest.

Galifianakis’s performance is more com-plex than most of the roles he has done in the past. He plays a troubled father that has tried to kill himself several times and does an incredible job developing his character, incorporating anger and somber maturity very well while remaining humorous.

Through Craig’s encounters with other characters he is able to better understand

courteSy MStory.coM

Don’t mentally check out: “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” is an emotional but comical take on a teenager’s stay in a mental hospital.

October 15, 2010La Vista ENTERTAINMENT14

his life and recognize the positive aspects of it. When Bobby tells him that he is envi-ous of him, he realizes that his life is not as bad as he once thought and that he is grate-ful for what he does have.

The unique personalities of each of the patients in the ward are one of the movie’s greatest assets. Solomon (Daniel London), a patient that has very sensitive hearing, shows up at the funniest moments to tell people to keep it down when they aren’t even being loud. These situations make the movie all the more enjoyable.

The plotline of the film is well con-structed. It was adapted from Ned Vizzini’s 2006 novel of the same name, and though the movie is dull at moments, the suspense of the plotline keeps viewers interested.

Teenagers in particular should see this movie because it is easy to relate to and very humorous. It is rated PG-13 and is playing in theaters nationwide.

hip-hoppiin’ to Fame: Grammy-winning rapper Lil Wayne continues to satis-fy fans with his carefully crafted and captivating lyrics and unforgettable style in his highly anticipated album, “I Am Not A Human Being.”

courteSy PaSSiionWeiS.coM courteSy definitiveJux.net

courteSy definitiveJux.net

ing chorus.After his previous album, “Re-

birth,” a disastrous and disap-pointing seventh album with too much rock n’ roll, fans and crit-ics are glad to see a notably bet-ter eighth studio-recorded album, possibly Lil Wayne’s best yet.

The song “That Ain’t Me” fea-tures top 40 artist Jay Sean. Lil Twist makes his appearance in the song “Popular,” a track that re-peats a well-known lyric from Lil Wayne’s hit song “Bed Rock.”

Also featured is the increas-ingly popular song “Right Above It,” performed by Lil Wayne and Drake. The beginning of the song makes a grand entrance and sets up a perfect tone for Drake to per-fectly open with the first verse. In the song “Bill Gates,”

Weezy uses his made-up word “Bill Gates” as a reference to how much his flows are worth, and as we all know, they’re worth a lot. Not one of the most popular or most liked, “Bill Gates” is a typi-cal Lil Wayne song about his cash and his swag.

Nicki Minaj, featured in count-less mixtapes with Lil Wayne, sings in the song “What’s Wrong With Them” and completes the perfect combination of “Weezy and the Brooklyn Barbie,” as the pair are often called.

“I Am Not A Human Being” is not only the name of the al-bum, but the name of Lil Wayne’s

song about his anything-but-or-dinary life. With a shout out to his bloods, and his record label, Young Money, the song gives an explanation to why Weezy titled his album, “I Am Not A Human Being:” because he is simply bet-ter than human beings.

The album was originally sup-posed to be released as an EP in-stead of as a full-length album. Although one may think 12 songs is a little on the small side for Weezy, the album is a success.

It’s not hard to recognize the voice of Lil Wayne, and it’s not hard to say that “I Am Not A Hu-man Being” may be the best al-bum we’ve seen from Mr. Carter.

Sufjan Stevens takes new direction on ‘The Age of Adz’By Rose GRaneR

enteRtainment editoR

Sufjan Stevens’ latest LP, “The Age of Adz,” is a surprising tonal departure from the sounds of his earlier work. Nonetheless, the al-bum as a whole retains the same dreamy, melodic feel that Ste-vens’ past works held.

A Detroit native, Stevens is a notoriously prolific artist; he has released at least one album each year since 2000 and most of his albums contain over 20 tracks. Although his work has become more musically sophisticated over the years, Stevens’ actual sound had changed very little in the nine years since his debut.

On “The Age of Adz,” how-ever, Stevens introduces new digitized instrumentals and a previously unheard atmospheric quality to his music.

Most of Stevens’ albums have been highly conceptualized, if not necessarily high-concept. Two of

couRtesy Last.fm

TAKING FLIGHT: Sufjan Stevens explores digital musicianship while retain-ing his folk sensibilities on his newest album, “The Age of Adz.”

October 15, 2010La Vista ENTERTAINMENT15

his albums, “Michigan” and “Illi-nois,” were thematically centered on their respective namesake states. He also composed a five-volume epic of original Christmas songs and the soundtrack to a film he created entitled “The BQE” about the Brooklyn-Queens Ex-pressway.

“The Age of Adz,” admittedly, is not concept-free. It follows

dystopian themes of the world’s end similar to those of the August 2010 release, “The All Delighted People EP,” but plays with them much less literally. Where “The All Delighted People EP” made a point of actually mentioning the apocalypse, “The Age of Adz” only alludes to it in passing.

It is worth noting that “The All Delighted People EP” could

be considered a test-run or a ten-tative step toward the content on “The Age of Adz.”

Although “The All Delighted People EP” was the first Stevens release that established a heavy use of digital instrumentation—computerized beats, for instance-“The Age of Adz” explores those instrumentals and production techniques more fully.

The album isn’t necessarily more sugary or pop-oriented than any of Stevens’ past works, but its digitized quality certainly does give off a more playful, almost dance-pop vibe. The computer-ized beat, quick tempo and sim-ple-but-catchy melody of “Too Much” make it as close to an in-die version of an Owl City track as anything possibly could be.

This isn’t to say Stevens is trying to use “The Age of Adz” to break into the mainstream. He recently stated in an interview that he “no longer has faith in the album” as a format for producing music, for one thing. In classic

Johnson shines at Hollywood BowlBy aLLie campBeLL

caLendaR editoR

Jack Johnson performed a sold out show at the Hollywood Bowl in support of his new album, “To the Sea,” on Oct. 8. Johnson’s attention to detail brought tre-mendous energy to a simplistic show, sat-isfying his optimistic audience.

The tastefully minimal set design, along with a well-selected set list, allowed audi-ence members to focus on an incredibly talented band. Zach Gill on keyboard add-ed to classic songs with spontaneous solos and the occasional melodic flourish. Gill, along with the rest of the band, perfectly supported Johnson.

CouRtesy 6LyRics.com

EdiTorS’ TAkEcontRiButed to By Rose GRaneR, duncan GReGoRy, and audRey mcKenzie/La Vista

In the past 25 years, a racist, misogynis-tic, homophobic, violent and occasionally murderous cult lead by rap group “Insane Clown Posse” has descended upon Amer-ica. What’s worse is that they wear clown makeup and wear hideous costumes.

The Insane Clown Posse schtick is that the “juggalo” family (re: their fans) is also a part of something called “the Dark Car-nival.” With each album release, a new idea that the group preaches is introduced through “the Dark Carnival’s” beliefs.

What’s really bizzarre about the group is that after devoting 25 years of their lives to preaching seemingly unchristian values, in their latest album, Insane Clown Posse claimed that they were singing about Chris-tianity all along. They supposedly tricked their own ill-minded fans into turning to God, but in reality have only plumbed new depths of ignorance.

“Meaning” and “mission” are two words key to the ICP vernacular. Insane Clown Posse is especially popular with individu-als from very low-income, isolated areas—the kind of people looking for something

LIVE FROM THE BOWL: Johnson played a sold out show at the Hollywood Bowl on oct. 8, which included classic hits and new tracks.

CouRtesy WiKipedia.oRG.

to belong to that will bring meaning and a mission to their lives. Little did these fol-lowers know that they were following the messages of God that ICP potrayed.

The two founding members of Insane Clown Posse are—surprise, surprise—making lots and lots of money off of their overly-devoted fans, who make a point to support their “family” every way they can.

To summarize: ICP is a rap group with threatening lyrics that prey on downtrod-den, desperate members of our society with the end goal of profit and turning them to a twisted interpretation of Christianity. And they don’t even bother to be good rap-pers. Seriously, if we’re going to have to put up with them, the least they can do is not suck.

In a way, Insane Clown Posse is admi-rable in their quest. After years of obscen-ity and intentional bloodshed, it took some major carnival guts to come out of the Christianity closet.

Seriously, though. Avoid association with the juggalo kind. Stay vigilant.

Burn your clown wigs.

Stevens form, the track “Impos-sible Soul” runs 25 minutes long and features moments of com-plete static breakdown and shifts melodies constantly.

In fact, Stevens even manages to continue his tradition of writ-ing haunting and epic odes to inanimate objects on “The Age of Adz” with “Vesuvius,” a com-puterized-yet-folky celebration of the Italian volcano.

Most established artists who attempt to integrate computerized tones into their sound come to regard doing so as a mistake. In assuming that computerized noise requires a whole new approach to melody and musicianship, they tend to make mistakes and create stilted, painfully technical works. Stevens has undoubtedly taken a new digital direction on “The Age of Adz,” but he has managed to maintain his artistry and original-ity while doing so.

“The Age of Adz” is available on iTunes and at athsmatickitty.com for purchase.

Insane Clown Posse is actually in-sane, and not in a good way

TO THE SEA: “To The Sea,” Johnson’s latest release, was met with critical acclaim and de-clared a classic by fans.

CouRtesy suRfinG-WaVes.com

NO HANDLEBARS: Johnson is notorious for being the ultimate surfer boy with his mellow, soothing music and constantly calm persona.

The concert progressed quickly, with minimal talking or interaction with the crowd from Johnson. Besides introduc-ing special guests and his band members, Johnson played continuously. This sparse commentary was perfect for a crowd that was eager to hear music.

The crowd’s high energy and remark-able enthusiasm in combination with a setlist comprised of Johnson’s most well-known tracks made an otherwise basic concert memorable. Opening with “You and Your Heart,” one of the only upbeat, catchy songs from his new album, John-son had the entire crowd singing and on its feet.

From there, Johnson performed clas-sics such as “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing,”

“Flake” and “Banana Pancakes,” followed by covers including “The Joker” by The Steve Miller Band.

Johnson did not exhibit any strong mu-sicianship to distinguish his live perfor-mance from his albums. However, John-son, strongly aided by back-up musicians and superb show management carried out the performance capably.

The Hollywood Bowl, though a large venue, was filled with sound and energy from the front to the last section of bleach-ers.

Johnson will continue touring through December, with a number of shows already sold out. Tickets range from $30-$90. Mu-sic fans in attendance will certainly get their money’s worth by going to one of Johnson’s shows.

October 15, 2010La Vista ENTERTAINMENT

Fincher’s ‘The Social Network’ proves itself to be a quality filmBy Zack GillStaff Writer

The idea of “the Facebook movie” raises many questions. Why has David Fincher, director of such brooding and dark films as “Fight Club,” “Se7en,” and “Zodiac,” made a movie about a website? With the release of “The Social Network” on Oct. 1, this question is answered.

There hasn’t been a more beau-tifully shot, capably acted and well-written film this year than “The Social Network.” With an emotional and often witty screen-play from writer Aaron Sorkin and bold choices from director David Fincher, “The Social Network” is the best film of the year.

Jesse Eisenberg portrays Mark Zuckerberg who, along with friend Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield), founded the internet networking phenomenon Face-book.

The movie chronicles Face-book’s beginning as a website for comparing Harvard co-eds on “hotness” and follows the phe-nomemon through to its wide-spread succes and the eventual le-gal battles over its creation. This created a controversial genesis of Facebook, according to most of the nation. Sorkin makes sure that every element within the film is completely true and relevent to the history of Facebook.

The story of the film is framed through two legal battles: one

Friend Finder: Justin Timberlake (left) and Jesse Eisenberg play Sean Park-er and Mark Zuckerberg, respectively. Although the media is fixated on Timber-lake’s unexpectedly good performance, Eisenberg is excellent as well.

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between estranged friends Zuck-erberg and Saverin, and another between Zuckerberg and the Win-klevoss twins (both of whom are portrayed by Armie Hammer), who claim credit for the idea of Facebook.

Through legal depositions, the film flashes back to Zuckerberg’s time spent at Harvard and even-tual move to Silicon Valley, while portraying all three sides of the story. The film also portrays Nap-ster founder Sean Parker’s (Justin Timberlake) involvement with the site, as well.

The film contains three subtle

yet noteworthy performances from Garfield, Timberlake and especially Eisenberg. Garfield’s performance in this film is easily his best performance thus far in his career.

Playing the downtrodden, ex-ploited Saverin, Garfield is in-credibly patient with his charac-ter. When it is finally time for him to explode with anger, Garfield does so realistically and passion-ately.

Timberlake’s portrayal of the notorious playboy founder of Napster is also noteworthy. Tim-berlake obviously functions well

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in his role (as anyone familiar with his music career could guess), but as the film draws to a close Parker becomes a much darker character and Timberlake proves to be sur-prisingly versatile in his ability to communicate that bleakness.

However, Jesse Eisenberg is the standout of “The Social Net-work.” Although often refered to as a wannabe Michael Cera, Eisenberg has already proved himself capable in “Adventure-land” and especially “The Squid and the Whale.” Eisenberg truly brings life to Mark Zuckerberg.

Although Eisenberg portrays Zuckerberg as a ruthless radical, for all the horrible things Zuck-erberg says and does, Eisenberg roots him in reality and occa-sionally makes him sympathetic. That’s a feat in itself considering that this film is as unflattering to Zuckerberg as it possibly could be.

Famous for doing as many as 20 takes of a single shot, Fincher’s perfectionism with “The Social Network” brings stunning results. It’s odd how complex and techni-cal some of the shots are in a film about a website. The scenes set in Harvard are exceptionally well shot. With gorgeous lighting and intricate framing, Fincher brings the campus, and the world of the film, to life.

It’s odd enough that Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor and collaborator Atticus Ross have created a score for a film about

Facebook. What’s even stranger is that the score is so effective. Reznor and Ross’s sparse elec-tronic compositions compliment the alienation of Zuckerberg and the intense tone of the film.

It’s a shame that Fincher takes so long to make his films. With “Zodiac,” and now “The Social Network,” he continues to make some of the best films of the last 10 years. “The Social Network” is rated PG-13 and is playing in theaters nationwide.

notiFication: The film chronicles the journey of internet phenomenon Facebook from its controversial be-ginnings to the present.

Resistencia!

October 15, 2010La Vista ENTERTAINMENT

Epicenter Music Festival brings the new of the oldBy Haile lidow

Staff writer

KROQ’s Epicenter Music Festival in Fontana brought big names to the Auto-Speedway in which it was held. On Sept. 26, the festival went out with a bang with a final lineup of 30 Seconds to Mars, Rise Against, and head-liner Blink-182.

Triple digit heat did not stop fans from piling into the venue and crowding near the main stage with enthusiasm for the music. Jared Leto, lead singer of 30 Sec-onds to Mars, showed equal exu-berance in his performance and interaction with the audience. He paused repeatedly between songs and prodded the fans to jump, sing and even crowd-surf.

The set ended with the band’s recent hit, “Kings and Queens.” Leto invited dozens of audience members onstage to sing along beside him. Leto’s performance and showmanship was impressive beyond measure, providing enter-tainment even for audience mem-bers unfamiliar with his music.

After a tedious 45-minute lapse between bands, Rise Against took

the stage. The jam-packed audience was

immediately hit with exceptional music, wiping its memory of the uncomfortable standing arrange-ments entirely. The crowd toward the front of the stage jumped up and down violently, creating an atmosphere that only hardcore fans could handle.

From an exponentially calm-er perspective, the band eased through a set including its more well-known songs, such as

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The epicenTer Music FesTival: Rise against (left), Blink-182 (middle) and 30 Seconds to Mars (right) performed to critical acclaim on Sept. 26. While Rise Against stuck to their more classic form, 30 Seconds to Mars introduced their new, more “eccentric” self-image and Blink-182 announced plans to record a new album in 2011.

CourteSy wikimedia.Com

dylan fair

Staff writer

Following the success of their debut album “Nouns,” art punk duo No Age takes their next im-portant musical step by releasing am impressive sophomore album entitled “Everything in Between.” This release is more mature and subdued than previous releases.

The band only consists of two members, Ryan Randall on guitar and Dean Allen Spunt on drums. Randall primarily focuses on bringing creative rhythms to his music, letting lyrics take a back-seat. His strong vocals compli-ment Spunt’s chaotic drumbeats.

It is difficult to accurately pin-point what genre No Age has cho-sen to explore on “Everything in Between.” The song “Glitter” is simultaneously loud and melodic. “Common Heat,” on the other hand, is a much more traditional and straightforward rock track.

What separates No Age from the rest of the cluttered art-rock scene is their ability to commu-nicate a variety of emotuions. Slow, repetitive ballads like“Life Prowler” exist side-by-side in

their repetoire with chaotic and abstract uptempo songs like “Fe-ver Dreaming.”

“Everything in Between” of-fers something enjoyable for all audiences. While no song on the album is perfect, the variety of tones and moods No Age encom-passes keeps the harshest critics interested and entertained.

No Age can communicate lots of energy and emotion with sound instead of lyric. For instance, in “Depletion,” emotional scream-ing and powerful drums make lis-teners feel exactly the emotions that the lyrics tell of.

The tracks on “Everything in Between” aren’t uniformly stellar. “Common Heat,” with its repeti-tive and monotone drum line, at-tempts and fails to balance out the more abstract tracks on the album but instead is just forgettable. The instrumental intro, “Dusted,” pro-vides nothing of substance to the album and should have been left out of the final cut.

“Everything in Between” has further established No Age as an emerging indie group. While No Age has experienced a small mea-sure of commercial success since

no age conTinues To grow: Alt-rock quartet No Age grow into their sound on their recently-released sophomore album, “Everything in Between.”

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“Prayer of the Refugee” and the radio hit “Savior.”

Amidst the intensity of Rise Against’s set, front man Tim McIlrath slowed down the show by playing “Swing Life Away,” which presented a peaceful break from the head-banging music.

Of course, this period of sing-a-long tranquility immediately reverting to the band’s more char-acteristic sound, ending the set with a surge of intensity only Rise Against could provide.

As 9:20 p.m. approached, the much-anticipated headliner Blink-182 dropped the curtains in preparation for their only North American show in 2010. When the monstrous black curtains came back up, exposing the three musicans as they began their song “Dumpweed,” the crowd roared with passion, welcoming them not only with screams and applause but also with an over-whelming knowledge and recital of the lyrics.

The fans maintained their en-thusiasm and excitement through-out the 75-minute set, laughing at guitarist DeLonge’s humor and singing along to the classic songs. With a set consisting of songs such as “Feeling This,” “I Miss You,” and “Rock Show,” Mark Hoppus (singer/bassist), Tom De-Longe (singer/guitarist), and Tra-vis Barker (drummer), gave it all they had, passing their energy on to the audience.

Although Hoppus botched a couple of notes and DeLonge seemed uneasy at first, the trio soon became immersed in its work and delivered an unforget-table performance.

The band reunited in 2009 af-ter a five-year hiatus, performing only a select number of shows. California was lucky enough to have Blink-182 stop in Fontana for an energy-filled set that ended with a hopeful, exciting and sur-prising revelation: Blink-182 is recording a new album.

Epicenter 2010 was filled with excitement, and the announce-ment of the band’s upcoming al-bum simply topped off an overall incredible lineup.

No Age expand fanbase with new LPthe album “Nouns” came out, it would be easy to assume No Age would move toward a more tra-ditional, established sound. This new album is a promise that No Age is staying true to their origi-nal sound, at least for now.

Anyone who has listened to No Age in the past will not be disap-pointed by “Everything in Be-tween.” It is available on iTunes, on vinyl and CD both online and in local music stores.

EntErtainmEnt Editor rosE Gra-nEr contributEd to this articlE.

CourteSy BlogS.villagevoiCe.Com

CourteSy roCkSoundtv.Com

By ZaCk roSenfeldnewS editor

In a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Bruce Spring-steen’s famous 1978 album, “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” Springsteen shares rare footage of the E Street band recording in a new HBO documentary.

“The Promise” is a documenta-ry that gives an incredible inside look into the making of “Dark-ness on the Edge of Town” and all bonus tracks for the album.

After becoming a superstar with the hit “Born to Run,” Springsteen wanted to keep to his roots by not getting caught up in his success.

Springteen’s new album keeps the mature sound that he has ac-quired over the course of his ca-reer. The album also features an energetic and edgier style than that of his previous records.

“Darkness” features well-known songs like “Badlands,” “Promised Land,” and “Darkness on the Edge of Town.”

The album’s release was a turn-ing point in Springsteen’s career.

e sTreeT band: The documentary fo-cuses on the recording of “Darkness on the Edge of Town.”

HBO features Springsteen

CourteSyauStintownHall.Com

He did not want to be the one-hit-wonder performer of “Born to Run,” and it turned out that “Darkness” fulfilled that need.

The film begins with Spring-steen parting ways with his man-ager, Mike Appel. The two split because Appel had sole control of the production of anything Springsteen recorded in the stu-dio. After going to court, Spring-steen won control of the produc-tion. It displays how the band started recording in hardship.

Watching the band recording in the studio 30 years ago is eerie for audiences, as the band was totally unaware of how popular it would soon become.

One of the more intriguing parts of the film is being able to see the band record an extra 20 tracks that never appeared on the album. One track in particular, “Because the Night,” Springsteen decided to give over to a young Patti Smith. When she finished recording the song, her career as an artist and her popularity sky-rocketed.

Throughout the film, Spring-steen’s pure artistic talent is evi-dent. His ability as an artist is ex-emplefied in the track “Darkness on the Edge of Town” due to its catchy melody that is still a bal-lad that describes his life in New Jersey.

Even the credits of the docu-mentary are fascinating. They show the band, in present day, performing “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” while flashing back to the same song live in con-cert 30 years ago.

Whether you’re a fan of classic music, quality films, or Spring-steen himself, you will enjoy “The Promise.” The documentary will continue to run on HBO.

CourteSy friCtionnyC.Com

rhyThM and Music: No Age front-man Ryan Randall sings and plays guitar on the band’s latest release.

October 15, 2010SPORTS18 La Vista

Former Mira Costa student Alex Norocea excels as football kicker at Brown University

Mustang alumnus football kicker Alex Norocea has already made a name for himself as a freshman at Brown University. Norocea, the place-kicker from Costa’s 2010 CIF championship team, is now the starting kicker for Brown’s football team.

This season, Norocea has been named Ivy League Rookie of the Week twice and Ivy League Spe-cial Teams Player of the Week once. Norocea also tied the Ivy League record for most field goals in a game, completing five in Brown’s 29-14 victory over Harvard University.

“Alex is an extremely hard worker. His success is not surpris-ing,” Costa football coach Don Morrow said.

Norocea is eight for 10 in field goals so far and has scored 32 points for the Brown Bears. How-ever, Norocea’s most impressive personal records from his time as a Mustang still stand. At Costa, Norocea completed a 50-yard field goal and scored 88 points in his last season.

“It has not been too tough of a transition to move to the east coast; the team is great. Everyone is really supportive of each other and we are a really strong unit,”

By Allie CAmpBell CAlendAr editor

Courtesy Alex noroCeA

Norocea said.Norocea’s current goal is to

win the Ivy League Champion-ship this year. Brown has already proven it is a strong team with only one loss so far and a 1-0 re-cord in their conference.

“Norocea’s success does not surprise me at all. Starting as a freshman in college is very rare, but he has stepped up and un-doubtedly will be a solid four-year starter,” current Costa foot-ball kicker and senior Brendan Sofen said.

Norocea feels that it is impor-

tant to be a student first and to remember that learning is the most important thing in college. According to Norocea, his expe-riences as a Costa student have greatly helped him ease into the hard work and determination re-quired in college, for both foot-ball and academics.

“Hopefully, if I do well and improve over my four years at Brown, I can give the profession-al level a shot. If it doesn’t work out, I will still have my degree and education to fall back on,” Norocea said.

In It for kIcks: Costa alumnus Alex Norocea attempts a field goal for Brown. He has been named Ivy League Rookie of the Week twice this year.

SPORTS BRIEFS

The Mira Costa cross country team traveled to Columbia Park in Torrance to compete in the 2.8 mile South Bay Cup race on Sept. 29. The boys team finished second overall. Junior Adam Perez finished second in the varsity race with a time of 15:06. Along with Perez, ju-nior Zack Adler finished ninth overall with a time of 15:35.

The girls team won the race easily, despite using the meet as a work-out. Senior Savannah Pio finished third overall, with a time of 17:44, and senior Aryn Foland finished fourth, right behind Pio with a 17:53 time.

Both teams will race again on Oct. 23 when they travel to Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California to compete in the Mt. SAC In-vitational cross country meet.

Cross Country

The Mira Costa girls volleyball team swept West High School at

West on Oct. 12 in the Mustangs’ second Bay League game of the sea-son. Mira Costa’s record is 7-5 for the season and 2-0 in Bay League.

“We played well. However, I would like to see more energy on the court and more ownership of the game from the girls,” coach Lisa Zim-merman said.

Both teams played hard during the first game, which made for a close competition. It looked like it was going to be a close call with West at a score of 20, but the Mustangs pulled through in a three-point run and finished the first game with a score of 25-20.

The Mustangs then managed to find their way and take control of the match. They swept the Warriors, finishing the second and third games with scores of 25-13 and 25-16, respectively. Costa served effectively and moved the ball around the court, making very few errors in the process.

The top performer of the game was senior outside hitter Emma White, who accumulated 12 kills, five digs, and two aces all while making no errors. Another top contributor was senior middle blocker Ella Rosenfeld, who excelled with 10 kills, one dig, and four blocks. Sophomore Kelsey McIntire and junior Kate Kious also made no-table contributions.

Today the Mustangs will travel to Torrey Pines High School for a tournament. Costa will be participating in games throughout the day and the tournament will finish on Saturday.

Girls Volleyball

Compiled By dAnny Kelleher/sports editor And ZAne FrAnKlin/ stAFF Writer

October 15, 2010 SPORTS 19La Vista

TEAM RECORDS

Kelli SugimotoCross Country

Sugimoto contributed to Costa’s win in the South Bay Cup race on Sept. 29. She ran a 17:54 on a 5K race in the Laguna Hills meet.

Andi ZbojniewiczGirls Vollyball

Zbojniewicz, who has a total of 162 digs this season, assisted in the Mustangs’ sweep against West Torrance, adding to her count.

Deon MorrisFootball

Morris controlled the field in Costa’s Homecoming win against Newport Harbor. He averages 37.8 rushing yards per game.

Taylor MahrGirls Tennis

Mahr has consistently contributed as the number-two singles player, gaining sets for the Mustangs in Costa’s loss to Peninsula.

Dana TuttleBoys Water Polo

Tuttle is the starting goalie and made 10 saves in the Mustangs’ 30-1 win over West on Oct. 12 at Mira Costa.

Chari NoddingsGirls Golf

Noddings, the co-captain, helped the Costa golf team defeat the Peninsula Panthers with a com-bined score of 89.

Girls golf team continues its victory streak in Bay League triumph against Peninsula

TOP PERFORMERS

TargeT PracTice: Chari Noddings works to improve her putting to get herself ready for the start of CIF. The girls have proven to be a force to be reckoned with as they have gone undefeated this season.

Jacqueline Peha/la Vista

Before we get into the impor-tant stuff, a couple orders of busi-ness need to be addressed. First, because we’ve never fully heard any pep rally we’ve ever been to, we’re laying down a new law of nature. It’s called Booyah’s Law, and it says that no microphone will ever be fully functional when ASB actually needs to use it.

Secondly, we’re going to eat our words for the first and last time right now when we say we misunderestimated the Marching Band’s theme. Bands don’t just win Sweepstakes for nothing, and our Marching Band has some se-rious talent. Ladies and gentle-men, “Coastal Waters” is wet.

Now, on to what we really want to gloat about: the fact that one of our own, Jason Boxer, is Costa’s 2010 Homecoming King. We were going to use this space

to reprint his resume in full be-cause we heard that there is go-ing to be a test on it at the next Club Council meeting, but we figured the speeches at the game were enough to have all of them memorized already.

In case you haven’t seen the court’s full Homecoming video, it exists in its full comedic glory online at www.mustangmorning-news.com. Did you get that? It’s www.mustangmorningnews.com. If you haven’t heard by now, the website is redesigned and it even has a blog!

We’d like to see the Mustang Morning News expand program-ming on the back of its Home-coming video into more feature entertainment. Imagine the pos-sibilities: live “Unplugged” ses-sions with Truckstop, “Extreme Makeover: Classroom Edition,”

“The Attendance Office,” the list goes on and on.

In other news, we’re really ex-cited for Savannah Pio and Shane Sisson to star in “V for Vendetta 2: Teach Me How to Dougie,” com-ing soon to a theater near you. If we had to guess at the plot, we’d say it has something to do with oppressing England with dancing and gangsta haircuts. Supposed-ly, Natalie Portman is upping the ante and getting steps this time.

In all seriousness, we’d like to congratulate the whole court on an awesome week of spirit, despite the rain. In addition, the guest appearance in the pep rally by Truckstop frontman Ben Dale as the anchor of the faculty relay team brought the festivities to a downright inspirational conclu-sion. And yes, Ms. Chen, your drill team outfit was cool too.

By Jack Friedman

staFF Writer

Mira Costa’s young but suc-cessful golf team came out swing-ing on Oct. 12 at Palos Verdes Country Club in its match against Peninsula.

With a 215-212 victory, the Mustangs clinched the 2010 Bay League title. They will begin their CIF run with either a 9-1 or 10-0 record, based on the outcome of their game yesterday against Pen-insula at the Chester Washington Golf course in El Segundo. How-ever, results were unavailable at the time of publication.

“I am very happy for the girls. It was an all-around team effort, and if we keep treating each game like it is our last, I am confident about our chances that we will do well in CIF play,” coach Jim Hands said.

Over the years, a Bay League championship has been a rare achievement for the Mustangs. This is Hands’ first time win-ning the Bay League title since becoming coach. However, the girls did not let the pressure get to them and feel that they delivered in the right moments throughout the season, including their match against Peninsula.

“We were especially poised coming into this match. Peninsula has good players, so we expected a fight that would come down to a final putt. Peninsula has a great team, but we were never intimi-dated. That was our ultimate key to success,” freshman Megan Kim said.

Kim led the team, shooting a score of 40. Kim has shot the low-est score on the team throughout the season, sinking key putts on the back nine holes of the golf

course. Other contributors were co-captains sophomore Raquel Gordon and junior Chari Nod-dings, who shot a combined score of 89.

“I knew it was going to be a close match, but we were confi-dent in our chances to win. I was impressed with the resilience our team showed throughout the match, especially our freshmen and sophomores. They played like confident, veteran golfers,” Noddings said.

With the close of the Bay League season, the girls feel that they still have a lot in store as they prepare to make a run at the CIF playoffs.

“The season is not at all over. Although a victory was nice, we

must stay focused. Hopefully, our record this year will grant us a fa-vorable standing in CIF. The team could really use some motivation from our Costa fans,” Raquel Gordon said.

Along with the team’s run for CIF, fans can count on seeing some of the players represent Cos-ta in CIF individal tournaments. These will take place folowing CIF; spots and schedules have not been decided yet.

“Hopefully, we can take ad-vantage of our favorable stand-ings and capitalize on an overall successful season. I am confident in our team’s ability to win and we will continue to work and pol-ish our games before CIF,” Gor-don said.

Sport Overall Bay LeagueWins Losses Ties LossesWins Ties

Girls Tennis

Boys Cross Country

Football

Girls Volleyball

Boys Water Polo

Girls Golf

8 3 - 2 1 - - - - 0 1 -

- - - 0 1 -

2 3 - - - - 7 5 - 2 0 -

11 4 - 2 0 - 9 0 - 7 0 -

Homecoming: consider our ego inflated

comPiled By danny kelleher, hanna mcGuire, and emma rosenBaum/sPorts editors

Girls Cross Country

these records are as oF octoBer 13 and may not Be accurate due to time oF PuBlica-tion

SportS20 La Vista October 15, 2010

Mustangs defeat Newport Harbor Sailors at Homecoming gameSetting the tone for what they expect to achieve throughout the rest of the reason, the Mustangs pre-vailed with a hard-fought 17-7 victory and gallop into Bay League play with a 2-3 record.

Ship Wreck: Senior running back and cornerback Deon Morris follows blockers on a run in the Mustangs’ win over the Newport Harbor Sailors. The victory added to the excitement of the Homecoming atmosphere. Tonight at 7 p.m, Costa will start Bay League play when they travel to West Torrance to take on the Warriors.

senior Geoff La Pointe intercept-ing a pass during the first play of the quarter.

“I just dropped back in cover-age, and their QB threw into my zone,” La Pointe said.

The Mustangs used the turnover to their advantage. They drove the ball down the field, and senior kicker Brendan Sofen nailed a 35-yard field goal to put Costa up, 3-0. The half concluded with the

same score. Both teams went into the locker room with high hopes for the second half.

After the Homecoming festivi-ties, the second half started slow-ly as well. Tension grew and the Mustangs moved down the field. Senior running back Deon Mor-ris frequently moved the ball up and down the field. One of Mor-ris’ long runs brought Costa to the three-yard line.

“Our game plan wasn’t to go out and do anything fancy. We just wanted to take it to them,” Morris said. “The offense did much bet-ter than it had in previous weeks, and our running game is back. We were able to pull off a win against a tough team.”

However, Costa soon fumbled the ball. The Sailors recovered it and then repeated Costa’s error. The Mustangs pounced on it and

brought the ball back into New-port’s territory.

Costa quickly struck against the Newport defense. They scored a touchdown with a quarterback sneak executed by senior Dennis Falcone. Sofen’s PAT brought the score to 10-0 with the Mustangs in the lead.

Costa’s defense increased the pressure. The team forced a quick punt, which was returned 31 yards by La Pointe, putting an end to the game.

“My return would not have been anything without my block-ers. It obviously gave us an extra boost to put the game away,” La Pointe said.

The punt return led to another Costa touchdown on a run by Morris, putting Costa up 17-0 with a little over 10 minutes left.

The Sailors tacked on a late touchdown, but couldn’t make a comeback. After a blocked extra point, the game ended.

Costa has its first Bay League game tonight at 7 p.m. at West Torrance. The Mustangs look to go undefeated for the third straight season in Bay League.

“As for the Bay League, our team is going to keep working hard to improve. The defense has done a great job, but there are al-ways areas for improvement,” La Pointe said.

Will GoodWin/la Vista

By sandor Kopitz

staff Writer

of tournament-type players that start the game ready, which makes it a very difficult school defeat, but I think we did well over-all,” Manasse said.

The girls will travel to Palm Springs to-day for a two-game tournament. They cur-rently hold an 8-3 season record and a 2-1 Bay League record. After Tuesday’s loss, the girls sit at nineth in Division 1 of all of the Southern California, with Peninsula as their most difficult competitor so far this season.

“We are not going to change a thing. We have played well so far this year, and all we have to do is come out and compete,” coach Joe Ciasuli.

Together, senior Laura Derian and sophomore Hanna McGuire won two matches for the Mustangs with scores of 6-4 and 6-1. The other doubles tandems played hard but found themselves on the wrong side of the score. Senior Taylor Mahr and sophomore Ava Klein were the other two starting singles players.

“Peninsula is an extremely tough and consistent team. They work the ball around the court, which makes it difficult to stay strong in a rally and a match,” junior Erin Murphy said.

Alongside meeting the team’s goal of competitng in CIF, Manasse has set a high personal goal for herself this season.

“It would be really nice to go undefeated and not lose a single match all year. I’m off to a good start and really hope I can con-tinue my success,” Manasse said.

Despite the tough loss, the Mustang players were able to see the positive side of their loss.

“I am pleased with our performances even though we didn’t come out on top. Peninsula is a tough high school to play against. I really can’t be upset with this loss,” Ciasuli said.

By ryan franKlin

staff Writer

The Mustang girls tennis team suffered a tough home loss on Oct. 12, falling 13-5 to Peninsula High School. The match was the squad’s third Bay League match of the sea-son. The girls were outplayed by a histori-cally challenging Peninsula team and were put to the test in every single set.

Sophomore Maegan Manasse led the way for the Mustangs singles players. She won all three of her matches with scores of 6-0, 6-1, and 6-2, continuing her season dominance by improving her personal re-cord to 30-0.

“Peninsula was very good and was defi-nitely our toughest competition of the year so far. I feel like we played pretty well de-spite our loss, and I am pleased with my personal performance. Peninsula is full

Carina Glasser/la Vista

SWeet SWing: Sophomore Maegan Manasse hits a forehand against the Peninsula Panthers. She has swept her three sets throughout the season in every match.

Tennis falls to Peninsula High

JaCqueline peha/la Vista

FantaStic Four: (from left) Seniors Jake Miller, Joe Siltanen, Dana Tuttle, and Julian Monk have formed the central driving force for Costa’s water polo team this season.

By ryan eriCKson

staff Writer

The Mira Costa boys water polo team showed its Bay League dominance with a prevailing win over West at the Costa pool on Oct. 12 by a score of 30-1.

The Mustangs started out fast with three quick goals against West in the first two minutes. The floodgates soon opened when Costa put them in an insurmountable hole that West would not be able to recover from as the score climbed to 10-0 by the eight-minute mark.

By the end of the first period, the Mus-tangs had built up a significant lead over the Warriors at 14-0.

“We played well in every facet of the game, and we came after them aggressive-ly. It was an overall good game. I’m ex-tremely happy with the way we played and I look forward to the next game,” coach Jon Reichardt said after the game.

The victory improved the Mustangs’ overall record to 11-4 for the season and brought their Bay League record to 2-0,

making them first in their league. The rankings for all the teams in the South Bay came out on Oct. 9, and the Mustangs were ranked second in Division III for high school water polo teams.

“We’re really coming together as a team and because of that, our play has improved in the pool. We do have areas that we can make better, but I think that we’re all head-ed in the right direction,” senior captain Jake Miller said.

This is the second year in a row that the Mustangs have been ranked second in all of the South Bay. The team’s next game is on Oct. 18 against rival Los Alamitos, who is ranked number four in Division I. The boys have a history of difficult games against Los Alamitos, as they participate in a tournament there every year.

“As the season progresses, we continue to improve everyday,” Miller said. “We hope to carry on this hot streak, and every time we play we just keep gaining more and more confidence. We all have high hopes for this team, and we are very ex-cited as to where we are going.”

Water polo defeats West

At the Homecoming football game on Oct. 8, the Mira Costa football team beat the Newport Harbor Sailors, 17-6. The de-fensive brawl handed the Sailors their first loss of the season.

“It is the last tune-up before Bay League. We played good de-fense last week, but we had too many turnovers. The squad hasn’t really put it all together, but hope-fully tonight’s the night that they will. It looks to be a good game,” coach Don Morrow said before the game.

The players felt that they were working in unison and flowing well as a whole. Both the of-fensive and defensive line-ups emerged victorious in the contest after gaining experience from their earlier games.

The game started slowly. The Sailors started to penetrate deep into Mustang territory. As they entered Costa’s red zone, how-ever, the Mustangs tightened their defense. Senior nose guard J.R. Tavai anchored the defense and had two sacks and eight tackles for losses in the game.

The first quarter ended without much action, but the second quar-ter supplied the previously miss-ing excitement, beginning with