Happy Holidays!

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Dragons Tale
AB 1575 eliminates student fees
tional activities must be provided to pupils free of charge. The new laws may cause an increased reliance on the SVHS Boosters Club, which supports virtually all extracurricular and elective activities. Veronica Brooks, president of the Boosters Club explains, Right now, theyre still trying to gure it out. But my understanding is that is was declared unconstitutional for public schools to charge students for things like lab fees. Students are legally entitled to a free education. She continues, It could mean the school would be more reliant on Boosters - were still waiting to hear. As for what falls under the umbrella of an educational activity, AB 1575 denes it as an activity offered by a school...that constitutes an integral fundamental part of an elementary and secondary education, including but not limited to, curricular and extracurricuregarding the costs of curriculum, students in California will no longer be charged for curriculum-associated materials, such as books, supplies, and lab fees. The bill, referred to as CA Assembly Bill 1575 becomes a law on January 1, 2013. Currently, students in such classes as video productions and art are asked to pay a fee in the beginning of the year, primarily to help offset the cost of supplies. While teachers can still request donations for these costs, they cannot make the fee a requirement for participation. AB 1575 ofcially denes a pupil fee as a fee, deposit, or other charges imposed on pupils, or a pupils parents or guardians and includes a security deposit or other payment that a student is required to make to obtain a lock, locker, book, class apparatus, musical instrument, uniform, or other materials or equipment. Essentially, students cannot be required to pay for books (such as required reading for English), P.E. uniforms, or any fee thats associated with a constitutionally dened educational activity.

Christmas at the Mission Page 5

The Snow Maiden Page 6

By Jamie Ballard

December 2012 - Volume 22 -Issue 3 - Sonoma Valley High School Charges against Sassarini janitor By Jamie Ballard All supplies, materials and equipment dropped Due to a soon-to-be enacted law needed for these educa-

Richard Piskulic, the Sassarini janitor previously accused of child molestation, was exonerated due to a lack of evidence. The charges were dropped on Nov. 1. Piskulics arrest on Oct. 5 was based on claims by a Sassarini parent who accused Piskulic of touching her son in one of the schools bathrooms. Investigators did not find sufficient evidence to substantiate the claims and chose not to pursue the case further at this time. The SVUSD attorneys office declined to file a complaint against Piskulic but reports in the Index-Tribune cite District Attorney Jill Ravitch reporting that the investigation will be continued by the Sonoma Sheriffs Department. Throughout the ordeal, many members of the community maintained the belief that Mr. Piskulic was innocent. Pages of comments celebrating his exoneration were found on the Press Democrat article, several from Sonoma residents. Piskulics lawyer Joe Stogner reported to the Press Democrat that Piskulic had been placed on administrative leave, but plans to return soon to work. SVUSD Superintendent Louann Carlomagno commented in an interview with the Index-Tribune that the school district was working closely with its attorneys to determine how to proceed.
See page 3 for more information.

Photo by Jessica Marioni lar activities. However, many of these supposed fees have essentially always been on a donation basis. The $150 ASB fee requested of all students has always been an optional donation, and the school has virtually never barred a student from an elective class due to an inability to pay a fee. Under AB 1575, fee waiver policies like the ones at SVHS do not make pupil fees permissible. But AB 1575 does not prohibit solicitation of voluntary donations or voluntary participation in fundraising. Additionally, schools that do enact a pupil fee will be susceptible to complaints under the Uniform Complaint Procedures which apply to all public schools in California. Essentially, while donations cannot be required of students, they are still an integral part of many elective classes at SVHS, and may be necessary to keep several electives aoat.

Proposition 30 heals districts cuts:

$1.8 million wont be cut
By Pio Valenzuela A wave of relieved sighs passed through California public schools following the passage of California Proposition 30. Prop. 30, the Sales and Income Tax Increase initiative, will raise the states sales tax from 7.25 percent to 7.5 percent and increase income taxes for those who make more than $250,000 a year. According to Principal Dino Battaglini, the initiative saved the district from making deeper cuts. This past year, the SVUSD cut $2.6 million from its budget, imposing eight furlough days throughout the school year. California public schools face fewer and less severe budget cuts due to the increased taxes to fund public education. Gov. Jerry Browns initiative is meant to help the California public school system, but is also helping to balance the budget. The University of California has rescinded its remaining furlough days, giving the teachers and students their time back. Undergraduate tuition fees are no longer increasing; however, graduate students fees may increase by up to 35 percent next year. Prop. 30 prevented schools across California from more budget cuts. The UC avoided a budget reduction of $250 million this year and [losing] an additional $125 million next year, according to the UC website. Along with higher education, secondary schools and public school districts are also kept afloat by the initiative. Prop. 30 allowed the school district a sigh of relief, as according to Mr. Battaligni, it prevented the high probability of severe mid-year budget cuts. It was likely that after the winter break, new cuts would have been made for the new semester - this initiative prevented that. Though the school is in no immediate danger of a severe budget crisis, more must likely be done to ensure that the school, along with other California schools, will bounce back from the deep crisis. With the school in deficit spending, more cuts still need to be made. Justin Frese, SVUSDs Deputy Superintendent, is in the midst of discussing future changes based on the details that come out in January. The school is spending more than its income. In lieu of Prop. 30s passage, Mr. Frese is glad to report that the district wont be cut an additional 1.8 million dollars this year. Mr. Battaglini states that the school is in better shape than it was in before the passage of Prop. 30. The UC still faces a challenge. Though many severe cuts were evaded, university leaders believe that the outlook on the budget crisis is still bleak. Though the initiative reduced the need for more cuts and fee increases, students still protest the fees, demanding reductions. To maintain a balanced budget for public schools, whether it is for K-12, the UC, or CSU, changes must be made to make the system more efficient, according to one CSU administrator. Here at SVHS, though it may not feel like it, there is a definite positive and immediate impact caused by Prop 30. A fourth of a cent for each item bought due to the increased sales tax is a small price to pay to ensure a better future for California schools.

Mr. Dragon sign-ups

Mr. Dragon, SVHSs annual male talent pagent, will take place in early February, but sign-ups are currently in progress, and will continue until January 11. Senior boys are invited to sign up for the chance to strut their stuff, show off their talents, and possibly win two free tickets to Prom for Mr. Dragon and his lucky lady.

Opinion-Editorial

Hollywood in ames
By Arthur Morgan If youre a part of the mass of brainless movie-going zombies with no sense of cinema or lm appreciation then you probably liked the recent thrilling installment in the 007 series, featuring enough clichs and mass appeal jokes to satiate your appetite for what youve already experienced and heard a thousand times; if not, then welcome to the last bastion against Hollywood lth, the last frontier between complete annihilation of artistic renewal and mass propagation of meaningless nonsense that has come to dene the movie-going experience. Enter James Bond, suave, womanizing, cocky, pompous, comical and bisexual the latest Hollywood sham and gurative slaughtering of Bonds true spirit. Ian Fleming must be turning over in his grave if he hasnt already been re-cast in a romantic-comedy featuring Jessica Biel and Mila Kunis. My point? When Daniel Craig, the fulllment of male badass, testosterone inducing, creativejuice roaring, acting at its best is reduced to brandishing shotgun shells side-by-side with the Hollywood archetypal clichd badass grandpa with a shotgun joke in an unreal effort to defend a Home-alone style boobietrapped house all in defense of a grandma that is supposedly wanted dead by the most devious criminal in the world then, and only then, can you give up hope in cinema. That last scene just happened this month. Oh, and by the way, according to the new Bond movie, James is homosexual I guess thats just rolling with the times. The problem with popular cinema is that it tries to appeal to the greatest number of people its a corporate-capitalist machine, if the greatest number of people enjoy crap over art and theres more money to be made in creating crap rather than art then the machine dictates art should be forgotten and crap made the new standard. The problem with the masses is that as a result of poor education theyre usually poorly endowed intellectually and creatively; in the past art has been fostered by the rich and the cognizant; but as personal riches have given way to a mass purchased $8 dollar movie ticket so has the bulwark between art and destruction slowly degraded to the point we see in cinemas today. Hollywood doesnt care about quality or artistic ethics look at the recent titles that have come out and are coming out this year A re-sham of The Wizard of Oz featuring James Franco, a historical slaughtering of an American hero in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, and Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters enough having being sad in the title alone. Id rather be Hansel and Gretel, cannibalized by an evil witch, than watch this new Hollywood spin on the popular childrens tale. Maybe Im just cynical, or maybe Im just a melancholic broken-down spirit, obsessed with the preservation of the arts sad that there seem to be none left. Dragons Tale

The next chapter: off the beaten path

By Arianna Maysonave A good college what does that even mean? Is it an Ivy League, a prestigious, two hundred year old institution with endowments that could feed and clothe much of the continental United States? Or is it a $60,000 a year private liberal arts school tucked in the idyllic hills of Vermont or Connecticut? Or maybe its a giant university, a place where you can slide from the limelight and become merely one in a million. What really denotes good? Since childhood, Ive known college is the ultimate goal. Up to now, the majority of my scholastic and extracurricular efforts have been geared toward this abstract ambition. Work, work, work; study, study, study; try, try, try but for what? Why do I have to conform, follow the predestined path of life? Does attending a good college merit anything once you are thrust into the real world, the world not governed by numerical measures of intelligence and lettered judgments of success? The real world demands life skills, not the ability to manipulate multivariable calculus or rattle off every US president in chronological order. Is society evant demands? Theres no denying that education is important it forms the rudiments for discipline, understanding, and individual empowerment. However, the collective has gradually lost sight of the ne line separating benyet most of us are unknowingly on a rollercoaster race to nowhere todays world has fewer jobs, more competition, and a higher price of living than ever before. The worst job market in decades has many capable graduates looking for unpaid internships, which often prove menial despite the potentially valuable nature of the experience. Today, 53 percent of all young college graduates in the US are either unemployed or underemployed, and most are drowning in college debt. Even if we do manage to jump through all the right hoops in high school and gain the long sought after admission to a prestigious university, our futures remain uncertain in this time of social, scal, and political ux. The 21st century educational system is begging for reform, and unless we deCartoon by Liam Casey mand change, this ceaseless cycle will continue wreaking havoc on our youth. So ee from the path take ecial from injurious. The insane a chance, travel the world, become amount of pressure placed upon a self-made millionaire college is modern students is unlike any our not always the right choice, and its predecessors were forced to endure, certainly not the only one.

actually preparing the next generation, or are they merely forcing them to jump through hoops, to prove that they can navigate the perils of sleepless nights and irrel-

Changing role of Christmas

By Adelia Gregory

It is said that words only need to be dened if they are new, unusual, unfamiliar, controversial, Art by Soa Jeremias or abstract. But what is Christmas? The changing values behind the holiday are changing its role in American culture. Christmas originated as the anBy Soa Jeremias be set aside for future retirees. The nual Christian celebration compostal service yet again defaulted on memorating Christs birth on the The postal delivery service is a payment of 5.5 billion dollars this notorious day of December 25. considered to be one of the many year. Christmas was declared a legal characteristics which make up an The postal service must meet a holiday in 1870. But the founevolved and successful society, so prefunding requirement that is not dation for Christmas as a tradiwhat does the struggle to perpetuate usually applied to the average cortion is evolving, with its origisuch an esteemed institution in our poration, a policy which is puzzling nal foundation vested in ethical own great nation indicate? considering that it is self-sufcient values and principle, of family Perhaps it is just a matter of supply entity. These nonsensical requirecoming together and celebratand demand. Perhaps Americans ments have only deepened the scal ing closeness, which is steadily simply do not send mail via post grave which the postal service contransforming into the celebration anymore because of the changes tinues to dig. of consumerism. With the onmade in modes of communication Until the post ofce is able to reslaught of evolving technology since the creation of the email. The solve its debt crisis it will continue thrust upon Americans in trends, decline of USPS could be inevita- to lay off employees and close down our reasons for gathering on the ble. The mail volume of 213 billion ofces. The possibility of postal Christmas holiday are telling of pieces sent in 2006 did drop sharply services being offered in drug and a steadily more materialistic and down to 168 billion in 2011. grocery stores is currently being technology-addicted society. However, in actuality, there is more contested. The postmaster general People all across the spectrum to the dilemma than an antiquated Patrick Donahue vaguely outlined are feeling the crunch of shopmode of communication being re- the changes the USPS needed to ping lists and Christmas fervor, placed by newer, faster technology. make, saying We need less exfrom moms to dads, to daughters The postal service is not only being pensive work hours, and we need and sons. But as parents come forced to modify and revitalize its more exibility on who can do what armed with generous solutions services in attempt to turn a prot jobs. to the multitude of stores theyll but meet payments required by the Who knows what the future may visit over the holiday season, federal government. Much of the hold for the postal delivery service, children of the modern generapostal services debt has accumulat- but a compromise with the federal tion are steadily forgetting the ed due to a repeated failure to meet government and more cost efcient traditional role of Christmas, payments which are supposed to modes of business seems necessary. eagerly awaiting stockpiles of Dragons Tale Staff Editorial Policy ADVISER - Alison Manchester The Dragons Tale is a public forum newspaper produced by the EDITOR IN CHIEF - Jamie Ballard Sonoma Valley High School Newspaper class. The newspaper atCOPY EDITORS - Grace Bon, Arthur Morgan tempts to inform its audience in a broad, fair and accurate manner NEWS EDITORS - Grace Bon, Chelsea Krause on all subjects, and to encourage an exchange of ideas and opinions OP-ED EDITORS - Laura Amador, Arianna Maysonave on issues of prominence to the readers. FEATURE EDITORS - Lindsey Jasperse, Ellen Angeloni The newspaper staff encourages letters for opinions and responses CULTURE EDITORS - Sebastian Amara, Anneliese Koch on the content of the publication. Only signed letters will be considPHOTO & TECH EDITORS - Matt Amatori, Jess Marioni ered for publication. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit all SPORTS EDITOR - Connor Griggs-Demmin letters for content. BUSINESS MANAGERS - Connor Griggs-Demmin, Arthur Morgan No material, opinionated or otherwise, will be printed which is REPORTERS - Jamie Ballard, Laura Amador, Sebastian Amara, Ellen libelous, irresponsible, advocates an illegal activity or which the Angeloni, Grace Bon, Liam Casey, Brennan Cole, Adelia Gregory, Con- editorial staff deems in poor taste. nor Griggs-Demmin, Javia Headley, Lindsey Jasperse, Soa Jeremias, Editorials reect the collective views of the staff and will not conAnneliese Koch, Chelsea Krause, Jacob Little, Arianna Maysonave, tain bylines. Other opinionated pieces will include editors columns, Giana Monterosso, Arthur Morgan, Riley ODonnell, Giordi Serani, feature columns, letters-to-the-editor, and entertainment reviews. Brooke Slack, Jonah Son, Jesse Summers, Weston Updegraff, Eric Webber If the staff discovers that a mistake has eluded the editors, a ART & GRAPHICS - Pio Valenzuela, Liam Casey, Laura Amador, correction will be printed in the next issue. Soa Jeremias

presents, covertly wrapped delights, and instant gratication in the form of technology, a luminescent piece of energy-sucking, focus-depriving, and schooldiverting piece of endless enjoyment. Until that device stops being entertaining, of course, and gets shoved up into a box of other rst-world trinkets, and the child completely forgets the sweat and blood all moms and pops put into fullling the insatiable appetites of modern children. With iPads adorning laps like candles adorn tables, the mood during the holiday season has been one of increasing need, little fulllment, and the feeling of a void, all sending slightly morose campers back into the store to shop some more. But with such immersion into consumerist culture, the Christmas holiday itself warps with all of the materialistic associations weighted on it. As the modern generation feeds its cyber addiction and attachment to unreality with expensive trinkets, inedible Apples, and tablets that enable us to hold the entire media in one hand, the values that once represented Christmas - celebrating the tradition of cherishing family - seems to be slipping through the ngers of American culture, redrawing the priorities of the future: Consumerism, Materialism, Capitalism.

U.S.P.S. fails to deliver

Page 2

December 2012

Letter to the Editor

Dear SVHS Journalism Students, I am writing to address my concerns about your recent article titled Sassarini custodian charged with child molestation. I understand that perhaps your newspaper went to print prior to Mr. Piskulic being exonerated so I will not speak to that. News happens fast and I imagine issues like this happen frequently. The story of a man being arrested in our school district is certainly newsworthy however, I am strong believer that a person is innocent until proven guilty and everything in this article leads the reader to believe that Mr. Piskulic did, in fact, commit these crimes. After describing the incident the authors state Unfortunately, this was the most recent in a series of lewd and inappropriate crimes. How is it possible that this is the most recent in a series of crimes when it never happened? The authors then go on to make connections between this alleged incident and crimes with multiple witness for which the suspect confessed. Comparing the two situations is a stretch at best and, at worst, an insult to an innocent man. I had to wait until Thursday to write this letter because I did not trust myself to write when I initially read the article. What I need you to understand is that, although the topic itself is excellent fodder for news, you have made misleading statements about a sweet and generous man who has given 30 years of his life to making this school district a better place. He is the type of person who stops and helps out in the special ed classes or throws a ball around with kids who dont have someone to play with. He has always gone above and beyond what was asked of him. The false accusations that were made by this parent are a bell that cant be un-rung and to watch this man be destroyed has been heart breaking. Richard is a friend of mine. He did not deserve this. No one who has been falsely accused in this heinous manner does. To see our school newspaper capitalize on that tragedy saddens me. I believe the intention of this article was honorable. You want people to be more aware and to protect themselves. I hope that in your next edition there is a follow-up story with updated and correct information. In an ideal world the fact that the article was misleading would be addressed and a note of apology would be sent to Mr. Piskulic. Bernadette Weissmann Editors Note: The Dragons Tale deeply regrets the error, and we send our sincere apologies to Mr. Piskulic as well as his family and friends. Weve printed an update (see page 1), and were thankful for the chance to hold ourselves to a higher journalistic standard in the future.

Opinion-Editorial

The Fate of Legal Recreational Pot

By Eric Webber Will Colorado and Washingtons attempt to legalize recreational marijuana use go up in smoke due to conflicts with the Obama administration? Residents in those two states are reveling in what they hope is an end to the war on drugs for marijuana, but the war on pot may be far from over. These new laws are in direct conflict with the Obama administration, which has shown no sign of backing down on its full-scale assault on pot growers and distributors. Despite Obamas promise to college students concerning progressive pot reform during the presidential campaign, he has actually launched more raids on statesanctioned pot dispensaries than George W. Bush, and has threatened to prosecute state officials who oversee medical marijuana as if they were drug lords. A big reason for the administrations continued hard stance on pot use after medical marijuana started to sweep the country is the Drug Enforcement Agency being staffed with individuals who have based their careers on going after pot. Michele Leonhart, a holdover from the Bush administration whom Obama has appointed to head the DEA, continues to maintain that pot is as dangerous as heroin. In fact, when pressed on that point at a congressional hearing, Leonhart refused to concede any distinction between Were punishing adults for making the rational, safer decision to use marijuana rather than alcohol, if thats what they prefer, says Tvert. Were driving people to drink. That same year SAFER got enough support to get legalsenseless pot busts, and go after real criminals. The public does not like marijuana, explains Brian Vicente, a Denver attorney who co-wrote the law. What they like is community safety, tax revenue and better use of law enforcement. The campaign effort in Washington, by contrast, received mainstream support and funding from private individuals. Every member of the city council, the city attorney, and the mayor all supported the measure. The public face for the initiative was senior PBS travel journalist Rick Steves, a self proclaimed dedicated pothead who chipped in half a million of his own money into the coffer for the initiative. So while the governors of both states are lighting up to the idea, the reaction from Obama is still in the waits. If obama Art by Matt Amatori was truly committed to progressive Drug reform, or simply states rights, he ization on the ballot....surpris- would immediately stop using ingly. Tvert was merely trying the DEA as his goons to punto increase public awareness ish those legally growing and of his opinions on the war on selling pot under state laws. If drugs. He gained enough sup- Obama is against an all encomport to get its passing. Tvert passing federal legalization, he says that he was only intend- could simply allow state mariing to raise awareness. We juana laws to take precedence just happened to win. Taxing over the Federal laws, which is pot will provide more money something that even opponents for public schools, while final- of marijuana legalization have ly stopping cops from making endorsed.

the two substances, lamely insisting that all illegal drugs are bad. The dealer behind Colorados legalization initiative was Mason Tvert, a marijuana advocate, who At age 22, Tvert founded Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation or SAFER which he created to prompt a conversation over the relative dangers of booze and pot. With marijuana being illegal,

Tipsy Perceptions of Drinking

By Laura Amador At the cusp of adulthood, teenagers stand at the edge of a line which they are able to see over yet unable to cross. Consequently, the line is often blurred and the many indulges of the adult world - independence, sex, controlled substances - are experienced during youth. Under aged drinking particularly, is a concern for adolescents and protective adults alike, due to the wide accessibility of alcohol and its various harmful effects. However, in a culture where alcohol is constantly publicized, advertised, and popularized, it is difcult to convince the youth of the danger it poses. Like many privileges under the law, the legality of the consumption of alcohol is based on a xed age. But how does this potentially life-threatening substance transform into an acceptable social elixir at the arbitrary, all-important age, 21? Because teenagers are faced with mixed messages regarding alcohol, it is difcult to convince them to join a crusade solely against under aged drinking. Rather, the issue should be faced without age bias. If one chooses to drink, he or she should be encouraged to be responsible, safe, and above all, smart about it, regardless of age. I do believe, however, that drinking can be potentially more dangerous for under aged drinkers, primarily because they tend to be more inexperienced and more impulsive. No matter how level-headed a particular adolescent may be, all teenagers are in a sensitive stage of physical and mental development, which affects how their bodies react to certain substances, including alcohol. Moreover, teenagers tend to be more naive, and thus more susceptible to being taken advantage of while under the inuence. Because alcohol lowers ones inhibitions, one who drinks may more frequently make impulsive, regrettable decisions. Alcohol has the power to build and break relationships, but damaged relationships are often difcult to repair and can create unnecessary strain. Especially in high school, and even more so in a small town such as Sonoma, drinking can have a long reaching effect on ones social life. People often tend towards the idea of protecting our children, but under aged drinking cannot be controlled with restrictions and rules alone. As long as alcohol is accessible, there will be under aged drinking, so we should not attempt to eradicate it so much as regulate it. Sex education in public schools teaches safe sex, and safe drinking should be approached in the same manner. I do not advocate under aged drinking, but if one decided to do so, he or she should take his own safety and the safety of others into consideration. One precautionary step is to ask for a Teen Safe Ride voucher for a free taxi ride at the No Name Cafe in exchange for a short discussion on the risks of drinking

Reddit regulations of free speech

By Jamie Ballard Michael Brutsch is a 49-year-old man living in Arlington, Texas with his wife and son; his son will soon be a Marine. He formerly worked at a nancial service company and is a self-described cat-lover. Online, he specializes in posting highly sexualized pictures of underage girls, marked as jailbait.; that is, when hes not posting creepshots, or photos taken of unaware girls and women. This images are (or more accurately, were) being posted on reddit, a social news site where anonymous users can post and vote on content. Any user can start a subreddit, or forum dedicated to their interests. Some of the subreddits, of course, are perfectly benign or even commendable. There are subreddits for cancer support, funny cat videos, political discussion, and everything in between. Brutschs online persona, Violentacrez, was the creator or moderator for subreddits such as jailbait, creepshots chokeab*tch, rapebait, n*ggerjailbait and other similarly disgusting forums. Despite this, Violentacrez was one of reddits most prominent and strangely beloved users. On Oct. 12, journalist Adrian Chen posted an article to Gawker.com that exposed Michael Brutsch as Violentacrez, thus inciting an internet restorm and invoking discussion about free speech and the role of anonymity on the internet. Some people have spoken out in support of Brutsch, asserting that he (and all reddit users) have a right to free speech, and a right to be anonymous or pseudonymous online. They claim that Chen violated these rights and ruined the life of an ultimately harmless, innocent man. But in a legal sense, the violation of free speech claim is nonsense. Reddit isnt a public entity. It is a privately owned business, meaning that users are not exercising a Constitutionally protected right to free speech; they are exercising the free speech rights granted to them and tolerated by reddit itself. Reddit didnt delete or prohibit any of Brutschs posts, but they did have the power to do so. Its the same with any number of social sites - YouTube, Tumblr, Facebook, and others. Protesters have also asserted that Brutsch was posting under a pseudonym, and therefore protected by some inherent rule of online anonymity. This rule does not exist. Anything you do online can be traced back to you, a fact that seems commonly recognized by those of us operating in the real world. This anonymity argument also seems to assert that if it were Michael Brutsch posting these photos, it would be unacceptable, but since it was Violentacrez, it should be tolerated. Nice try, but going by a different name online in no way justies creepy, borderline illegal behavior. I ask Brutschs supporters to consider - what if it was a photo of your daughter? Your wife? What if it was your nieces photo, taken without her knowledge? What if it was a photo of your sister, with hundreds of vulgar comments beneath it? Would Brutsch still be the victim here?

Dragons Tale

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December 2012

Feature

Boys & Girls Club honor youths

tory and was named as the Youth of the Year and given the award on December 6, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. Vargas has been involved with the Every year the Boys & Girls Boys & Girls Club since the 1st Club gives an award to four indigrade, spending time afviduals between ter school working on the ages of 14 homework and hanging and 18, recogout with friends. Startnizing how they ing in her freshman year, have pushed the Vargas began volunteerlimits of helping ing in the Discovery and participating room and working with with the members the younger kids. of the Boys and Occasionally, she bakes Girls Club. cookies and treats to surThe Youth of the prise the children; showYear award is of ing her enjoyment of being great honor; the a role model at the Club. winner will move Vargas plans on graduaton within the Naing a semester early and tional Boys and pursuing a future in law. Girl Club program The Boys & Girls Club to compete with opened a lot of doors for excellent youth me, and helped me gure from across the Photo courtesy of Boys and Girls Club nation for scholar- Yecenia Vargas, junior, Raquel Paz, senior, Pio Valenzuela, senior, and Eric Gonzalez, graduate, gather at the Boys & Girls Club.out what I wanted to do, and where I wanted to ships, as well as a go, rejoiced Vargas. chance to meet the She will now continue on to United States President. I have always doubted myself, be without The Boys and Girls club compete in the National Boys and Not only does this award achieve never thinking that I would make it of Sonoma, remarked Paz. Although each nominee contrib- Girl Club program for scholarhonorable recognition, but it also this far. But as I look at myself at this enhances skills of public speaking very moment; I am proud of my- uted an excessive amount of time ships and possibly be able to meet and discovering ones identity. self, proud of how much I have ac- and hard work into the Club, only the President of the United States. Within Sonoma, the Boys and complished here at my club, proud one could win. Vargas claimed vicBy Lindsey Jasperse & Ellen Angeloni Girls Club nominated SVHS current and graduated students: Raquel Paz, senior, Pio Valenzuela, senior, Yecenia Vargas, junior, and Eric Gonzalez, graduate of SVHS. of being nominated for Youth of the Year, and I am especially proud to say that I couldnt have become the person I am today without the Club. I dont know where I would

Happy Holidays!
What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Staying in my pajamas the whole day for Christmas.

Olivia Bingham, junior

Bon Voyage to seniors bound for Europe

Eat a lot of Mexican food.

Jesus Molina, sophomore.

3
Reading a Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens every year.
Gianna Biaggi, senior

Photo by Jessica Marioni 1.) The group of seniors who are enrolled in the Europe trip set for June 2013. 2&3) Maya Smoot and Taylor Copple, seniors, excitedly pose with their trip brochure.

By Grace Bon Next summer, a group of SVHS seniors will embark on a journey through four European countries, including England, France, The Netherlands, and Belgium. The group, led by Mr. Gissell, will depart for London on Jun. 4, just four days after graduation, and continue on to Paris, followed by Bruges and nally

Amsterdam. Over the course of twelve days, the students will visit royal palaces, world-renowned art museums, and local restaraunts, ensuring the traditional tourist experience paired with an authentic feel. I think traveling is a wonderful experience - it is one of the most educational, eye-opening, transformative experience a

student can have, commented Mr. Gissel. I truly think its a great trip. The tradition of the senior trip began in 1998, when Mr. Gissell took a group of students to New York. The trip was wildly successful, and it was suggested that the destination be expanded to Europe. Since then, countless groups of newly-graduated students

have traveled to captivating countires such as Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Portugal, Liechtenstein, and the Czech Republic. The trip, hosted by Casterbridge, costs $4,000 and is all inclusive - airfare, lodging, and meals are covered. Students who are interested are encouraged to contact Mr. Gissell for more details.

Dragons Tale

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December 2012

Lighting up Sonoma

Happy Holidays

Feature

Photo by Jessica Marioni The lighting of the Christmas Tree took place on the Sonoma Plaza on November 30 to ignite the holiday season.

Sonoma mission at the center of holiday tradition

By Lindsey Jasperse & Ellen Angeloni Sonomans of all size and age gathered on Saturday, Dec. 8 at one of the most historical centers in town ranging from the hours of 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm, or 7:30pm. Some of our own SVHS students attended the ceremony. Juniors, Oscar Ramirez and Jack Murphy commented, gathering with the Sonoma community was a great way to celebrate the holiday season. Every year, Sonoma State Historical Park holds a holiday celebration in the Mission Chapel, where readings and songs are performed by candlelight. The celebration continued as the attendants indulged in sweet refreshments around a warm re, enjoying the holiday season as a community. The activities main goal is to bring families and friends from Sonoma Valley together to this Spirit of the Season program. Dragons Tale

Photo by Jessica Marioni Many gathered at the Mission Chapel with candle in hand to celebrate traditional festivities such as singing Christmas carols and enjoying holiday treats.

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December 2012

Culture

Hail the Snow Maiden

By Pio Valenzuela Hearts were warmed amid the chill of winter at the Sonoma Conservatory of Dances third production of The Snow Maiden, Sat. and Sun., Dec. 8 and 9. The Russian folktale, rst adapted into a ballet in 1878, tells the story of a snow sculpture brought to life by the Snow Queen. The sculpture is forbidden to fall in love, or else the warmth of love will melt her and she is condemned to live in the Land of Snow forever. As the theater darkened, dancers burst out from the theaters entrances, incorporating the audience in their festivities. Inevitably, the Snow Maiden falls in love, and returns to the Land of Snow. Lel is aided by the Four Winds, giving him gifts and sneaking him into the Land of Snow. Each Wind, named after the cardinal directions, whirled onto stage one by one. Each performer showcased her personal talents as a diverse dancer, performing a variety of folk dancing. The young children played the parts of snowakes, snow guards, icicles, and ice crys-

Lincoln goes out with a bang

By Weston Updegraff Lincoln is remembered in history as one of our greate s t presidents. In the new movie, Lincoln, directed by Steven Spielberg, Daniel Day-Lewis portrays our 16th president and impress audiences throughout the nation. The movie follows his final month in office, during which most would agree to be the most demanding in career. During this period he is attempting to pass the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, a provision that will lawfully ensure the equality of all men. The south is losing the Civil War, and Lincoln guarantee the ban of slavery prior to their reentry into the Union. Daniel Day-Lewis captured the true essence of Lincoln, where as opposed to movies in the past that portrayed Lincoln having deep monotonous voice, but through historical analysis, Day-Lewis uncovered a new side of Lincoln, with a somewhat higher pitched voice. Lincoln is an accurate historic portrayal of the constant struggles by the opposition to prevent this historic and crucial Amendment from passing. It is sure to spark an interest with everyone, with a lingering love story as well as comedic moments. Historians have found stories told by Lincoln throughout his life scattered them throughout the movie, some of which will surely cause laughter in the audiences The cast itself is stacked with some of the greatest actors, alongside Daniel Day-Lewis stands Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Sally Field, and Tommy Lee-Jones. This blockbuster has netted more than 95 million dollars in the box office, and 95% of top critics loved it. It is an artfully crafted movie, that is sure to remain a classic for years to come. Although the ending leaves something to be desired it is an amazing movie that is sure to make you fall back in love with one of the greatest actors in this nations history, Daniel Day-Lewis.

tals. And although some of the youngsters werent as rehearsed, their performance was touching nonetheless. In the second act, Mama Winter, in a very large dress, lifts up the hem of her skirt to reveal the Ice Crystals hiding underneath, dancing around her gleefully, bringing smiles to the entire audience. The ballet features the choreography of Brooke Byrne, Artistic

Photo by Matt Amatori Evan Johnston and Natalie Anderson, stars of the Snow Maiden, dance a pas de deux at the Sebastiani Theater.

Immerse yourself in wintery wonders

By Anneliese Koch With the approachi n g winter season and holiday vacation, people may nd t h e m selves sitting at home watchi n g Friends. reruns, unable to think of anything exciting to do. However, there are many opportunities to make this season a memorable one. As a convenience to many people in the local area, Santa Rosa Ski and Sport offers a bi-weekly shuttle bus to various resorts in Tahoe. Those interested pay a singular fee ranging from $89- $115. The payment includes bus fare, a day pass for the chosen resort, a SRSS t-shirt as well as lunch. For those under the age of 18, a mandatory parental consent form must Dragons Tale be signed and brought by the morning of departure. For those w h o would rather s t a y inside, sipping h o t chocolate and eating p o p corn, t h e Century Napa Va l l e y T h e ater is showing an array of holiday classic movies. They will be showing everything from Home Alone to Its A Wonderful Life on the big screen. It is the perfect opportunity to see family favorite Christmas movies in a larger than life setting. Take these opportunities to give your holiday season new traditions. Whether you like the indoors, like a cozy movie theater, or outdoors, like the slopes of the Sierras, there is always something to do.

Director of Khadra International Dance Theatre and Geary Dance Center. The ballet incorporates traditional ballet with folk dancing, originating from Eastern European countries, such as Ukraine and Russia. The part of Lel, the shepherd boy the Snow Maiden falls in love with, is played by Evan Johnston, 23, who is currently pursuing a medical doctorate in biological sciences for a career in health care for dancers. Featuring a cast of 37, the Snow Maiden has dancers of all ages, ranging from 6 to 16 years old. Anika Ljung and Natalie An-

derson, freshmen, Isabel Falls, Elizabeth Eagles and Angelica Griggs-Demmin, sophomores, played various parts. Each having been training in traditional ballet for 11 to 12 years, they are comfortable dancing en pointe. Although the folk dance is foreign to to most of them, lizabeth Eagles explains that theyve been in character [roles] for years, and mixing the ballet with the folk wasnt so difcult. The Snow Maiden is sure to stay in Sonomas heart this holiday season and beyond the cool winter months of the New Year.

A Belle to ring across campus

By Javia Headley Beauty and the Beast will be opening on Mar. 1 of next year in the Little Theater. Ella Krikorian and Maya Smoot will play Belle and Sam Gardella and Gerald de Lara will both play the Beast. This play is based off of the Disney movie Beauty and the Beast where an arrogant prince is cursed to take the form of a beast. The helpers in his castle are turned as well. They are cursed to live out their lives as objects until the prince nds love and Breaks the spell. Belle, a small town girl, meets the beast and they fall in love. The spell is broken and the objects return as humans and the beast becomes a handsome prince. Maya Smoot and Jacqueline Regan will play Mrs. Potts, Sonia Krikorian, Laura Amador and Madeline Libbey will play Lumiere, Skylar Trygsdad and Daniel Dwyer will play Cogsworth, Savannah Uren and August Olson will play Chip (with David Price as their understudy), Sean Hall and Adalid Hernandez will play Gaston, and Buster and Eugene La Haye will play Lefou. Among the other cast members include Kyra Hinton and Kudra Wagner as Babette; Jamie Howlett and Theresa-Marie Njada as Page 6 Madame de la Grade Bouche; Molly Lobsinger, Maddie Raffaini as the Aristocratic Lady; Jessica Hood and Soa Williams as the Teacher, Alexis Giomi, as the student, Raegan Hedley, as the sausage girl, Stephanie Brett, as the Lady with Cane, Angelica Rivera, as the Lady with Dog, Kaylin Reibli, as the Lady with Baby, David Price, as the Candle Man, and Hannah Encarnacion, as the Hat seller. Andrew Murphy, Annie Morgan, Katelyn Adams, Isabel Jaycox, Paige Knef, Bronwyn Todd, and Austin Aviles will be narrating the play. The dancers are Abbie Cameron, Alondra Sanchez, Bronwyn Todd, Emma Caballero, Ishqa Rousseau, Jen Howlette, Kaylin Martindale, Kylee Martindale, Kyra Hinton, Laura Amador, Lizette Hernandez, Madeline Libbey, Maya Smoot, Molly Lopsinger, Naomi Bliman, Natalie Smith, Paige Giomi, Paige Kneff, Savannah URen, and Sofa Williams. Maya Smoot, with the help of the more artistic cast members, will be designing the set for her senior project. She hopes to incorporate the fantasy aspects of this classic into her set. Its going to be a vision success, Maya Smoot noted cheerfully.

December 2012

Culture

Talent thrives through town

Musical diva launches career higher than sopranos
Marenec talks to TED
By Giana Monterosso & Brooke Slack TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, three subject areas that are paving our future. TED Talks is a nonprofit conference a r o u n d the country with the slogan ideas w o r t h spreading. It has been having these conferences since 2006. At the end of 2006 TED Talks had been watched 2 million times. As of November 2012 TED Talks has been view one billion times. By the end of 2009 that number jumped to 200 million establishing TED as an important platform. Emilie Marenec, senior, was chosen from SVHS by the forensics teacher Ms. Hansen to compete with five other high schools in the local TED Talks competition. During the competition, the contestants were given a subject to speak about, which was connectedness. Five different high schools will be attending this conference, including Justin Sienna, Napa High, and other schools in Sonoma County. The forensic, leadership, or other public speaking classes at each school enter and the teacher chooses the top two students in the class to give their speech at the TED conference. This conference will be filmed a n d showed throughout TED talks. I chose to talk about connectedness through music, and the connection between music and my family, says Marenec. My great grandfather made violins, and one he made was passed down through our family to me, so music is the way my family stays connected. Marenec gave her speech about connectedness through music to a large auditorium among 14 other speakers, Sunday, Dec. 2.

Photo courtesy of Ella Krikorian Ella Krikorian practices both her singing ability while she plays the accompanyment on the piano.

By Sebastian Amara It is not often that SVHS produces a student with a passion for music like Ella Krikorian, senior. Music has the ability to dig into your soul and shine light on parts that you did not know you possessed. Its a thought provoking, creative, and beautiful way to encompass feelings that are impossible to portray any other way, explained Krikorian. Krikorians most recent accomplishment - winning a Bay Area classical singing competition - has earned her an opportunity to go to the Boston Conservatory next May. She was one of three others from the entire Bay Area accepted to the Conservatory. Krikorian looks forward to traveling to the conservatory, where she will perform for panels of judges, competing for scholarships and other opportunities.

While Krikorian works independently to further her musical career, she also uses her talent within SVHS. Not only is she the lead in the spring musical, Beauty and the Beast, she is the president of Music Club, a club designed to raise involvement of students within the SVHSs music department as well as teach them how to play musical instruments. For her Senior Project, she is researching the style, history and value of classical music. She also plans, for her project, to study Lieder, classical German arrangements for a single singer with the accompaniment of only a piano. Krikorian became interest in music as a child. I would sing herself to sleep. claimed Krikorian. It was then that she embarked on her long and adventurous singing career. Before Krikorian reached middle school, she was singing in organized chil-

dren choirs. When Krikorian was in the seventh grade, she began to advance her singing skills with classical vocal training. Since then, Krikorian has been taking private lessons in Marin as well as San Francisco. During her sophomore year, Krikorian was one of fteen students selected to attend Pepperdine University where she studied under decorated composers Jake Heggie and Libby Larson. While there, she undertook the challenges of master classes to create her radiant opera voice. Im working on bigger arias, a solo piece written for a main character that focuses on the characters emotion, as my voice grows, she comments. Krikorians passion for musical arts has formed new aspects of SVHS and helped launch a singing career that will undoubtedly shape the rest of her life.

Heredia, Martinez Rise Above

By Pio Valenzuela Jose Heredia, senior, was one of 12 students who stands out from the 2013 class of Students Rising Above, a college support group that honors exemplary students who have also fought through adversity to create their successful high school careers. Heredia is one of two seniors, along with Veronyka Martinez, at SVHS who are in Students Rising Aboves class of 2013. Among many applicants in the Bay Area, they choose those whove shown that they can rise above a tough situation and be able to succeed in school. They make sure you graduate, and stay with you through college as well, commented Martinez. Those accepted in the program are low-income, first generation college students, and must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and have no Fs. Once accepted, students are connected with an advisor who frequently checks in with students and helps them through the college application process. Jose Heredia was chosen as someone with an outstanding story of overcoming adversity, and was interviewed by KPIX CBS5 TV. At first he was skeptical and hesitant; however, he soon viewed it as a great opportunity. He hopes to inspire other kids by sharing his story. He wishes that others will follow his example and choose a brighter future through education. The 12 students chosen by SRA receive more recognition and have been shown to have higher chances of getting into college. Veronyka was skeptical about the program at first, before applying after she was referred to it by her counselor. However, she emphasizes the big help that the opportunity has given her, and appreciates it wholly. Being in the program gives these students many chances. According to both Veronyka and Jose, they keep you on track with college apps, and will help you through college as well, financially and through other support. Students Rising Above is a lifesaver for many of their students. Their website indicates that 81 percent of their students are below the federal poverty line. Furthermore, 85 percent of their students show their gratitude through community service. With their students college graduation rate at 90 percent, twice the national average for students with low-income households, Students Rising Above shows that students can achieve success, even those coming from difficult backgrounds. The SRAs goal is to impact the future through the cultivation of extraordinary youth. With Students Rising Above to support them, Jose and Veronyka are both well on their way to a bright future in college.

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December 2012

By Jacob Little and Jesse Summers

Equestrianism gallops into SVHS

Having to care for another animal and practice certain skills with that animal teaches you responsibility, she elaborates. Since its introduction as a collegiate varsity sport in 1998, and due to its global recognition in the summer Olympics, equestrian activities and competitions are beginning to grow in popularity. This is old news for Sonoma, whose rolling hills and sweeping vineyards have made horseback riding a common pastime for decades. But, just recently, the sport has begun to attract much of the younger crowd as well. Despite its relative growth, many riders-to-be are discouraged by the large amount of money required. Unlike other sports, equestrianism requires dedication to the animal and a large nancial investment. The costs of maintaining a healthy horse range from $100 to $1,000 a month including a quality horse saddle, stable fees, and grain or feed on top of paying for lessons. Shoeing a horse by itself can be anywhere from $90 to $300, requiring a new shoe every 6-8 weeks.

Sports

Opinion

S.F. Quarterback controversy

Sports - Football, baseball, basketball, soccer. For most, that just about sums it up. However, SVHS students Taylor Copple, senior, and Devin Bacon, junior, spend their free time doing something a little bit more unique. Its called equestrianism, or, more commonly, horseback riding. Idyllic nature scenes and exorbitant costs are often paired with horses, but, as Copple and Bacon explain, theres often more to the good side and less to the bad. Both have been riding since elementary school, getting started on birthday party ponies and an obsession with horses at the fair. So for the two avid riders, the fun begins just where it started with the horses. I really love being around the animals, and it just evolved into competition, explained Copple, who also competes with her horses at local meets. For Bacon, the life skills learned are irreplaceable.

By Brennan Cole and Jonah Son Well see. Usually tend to go with the guy whos got the hot hand and weve got two quarterbacks that have got a hot hand, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said after second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick put on a show for the ages on footballs biggest stage. San Francisco football fans and fans across the country were exposed to the beginnings of one of the most hyped quarterback controversies in recent football history. The Niners starting quarterback, Alex Smith, underwent a series of concussion tests the previous week to test whether or not he would be cleared for the teams Monday night showdown against the scorching-hot Chicago Bears. Many 49er fans woke up to somewhat discouraging news that their starting quarterback who, with the help of coach Jim Harbaugh, led them from a 6-10 record in 2010 all of the way to a 13-3 record and a muffed punt away from the franchises rst Super Bowl berth in 18 years. However, little did they know that their backup quarterback might be better than their starter. Colin Kaepernick, second-year man out of University of Nevada Reno, led the charge as the Niners dominated the games top ranked defense. No one saw it coming; it was one of the most dynamic performances on Monday Night Football in years. San Francisco cruised to a 32-7 victory. To no surprise, Harbaugh was asked the highly anticipated question in the postgame press conference: who will start next week at New Orleans? Harbaugh, being his characteristic unfriendly self to the media, gave no hints other than he would make the decision later in the week. Tight end Vernon Davis referred to Kaepernick as the man and commented with praise, I take my hat off to him because of some great things he did today. Kaepernick proceeded to earn the start for big game in New Orleans and helped lead the Niners to a second straight dominant victory. Two Sundays ago, against the Miami Dolphins, Kaepernick once again showcased his ability to run the readoption play, when he and running back Frank Gore fooled everyone as he scampered untouched into the end zone. This improved his record as a starter to 3-1. Yesterday was the most signicant test yet as he carried the team into Foxboro for a huge game against the defending AFC-champion New England Patriots with results not available at presstime. He can tuck it and run, throw the deep ball, run the play-action, and scramble from pressure. He has the ability to keep plays alive that perhaps no one else in the league can. If Kaepernick can maintain these high standards that he has set for himself so early in his career and the defense can keep playing the way it has been, the Niners may very well join the San Francisco Giants as they strive towards being the top team in their respective sports.

Photo courtesy of Taylor Copple. Taylor Copple, senior, and her horse, Genuis, hurdle a fence in a competition.

Fortunately for those with a small budget, there are ways to avoid the large expenses. Starting horse riding can be a lot of money, but once you are started and interested in it, there are tons of ways to afford it, Copple explains. By taking care of other horses at the stable you can help pay for your horse, adds Bacon. And once you get good, you can train other horses

and make even more money back. There are also other equestrian scholarships available from specic colleges, Copple disclosed. The bottom line for aspiring horseback riders - getting involved. There are many ways to earn the money, and many more to avoid the costs altogether. You dont need to be a billionaire to ride a horse. Just ask Taylor Copple or Devin Bacon.

Time Out! Who is your favorite athlete?

By Giordi Serani

LeBron James Kendall Ashe Girls Basketball

Kyrie Irving Vinny Albano Boys Basketball

Jared Allen Dalton Elster Wrestling

New training room for wrestling

Girls cross country title revoked

By Connor Griggs-Demmin In a stunning and heartbreaking turn of events, the SVHS Girls Cross Country teams inspiring SCL title was revoked. An unofcial photo showed senior Gianna Biaggi one place behind a Petaluma runner the tracking chips showed her to have nished ahead of, thus lowering the Dragons total score one point below Piners. Even though the photo was unofcial and the nish crew witnessed no discrepancies, the league commissioner determined that the evidence was substantial enough to overturn the original results and award Piner the title. Despite losing what would have been their rst league title in 26 years, the Dragons turned in a solid NCS performance, nishing 13th in a very strong eld. Its really disappointing, but were proud of our work, commented senior captain Serena Spry, summing up the feelings of the team.

After more than 20 years of wrestling in a stench-lled and out of date wrestling room, the SVHS wrestling team decided to use some funding to update its practice room, and replace the sporting equipment. Along with a new mat, padded walls, and new lockers, the team invested in new singlets (the wrestling uniforms) and brand new warm-up jackets. Current head coach, Kyle Baird, and several members of the team spent many hours over the summer to tear down the old parts of the room, and then construct all its new features. I love the new mat, and the room looks way better than it ever has before, remarked Dragon wrestler Max Schimm, junior. The new mat not only provides a more comfortable surface for practice, but a clean start to the season. The room is much cleaner than last year, and doesnt smell like death anymore, said a relieved Aidan Lacy, senior. The team

Photo by Giordi Serani. The Dragons wrestling squad recently had their training room re-done.

By Brennan Cole and Jonah Son

Buster Posey: a legend in the making

pulled out a nail-biting series victory over the Cardinals, and breezed by the Tigers to claim their second world series ring in three years. Although the Giants victory was impressive, the story of the Giants catcher Buster Posey and his remarkable comeback is one that will never be forgotten. At twenty-ve years of age, Buster Posey has a collection of awards and accomplishments that highlight his outstanding skills as one of the greatest baseball players to ever play the game. To accompany his two World Series rings, Buster Posey has won Rookie of the Year, The Silver Slugger, Hank Aaron Award, a batting title, appeared in an All-Star game, and most impressively in the 2012 season returned to achieve Comeback Player of the Year and the National Leagues Most Valuable Player (MVP). After a devastating broken ankle in the 2011 season, Posey focused all of his attention into getting back onto the eld at the start of the 2012 season. Following an offseason of resting, rehabilitation, and hope, Buster Posey not only returned in full health but came back stronger than the player that was worthy of the Rookie of the Year Award just two seasons earlier. Compared to his impressive 2010 statistics: .305 batting average, 67 runs batted

appreciates having a modern and clean room to start the 2012-2013 season. The room looks really nice, but I will miss all the memories I have with the old room. Every crack in the wall would remind me of past seasons and countless individuals. But change is good, and the most important thing is that the room is safer than it has been, explained long-time coach

and former wrestler Deets Winslow. Although the old room is ripe with memories, the new room marks a change for the team and represents a prosperous future. The future of Sonomas wrestling program will likely be thankful for the work this years program put in, while the current wrestlers are eagerly awaiting the start of the 2012-2013 Sonoma County League season.

Buster Posey stood into the batters box gripping his weapon of choice: a 34 inch Louisville slugger; the deadliest armament in baseball. Facing up against a Matt Latos 94 mph fastball, the battle was underway. With the bases loaded and one out in a postseason elimination game against the Cincinnati Reds, Buster Posey took matters into his own hands and sent a fastball 435 feet into the left eld bleachers. This would be the turning point in the game as the Giants never looked back and defeated the Reds,

in, and 18 home runs, Buster Posey further awed the baseball world with an MVP season: .336 batting average, 103 runs batted in, and 24 home runs. Posey shows his leadership not only with his talent, but also as a role model for his teammates. Giants manager, Bruce Bochy, praises Poseys presence on and off the eld saying, He not only has a huge impact on our lineup but a bigger impact with the way that he leads by example. Posey has shown the baseball world his capability as a baseball player and leader, making him the icon of San Francisco Giants baseball.

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December 2012

News

Fiscal cliff reflects unsustainable budget Caught in

es. Budget experts are vying for serious attention to combine tax increases and spending cuts The scal cliff has been to realistically address the ismentioned in the news day after sues plaguing our modern govdaya hyper-politicized debate ernment. over spendFalling off the ing cuts and fiscal cliff would tax increases. mean curbWith its curing the deficit rent news covby $7 trillion, erage, the sstarting next cal cliff hangs year. The govover the horiernment needs zon and polito stop deficits ticians confrom growing sciences like faster than the a looming economy to staapocalypse. bilize the debt Without a and prevent a deal to stop complete devthe spiraling astation of vital costs of the areas like edubiggest four cation funding. machines of The sudden government, and blunt naMedicare, ture of the fiscal Medicaid, Socliff would have cial Security, a devastating and interest impact on the on the debt, economy, the all federal tax Will stubborness entrap Wahington as Obama and Boehner debate the future? Photo courtesy of Google Committee for revenue would a Responsible be swallowed whole by 2026. the predicament is to slash en- fice addressed the issue by ex- Federal Budget noted. With But what does this mean to titlement spending and shrink plaining, To have a substantial their long-term debt reduction students at Sonoma Valley High government, despite the growing budgetary impact would require plan to be voted on next year, School? By 2026, the scal cliff entitlement costs stemming from large numbers of people to pay the fate of government benefits more in taxes or receive less in and services hangs strategically would mean there would be noth- a growing elderly population. ing left to pay for anything like The left are clambering to tax government benefits or servic- in fragile balance. By Adelia Gregory education, medical research, food safety, air trafc control, highways, national parks, defense, and veterans benets, etcetera. The right wings solution to the rich, despite the fact that a monstrosity of debt and cost cant all be saddled onto the backs of a minority. The Congressional Budget Of-

Thought
What are your winter break plans?

Mitch Hood, Junior Staying at home and hanging out

New Art Teacher Colors With Artistic Edge

his creative art projects that are out of the box makes his class more interesting. In his Art I class he is currently working on a joiner collage, which is based off a project by David Hockney, an early 20th century English painter, draughtsman, printmaker, stage designer, and photographer. In this project his students will use small pictures from magazines to create a larger one. In his art appreciation class, he is working on a mural. According to Karina Carrillo, a rst year art student who cur-

rently enjoys Andersons art 1 class, He has a really cool style of teaching. Anderson uses music as an inspiration for his students and reminds them that they do not have to be Picasso in order to create art. The music greets his students everyday as they make their way into class. As a person, Anderson is pretty chill according to Aiden Lacy, another student in his art 1 class. Carrillo believes that Anderson serves as an inspiration for his students because of his passion for art and his encouraging attitude towards his students.

Graham Herder, Sophomore Snowboarding for days!

Photo taken by Chelsea Krause

Hannah Adams, Freshman Im going to Disneyland with friends

By Javia Headley Aaron Anderson, the new art teacher, was a funk and soul d.j. in Portland, Oregon for four years before becoming a teacher. He continues to d.j. now, d.j.-ing classic country for fundraisers here in Sonoma. He tries to implement music appreciation into his art classes because of this passion. Before teaching here he was a long term substitute in Healdsburg and Portland. He is currently teaching four Art 1 classes and one art design class, a class for more advanced art students. Even as a child he was very passionate about art. His mother, who was an artist, emphasized the importance of art. In high school Dragons Tale

Anderson did not excel in his studies; however, he found refuge in art and a friend in his art teachers. Those teachers inuenced him to later become art teacher. On his free time, Anderson enjoys sculpting and melting wood. Prior to becoming a teacher, he worked in glassblowing. In the upcoming semester Anderson plans to introduce ceramics, water coloring techniques, mold making, paper cutouts, and portraits. He believes that the new semester will be prosperous because his students are welcoming and interested in art. His style of teaching provides his students with an inventive and engaging way to create art. To Olivia Bingham,

Hannah Cenci, Senior Im going on a three day skiing adventure with my family.

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December 2012