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Convention, pages 4 & 5

Dragons Tale
April 2013 - Volume 22 -Issue 6 - Sonoma Valley High School

Galley News
Fire at Pauls Resort
A familiar Sonoma sight, Pauls Resort, burned down in a sudden blaze around 2:30 a.m. on Thurs., Mar. 7. The fire burned the building down to little more than a ruin, leaving the adjacent baseball field and surrounding buildings intact. Pauls Resort is a significant historical loss for Sonoma; its sure to be missed by many of Sonomas residents. Visit www.sonomadragonstale.com for more info.

Slate 3 triumphs at Convention

By Grace Bon and Chelsea Krause In a transformed Golton Hall, delegates representing all 50 states stand in groups chatting excitedly. A long, colorfully decorated catwalk divides the room in half, leading to the framed stage. The lights go out and voices turn to whispers. One by one, each of the four Slates enter the room, strutting their way to the stage. Convention 2013 was off with a bang. To begin the event, campaign managers from each Slate took a few minutes to introduce their slates and what they would do to change the school should they be elected. Slate 3s campaign manager Vinny Albano explained why his Slate - made up of Paulina Prasad as Student Voice, Maria Hawing as Student Activities Director and Jack Murphy as Financial Advisor - was the best choice for the school. Following that, the days activities alternated between comical and serious as each slate performed a karaoke version of popular songs before answering questions from the current study body ofcers on hypothetical problems that could arise during the elected Slates tenure. Adam Curry, sophomore, attended Convention for the rst time this year. I wasnt sure what to expect, but I was surprised with how much fun I had. I think it was a good balance between fun and serious. I cant imagine how much work was put into the event; they did a great job! As the day progressed, students in the audience were taken to the fuzzy room where they were decorated from head to in accessories, paint, glitter, and makeup. The primary vote showed Slate 1 with 16 percent of the vote, Slate 2 also with 16 percent, Slate 3 in the lead with 44 percent of the vote, and Slate 4 with 25 percent. In the nal round of voting, with only Slate 2 amd Slate 3 remaining, Slate 3 triumphed with 64.3 percent while Slate 2 came in with 35.7 percent.

Testing Schedule
STAR testing will take place during the week of April 15 through 19, with a minimum day on Wed. For a complete schedule, see page 8.

Congressman Thompson visits SVHS

By Jamie Ballard college, and what she planned to study. Congressman Mike Thompson, He explains, I think its really who represents Sonoma County as important for students to know that part of his district, stopped by the adults care about them, that they supNo-Name Cafe port them. Thompfor a visit on son, who represents Wednesday, April Californias fth 3. Thompson exdistrict including plains, I heard Sonoma, Napa, this was a great parts of Contra Cosprogram, and I ta, Lake, and Solano wanted to see it counties, says that in action, see the he makes it a point people here. to visit schools in Looking around his district. the crowded cafe, Recently, Thomphe remarked, It son (who chairs looks like a very the House Gun Photo courtesy of Thompsons site popular, very Violence Prevenbusy place. You tion Task Force) renever want to eat somewhere where cently came out against the NRAs there are no cars in the parking lot, suggestion that teachers should be or no people inside, but this is clear- armed. He was quoted by the Press ly a real success. Democrat as saying Arming the Rebecca Hermosillo, a member of teacher is merely a response to the Thompsons staff, has worked with last tragedy. The one before that was Sonomas Teen Services program, in a shopping mall in Oregon, and which includes the No-Name Cafe the one before that was in a movie on SVHSs campus. theater in Colorado. I dont think the During Thompsons visit, he talk- proper response is to arm all the proed to the staff and students who run jectionists in the movie theaters or the No-Name Cafe. He asked about all the vendors in the mall. their responsibilities at the Cafe as Of the No-Name and SVHS, he well as their personal lives. He asked comments, Just keep doing what one student where she was going to youre doing. Its great.

Photo by Matt Amatori Jack Murphy, nancial advisor for Slate 3, explains his ideas for improving SVHS

Pre-prom makeup event

Prom costs enough for girls, with dresses, hair, shoes, and makeup. Why add more to the cost of prom when you could get a free, personalized makeover from the trained makeup artists from the Whole Body department at Whole Foods market and from representatives of four clean, chemicalfree makeup lines? This event will take place in a separate room inside Whole Foods from 1-4 on the day of prom, April 27, where the market will provide complimentary snacks and refreshments. The Whole Body department is only offering this to the first 24 people who call and reserve spots for their makeovers. Whole Foods wants to give back to the community by making one element of prom less stressful and complicated for the girls. Dont miss out on this event, call the Whole Body department and reserve your spot.

By Jamie Ballard

SVHS begins principal selection process

S.V.U.S.D. is currently in the process of interviewing candidates for the principal position at SVHS. Though 14 candidates were originally selected, the pool is being narrowed down to two to three candidates, who will tour the campus and participate in three separate interviews with stakeholder groups, or groups made up of campus and community representatives. One group will be composed of parents and community members, another group will be faculty members, and the third group will be composed of students. Principal candidates will also be expected to give a short presentation, watch a videotaped high school lesson and provide feedback, and complete a timed writing prompt. Candidates will also have an interview with the Deputy Superintendent, the Directors of Student Services, Human Resources and a representative from Curriculum and Instruction. The remaining candidates will then have an interview with Su-

perintendent Louann Carlomagno. She will forward her recommendation to the School Board who will provide input to assist in making the nal decision. All parts of the interview process are expected to be completed by mid-April, with the new principal beginning the position on July 1. In a Leadership prole shared with the Parent Group, Carlomagno outlined the qualities the district is seeking in a principal. She writes, The new principal must articulate a clear vision for our school and possess a track record of improving student achievement with a diverse student population. She continues, This individual should be an inspired, visionary leader, open to new ideas. Interim principal Lynn Fitzpatrick remarked, Sonoma Valley is such an appealing community, Im sure well get good candidates. Theres a lot about our town and our high school that can draw a person here. She continues, I hope well get someone who represents our school well, someone with a lot of community contact and outreach.

News

Losses in Sonoma community

By Chelsea Krause Niels Chew, a significant SVHS board member, passed away on Feb. 25, 2013. He lived 82 full years of adventure including working in New York City to support multiple local charities and nonprofit organizations. Chew started his education by attending Dartmouth College and a year at Reed College. Throughout his early life, he went to work for his father at a food export business, which was where he met his wife, Susan Wetherby Chew. They had a loving marriage for 58 years in which they raised four children. Chew was known for his great generosity, his hope for a better society, his unconditional kindness, and his love for the community. Locals grieved his death and celebrated his life at a memorial services held by the many who loved him. Another notable member of the SVHS community, Donald Geddes passed away on Feb. 18, 2013. He lived to be 82 and spent 29 of those years teaching art at SVHS. Geddes received his BA from San Jose and earned his masters degree for art at San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. Geddes also served in the Korean War. Upon returning, he married his wife, Sandra, with whom he had seven children. He is survived by his 24

grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and two greatgreat grandchildren. He was honored by his loving family and friends at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Sonoma. The SVHS community will keep these honorable community members forever in our thoughts and hearts.

Mock Trial places without objection at state

By Pio Valenzuela Delaney Gold-Diamond, the self proclaimed team dictator of the SVHS Mock Trial team, burst into tears, sobbing from both joy and the shock of hearing the announcement that they placed in eighth at the state-level competition of Mock Trial in Riverside, on Mar. 24. Ms. Janet Hansen, the teams coach, likened the scene to a Miss America pageant, wherein the winner is handed a bouquet and starts sobbing uncontrollably. The Constitutional Rights Foundation created the Mock Trial to help students acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system. As the school year kicks off, each participating school is handed the same casebook. Each team must assemble a prosecution and a defense, with attorneys analyzing every aspect of the case. Witnesses must understand their own specic witness statement and know every detail that could pertain to their argument, The SVHS Mock Trial team is no newbie when it comes to competing at state - the team goes almost every year. However, after last years performance, where they placed 29th out of 32, winning a medal and a plaque and being in the top eight, was a signicant accomplishment. Every year, the top eight teams are recognized. Prior to this year, the SVHS teams highest record was ninth. After 12 years of teaching Mock Trial, this was the rst year in which the team placed in the top eight. The Forensics and the Mock Trial teams are regarded as one of the schools most successful teams. Ms. Hansen teaches both, and comments, It is the most educational experience I offer at school. Along with Ms. Hansen, Valerie Pistole-Walters is the teams attorney coach, helping each student understand the trial and the arguments for each side. Jessica Guest, an SVHS Mock Trial graduate who also participated in collegiate Mock Trial, is the assistant coach in addition to both Ms. Hansen and Ms. Pistole. Alexis Kroutzkevitch, senior and team captain, says that shes gonna miss it for sure, and that she plans on doing it in college. Christina Uzzo, junior, ushered in each trial as the attorney. She says its her favorite part of high school, and that she loves the experience of being on a team. The team has had to go through several challenging situations, such as losing one of its co-captains, Hannah Bates, junior, who had an unexpected move to Washington. Ms. Hansen sums up the success of Mock Trial as rooted in the teams versatility, which is key in developing a powerful group. Though it is a big time commitment, its very educational, and ultimately, the whole team spends much time with each other through the year, and becomes very close. This year, four veteran seniors graduate, Sean Hall, Eric Webber, Alexis Kroutzkevitch, and John Engebreth. Ms. Hansen attributes the teams success to these adept members, who stepped up in the end. Those interested in joining Mock Trial should look for announcements in the bulletin for meetings either in the spring or the fall. Next year, a fresh batch of attorneys and witnesses will be competing, with hopes of placing in the top eight, though next year maybe they wont be so awestruck and will not have to be shooed offstage after lingering for too long.

Special STAR testing schedule for the week of April 15 through April 19
Monday, April 15

Tuesday, April 16

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Hansen

Wednesday, April 17

Thursday, April 18

Friday, April 19 To Be Determined

Dragons Tale

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April 2013

Opinion-Editorial
Oil-diggers fracking up the ground
By Soa Jeremias The controversy of economic interests versus environmental worries has come to head once again in California in the form of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. As Californias debt woes increase and the unemployment rate rests at a whopping 9.8 percent, fracking has become a tempting necessary evil to the economic discourse. Advocates for hydraulic fracturing claim that shale oil is an environmentally friendly alternative and a great stimulant to the slumping economy. However, such advocates disregard the damage caused by fracking processes. Water sources can be poisoned, ecosystems destroyed, air quality seriously compromised, and the health of local citizens endangered. Like many focused on economic gain, prohydraulic fracturing companies have attempted to cover up these hazards and use name-calling to discredit environmentalists. This level of disregard is despicable and sets a poor mentality for future generations. Hydraulic fracturing has been used across the United States since 1947 and has had very little regulation, and thus, no reportings of environmental damage. There is no way to remove the oil or gas created in the natural reservoirs without fracking. In previous years, fracking in California occurred in reserves already under pressure, and oil had own freely after minor penetration of the cap rocks resting on the surface of the reserves. However, in recent years, oil ow has required stimulation through injecting millions of gallons of water into fractures a few thousand feet deep. Fracking is a prefered oil extraction method simply because it guarantees that every ounce of attainable oil is sucked dry out of reserves, a process of which California regulation does not require notication. Although many laws have been passed to ensure some sort of safety net against the harm of fracking, there are countless loopholes and the regulations are loose. However, there is a silver lining. The damage done by hydraulic fracturing can be somewhat remedied. Many waste cleanup companies, such as Verenium, are being used to responsibly clean up fracking sites. Said companies use biodegradable enzymes to clean up liquids used in fracking rather than corrosive acids which tend to cause much of the contamination that environmentalists worry about. While the enzymes do not do a completely thorough job of cleaning up the chemical waste, they are a more responsible alternative that fracking companies have been more than willing to use. California has also begun an attempt to regulate the activities that initially produced the pollution. At the State Assembly in March, three new measures were instilled that will halt all hydraulic fracturing activity until the environmental effects are properly examined. California Assembly member, Richard Bloom stated that, It shocks me that we pride ourselves on being a national leader on environmental protection, yet we have allowed this activity to occur largely unregulated. His remark echoes a promising ideology with the possibility to spark change. If California ofcials continue to institute more regulations and show concern for the troubling form of oil extraction, the rest of the states which have accepted the methods may take a second look and follow in step. Both New York and New Jersey have halted hydraulic fracturing, overlooking the tempting economic gain. Such bold measures are exactly what the nation needs, and when such measures are made, environmentalists cannot help but smile and continue the ght against global pollution.

Media fuels rape culture

By Jamie Ballard By now, most people have heard a medley of opinions, facts, testimonies, and stories about the Steubenville rape trial, in which Trent Mays, 17, and Malik Richmond, 16, were found guilty of raping an intoxicated 16-year-old West Virginia girl. The two boys committed the assault at a party in Aug. 2012, surrounded by many other people. Not one of the people at the party stepped in to help the victim or prevent the assault. Most of them pulled out their cellphones to take photos, which were subsequently passed around the community in the weeks and months to come. The case has garnered enormous media attention for a few reasons. One is the use of social media and texting as it related to the case. Another is the now widely-viewed CNN coverage in which the reporters mourn the reportedly bright futures of the convicted rapists. CNN anchor Candy Crowley remarked, Incredibly difcult, even for an outsider like me, to watch what happened as these two young men that had such promising futures, star football players, very good students, literally watched as they believed their lives fell apart... She then proceeded to ask CNNs legal analyst, Paul Callan, what the long-term effects of the conviction would be on the two boys. He replied, The most severe thing with these young men is being labeled as registered sex offenders. That label is now placed on them by Ohio law... That will haunt them for the rest of their lives. When one commits a sexual offense, one usually must register as a sex offender. Thats the way our legal system works. It should astound no one, least of all a legal analyst. That particular vein of thought seemed oddly prevalent throughout coverage of the case, as Mays and Richmonds football accomplishments and good academic standing were touted time and time again as evidence of the two boys being generally upstanding citizens who had become victims of the legal system. It was their futures we were supposed to mourn, not the future of the rape victim. Once that was established, the oodgates of victim-blaming were opened. She shouldnt have been so drunk; she got what she deserved, She probably consented, and then felt bad about it and so she accused them of rape, Shes probably just a slut who wanted attention. When did it become the way of our society to forgive rape simply because the rapists werent the toughened criminals we expected? When did it become acceptable to blame the victim for her assault? And what does it say about our culture that we place more value on gloried high school athletes than we do on victims of sexual abuse? Its true that all three lives Mays, Richmonds and the victims - have been damaged. And thats tragic. But its also tragic that today, in what we thought was a progressive society, archaic ways of approaching the situation have become acceptable. Rape is unacceptable. Victim-blaming is unacceptable. Standing by and taking photos instead of stepping in is unacceptable. Once we learn these seemingly obvious rules, then maybe well be able to consider ourselves truly progressive.

Dread future: What Sequester means for America

By Adelia Gregory The sequester are a group of cuts to federal government spending. This sequester, scheduled to take effect Mar. 1, prevents further congressional action. Originally, the sequester was a part of the Budget Control act of 2011, also known as the debt ceiling compromise. The real reason this onslaught of cuts has descended upon the American economy is due to the ineptitude of Washington. The sequester was intended to serve as incentive for the Joint Select Committee on Decit Reduction to come to an agreement on how to cut $1.5 trillion over 10 years. If the committee had done so, or rather, done their job, and Congress had passed it by Dec. 23, then this past drastic sequester would have been avoided. Obviously though, this is not the case--and now the American economy will face the consequences. The effect of these inept responses to problems in the essential framework of the government have amounted to a giant scal contraction, or the combination of policies known as the scal cliff. Falling off this manufactured cliff of doom would send the American economy spiralling downward into the worst recession ever known, according to CNN. With this downfall into debt, America might not be able to climb back up and regain its title as a God-blessed, politicsloving, poverty-forgetful, overmedicated rst-world kingdom. We may not be revered around the world for our hardball tactics, aversion to uncorrupt politics, and most of all, our avoidance of policies like the sequester slash on education, security, and healthcare that attack our very pillars of democracy. This economic apocalypse in modern America is characterized by absurdly inept politicians who lack the strength of character and true political capacities to prevent the alarming regression of Americas reform, seen in manufactured ascos like the scal cliff. Furthermore, the sequester cuts were evenly split between domestic and defense programs, meaning half affect low-income programs like aid for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. All in all, no programs will actually end, but rather, billions will be cut by 2021--public health, border security and immigration enforcement, disaster relief, FDA work, airport security, as well as the FBI will all feel the blooddrawing pinch of these cuts. Such desperate cuts to mandatory government programs will grab the barely moving American economy by the steering wheel, slamming on the brakes until growth slows to the point that our forward path is only an idle. The middle class are usually the ones that suffer--these citizens of the U.S. that helped build the capital of nance that they have been forced to watch slowly decline since the Bush eras wars on credit cards.

Everymans art to the highest bidder

By Arthur Morgan and Weston Updegraff Banksy is undoubtedly the most inspirational and awe invoking artist of the 21st century. He is notorious and wanted around the world for vandalism and his anti-government works. Banksy uses the medium of grafti to show the aws of government and consumer culture. He paints his art for the people but in doing so defaces public property, the question becomes, whose is it when it is stolen and sold on the market? This leads to a current controversy regarding a particular piece from England. The piece depicts a small boy sewing British ags. The piece, including the wall it is painted to, was taken down and a few days later showed up in an auction in Miami, with the starting price of $500,000. Some of Banksys artwork has sold in the past to celebrities, such as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, but the removal of these from their home has sparked some debate to the people who own street art. Richard Muller, a resident of the 54th block of Londons Chestinshire square recounts how the Banksy theft in his neighborhood occurred, There was a tarp over where the Banksy art was located so I thought there was a crew doing renovation, he would add, they just at out stole it. Other residents are unhappy as well. Jane Eyer, who lives close to Muller would add, Banksys art is something that is meant to be shared and appreciated in an urbane environment by urbanites. It isnt meant for well-to-do stuffy households. Its a people thing, not an elitist thing. This is described as just another instance where the rich can get whatever they want, and others are more than willing to steal and cheat for an easy buck. The problem with street art is that it can involve vandalism. However, in Banksys case, since his art is so valuable, its more like winning the lottery. Hypothetically, if Banksy tags your house, his tag is now your property. When homeowners or business owners discover this and that they have the right to sell a piece of streetart to the highest bidder, the selling usually comes pretty fast.

Image by Laura Amador

Dragons Tale Staff ADVISER - Alison Manchester EDITOR IN CHIEF - Jamie Ballard COPY EDITORS - Grace Bon, Arthur Morgan NEWS EDITORS - Grace Bon, Chelsea Krause OP-ED EDITORS - Laura Amador, Arianna Maysonave FEATURE EDITORS - Lindsey Jasperse, Ellen Angeloni CULTURE EDITORS - Sebastian Amara, Anneliese Koch PHOTO & TECH EDITORS - Matt Amatori, Jessica Marioni SPORTS EDITOR - Connor Griggs-Demmin, Jesse Summers, Jacob Little BUSINESS MANAGERS - Connor Griggs-Demmin, Arthur Morgan, Brooke Slack, Gianna Monterosso REPORTERS - Jamie Ballard, Laura Amador, Sebastian Amara, Ellen Angeloni, Grace Bon, Liam Casey, Brennan Cole, Adelia Gregory, Connor Griggs-Demmin, Javia Headley, Lindsey Jasperse, Soa Jeremias, Anneliese Koch, Chelsea Krause, Jacob Little, Arianna Maysonave, Giana Monterosso, Arthur Morgan, Riley ODonnell, Giordi Serani, Brooke Slack, Jonah Son, Jesse Summers, Weston Updegraff, Eric Webber ART & GRAPHICS - Pio Valenzuela, Liam Casey, Laura Amador, Soa Jeremias

Editorial Policy The Dragons Tale is a public forum newspaper produced by the Sonoma Valley High School Newspaper class. The newspaper attempts to inform its audience in a broad, fair and accurate manner on all subjects, and to encourage an exchange of ideas and opinions on issues of prominence to the readers. The newspaper staff encourages letters for opinions and responses on the content of the publication. Only signed letters will be considered for publication. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit all letters for content. No material, opinionated or otherwise, will be printed which is libelous, irresponsible, advocates an illegal activity or which the editorial staff deems in poor taste. Editorials reect the collective views of the staff and will not contain bylines. Other opinionated pieces will include editors columns, feature columns, letters-to-the-editor, and entertainment reviews. If the staff discovers that a mistake has eluded the editors, a correction will be printed in the next issue.

Dragons Tale

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April 2013

Caffeine: The worlds biggest cultural stimulant

By Adelia Gregory This morning an aroma wafted in to greet you in the kitchen. Every morning a pot of coffee sits in your kitchen, waiting for you, waiting for your mom, waiting for your family. All around the world, people wake up to their favorite form of addiction--a bitter, white substance better known as caffeine. A stimulant drug consumed by people on a daily basis: offering cognitive, as well as physical stimulation that can take the place of adequate sleep and a healthy lifestyle--this favorite substance is not a food group, a meal, or a nutrient--it is a real, addictive drug. But how much is too much? Stimulants are psychoactive drugs that temporarily improve either mental or physical function or both. Caffeine occurs naturally in a variety of seeds, leaves, and fruit of some plants, occurring as a pesticide and memory enhancer of pollinators. But caffeine is not only just a private addiction and a luxury, it is the worlds most widely consumed psychoactive drug. Unlike other stimulants, caffeine is legal and predominantly unregulated; the perception of this drug, is unlike any other conventional form of addictive substance. It is undoubtable that one would nd at least several if not all adult and young adult members of any given American family in regular use of caffeine as a stimulant-our culture relies on the effects of their morning coffee to energize themselves enough to go to work, later again to boost their focus to continue doing their job, often at the end of the day in the form of tea or another cup of coffee to last through another haul of work, the evening news, family drama, or long hours in the ofce, being overworked and sleep deprived, yet having a hopeful attitude. It is estimated that 90 percent of adults consume caffeine daily in North America alone. Typical modern-day consumption can have low health risks, even in habitual, long-term use-but the world, not only America, has a routine of abusing its benets to the point that it affects the nerves, perception, and sleep of regular, dependent users. Caffeine is one of the only societally accepted drugs in regular and constant consumption by citizens. According to CNN and NY Times, caffeine is a drug that can offer some unusual health benets, like lowering cancer risk. If used within reason--like any other drug, caffeine can result in negative short-term health effects like sleep disruption and insomnia in certain individuals as well as negatively affecting anxiety disorders of various kinds. Unlike many other stimulants, caffeine, especially in coffee and tea form, is perceived to be a form of ritual, whether in the form of Starbucks in the morning, Peets in the afternoon, strong, avorful, dark, like the little brown beans that supply the worlds favorite drink: coffee. Its a substance that is responsible in part for perpetuating the American level of productivity, habit, and work perception, continuing the ritual of the ve day dreadweek with the two day lapse. Caffeine is a type of cultural phenomenon--and citizens worldwide reap the cerebral benets of its outstanding and revered abilities. Finally, due to its worldwide societal and cultural acceptance, caffeine continues to be a crutch--often a replacement for sleep, natural vitality, and good health--in our modern world, one drug can be condemned, and another a godsend. Dragons Tale

Opinion-Editorial

Salt, sugar, fat: wrath of food addiction

By Arianna Maysonave Food its sweet, its creamy, its tangy, its salty its addictive, and intentionally so. Today, 26.2 percent of Americans are considered obese and 30 percent have high blood pressure. Today, the medical cost of obesity is over $147 billion. Today, 12.5 million children and adolescents are obese. How? Why? Is America becoming lazier, becoming more captivated by the incessant stream of social media and less inclined to brave the great outdoors? Perhaps, but the real source of the obesity epidemic falls not in the gym nor on the track, but in the kitchen. Or, more likely, the grocery store. The exponentially increasing rapidity that faces humankind is unlike any before. We are programmed for ease, trained to seek efciency above all else. Often, we sacrice quality for quantity and choose the most time effective route rather than the most wholesome. But is it really our fault? If we didnt have pre-packaged, pre-sliced, pre-salted processed foods available, it would be much more difcult to overindulge. The food giants - corporations such as General Mills, CocaCola, Pillsbury, and Frito-Lay - are all aware of this reality, and are guilty of milking it until its dry. They want Americans to become addicted, because addiction means indulgence and indulgence means m o n e y. Much like the tobacco giants of the last century, todays food corporations have a formulaic intention to drive gluttony. The same sleazy, disingenuous strategies that tobacco executives once used to confuse the public about the dangers of smoking are being recycled to deceive us about the perils of processed foods. However, society isnt blind. An increase in outside criticism over the past two decades has driven the often competitive food giants to unite in the ght for their lives. In his recently released book Salt, Sugar, Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked us, Michael Moss recalls the spring of 1999, when the h e a d s of the w o r l d s largest processed food companies - from Kraft to General Mills - gathered at Pillsbury headquarters in Minneapolis for a secret meeting. The sole issue on the agenda: the emerging epidemic of obesity, and how to address its impact. Since then obesity rates have only climbed, with one in three adults currently considered clinically obese. Every year, the average American consumes 33 pounds of cheese (triple what we ate in 1970) and 70 pounds of sugar (22 teaspoons a day). We ingest 8,500 milligrams of salt, double the recommended amount, with the majority coming from processed food. Food-industry legends such as Howard Moskowitz, who

Food Warn in

By Laura Amador

Sugar: treat or threat?

Nothing is more American than apple pie- or, for that matter, one can say that nothing is more American than baked goods, candy, soda, and other such sweets. In fact, it seems that every birthday, holiday, and special occasion is adorned with a homemade cake or a plate of cookies. Yes, Americans have a special place in their heart for sugar, but sugar- as sweet as it may seem- is poisoning our bodies. The Western culture has come to associate sugar with love. We take medicine with a spoonful of sugar and cure heartache with a tub of ice cream. Although grandmas double chocolate chip cookies arouse a sense of warmth and nostalgia, the excessive consumption of such treats has led to an epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and possibly other ailments such as hypertension and some cancers, in America. Much of our unbalanced diet is due to muddled facts and misinformation surrounding sugar and general health. Despite popular belief, a calorie is not just a calorie. For instance, consuming 1000 calories worth of sugar-lled chocolate would have a much worse effect on your body than consuming 1000 calories worth of glucose-rich potatoes. The difference, although both products contain sugar, is in the metabolization. While glucose is metabolized throughout the body, fructose is metabolized primarily in the liver. Thus, ingesting the chocolate would create much more work for your liver than the potatoes. Whats more, as sugar is consumed at a faster rate, the toil on the liver increases, so liquids- primarily the sweetheart of American beverages, soda- are especially destructive to the liver and the body in general. Companies have learned to disguise rened sugar with names like sucrose, dextrose, highfructose corn syrup, natural cane sugar- the list goes on- but the fact of the matter is that all these sugars are equally harmful and all will produce relatively the same physiological effects on the body. Not only is sugar an empty calorie, meaning that is contains no vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants,

but when consumed, it will either displace more nutritious forms of sustenance or be consumed in excess, causing weight gain. Nevertheless, if you maintain a generally balanced diet and exercise regularly, there is no immediate need to completely remove sugar from your diet. Anything consumed in unnatural ways or quantities will be harmful to the human body. Even water, when drunk in extreme excess over a specic period of time will result in potentially fatal water-poisoning. The problem is centered in proportion. Popular foods, especially those directed towards children, are loaded with excess sugar to articially enhance the taste. Childrens breakfast cereals boast about their whole grains, neglecting the abundance of added sugar to jump start a childs day. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Robert Lustig, professor of Clinical Pediatrics, asserted that, Of the 600,000 food items currently in the American grocery store, 80 percent of them have added sugar. Most of your food has been chosen for you. To exemplify the extremity of this problem, lets bring to mind the fact that the American Heart association recommends the consumption of no more than 36 grams of added sugar a day. A 12 ounce can of Coca Cola contains 39 grams. Its no wonder that childhood obesity is climbing at an alarming rate. Despite the negative impact that sweets have created in some peoples lives, the general public should take these sugary warnings with a grain of salt. Eating sugar will not kill you, but if consumed regularly and excessively, itll certainly contribute to multiple adverse effects on your body. It is easy to get sucked into an unhealthy diet, especially at a young age, but it can be maintained with a bit of self-control. Go ahead and indulge in a sugary snack every once in a while, but be mindful of the amount of sugar any one substance contains. If you want to be more health conscious, cut out soda or replace a sugary dessert with a piece of fruit will make a large impact on your overall wellbeing. Page 4

studied mathematics and holds a Ph.D. in experimental psychology from Harvard, have dedicated their lives to the art of optimization. From Campbell Soup to PepsiCo, pizzas to dressings to pickles, food has been optimized, or altered to the peak of perfection. The process is extremely scientic - a group of food engineers work together to alter a litany of different variables, ultimately intending to locate the foods bliss point, or optimum pleasure range. They experiment with varying amounts of sugar, salt, and fat, which in combination can be deadly. Corporations depend on professionals such as Moskowitz to fuel their distorted goal to promote unhealthy cravings. Moss describes the grocery store as, a battleeld dotted with landmines itching to go off, concluding that junk food is as addictive as cocaine. Salt, sugar, and fat are governing our lives, and until we take a stand against the food giants, their manipulative grasp on the meticulous nature of human desire will only become stronger. The industry depends on addiction. We are pawns in their game, a game that produces over a trillion dollars in revenue every year. Just like the tobacco giants of yesteryear, todays food corporations have us in the palm of their hand.

Dont say neigh to horse meat

By Javia Headley Ever had horse meat before? Actually, you probably have. Recent studies have exposed a multitude of products that contain horse meat. This controversy exploded when the Food Safety Authority of Ireland was conducting an examination on beef products and found that 10 out 27 products contained horse DNA. Then, upon further inspection, they realized that one of the patties they inspected came from Tesco, the British equivalent of Safeway. Astonishingly, over a quarter of this patty contained horse meat! Not long after, the Swedish food supplier Findus began examining their lasagna and found that over 60 percent of their lasagna contained horse meat. This created a domino effect that caused companies all over the world to recall their products for examination. In reaction to this controversy, Erica Meier, a writer for Philly. com, found that 20 percent of UK consumers are eating less meat and 7 seven percent stopped eating meat altogether. The fact that people have stopped consuming meat products is a testament to how drastically the idea of what we eat affects our lives. Dan Deely, a captain of the varsity football team raised an important question. Why do people think its okay to eat chicken and cows, he pondered, Yet, they are against eating a horse? There are no health reasons why we should not eat horses. Chris Elliot, a professor of food safety and microbiology at Queens University Belfast found that the presence of horseesh in our meals does not directly pose a threat to health. There are some questions surrounding bute, or phenylbutazone, a drug that is given to horses to relieve pain. This drug can cause a serious blood disorder known as aplastic anaemia. Elliot explains, however, that The amount of bute that is likely to be obtained from eating a horsemeat burger is going to be about a millionth of that acquired when a person is given a dose of bute when used as an anti-gout medication. In other words, the risk of getting aplastic anaemia that is posed by consuming a horsemeat burger is very low indeed. The controversy surrounding horsemeat is more directly related to our pathos due to the emotional connections people form with horses, rather than the health issues, however, this controversy is very one sided. People are appalled by the idea of eating horses, yet they neglect to take into account that eating horse is just like eating a chicken or a cow. They claim that eating horse meat is inhumane while hypocritically claiming that eating a big beef burger from their favorite fast food restaurant is. According to Meredith BennettSmith, a reporter for the Huffington Post, when the Philadelphia chef, Peter McAndrews, expressed his wishes to include horse meat in his dishes he received a threat. According to McAndrews, they called up the restaurant and said You guys start cooking horses, I am going to blow up your restaurant. Horses are social creatures by nature and, therefore, to some, they cannot fathom why people would eat horses, but cows are also able to form connections with humans. It is inexcusable to belittle the cultural choices of others because you believe that slaughtering one specic species is wrong. It is okay, however, to advocate for the end of slaughtering of all animals. Either say nay to all meat or dont say nay to horse meat. April 2013

Feature

t 1 3 io
By Lindsey Jasperse and Ellen Angeloni Convention - a day of lengthy speeches, hysterical laughter, entertaining games, choreographed dances, fuzzied faces, loud cheering, and the occasional tears - all leading to a nal moment, a decision made by the representatives of student body, in order to determine the next years slate. This year, Slate 3 brought enough energy, dedication, determination and ideas in order to win over the crowd of students sitting below them. Each member of Slate 3 had an active role in being the best possible slate. With the help of Paulina Prasad, junior, as student voice, Maria Hawing, junior, student activities director, Jack Murphy, junior, as nancial adviser, and Vinny Albano, junior, as campaign manager, they now prepare to become next year s leaders and student body representatives. According to Hawing, Slate 3 worked very well together. Each of us had different ideas to bring to the table. The ideas that our slate proposed were appealing to the stu-

n e 20 n nv

dent body. The four individuals enjoyed working together and brought ideas that potentially will help increase school spirit and unify the students. One of our goals is to bring intramurals back. We also want to incorporate more groups like mock trial and band into the forefront of our school, stated Hawing. Another one of our goals is to have more general assemblies with administration members, added Prasad. Ecstatic about their win, Hawing, Albano, Prasad, and Murphy will work together to further benet the school by encouraging unity and school spirit.

Co

Photo by Matt Amatori After a long day of activities, speeches, and dances at Convention, Slate 3 poses as they rejoice in happiness, taking the win.

Stuckey sticks to change

By Javia Headley Its loud, its fun, and its filled to the brim with speeches. Convention 2013 shifted with a burst of inspiration as the restless teenage energy in the room focused on--presto!--the idea that We are the future and, for us, nothing is impossible. Bring in Cameron Stuckey. He is tall, well built, and in his mid forties. His face is almost always decorated with a smile with energy radiating off of him in waves. Stuckey is a personal trainer who doubles as a motivational speaker in his spare time. Being a motivational speaker equates to personal fitness trainer, Stuckey explained. As a personal trainer at his business in town called Stuckey Fitness, he often has to push his customers to continue to exercise - just as he pushed convention delegates to take control of the future. His speeches usually have a corporate focus, however, Photo by Matt Amatori he occ a s i o n a l l y s p e a k s a t s t u d e n t e v e n t s l i k e Stuckey speaks with inspiring words as the guest speaker at Convention. Convention. His inspiring words influenced In his speech, Stuckey encouraged encounters are the most valustudents to consider the fact that able resource available. People the audience to take control of can assist you by pointing out their future because we are the the future would be up to them. He capitalized on making connections. He believes that those your strengths and weaknesses and make opportunities available to you. future and nothing is impossible. At one point he jumped off the stage and interacted with the students on such a personal level that they started to hang on to his every word. They began to feel that, rather than Stuckey forc ing them to change, they were going to initiate the change themselves. People dont like change explained Stuckey, unless they initiate it themselves. Stuckey learned this while he was campaigning for city council. After living in Sonoma for 16 years, Stuckey thought that it was time that he tried to initiate a change by running for Sonomas City Council. He found that the people of Sonoma were not very accepting of change. He plans to campaign again for city council in 2016. When asked why he was such a strong advocate for change, both in his campaign and in his motivational speeches, Stuckey explained that he wants everyone to realize their power. If everyone would realize their power they would change their perspective, and, in turn, change the world.

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Culture

SVHS students roll into Film Fest 2013

By Javia Headley Film Fest is arguably the largest annual event that Sonoma hosts in respect to the arts. About 150 students go to the Student Works Film Festival, which is just a subsection of the grand International Film Festival. Sarah Vaughn, a senior filmmaker, believes that Film Fest is a great experience for everyone in the media arts, whether theyre an actor or a part of the crew. The making of the films are a bonding experience for the students, inspiring great pride for students to see their films on the big screen. The SVHS Film Festival will be from 9:30 am to noon on Apr. 11. Homegrown Bagels will provide the breakfast; Red Grape Pizza will provide the lunch, and the students provide the films. According to Vaughn, It takes months to make the films. A lot of work goes into

Photo by Matt Amatori The Sonomawood sign stationed in the plaza from the 15th annual Sonoma International Film Festival in 2012.

each one. The films are relatively short; each ranging from 2 to 10 minutes. There will be 15 high school films and 3 public announcement films from middle school students who completed their films through the Boys and Girls Club. The

middle school filmmaking program is a gateway program designed to spark their interest in video production before they enter high school. There will be films of all genres -- from comedy to romance to science fiction. Some long anticipated films include

Serenity by Danielle de la Torre, Death Run by Austin Smith, and Breathe by Greg Maggioncalda. This year the film Outro by Ky Newman, a current freshman at UCLA, will be making a reappearance. Last year the film was played at the Student

Works Film Festival where it received such great praise that Mr. Hansen decided to replay it this year. The event is held at Sebastiani Theater and is free for students. Students wishing to attend must have either a field trip form or must have their parents sign them out.

Unconscious thought To read or run?

By Anneliese Koch & Sebastian Amara What happens when your body shuts down and your brain runs rampant? Few have considered this mind boggling question. However, Danielle de la Torre visualizes this quandary with her short lm, Serenity. De la Torre creates a lm that exemplies the power of the mind. However, she crafted this lm with the intention of leaving the interpretation to the viewer. I feel good about my lm, but like all lmmakers, there are still things that I could have made better de laTorre described. De la Torre devoted endless hours since summer to writing a screenplay, composing an original soundtrack, lming and editing her piece for the lm festival. She worked every day while at school, during lunch periods and devoted many Saturdays to completing her lm. The picture was shot around town in locations such as the Sonoma Valley Hospital and in Diamond A. As a fourth year member of the lm program, de la Torre incorporates what she has learned over the years to produce Serenity. Her lm, as Mr. Hansen, Video Productions teacher, described, is expected to be one of the best of the high school lms this year. Serenity stars student actors Riley ODonnell and Kerrick Martin.

Poster by Greg Maggioncalda Greg Maggioncalda, senior visualizing his decisions.

By Anneliese Koch & Sebastian Amara The theme of choices is one that resonates strongly with seniors as they approach graduation. Greg Maggionalda, senior depicts the difficulty in making the right choice in his short film, Breathe. Senior year is often perceived as a series of life changing choices. As a senior one must balance studying for the SATs, lling out endless applications, maintaining academic performance, as well as any extra curricular activities. In Breathe, the main character if confronted by a series of deci-

Sleepless in Sonoma
By Soa Jeremias gets fewer and fewer hours of sleep and his friends beCaleb Horrowitzs short gin to abandon him. Howlm Awake is the story ever, there is a silver lining of an insomniac who the insomniac eventually struggles with the day to nds a cure. day trials of sleep depriWhen asked what inspired vation. The insomniac is him to make the lm Horplayed by Alex Gustafson, rowitz stated that Peter sophomore, while the Dinklage is my true insupporting characters are spiration. Horrowitz also played by two other sophPoster by Caleb Horrowitz said that he was ecstatic to omores, Lauren Blake and Artistic poster advertising the lm Awake. have his lm in the stuHannah Gropman. dent festival. The insomniac in Horrowitzs lm The lm deals with the disconnect spends his nights chatting online and The lm takes place on the many teenagers and adults feel which attempting to express himself and ex- SVHS campus as well as other can consequently result in poor hab- plain his dissatisfaction. His life be- locations around Sonoma such as its that further their isolation. gins to slowly unravel though as he the plaza park.

sions that will dictate the direction of his life. Maggioncalda artfully portrays the daunting choices of choosing athletics versus academics, east coast colleges versus west coast colleges. Maggioncalda wrote, lmed, acted and edited the lm entirely by himself. The lm is about capturing the stressful choices that I have had and what all seniors will go through, described Maggioncalda. I tried to capture them with in-depth, in your head shots. The lm conveys the message that one must slow down and take a moment to breathe in order to make a clear, rational decision.

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Spring time is baseball time

By Jesse Summers

Sports

Opinion

San Francsico welcomes WBC

NCS within reach for Dragons

By Brennan Cole and Jonah Son Major League Baseball created an international baseball tournament in 2005 to coexist with Olympic Baseball in naming the winning country as the World Champion. As each tournament comes around, the ratings have continually increased and have since led to discontinuing Olympic Baseball and the Baseball World Cup. The inaugural tournament took place in 2006, and the second tournament came in 2009. Moving forward, the tournament is to be held every four years. The third edition of this tournament came just this past March, with the Dominican Republic ultimately claiming the title. After capturing the rst two tournament crowns in tournament history, Japan was upset in the seminal round by Puerto Rico. In the second seminal, Cinderellastory Kingdom of Netherlands saw their miraculous run come to an end against the powerhouse of Dominican Republic. In 2009 I (Cole) was fortunate enough to attend all three games in the championship round at Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine. I was blown away at the passion and spirit these fans had for their respective countries, most notably South Korea and Japan. In the championship game, powerhouse Japan met South Korea. From the rst pitch on it was the loudest environment I have ever been in. The stadium was lled with thunder sticks, horns, and emphatic fans all seeking for their country to be crowned as the World Champion. Unfortunately with the small number of Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, and Dutch here in the states, after Japan was eliminated, the attendance was not as great as it could have been this year. After the small number of tickets were sold, tickets were dropped to 5 dollars a piece for front row bleacher seats. These same seats go for as much as $300 for a World Series game. Clearly a number of Americans had high hopes for our country to make it all the way, but when they were eliminated in the quarternals in Miami, Im sure a number of peoples interest in attending the games was cut in half. In Japan players must survive a few rounds of harsh cuts in order to represent their country on their team. Here in America, its ridiculous how many superstars surpass the chance to play for their country. If the Americans were to put out their top roster, we would have seen much different results in these last three tournaments. While the passion in our country is lacking, we can only hope that one day the players look to better represent their country and seize the once in a lifetime opportunity to wear a jersey with the letters USA across their chest.

The painful feelings of loss and disappointment have loomed in the Dragons clubhouse since the semi-final game of last seasons NCS tournament. The elusive NCS championship continues to be the the teams long term goal, set at the beginning of each season. The spring sun has reddened the face and faded the hat of varsity head coach Don Lyons for 14 years, and in that time, he has rarely seen a team so dedicated to improving individually and bonding as a team. I have gotten to the field first in most of my years coaching. This group is at the field before me every day hitting in the cage or fielding ground balls or anything to help improve their overall skills. Another fun thing to see, he says, is the selflessness they all share. The seniors are typically the leaders on the team every season, but this team has a blur of juniors and seniors leading the team on the field and in the dugout. They dont care who the hero is, as long as they are winners at the end of the day. This blend of leadership has helped them come together

Photo by Matt Amantori Sophomore CJ Vitale is on the receiving end of a throwout by junior catcher Miles Hagin in a recent league game against Petaluma at Arnold Field.

as a team. Whether it is going to Hooters together or creating their own variation of the popular YouTube video, The Harlem Shake, the team views comradery as an important key to success. If we have a night game, we usually go get something to eat before a game as a team, says junior pitcher Jimmy Flatt. Flatt, a second year varsity pitcher, has embraced the role as the number one starter in the teams pitching rotation, saying

that he puts in as much work as everyone else every day he comes to practice. If I pitched the night before, Ill run the next day or play catch to loosen out my arm. The cool thing about our team though, is that regardless of their role, every player wants to improve so that they can contribute in some way. We all want to win, claims Flatt. Coach Lyons intentionally scheduled difficult pre-season opponents to prepare for the

grind of playoffs. Its important to play tough non-league teams away from our home field, because they need to get used to playing in uncomfortable environments. The spring tournament hosts difficult teams as well, which will be great for our guys. When asked what the primary goal of the season was, Lyons smiled and says, It goes unsaid in the clubhouse, but the goal is to win the last game of the year.

Time Out!
After a shaky start, what are you going to do personally to help the team?

Stay after practice with the team to work on specic drills Jamie Hess

Keep the runners offguard by working on my pickoffs Devon Graff

Theres nothing personal. If we want to start winning, we have to do it as a team Richie (Pitbull) Nunez

By Brennan Cole and Jonah Son

Batter up: 2013 MLB preview

to stack their lineup for this upcoming year. Outelder Torii Hunter provides a heavy bat in the middle of their lineup. Victor Martinez will be returning from a knee injury that kept him out of the Tigers games last season. These players will be padding the already powerful lineup featuring Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera and the powerful Prince Fielder. The starting rotation for the Detroit Tigers is lled with hard-throwing, strikeout dependent pitchers who make the Tigers one of the best teams coming into the 2013 season. After a disappointing end to the 2012 season where they were knocked out of the playoffs by the Cardinals, the Washington Nationals are going to try and prove why they are the best team in baseball. Deep, and loaded with young talent, this team can put on a show for their fans and nish what they started last year. If young ace, Stephen Strasburg and 20 year old Bryce Harper can stay healthy throughout the span of the 2013 season, the Nationals are in good shape to play for a championship ring. The Los Angeles Angels hold three of the best hitters in the major leagues in their lineup. Last year, this team did not rise to their potential but did put a scare in other teams as Albert Pujols and young stud Mike Trout provided noticeably powerful bats in the batting order. Another exceptional pickup by the Angels was Josh Hamilton who is looking to continue his success in the major leagues in an Angels uniform. In terms of salaries, the Los Angeles Dodgers expect to make a deep playoff run based on the expenses of their team. Four players on the Dodgers are getting paid over $20 million dollars a year, more than the Giants pay reigning MVP Buster Posey and two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum. The Dodgers always provide a threat to National League teams and will be a huge factor in the race for the playoffs this year. Some of the players to follow throughout the 2013 season who have the potential to dominate the

As another year of Major League Baseball has arrived, there are a few teams and players to mention that have the potential to have outstanding years. There are teams making remarkable trades and are set on the one main goal: A World Series championship ring. All eyes will be on the San Francisco Giants who have twice showed that a huge payroll is no competition against priceless team chemistry. Buster Posey has just signed a nine-year, $167 million contract with the Giants, showing his dedication to the team and love for the city and fans. The Giants have set themselves up with a chance to create a dynasty. After winning two World Series championships in three years due to solid defense and clutch hitting, the Giants will be the team to beat in the 2013 season. Looking for revenge and another shot at glory, the Detroit Tigers have acquired two key players in order

league and win postseason awards are Tigers ace, Justin Verlander, Nationals young studs Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper, Blue Jays veteran shortstop Jose Reyes, and Angels standout Mike Trout. The target is on the Giants back with teams aiming to stop the dynasty that has emerged from the city by the Bay.

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Sports

Lacy qualifies for state tournament

Earns CIF sportsmanship award
state - to receive the honorary CIF Sportsmanship Award. Aidan couldnt leave a tournament without making a new friend, remarked teammate Sebastian Amara. Lacy is a true example of a sportsman with his supportive personality and eager friendliness. At the wrestling team banquet, Lacy received the award for most pins in the season, the fastest pin in the season which he accomplished at the Healdsburg dual in 9 seconds and, for the second year in a row, the team MVP award. I miss wrestling now that it is over, but the future looks bright for Sonoma wrestling and that makes me happy, gleamed Lacy optimistically. Come next fall, Lacy will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo but is not planning to wrestle for the time being. Although Lacys high school wrestling career is over, he was an incredible teammate to have, and he remains an inspiring example for his younger teammates.

Senior-led tennis ies into rst

By Jacob Little After an SCL championship run a year ago, the boys tennis team has continued to dominate their opponents throughout the 2013 spring. Led by a four returning seniors, a combination of experience and talent has propelled them through the year. As long as we keep in shape and stay on top of our opposition, we should have a great year, said senior Sean Hall. As the season opened up, the Dragons had no problem doing just that. In the competitive eight team Redwood Empire Tennis Tournament, Sonoma caught a third place finish behind first-place Maria Carrillo and second-place Casa Grande. Stephen Montano earned first place in the No. 2 singles, and No. 1 singles player Sean Hall won first in the consolation bracket after losing his first match. The Dragons took their early momentum and turned it on their league opponents, starting with a beatdown of league rival Petaluma and continuing through all of their SCL league opponents in the first half of their season to start with a perfect 6-0 league record and first place in SCL. But the Dragons slipped as they started through their league a second time, and lost a narrow 4-3 match against rival Petaluma on the road without their No. 1 singles player, Hall. Sonoma took revenge on Piner in the next game, shutting them out 7-0. The victory raised their league record to 7-1, and a current first place in the SCL. Sonomas successful start has all been possible to the the outstanding play of the returning starting seniors Hall, Stephen Montano, Connor GriggsDemmin, and Liam Casey, the No. 1,2,3, and 4 singles players, respectively.

By Giordi Serafini

After placing at every tournament this year, earning an astounding 49-8 record, and taking 2nd at the prestigious North Coast Section Championships, Aidan Lacy (222 lbs) earned a spot among Sonomas elite by qualifying for the California State Championships on the weekend of Mar. 1. The state experience was one of the best in my life so far. It was nerve-wracking, yet really exciting, exclaimed Lacy. Becoming a state qualifier is an immense honor in wrestling and earns a wrestler a high amount of respect. Lacy was the first qualifier for Sonoma since his freshman year in 2010. Lacy beamed that Its so special to me because I was finally

Photo by Riley ODonnell

Dragons blow past competition

By Jesse Summers and Jacob Little The Sonoma Varsity softball girls have kicked off the 2013 season with a phenomenal start, racking up 9 wins and only a single loss to powerhouse Pinole Valley. The Dragons have blown past the majority of their opponents, winning six of their ten games by at least ten points. In their first two league games, the Dragons have yet to allow their opponents even a single point, while their offense has hammered out 41 total runs, 25 total coming in the first inning of both games. Their first SCL victory came against new league foe Elsie Allen, whom they pounded with twenty hits en route to a 31-0 win. Home runs by junior Amber Rose and senior Ashley Vail led a dominating offensive performance that put 16 runs on the board in the first inning alone, while senior Jordan Samson pitched a one hit shutout to send the Lobos home early. The Dragons followed up their crushing performance with a nine run first inning against Piner the following week. After tacking on one more run in the third, Sonoma managed to keep their lead and maintain a 10-0 victory. As their first SCL league game seems to show, the talented Sonoma squad is in good shape to dominate their league and have a possible run in the NCS. Led by seven seniors, the experience Dragons are much improved from a year ago. Their biggest problem will be longtime rival Petaluma, who has grinded out a 5-0 record against tough opposition.

able to make it to state after all the hard work our whole team and I went through. Lacys name will be permanently among the short list of Sonomas wrestlers to qualify

for state. On top of the honor of qualifying, Lacy went 2-2 by winning two matches at state, and was also picked - among only 15 other wrestlers in the

The many talented seniors are confident that this is their year, though. With all of the talent and experience we have, our goal is to come in first or second, junior outfielder and first baseman Amber Rose explained. The Dragons are composed

Photo by Riley ODonnell Selena Gutierrez delivers a pitch for the Varsity softball Dragons.

of seniors Riley Ellis-Ries, Zoe Gaarder, Juliana Gutierez, Selena Gutierrez, Jordan Sampson, Tali Soroker, and Ashley Vail, juniors Samantha Richards, Lindsey Rocha, Amber Rose and Michelle Stovall, and sophomores Hannah Herrick and Shauney McVeigh.

Golf storms back after tough losses

By Jacob Little Nail-biting defeats haunted the Sonoma Varsity golf team at the start of their season, but the young team, lead by a core of three starting sophomores, has bounced back to post hard fought victories in the second half of their season. In a hard fought match against league rival Petaluma, sophomore Christian Ballard led the Dragons to a narrow victory for their first true league win. That was my favorite moment, scoring a career best 37 to beat Petaluma, Ballard remarked. However, Sonoma was unable to jump out of the gate early and started the season in a disappointing fashion. After beating Vintage in their final preseason game, the Dragons were edged in the SCL opener against league opponent El Molino by just four points, losing 224-228. The next week against Healdsburg was the same story, and again Sonoma fell by four, this time by a score of 235-239. But under the direction of head coach Ian Albrecht, the Dragons season was far from over. A forfeit in a match against Piner gave Sonoma just the momentum they were looking for, propelling the Dragons into their victory versus Petaluma. With a record of 2-4, the Dragons are slowly climbing up the ranks in the SCL. Ultimately, the goal is to win SCL, Ballard explained. The Dragons golf squad is made up of senior Craig Gusse, junior Dario Minatta and Justin Crockett, and sophomores Christian Ballard, Cycle Gusse, and Brett Sullivan.

Photo by Jessica Marioni Junior Dario Minatta with a beautiful backswing at the Sonoma Golf Club.

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