e

EL ESTOQUE ONLINE
NEW COOL THING
e
R.I.P. FLOATS
LOG ON TO ELESTOQUE.ORG AND CHECK OUT THE WEEKLY SPORTS PROGRAM EESN
A look into the 30 year history of Homecoming foats
and their uncertain future
VICTORY
MVHS defeats
Cleveland High
School 14-6 on
Sept. 19 to earn
frst win
Underenrollment shakes three classes
Extra sections result in the closing of three classes more than three weeks into the year
by Aileen Le and Samved Sangameswara
W
hen juniors fled into english teacher Vanessa
Ottos seventh period American Literature class
on Sept. 17, they didnt know it would be the
one of the last times.
Due to underenrollment in the sophomore and junior
classes, Ottos seventh period American Literature class,
as well as Vivana Montoya-Hernandezs seventh period
World History and Brian Dongs seventh period Geometry
class, were all dissolved in the last week.
Anticipation for predictable growth in the sophomore
and junior classes led MVHS and the FUHSD to create
extra sections for certain classes. However, instead of
the enrollment growing as it has done over the past few
years, it decreased by about 30 students. According to
the registrar there has been a sharp increase in students
who were originally enrolled for the 2009-2010 school
year, but ended up withdrawing their enrollment afer the
school year had already begun. The top two reasons given
for leaving were issues with paying rent and moving out
of the country.
Potential cuts
cause concern
I
n an economy doomed
by overspending, it seems like MVHS
administration was the wise saver.
By anticipating unknown cuts to state
funding in spring of 2009, it prepared
for the worst, which made it easier
for the school to swallow the 50 per-
cent cuts in categorical funding an-
nounced early this year.
It was like a test of patience
going into the school year since
we knew there would be cuts,
but we just didnt know how big
they were going to be, Scott said.
Thats where our frustration was at the
end of school last year. We were waiting
to hear how big the cuts were so we were
entering the school year really conserva-
tively and almost had to anticipate having
zero dollars versus what we were normally
used to getting.
Despite not knowing how much money
it would receive, if any at all, administra-
tion was still able to purchase vital instruc-
tional matierals such as AP Environmental
Science textbooks because of money saved
from previous years.
We have to be conservative some years
to adapt to our growth, Scott said. Think
about it like a savings account, when we
have the need, we have the money to meet
it.
Scott explains that the school must sep-
arate the must-have items from the can
wait items. Nothing that was absolutely
needed was denied to any department,
and Scott describes the department chairs
as being very supportive of one another
and seeing the big picture.
School year began
with absent budget
by Aileen Le
API score rises
11 points
MVHS reaches a
new high of 935
A
fer a brief relapse the dark ages
are over. The MVHS API score has
risen to a new high of 935 and is
now ranked 6th in the state.
Just two years ago MVHS saw its API
score fall below 900 for the frst time
since 2003. Although the 2007 score of
900 is high by many standards, the slow
decline still managed to shake the
nerves of administration.
We need to take scores seri-
ously, Principal April Scott said.
Its a measurement of our school.
However, the nerves have been re-
laxed as API scores from 2009 school
year were released and MVHS saw its
score rise to 935. Although not as large
as the 23 point jump that occurred be-
tween two years ago, the improvement
was still welcomed..
When youre that high already, your
growth is very limited, Scott said. So 11
points is a huge jump.
One of the areas that MVHS saw
heavy growth in was the algebra portion
of the STAR test. Math teacher Jennifer
MacDonald attributes the improvement
to a change in textbooks. Last year all Al-
gebra classes used a book called Algebra
Connections. Afer being introduced
two years ago the book began to be used
by all Algebra classes last year.
Ultimately though, Scott credits the
students afor the rising score.
The students [at MVHS] take school
very seriously.
by Samved Sangameswara
UCs policy concerning SAT IIs considered unfair
C
ommon are juniors whose book-
shelves house enough SAT subject
test books to keep bonfres ablaze for
hours and hours. Next year, however, those
bookshelves may be empty.
For students looking to pursue an edu-
cation in the University of California sys-
tem, the subject exams, also known as SAT
IIs, are inevitable. But this years juniors
will be the last generation of prospective
UC applicants burdened with taking sub-
ject exams. In February of this year, the
UC Board of Regents modifed the admis-
sions policy with hopes that more quali-
fed students will have the opportunity to
be considered for admission to a UC, UC
Some believe that elimination of subject tests discriminates against Asians
by Christine Chang Academic Senate Chair Mary Croughan
said in a press release. A major diference in
the new proposal is the elimination of two
SAT subject tests required for admission,
which are mandatory for all undergraduate
students applying before Fall of 2012.
The changes, efective for the class of
2012, have been the source of controversy
among high-performing academic stu-
dents. In the past, SAT subject tests have
generally given applicants an unbiased
chance to demonstrate their understanding
of various subjects. Through the current
system, each students score in respective
subjects is computed and factored into the
overall admissions decision.
Once the subject test requirements are
SWAPPED On Sept. 17,
English department chair
Debbie Vanni informs
parents of English
teacher Vanessa Ottos
seventh period American
Literature class that their
childs class is being dis-
solved. Ottos class was
one of three collapsed in
the last week. see SWITCH on page 6
see UC POLIICY page 3
SO YOU THINK
by Jordan Lim
W
ith the Homecoming dance
quickly approaching, there is
a nervous buzz amongst the
students. This year its not about who
youre going to ask to the dance, rather
how youre going to dance.
In the afermath of the Welcome
Back Dance, the MVHS community has
one big unanswered question: what
will future dances look like? Students
are wondering whether they will once
again see food lights illuminating the
dance foor and have to keep an eye out
see DANCE page 6
dropped, however, the University of Cali-
fornia hopes to expand the pool of appli-
cants to include minority groups such as
Blacks and Chicano Latinos. In Proposal
for Eligibility Reform, a report issued by
the university itself and reviewed by the
UC Board of Regents, researched data re-
veals that Black admissions are expected
to increase between 0 percent and 25 per-
cent, Chicano Latinos between 0 percent
and 15.8 percent, and Whites between 20.6
percent and 29.4 percent. The only speci-
fed ethnicity that is expected to decrease
in admissions is Asian Americans: between
11.1 percent and 19.4 percent.
ENTERTAINMENT page 19
SPORTS page 18
for administration wandering the
foor policing the dancing.
Although administration has not
confrmed any defnite changes for
the Homecoming dance, Dean of
Students Denae Moore has made it
clear that future dances will not look
like the ones from years past.
We want to create a dance en-
vironment that is more in line with
our morals at MVHS, Moore said.
There are defnitely going to be
some changes.
YOU CAN
DANCE?
Dance policy tested,
changes in the works
Samved Sangameswara | El Estoque
1977 Friends walking
together
1977 Planning a football
game
ONCE UPON
CENTERSPREAD pages 11-14
40 YEARS AGO
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
A TIME,
VOLUME XLISSUE 1MONTA VISTA HIGH SCHOOLCUPERTINO, CA
see BUDGET page 5
THE ROAD AHEAD
Road to Renovation
A brief overview of how Mea-
sure B will affect campus in the
coming years
Looming consequences
Parcel tax needed to maintain
status quo
NEWS page 5
Stefan Ball| El Estoque Illustration
PAGE 2 EL ESTOQUE NEWS SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
2009-2010
Editor in Chief
Aileen Le
Samved Sangameswara
News Editor
Tammy Su
Opinion Editor
Vijeta Tandon
Centerspread Editor
Jane Kim
Entertainment Editor
Mansi Pathak
Layout and Design Editor
Sabrina Ghaus
Copy Editor
Kanwalroop Singh
el estoque
Sept. 17, 2009
Back to School Night
Students make this trek
every day, but Back to
School Night is the only
time of the year that
parentsmake their way
through the stairwells and
courtyards to class. As they
navigate the masses, with
Link Leaders to guide them,
they experience their own
version of passing period.
Contact Us
El Estoque
21840 McClellan Rd.
Cupertino, CA95014
mv.el.estoque@gmail.com
THE BIG PICTURE
BRIEFING: IN SHORT
Managing Editors
Stefan Ball
Bhargav Setlur
Print Staff Writers
Joseph Beyda
Natalie Chan
Christine Chang
Varshini Cherukupalli
Erin Chiu
Christophe Haubursin
Somel Jammu
Victor Kuo
Hannah Lem
Sahana Sridhara
Sarika Patel
Jiachen Yang
Roxana Wiswel
Xiaoyang Zou
Adviser
Michelle Balmeo
PTA becomes PTSA to encourage student participation
Afer nearly a year of flling out applications to have the motion approved,
PTA has become PTSA. So what has changed?
Nothing really. The Parent Teacher Association, or PTA, is a group of parents,
teachers, administrators, students, and community members, that raises money
through membership to support students and activities.
We changed the name to have students participate more actively, PTSA
president Suman Ganapathy said.
PTSA meetings are every fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the
library. PTSA is currently holding a contest for membership: the grade with the
most student and parent members will be awarded $250 to use however they
wish. The deadline is Oct. 1, 2009.
Disclaimer
Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the
journalism staff and not of Monta Vista High School or
the Fremont Union High School District.
Credits
Some images in this publication were taken from the
royalty-free stock photography website sxc.hu
Mission Statement
El Estoque is an open forum created for and by
students of Monta Vista High School. The staff of El
Estoque seeks to recognize individuals, events, and
ideas and bring news to the Monta Vista community in
a manner that is professional, unbiased, and thorough
in order to effectively serve our readers. We strive to
report accurately and will correct any signifcant
error. If you believe such an error has been made,
please contact us. Letters of any length should be
submitted via e-mail or mail. They become the sole
property of El Estoque and can be edited for length,
clarity, or accuracy. Letters cannot be returned and
will be published at El Estoques discretion. El Estoque
also reserves the right to reject advertising due to
space limitations or decision of the Editorial Board
that content of the advertisement conficts with the
mission of the publication.
2 | CLASSES AND CLUBS
7 | NATION
3 | CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS
5 | CITY 6 | CA EDUCATION SYSTEMS
4 | COMMUNITY
City designates land for farm, preserve
The Cupertino City Council has designated
purposes for two pieces
of land within McClellan
Ranch Park, the
Stocklmeir and Simms
properties.
The Stocklmeir
property, previously
owned by Louis
Stocklmeir, will become a legacy farm used
for historical and educational purposes. On the
other hand, the Simms property will become a
natural preserve.
Students from local colleges and high
schools, will work with the city to restore
the sites. Both pieces of land can also serve
educational purposes for students, who will
have the opportunity to do academic projects
on the restored areas.
Specifc details of the restoration efort are
still being decided.
8 | COUNT OFF
CLASS OF 2013
Students attend town hall
meetings regarding Obamas
health care proposal
Rep. Mike Honda, D-Campbell,
held a town hall meeting in Los
Gatos on Sept. 13 regarding
Obamas health care proposal.
The audience of approximately
400 included some students
from MVHS.
It was really intense, senior
Samantha Chen said. Like,
people were yelling while
Mike Honda was speaking and
everything, it was like on TV.
This meeting was one of
several in the area, which
have generally been attended
by passionate proponents or
opponents of Obamas plan. The
proposal involves creating public
health insurance and instituting
regulations on health care.
Budget cuts cause UC system to raise
tuition for 2010-2011 school year
The economic crisis hit state education on
the whole, and the UC system is no exception.
According to the University of California
website, the UC Board of Regents has reported
a projected defcit for the 2010-2011 fscal
year, the year Class of 2010 graduates will be
college freshmen, and is proposing, among
other actions, to increase tuition to make up
the diference. In numbers:
Total number of students
in the freshman class
1/3
Fraction of the class that
participated in voting
Number of middle schools
that fed into MVHS
7
1
640 5.7%
Percentage of the class
that ran for class offce
Government class celebrates Constitution
First period, Sept. 17: Government Team
mapped the campus
with landmark
Supreme Court cases
involving student
rights, ranging from
the famous Brown v.
Board of Education of
Topeka to recent cases
such as Redding v.
Staford, involving a
student forcefully strip-searched for Advil pills.
In December of 2004, Senator Robert Byrd of
West Virginia fought to pass a motion to establish
Sept. 17 as Constitution & Citizenship Day. The
legislation mandated that schools would be
required to acknowledge the Constitution on
this day, though the manner in which the school
carried out their plans was not specifed.
Social studies teacher Christopher Chiang
frst heard of Constitution & Citizenship Day
on the Public Broadcasting Station. Because
Government Team uses the Constitution as a
focal point in their curriculum, Chiang says he
wanted to incorporate Constitution Day.
I hope people will take a moment to get
interested in learning about the Constitution.
Community meeting to update community on campus renovations
Superintendent Polly Bove and Associate Superintendent Glenn Evans
will hold a public informational meeting regarding Measure B changes. This
meeting will kick-start the whole process of
renovations for the MVHS track and felds.
Its a great informational night if
youve got kids in Lincoln or Kennedy,
Principal April Scott said. This is where
theyll be coming in a few years.
The meeting is in compliance with the
California Environmental Quality Act. Along with informing, it also will gather
information regarding the impact of the changes external to campus.
Its the perfect opportunity to voice your opinion, Scott said, and its our
way of being respectful to the community.
Date: Oct. 1, 2009
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: MVHS Auditorium
SAVE THE DATE
MV
M
cC
lellan Rd.
MCCLELLAN
RANCH PARK
L
in
d
a
V
is
ta
D
r.
Stefan Ball | El Estoque
$1,344
Proposed undergraduate tuition increase for
the 2010-2011 school year
Approximate number of faculty positions for
which hiring is being deferred
1,600
2,300 Projected freshman enrollment cut for Fall 2010
$70,000
Maximum family income that qualifes for
Cal Grants and UC Grants
Current instructional budget cuts $139 million
Family matters
I
t seems that every new school year
brings some sort of big change to
our publication and this year was no
diferent. Last year it was the introduction
of the online staf. This time, it is learning
how to deal with the pains of having a new
addition to the El Estoque family.
Quite frankly, it was like having a new
little brother. A little brother that plays
with all our toys, takes up space in our
room, and worst of all, gets all the attention
of our single mother, journalism adviser
Michelle Balmeo.
It was okay at frst. Fine, mom was just
a little busy but we could copeuntil little
brother ruined everything. Okay, ruined
might be an exaggeration, but he certainly
made our lives more difcult, especially
when it came to sharing stories.
Afer whining for a few weeks we realized
that this, like any other family matter,
wasnt just going to go away, and the only
thing to do was work together towards a
solution. Sitting around and complaining
that the online staf was stealing our
stories wasnt going to do us any good.
Instead we decided that we could build of
of the work they had already done.
Whether we liked it or not, we had a new
addition to the family, and it was beyond our
controlvery much like administrations
change to the dance policy, as explored in
junior Jordan Lims So you think you can
dance. Sometimes, you just have to make
it work.
It is actually pretty cool to have a little
brother. Together, we can cover a greater
breadth of issues in more innovative ways.
So,with seven issues ahead of us, we plan
on doing just that. Finding the big issues
that take more than just one simple story
and tackling them together. This year
you are going to see El Estoque online
and El Estoque in print working together.
Welcome to the family.
by Aileen Le and Samved Sangameswara
FROM THE EDITORS
PAGE 3 EL ESTOQUE NEWS SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Disregarding
Decorum

W
hoever said that everyone gets
their ffeen minutes of fame
is wrong. The soaring wings of
fame only grace a few lucky souls. In fact,
more and more these days, if people fnd
themselves experiencing ffeen minutes
of anything, its the stinking pit of infamy.
Cue Joe Wilson, a congressman from South
Carolina who on Sept. 9 interrupted Presi-
dent Obamas address to a Joint Session of
Congress with impassioned shouts of You
Lie! Wilsons comment, which refected
his belief that President Obama was mis-
stating some of the particulars of a health
care bill being designed by Congress, drew
loud boos and stern looks from audience
members on both sides of the aisle. Perhaps
it was just a momentary lapse of control,
because soon afer the address Mr. Wilson
called the White House and ofered his
apologies. Afer Chief of Staf Rahm Eman-
uel accepted his mea culpa, the wayward
congressman expected that the sorry afair
was closed. His 15 minutes, actually, were
just starting.
On Tuesday, September 15th, the House
voted to ofcially admonish Wilson for his
breach of decorum. It ended six days of
squabbling over whether an informal apol-
ogy from Congressman Wilson was enough.
To the Democrats in power, apparently not.
Not surprisingly, the vote split along party
lines. It didnt even matter that President
Obama himself had said that it was time
to move on. Congressional Democrats, in
their infnite wisdom, used the most fun-
damental tool of democracythe voteto
fulfll an embarrassingly petty vendetta.
But they are elected representatives, af-
ter all. So can we blame them if they dis-
play in the hallowed chambers of Congress
the same kind of behavior that we display
in our lives? Because really, its something
that happens too ofen: the big guy kicks
the little guy while hes down. It is said that
absolute power corrupts absolutely, and
this cynical mantra holds true at all lev-
else whether its Congress or high school.
When we win a classroom debate, espe-
cially one that gets heated, its not enough
to just come out on top. For some reason,
its almost as important to dismiss and be-
little the loser aferwards, even if under
ones breath. What an idiot. I cant be-
lieve anyone could have things so wrong.
Its just part of the game. Maybe its because
we think it makes us look better to win a
contest and trash the defeated party. Thats
what winners do, right?
Maybe not. One of the qualities that is
missing at all levels of discourseespecially
oursis a sense of grace. A winner doesnt
just win. A real winner comes out on top,
but savors his or her victory privately and
keeps quiet in public. You may be stron-
ger, better or faster, but just because its
true doesnt mean you can go around an-
nouncing it. Its a rule thats ofen most
easily found in high school sports, where
the champions congratulate the other team
on a tough efort. Why cant we adopt that
same good-game attitude during disputes?
The fact is, it only refects better on the vic-
tor when he or she treats the loser with re-
spect, dignity, and if need be, forgiveness.
Yes, Rep. Wilson started the fasco by shout-
ing during the Presidents speech, but his
hasty apology should have ended it. The
Democrats didnt need to waste time beat-
ing a dead elephant. Sooner or later the
GOP will get behind the wheel, and theyll
repay the Democrats in full. Let them make
sure the apologies and admonishments are
all evened up. Health care reform can wait.
On the brink of recovery
Two mothers counseling service allows teens to express themselves
by Varshini Cherukupalli
APPROACH TO COACH Former MVHS parent Carol Satterlee and Lisa Fairchild, founders of
counseling practice Family on the Edge, encourage people to be connected with who they really
are. On Sept. 17, they meet to plan for an upcoming speech at Regnart Elementary School.
Students in danger of college rejection UC POLICY:
continued from page 1
A
living room, two
mothers, and MVHS
students. One by one,
students spoke about their
livesabout their families,
friends, and personal issues.
The conversation grew deeper,
but the mothers stayed
supportive, encouraging each
student to contribute to the
conversation. This was the
setting of the session "From the
Mouths of Teens and What We
Can Learn By Listening." Held
last year for MVHS students by
mothers Carol Satterlee and Lisa
Fairchild, the session helped
them understand what teens go
through today. Why? Satterlee
and Fairchild are founders of
the practice Family on the Edge,
which provides individual and
family relationship guidance
for its clients.
From hospice volunteer
and human resources worker
to relationship coaches
Satterlee, mother of class of
2009 alum Ryan Satterlee and
class of 2007 alum Allison
Satterlee, and Fairchild are not
your typical mothers. Starting
the business was far from a
spontaneous idea; they have
numerous reasons for why
they put all their efort into
helping others.
15 years ago, Satterlee
and Fairchild led completely
separate lives in completely
diferent settings. Satterlee was
a stay-home mother with her
two children. Later, she became
a hospice volunteer. This was
an experience that changed her
perspective on life, motivating
her to eventually transition
into relationship and family
guidance.
"I realized life is so short
and sometimes, you don't get
a choice in what happens,"
Satterlee said. "Then, I learned
about coaching; I knew I wanted
to work with people. Whatever
happens, I'm becoming a better
person."
Fairchild also initially
did not envision herself as a
relationship coach. Working
in the human resources feld,
Fairchild claims she only
learned who she really was once
she got divorced. Thereafer, she
decided to spend time with her
son and look for another career.
This is when she and Satterlee
metand began planning for
what is now Family on the Edge.
Satterlee and Fairchild believe
deeply in the value of supporting
their clients through coaching.
This includes personal sessions
with each client and group
workshops. However, the unique
characteristic of Family on the
Edge is simple. The coaches
coach, and it actually works.
"We look for the clients
who are coach-able," Satterlee
explained. "This means that
they have to be willing to
take some ownership of their
life. Coaching is really about
working with individuals who
have a goal they want to meet;
they maybe don't know how
to do it themselves, so we will
work with them to help them
get there."
Out of all the diferent types
of clients that they coach,
Satterlee and Fairchild have
discovered that they specifcally
enjoy working with teenagers,
especially because they are
mothers of young adults
themselves. Many students from
MVHS have attended Family
on the Edge stressed out about
academics and school pressure.
Satterlee and Fairchild steer
them away from this viewpoint,
helping them understand that
their lives are much more than
just academics. And that is
when the teens open up.
"You've got academic
counselors at school already,"
Satterlee said. "But who do you
go to when it's relationship and
social problems? When you just
want to go to a dance? What
we're all about is encouraging
the teens to be themselves."
Fairchild and Satterlee
believe this is only possible
with hope. They motivate
their clients to be optimistic
about hardships because,
once overcome, they help
with gaining experience.
"When you have that
perspective, you almost invite
in struggles knowing that the
struggles are going to help you
and give you new perspectives
on life," Fairchild said.
They are not lifelong
professionals, but Fairchild
and Satterlee have helped
Website:
www.familyontheedge.com
Emails:
carol@familyontheedge.com
lisa@familyontheedge.com
Phone numbers:
(408) 255-1173
(925) 600-1765
A mere 11.1 percent decrease under the
new policy means that approximately
200 of the 1808 Asians from MVHS would
hypothetically be denied acceptance.
people of all ages achieve
their desired goals and gain
confdence. Although many
counseling centers are now
available, Family on the Edge
is distinctive in its coaching
approach which has shown to
be successfulstarted by two
mothers with only a desire to
help people.
Satterlee and Fairchild
hope to hold more sessions
at MVHS in the future, like
that which they held last year.
According to Fairchild and
Satterlee, Family on the Edge
represents someone on the
edge of discovery and recovery.
And as Fairchild stated, "That's
what coaching is all about:
having people be connected
with who they really are."
FOR MORE INFO
Sabrina Ghaus | El Estoque
Currently, Asians make up the largest ethnic group throughout
the entire chain of UCs, topping the number of Whites at seven
of the nine universities. Nonetheless, many see the proposal as a
subtle attempt to diversify UCs, thus reducing Asian admissions.
If you can diversify without having to hurt anyone, then Im
all for it, senior Catherine Shieh said. But if a group is going to
be suppressed into a minority even though theyre technically
qualifed, then thats not right.
According to MVHSs 2008- 2009 School
Accountability Report, our student
body consists of about 71.7 percent
Asians. A mere 11.1 percent decrease
under the new policy means that
approximately 200 of the 1808 Asians
from MVHS would hypothetically be
denied acceptance.
They say the new policy will [bring in more minority
students], but the numbers are so small, the projection is
highly speculative, former UC Associate President Patrick
Hayashi said. I would be very surprised if there was an
increase.
Many point out that subject tests help level the playing feld
and compensate for infated grades. They provide a set of standards
more objective than grades handed out by teachers with varying
expectationsShieh is worried that under the new policy, GPAs
will become a more dominant determining factor. But grades are
subject to greater fuctuation than tests which Shieh feels is unfair
for students at more academic, such as MVHS.
The California master plan and UC eligibility criteria have
been the single most important factor in setting and maintaining
academic standards, Hayashi said. Under the new policy,
thousands will do what is asked of them but no longer be
guaranteed the space. Most likely to sufer are the poor students
and immigrants because they have a record of doing extremely
well on subject tests.
The SAT reasoning test, also
known as the SAT I, will then be
the only test required under the
new policy. According to Hayashi,
immigrants and poorer students
have made tremendous progress over the years through the
subject test system. Because the SAT I focuses largely on reading
comprehension and writing, Hayashi asserts that students who
do not speak English at home tend to score lower. And once
subject exams are eliminatetd, the reasoning test will be the
only test involved in the application process.
This is an equality issue more than anything else, Shieh said.
I think we have to ask the UC admissions ofcers, Are you willing
to erase meritocracy for the sake of diversifying a student body?
BHARGAV SETLUR
Say it
It is
like
PAGE 4 EL ESTOQUE NEWS SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Help wanted with recycling initiative
Campus recycling bins maintained by students; irresponsible disposal complicates sorting
RECYCLE On Sept. 16, sophomores Gordon Fong and Navid Rahnemoon help empty
recyclables into The Ungarbage bin.
by Tammy Su
Stefan Ball | El Estoque
E
ven someone who didnt attend
MVHS could tell you that out in the
courtyards, the trash cans are the
metal gray ones and the plastic blue bins
are for recycling. That person could have
no way of knowing, though, that due to a
current lack in campus organization, theres
not always a guarantee that the contents of
the blue bins end up anywhere other than
the dumpster.
According to Facilities Manager Chris
Kenney, maintaining the recycling bins on
campus has never been the responsibility
of the custodial staf, due to a union dispute
that occurred around the implementation
of the recycling bins. As a result, the large
blue bins have mainly been emptied by
students. In the past few years, however,
the long process that happens afer a can
has been thrown into the recycling bin is
one that most of the campus appears to
have lost interest in.
Students walking by the access road
by the A and B buildings will notice large
orange and gray plastic bins. Dean of
Students Michael Hicks explains that these
bins are provided by the Los Altos Garbage
Company and everything that makes it to
these bins, generally paper, gets recycled.
Most of the time, teachers will have their
classroom bins brought out to be emptied
there, and the ofce does as well. Its out
in the courtyards with the cans and bottles
where the problem is.
Outside is a whole diferent story, Hicks
said, Outside has no order, no structure.
Hicks cites several problems with the
recycling system outside, issues like not
having enough blue bins out or not having
a way of keeping them in place. Beyond
the material problems though, Hicks said
that another main problem is the way the
current recycling bins are being treated. He
maintains that ideally, the recycling bins
could simply be emptied into the larger
bins for pick-up.
The problem is, its not only bottles
going into the bins, Hicks said. What we
get is people throwing away anything they
need to you know, the last two bites
of my cheeseburger, the wrapper of my
candy bar.
Because of this behavior, the recyclables,
unlike trash, has to undergo a process of
sorting, cleaning, and washing before it
will be accepted by the recycling center. If
theres no one to take care of this, recycling
doesnt happen.
Years ago, several student groups used
to have an entire system for managing the
recycling, and all the money made from the
center would be split among these groups.
When the students in charge graduated,
though, the interest was lost.
Ideally we could get groups, maybe
not one but several, to each commit to
[the recycling system], each maybe once a
month and a few years ago we did, Kenney
said. The problem is, its not easy work, and
then the kids decide the next year that they
dont want to do it anymore.
In the past two years, only one group
on campus has stepped up to deal with the
problem: the Perspectives class. The class
of 10 students gives up one block period
every two weeks to cover as much of the
campus as possible, both inside teachers
classrooms and outside in the courtyard.
Because they assume entire responsibility
for the bins, all money that they make
from the cans and bottles goes back to their
class. Right now, the money is being used
to cover shipping costs for Soles for Souls,
an organization for which the class holds a
shoe drive every year.
Perspectives teacher Don Vierra will attest
to the fact that the work is time-consuming
and unpleasant. He, Kenney, and Hicks
all agree that theres a greater need than
most of the MVHS population currently
understands for them to abide by the rules
of what goes into trash cans and what can
be recycled.
If we could get more people involved,
it would help primarily with spreading
awareness across the campus, Vierra said,
and in that way it would be very worth
everyones eforts.
Hicks does have a solution in mind. One
day, hed like to see an organized system
created for on-campus organizations to
tackle the problem like the Perspectives
class, but on a larger scale. Aside from
spreading conscientiousness, this would
also provide a long term way, one that
wouldnt disappear afer the graduation of
a class, for student organizations to take a
problem on campus and turn it into money
for themselves. Kenney also states that if
organizations were interested in helping
out, the school could help arrange for
transportation of the plastic to the recycling
center.
With the help of the school, recycling
bins could go back to fully serving their
environment-protecting purpose.
FREE
"Cctting Intn Cnllcgc"
Scminar
Presented by our experienced college
admissions counselor: Sarah Ziegler

Free Informational event for parents,
students and counselors.

Come learn and get
advice about:

The Academic Record
The Extracurricular
Record
SAT I, II, ACT
College Essays
Tuition Options
Octnbcr 21st
7:00-8:30pm
A Ccllcgc Ntght cvcnt ycu dcnt want tc mtss.
20325 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Cupertino, CA 95124
(408) 446-3623
Www.sylvancupertino.com
Call now! Space is limited.
PAGE 5 EL ESTOQUE NEWS SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
R
e
n
o
v
a
t
i
o
n
Track and feld Solar Panels
Kitchen
Road to
Tech
Looming
consequences
Parcel tax needed to
maintain status quo
C
onsider the potential efect on
classroom life if the district were
to lose $5.2 million in funding:
Fewer teachers. Cuts in classes and
programs. More restrictions on which
classes can or cannot be taken.
While the downturn in the economy
and the state budget crisis may seem
distant to students, Measure G, the
district-proposed parcel tax renewal
appearing on the November ballot,
will have direct and immediate
consequences on the way things run at
MVHS. If not passed this year, students
will feel the impact.
Superintendent Polly Bove explains
that FUHSD is one of the approximately
100 basic aid public school districts in
the state, meaning that the property
taxes in the district are enough to keep
school funds above the revenue limit
a state-decided level thats deemed
adequate to provide satisfactory
education. With the economic crisis,
though, property values have declined,
leading to a decrease of public school
funds. In addition, the student
population of 10,300 spreads the funds
the district does have even thinner.
Finally, state funds have also been
slashed this year, leaving a gap for local
governments to make up.
With these three factors, Measure
G starts looking more like a way to
maintain the status quo than an
improvement and thats exactly what
it is. The school board had the option
this year to increase the tax but chose
not to, afer poll results showed that the
community would favor a renewal of
the current tax, passed in 2004 and set
to expire in 2011, over an increase.
The language of the measure proposes
a renewal of the $98 tax paid annually
per parcel,
but this time
the tax would
be adjustable
for infation
and there is
no expiration
date a plea
from the
district for the
community to
make a long-
term commitment to our schools, Bove
said, quoting Board of Trustees member
Nancy Newton.
Even with the renewal of the current
tax, per pupil spending would still
be low by state standards. Statistics
compiled by the district show that the
funding for FUHSD schools is about
$6,895 per student. The state average
is $9,433, and nearby districts such
as Palo Alto Unifed ($13,509) and
Mountain View-Los Altos ($12,699) all
spend more than FUHSD. The impact of
not renewing the tax, which provides
on average $500 for every student in
the district, would drop the dollars per
pupil even further below average.
The polls for this measure have come
back promisingly, but poll results dont
constitute voting. Board members are
still concerned, as the prospect of the
measure not receiving enough votes
is one that would bring huge change
directly to students and teachers afer
the expiration of the current tax in
June 2011. No defnite decisions have
been made, but if this source of funding
disappears, the Board will be forced to
adjust schools to the money they have
to run them.
Measure G will appear on the Nov.
3 general election ballot and needs
66.7 percent of eligible voters to vote
afrmative to pass.
by Tammy Su
BUDGET: Economic recession leaves cuts to be made
continued from page 1
Victor Kuo
M
easure B is a school bond voted for by the community to
improve the infrastructure of all fve schools in FUHSD
through a fat tax. By law, Measure B does not cover staf
salaries, textbooks, or other educational programs, but improves the
facility so students can have an optimal environment in which to
learn. The bond money provides $198 million for the construction
of diferent projects, which will take place over the next fve to six
years. Such projects include remodeling of buildings, parking lots,
and felds. Here is a quick look at the changes, some of which are
already under way.
A brief overview of how Measure B will
affect campus in the coming years
What: Solar panels will be
constructed similar to those already
in place at Lynbrook, Cupertino, and
Homestead over parking spots in the
student parking lot.
Why: Will save FUHSD over $1
million in electricity costs
each year
What: New LCD projectors
and speakers were installed
in each classroom. New Mac
and PC computer labs are also
possibilities. Utilities like plumbing,
electricity, and drainage systems will
be upgraded.
Why: Equipment was too old
Summer 2008
and ongoing
NEXT
6 YEARS
by
Victor Kuo | El Estoque
KITCHEN Most appliances
will be replaced next summer
SOLAR Panels Structures
placed at Lynbrook
Victor Kuo | El Estoque
Where the districts money comes from:
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Economic stiumlus
package from Congress; one-time funding; state funds may be cut due to this
STATE GOVERNMENT
Categorical funds: Funds designated for specifc purposes (i.e. English-
language learners, mentor teacher programs); slashed 50 percent in 2009
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Parcel tax: Flat-rate yearly tax; renewal proposed by FUHSD and will appear on
November ballot as Measure G
Property Taxes: Fluctuates with property values; not enough to, alone, keep up
with district costs
Construction begins summer 2010
What: The upper and lower felds
will have all-weather turf and a
rubber track installed for sports
teams and PE classes. Electronic
scoreboards, lights, restrooms,
and new visitor stands are other
possible additions.
Why: Current track and
feld dont allow for
home games and
meets
Construction begins summer 2010
Replacement of
every appliance and utensil in
the kitchen, including the ovens,
utilities, stoves, and freezers
currently in use.
Kitchen hasnt been
remodeled since it was frst built in
1969 when the school was opened
Why:
What:
Changes will take place
summer of 2010
needed was denied to any department, and
Scott describes the department chairs as
being very supportive of one another and
seeing the big picture. Art department chair
Brian Chow explains that might might
have a desk thats starting to fall apart, for
example, but that isnt a must-have so he
waits a couple of years before asking for a
new desk, something which he has seen
other departments do.
Every year I pretend that I dont have a
lot of money in the frst place, Chow said.
[The art department] plans very carefully
about how we ofer courses, what projects
we do, and what materials we use, as well
as maintain them.
Social studies department chair Robyn
Brushett says that her department has been
resourceful by sharing materials such as
textbooks with other schools in the district.
While the department did not receive many
of the technological items that they were
hoping to integrate into their program this
year, Brushett realizes what is important
for the entire student body.
Were pretty good with prioritizing and
understanding what is good for the whole
school and for our students as a whole
population, not just for our students in our
department, Brushett said. I think that the
mentality is, in terms of priority, necessity
is whats good for the whole school.
As for now, Scott says that the MVHS
community just needs to be aware of the
ways that they can support education,
alluding to the board-supported parcel
tax renewal on the ballot in November.
Although Measure B funds can only be
used on facilities, Measure G funds could
be used for programs and teacher salaries.
Administration hopes that the passing of
Measure G will allow MVHS to continue
ofering programs it has in the past.
If it doesnt pass, I have no idea what
changes will be made, Scott said. I only
know that they will not be positive.
FUHSD FUNDING
5.2 million
Amount in dollars
that the district will
lose if Measure G
fails to pass
Administrations plans for future dances may not be ex-
actly what students want. They are aiming to end what
they consider inappropriate dancing at MVHS dances. Al-
though the view points of the students and administration
are conficting, Moore wants to make sure a solution that
pleases both students and administration is reached.
We made some changes for this frst dance, but were
going to work together for the rest of them. Its going to
be with the students, [not] against the students, Denae
Moore said.
The frst step towards working with the students was the
formation of the dance committee. The committee is made
up of eight ASB leadership students (one boy and one girl
from each class) and has been given the task of voicing the
student opinion.
Our role as the dance committee is to represent the
student body and make sure their opinions are brought
to administration. Dance committee member and junior
Angeline Chen said.
Afer their formation just weeks afer the Welcome Back
dance, the dance committee began their frst assignment of
gathering student opinions through a survey made accessi-
ble online through Facebook and SchoolLoop. This survey
consisted of questions aimed at getting student opinions
on the dance culture at MVHS. In just about a week the
survey was able to receieve over 30 posts on both the class
of 2010 and 2011 discussion boards on Schoolloop.
Although the survey was created with the intent of
fnding a solution to the students unhappiness with the
dance policy, it has gone on to create a controversy of its
own. Some students felt that the survey had questions
that would lead to responses supportive of administrations
policy. One question in particular which asked if the stu-
dents would be comfortable with parents watching them
at a dance, had students questioning the intent with which
the survey was created.
The questions were biased, sophomore Timmy Nguy-
en said. They werent open questions. They were direct
questions aimed at getting a certain response, the response
PAGE 6 EL ESTOQUE NEWS SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
that admin wanted. However, Ms. Moore said that the sur-
vey was not designed to infuence opinion, but open up
discussion in regards to the dance policy.
If students are ashamed of what they do at at school,
we should rethink how were doing things, Moore said,
regarding the question involving parents.
Even with the student bodys strong opposition to their
policy, administration is still insisting that the policy re-
mains. Moore has made it clear that administration is un-
Dance: Future uncertain for guidelines concerning MVHS dances
Failure to comply with rules results in loss
BY STEFAN BALL
comfortable with the current behavior at MVHS dances.
If we decrease the amount of freaking, I will consider
that a success, Moore said.
Moore also said that trying to curb the amount of freak-
ing and encouraging diferent types of dancing are only a
part of the larger plan to change the culture of the MVHS
dances.
We havent even started talking about the dress code
this year.
continued from page 1
SWITCH: Enroll-
ment drops, classes
dissolved last week
W
hile it may not be kept in a
humidity-controlled glass
case and many clubs might
not even take the time to read it in its
entirety, the club constitution exists
and regulates clubs even when school
is not in session.
Service club Interact held a Pizza
My Heart fundraiser in July, unaware
that summer fundraisers had to be ap-
proved in leadership council before the
summer began. The consequences? 50
percent of the profts from the fundrais-
er were transferred to ASBs MRS Gold
account.
I was kind of angry because I wasnt
aware of it, said Interact president se-
nior Soumya Murag. If I [had been]
aware of it, then I wouldnt have been
as mad. It was just something that didnt
seem fair because no one informed us
and this was the consequence -- no one
had said that either.
In cases of clubs like Interact, who
at the end of the year donate remaining
profts to charity organizations, the rule
comes across as harsh. Yet, with over
70 clubs on campus, club commission
argues that blanket policy is necessary
to maintain consistency.
If youre going to [say for] these
kinds of clubs theres this rule and this
kind of club theres this rule, people
dont even follow the rules as it is or
they forget, said lead club commis-
sioner senior Neena Kashyap. Thats
why we have the strike system.
While the three strikes to disband-
ment rule applies for most violations,
the regulation of fundraisers and fnan-
cial accounts is more strict. 50 percent
of the proft from a fundraiser is taken
away from clubs who violate those,
the club receives two strikes, and it is
prohibited from holding another fund-
raiser for the following six weeks. This
penalty is enumerated in the full con-
stitution, which clubs agree to in order
to be recognized by ASB.
The result was that students in these three classes
were now taken away from the teachers they had
grown accustomed to and put into new classes four
weeks into the school year.
Its disappointing and its going to be an adjust-
ment, Otto said. I will miss my 7th period. Maybe Ill
have them again someday in the future.
Assistant Principal Trudy Gross, who handles
scheduling, was also given the duty of informing stu-
dents of the changes. Gross said that she works to make
the transition as easy as possible for the students.
I know this is not good news, Gross said. While
this is something we have to do, I try to make changes
without impact to the students schedule.
Although the closure of three classes came as a
shock to many at MVHS, according to the FUHSD Di-
rector of Business Services Jason Crutchfeld, who
handles enrollment issues in the district, class closing
is a fairly ordinary occurrence around the FUHSD.
Every school cuts sections, Crutchfeld said.
MVHS doesnt always see it because enrollment is
always going up and up, but district-wide it happens
every year.
As ordinary as the procedure may be, it still
rattled the sophomores and juniors now being forced
into new classes almost a month into the school year.
The change happened so late because the district and
administration were waiting for enrollment to reach
the projected amount. When enrollment never rose, it
became apparent that it was time to stop waiting and
make the change.
Junior Christina Ho, who was in Ottos class, ex-
pressed her discontent with the way the decision was
thrust upon the students.
I thought it wasnt fair that they didnt even con-
sult us before they told us about the change, Ho said.
Unfortunately for Ho and the other 16 students in
Ottos former 7th period class, the district had no other
choice. The MVHS staf is now scrambling to sync up
curriculums in the history, English, and math depart-
ments to make the transition as easy as possible for the
students and teachers.
Ultimately, Otto is confdent that, although the
changes are unfavorable, students and staf will man-
age to cope with the difculties.
Were doing our best to adapt to the situation,
Otto said. Im sure well work together to make it a
positive experience in the end.
How did you feel about administra-
tions policy of restricting freaking at
the Welcome Back dance?
Do you plan on attending the
Homecoming Dance?
It was
unnecessary.
It w
a
s rig
h
t
1
0
%
90%
11%
No
22%
Yes, even if the
policy from the
welcome back
dance remains
40%
Yes, but only if administra-
tion gives up trying to
monitor dancing
27%
Yes, If the policy
from the wel-
come back dance
changes.
*254 students responded to this question
EL ESTOQUE POLL Student opinions on the recently implemented dance policy
El Estoque put out a survey to get student opinions on the dance policy and
the future of dances at MVHS. The poll gathered over 200 responses and
here are the results:
*258 students responded to this question
continued from page 1
The justifcation is that the clubs
are afliated with the school - theyre
using students and school resources,
theyre having meetings at school, and
theyre using advisors who are teach-
ers, said Kashyap. Since ASB keeps
the money with [ASB Financial Techni-
cian Judy] Ma, you have to include the
school in [deciding fundraiser informa-
tion]. Leadership is kind of a big thing
because were the liaison between the
student body and administration, and
thats where leadership council comes
in you have to let them know because
youre part of it.
The stifened fnancial accountabil-
ity penalties were put in place to avoid
instances of poor tracking of money,
loss and thef -- in essence, to protect
clubs from making costly mistakes.
Club commissions hope is that these
consequences will push club members
to ensure that their ofcers are follow-
ing the guidelines set out in the consti-
tution.
If you have ofcers of a club that
are irresponsible, people in that club
are either going to start leaving or try-
ing to become ofcers themselves,
Kashyap said. So if their ofcers dont
follow rules and lose their money, the
[members] are going to be mad because
theyre going to have to pay higher
membership dues. It afects the club
members. Club members keep their of-
fcers in check.
Despite a lack of clarity in the infor-
mation known by clubs and their presi-
dents, there have been recent eforts to
improve communication.
I think that this club commission, at
least up until now, are doing so much
better, Murag said. At least theyre set-
ting the rules and telling us what we
can follow and theyre following it up
later.
A CLOSER LOOK A peek into the club constitution
Constitution confusion
This summer service club Interact got
in a bit of trouble when they neglected
a clause in the club constitution. The
mistake ended up costing them 50 % of
the profts from a fundraiser. Heres a
closer look at the club constitution:
SECTION 11, B
A motion must be submitted for every month a fundraiser
lasts, with a maximum of 1 motion per leadership council
per fundraiser.
SECTION 5, B
[Reprobation of a Club or Strike will occur if:] Fundraisers
held without approval will result in 50% of the proft from
the fundraiser being transferred into the MRS Gold Account,
and the club will not be permitted to hold another fundrais-
er for six weeks after the offense.
ARTICLE VII - ASB AFFILIATED CLUBS
Anti-freaking policy angers students
Face-to-face with a little space only succeeds in irritating those looking for a good time
o
p
i
n
i
o
n
7
Staff
Editorial
Club commission enforces unfair rule
ffty percent penalty unjustifed, hurts clubs excessively
by Somel Jammu
W
hen Interact
president senior
Soumya Murag
emailed club commission
on a simple question regard-
ing a fundraiser to be held
soon, she never expected a
response informing her of an
already calculated loss of 50
percent proft.
[Club commission] never
gave specifc rules on fund-
raisers during the summer,
Murag said. Because of this,
she felt that it was unfair of
club commission to enforce
a consequence by collecting
50 percent of the profts the
fundraiser would receive.
You dont know in June
what youll be doing in Au-
gust, two months later, Mu-
rag said.
Rather than acting as a
central organization that
facilitates and simplifes
UC policy hurts
not the way to diversity
by Vijeta Tandon
HARD-EARNED Interact Club members sell Marie Cal-
lenders pies on Club Day, Sep. 11.
Stefan Ball | El Estoque
see UC on page 9
U
sually, school dances dont re-
sult in long, angry SchoolLoop
threads. But the Welcome Back
Dance on Friday, August 28, really had
people talking. Last time I checked, we
werent a private Catholic school, one
student said. The administration treat-
ed us like little kids, another said. What
were they so mad about? It seems that
administrations new initiative Face to
Face with a Little Space an efort to
crack down on freaking and other danc-
ing just ended up trampling on a lot of
toes. What went wrong?
Maybe an easier question to ask
would be: what didnt go wrong? Be-
cause the list of grievances is lengthy.
First of all, in an unannounced and un-
planned move Administration decided
to place four spotlights on each side
of Rally Court, blinding students with
harsh light. The
idea, of course,
was to make
people uncom-
fortable with
freaking in full
view of admin-
istration and
other students.
Well, whoev-
er decided to
place the lights
around Rally Court failed to consider
consequences. Students, in an attempt
to avoid the bright lights, just crowded
tighter and tighter into the center. Ac-
cording to some, what resulted was a
nearly hazardous densitywith people
elbowing and being elbowed, shoving
and being shoved. Inappropriate danc-
ing or dangerous dancing? Its safe to
say that most would much rather sufer
the former.
Now, most would have tolerated the
prison-yard feel of the dance if it wasnt
for the incompatible music played by
the DJ. ABBA, as great as they are, dont
belong at a high school dance. And in
terms of music being out of place, that
was a mild example. Administration
was going for music that was tame. But
lets face it: there is only one word to
describe some of the tracks that were
played: lame. To be fair, student disap-
proval during the dance did prompt the
DJ to play some more dance-able music,
and the quality improved as the dance
progressed. This only goes to show one
thing: music can
make or break a
dance. While some
songs were good, a
signifcant number
were completely
incongruous with
a school dance.
Worst of all, ar-
guably, were the
Decency Police.
Bad music and
bright lights pale in comparison to the
groups of teachers and other adults
walking through the crowd, interrupt-
ing people and reprimanding them for
obscene dancing. It was almost as hu-
miliating as it was irritating. At one point, some
students refused to dance, afraid that it was no
longer allowed. And other students more def-
ant onesjust lef.
The dance was a disaster. Lets hope adminis-
tration has learnt its lesson: forget about Face to
Face. While adults may be embarrassed by the
style of dancing popular today, freakingand all
other objectionable styles of dancingdo not
hurt anyone. Worst of all, the argument that the
majority of students are uncomfortable at dances
has absolutely no merit. Yes, a few students have
come to administration to complain about danc-
es. But they only represent a vocal minority. Will
people who are satisfed with current dances
communicate their opinion to administra-
tion? Clearly not. The argument that most
students are uncomfortable with freaking
is such a glaring fallacy that it only refects
poorly on administration. The real reason is
that adults are embarrassed by the way stu-
dents are dancing.
Any attempt to impose arbitrary stan-
dards of decency will fail. Lets return danc-
es to the way they were: put away the spot-
lights, and the bad music, and if need be
avert your eyes. It would be a tragedy for the
next dance to be anything like the last one.
communication between
clubs and administration,
faculty, the student body,
and between clubs them-
selves, club commissions
policies sometimes lead to
more complications. In this
case, the fundraising policy
mandates that if clubs wish
to have any sort of fund-
raiser when school is out,
they must have it approved
ahead of time. This fund-
raising policy is no difer-
ent than the one that regu-
larly applies if clubs wish to
hold a fundraiser during the
school year. However, be-
cause clubs are required to
have their motion approved
by leadership council before
they may proceed, it requires
extra planning and efort on
the part of the clubsfor
example, if a club wishes
to have their fundraiser in
early August, they must
conceive the idea and pass
in a motion in June before
school ends, nearly three
months ahead of time.
The policy is in place
because of issues in the past
where people were pocket-
ing the money themselves,
said junior club commision-
er Nishad Joshi.
By enforcing this policy,
club commission feels that
not only will they be bet-
ter informed, they will be
able to prevent issues such
as embezzlement and fraud
see CLUB on page 9
A
s the University of California system plans
to implement its new policies of eliminat-
ing SAT subject tests for admission, concerns
have risen over how these new policies will afect
the number of Asian American admissions. Reports
have shown that the number of Asian American
admissions will most likely decline from anywhere
between 11.1 percent and 19.4 percent, which has
caused many students to become upset with the UC
systems new method to diversify their student body.
UC Academic Senate Chair Mary Croughan stated
in a press release that with the adoption of these new
policies, more qualifed students will have the op-
portunity to be considered for admission to a UC. If
the UC system really wants more qualifed students
to attend UCs, then why are they making it easier
for less qualifed students to be considered for ad-
mission? Those students who were not eligible to
apply to UCs earlier because of their failure to meet
SAT Subject Test requirements will now be compared
alongside students who spend months of their time
studying in order to do well on those subject tests.
Instead of allowing more qualifed students to be
considered for admission, this policy actually seems
PAGE 8 PAGE 9 PAGE 10 English classes improved by changes Link: opposing viewpoints Internet blocks hinder students
Sabrina Ghaus | El Estoque
Leave the S out of PTA
Recent inclusion of students in the iconic
Parent-Teacher Association is nice, but not
exactly the best way to get them involved. Few
students will be willing to give up time better
used for studying or sleeping. A lunchtime
version of the PTSA should be adopted in
which students can voice their concerns to
be addressed during PTA meetings by student
body leaders. If a connection hasnt been
established in the hours students spend daily
with teachers and parents, a monthly meeting
of all three groups wont do any good either.
Bulletin wall woes
The A buildings brick wall has become a
giant bulletin board of sorts, except for one
thing students have the strange urge to
tear posters down. Clubs are rumored to have
torn down the posters of competing groups.
This action is becoming increasingly common,
and there are no regulations regarding the
wall for administration to enforce. Either the
wall, which is located across from the offce,
will have to be monitored, or the school may
need to invest in giant push-pins to better
hold the posters up.
Education B-locker
For years, seniors have complained
about the fact that they havent been given
lockers despite their heavy course loads. If
the problem is that the school doesnt have
enough lockers for everyone, why did Measure
B set aside money for the completion of a new
track instead of fxing something that hindered
academics? Most of the measures funding
works toward removing academic barriers. As
icing on the cake, new lockers could ease the
back pains of every student that sets foot on
campus once they get to senior year.
by Joseph Beyda
QUICK
TAKE
A bite-sized take on
the issues surrounding
campus today
PAGE 8 EL ESTOQUE OPINION SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Fully-licensed drivers, except not really
One-year probationary period faulty and counterproductive
by
K
eys? Check. License? Check. No passengers?
Check.
To a student, driving represents freedom. It is a
step towards independence and Chipotle burritos for lunch.
It takes the completion of Drivers Education, drivers train-
ing, and 50 hours of practice driving before a student can
even attempt to get a license. But afer that, the trouble still
does not stop.
For a full year afer getting a license, student drivers are
not allowed to drive anyone under 20-year-oldclassmates,
or friends. Talk about freedom.
This restriction is based on assumptions. It assumes that
driving minors cannot drive safely with a passenger.
Why would a licensed driver not be capable of taking
passengers? There are no extra skills. The Drivers Handbook
does not teach lane changes when a friend is a passenger as
opposed to when she is not. Students do not take a driving
test specifcally for carpooling, and why?
There is no diference.
Another passenger cannot be more distracting than a
cell phone or the latest Lady GaGa song on the radio. The
problem is not with students and their driving experience,
but their age and alleged immaturity. The law is based on
ageism and stereotypes, not actual driving skills.
There may be statistics showing teenagers have more
accidents than adults, but no driver can be defned by a
number. Not all adults are safe drivers. Not all students
are reckless drivers. It is assumed that our school is full
of street racing, adrenaline addicts, not over-cafeinated,
study junkies. This law is not only excessive, it is illegal
according to the Eighth Amendment of the United States
Constitution; restricting students drving privelages is cru-
el and unusual punishment.
At MVHS, tests are a part of life and driving tests are
no diferent. What is surprising is that, even afer obtain-
ing licenses, minors are still seen as unsafe drivers. With
this restriction, the test does not actually give students the
license to drive.
ROAD TO FREEDOM Licensed students park their
vehicles in the student parking lot.
Natalie Chan
T
hey are defned by
bright yellow shirts
and even brighter
smiles. They are the Link
leaders of the school.
Every student has a dif-
ferent perspective on Link,
but no matter the opinion
Link is a reliable program at
MVHS, one solely meant to
help students.
The goal itself is admi-
rable: provide a solid foun-
dation for new high school
students. Help them cope
with stress and show that
MVHS is more than just
schoolit is an experience.
There are people who ar-
gue freshmen do not need
Link. There are already
clubs, sports teams and
counselors to guide them,
but Link is not a club with
200 members. It is not a
sport divided by varsity and
junior varsity. There is no
neglect or competition.
Also, counselors are
not the easiest people to
talk to. It is generally more
comforting for students to
seek advice from another
teenager who students can
relate toeven if that teen-
ager is a Link leader who
might only sees their fresh-
men once a month.
Actually, the fact that
Link leaders don their yel-
low shirts so rarely is one
of the few downsides but
T
ick. Tock.
Rows of faces stare
up at the clock, hop-
ing to make it tick faster. It
is the Link leaders frst visit
to their freshmans Litera-
ture classrooms. The yellow-
shirted individual at the
front of the room reads of
point afer point from a list.
The class has heard this stuf
before, at Matador Retreat.
They dont even pretend to
listen this time. What a waste
of 50 minutes.
The goal of Link is worth-
while. Make freshmen feel
welcome, help them to ori-
ent themselves on a new and
much bigger campus. From
the Link leader side, become
more mature and give back
to the campus. It has the
potential to create freshmen
that are more outgoing, up-
perclassmen that are more
responsible, and a campus
that is more welcoming. But
Link has some fundamental
problems.
In order for a freshman
to get something out of Link,
they have to go in with a
certain mindset. They have
to want to make the most of
their experience, by learning
about the campus or making
by Natalie Chan
Link strengthens bond
between school and
students
Natalie Chan | El Estoque
Link Crew: Does
it help or hinder
freshmen?
new friends. The problem
is, a freshman with that
mindset is a freshman
who would be just fne
without Link. If they are
that positive and outgoing,
they will fnd someone to
tell them the inside tips
and tricks. The freshman
that really needs a pro-
gram like Link is one who
is shy and has a hard time
making friends or asking
strangers for directions.
The type of freshman that
wont be able to connect
with their Link leader, the
way its done now.
Structuring Link
around group activities
opens the door for some of
the freshmen to sit in si-
lence and never be includ-
ed. By shifing the focus to
individual attention with
opportunities such as one-
on-one peer counseling,
and individual follow-up,
Link could better serve the
needs of its freshmen.
Few people dispute the
value of a group that helps
to assimilate new students
into the MVHS commu-
nity. The disagreement is
over how to go about it.
Link does have a noble
goal, but it needs to do
much more to achieve it.
that is changing. This
year Link is a better sup-
port system. In just the
frst month of school, Link
has already hosted a bar-
becue before the MVHS vs.
Cleveland football game
partly for bonding and
partly for school spirit.
Link now works outside
of the typical classroom set-
ting, and in an environment
where stress breeds faster
than rabbits, Link is doing
more than helping students
skip literature for a day. It
gives real advice from pig
dissections to timed miles.
And the benefts dont
stop there. Link is for help-
ing freshmen, but it also
helps Link leaders become
role models. They are not
in charge of an activity or a
club, but of people. By help-
ing freshmen step up into
high school, Link leaders
help themselves become
actual leaders.
High school is not all
about GPAs and graph-
ing calculators. It is about
building friendships.
So, maybe some people
want their literature class-
es back and maybe others
wish yellow T-shirts would
not spontaneously food
the campus. It is still better
to embrace this than to go
to a school where academ-
ics link students together
rather than the people
themselves.
by Roxana Wiswell
Link falls short of a noble and
worthwhile goal

Anonymous responses to an online survey

Everyone I know who is
a Link leader says its
boring and hates it and
only continues it as a
resume-builder.

The jump from middle

school to high school is
a big one, and I feel that
any help that bridges
that gap is extremely
benefcial.

My Link leaders helped

me become more
comfortable with the
MV style of life.
Overhaul of literature classes sees positive results
by Stefan Ball
E
verywhere in high school there are
complaints. There are complaints
about this and complaints about
that. There are complaints about adminis-
tration abusing x power and students tak-
ing advantage of y privilege. If there is one
place where this does not hold as true, it is
the upper B building.
For most classes, 2010 and earlier, fresh-
man and sophomore literature classes have
been bittersweet. Yes, coloring is not chal-
lenging and poster making does not ex-
actly exercise the cerebellum, but classes
were easy enough and high grades were
easily achieved. Yet at the same time, when
underclassmen became upperclassmen
in higher-level English classes espe-
cially those of the honors variety they
ofen found themselves feeling both over-
whelmed and under-prepared.
There was protest, frustration and anger
throughout junior year, and a continued
hufng and pufng the next.
And so ofen such protest is unmet and
overlooked, or at least tackled in an inef-
cient or incorrect manner. But a curriculum
is not deadit is a living thing. It can grow
and evolve. Over the past two years, vari-
ous changes have been made. All freshmen
now carry throughout their high school
careers a writing portfolio, and classes now
not only contain more technical and rel-
evant curriculum, but they are taught by
veteran teachers who have had their feet in
both upper and lower-classmen ponds. A
general efort to build a bridge into Ameri-
can Literature classes has been made no
more gaping ravine to jump over, Or fall
into.
The fact that this editorial was conceived
as a negative attack at an unsuccessful cur-
riculum is a message in and of itself. (It
was changed when the improvements had
been discovered.) Students, you can and
will be heard. As annoying as it may be, ev-
ery employee at school is there for better-
ing your education. And to administration,
students may go about seeking change in
School Loop discussions and by whining
incessantly, but thank you for listening.
So bravo to a system that, perhaps un-
expectedly to students, can work. And in a
case like this where much of the student
body is unaware that a change has been
made, its important for us to remember
something sometimes things are being
worked on and we dont know it. Were not
in administration. In the future students
should be more understanding that we of-
ten dont see the behind-the-scenes, even if
the ofce is made of glass.
But at the same time its a reminder that
a school functions as a service to the stu-
dents, and to a point, their opinion should
matter. However, its important to see all
sides of the issue. Jumping to conclusions
is never a good practice when it comes to
making decisions or compromises.
In a way, the reorganization of literature
classes represents a positive change for the
way classes are taught. Now, students can
look forward to freshman and sophomore
classes that are better taught with the goal
of junior and senior classes in mind. Its ab-
solutely vital that Literature/Writing 9 and
World Literature connect seamlessly with
classes like American Literature Honors
and AP Literature. As much as it is possible
to reduce the gaps between curriculum and
content in literature classes, the better it
will be for students.
The literature department has made
some important steps. We can say with con-
fdence that these changes will have very
noticeable diferences in the years ahead.
My Paranoia
New writing portfolio, other measures better prepare students
S
afari became Running of the Bulls, a
suitable change which fnally delin-
eated the chaos and madness of the
annual rite of passage. But to fully capture
the essence of the insanity, Running of
the Bulls should be renamed something
along the lines of Stampede of the Frantic.
As summer comes to a close, it becomes
more and more apparent that most of us
are cruising like a car on neutral and liv-
ing with the as it comes attitude. The
anguish of school starting begins to creep
up on us and the daunting task of pro-
ductive school days and efcient studying
becomes a reality. However, afer the frst
dose of reality, comes the pang of paranoia.
As August rolled around and the ten-
sion for class schedules started mount-
ing, the voices of the 2010 seniors came
back to haunt me, and remind me of the
tedious task I had cut out for me. There
was no way I could really prepare myself
for what was coming, but of course I tried
anyway. I forced myself to stay up until
ridiculous hours of the night (to simulate
studying), and then wake up at 6:30 a.m.
and try to be efcient the following day. If
epic fail needed a best friend, it could have
found one in my panic-stricken summer.
The seniors had lef haunting voices in
my head, and by Running of the Bulls I
had lost all sense of sanity and found my-
self under the D building at 4:30 a.m. with
absolutely no schedule changes to make.
Stupid? No, not stupid, just deranged. But
most defnitely not alone. I was greeted
by a congregation others of who felt that
they too had to be at ROTB at a freak-
ishly early time and partake in other ec-
centric pre-schedule change activities:
sleep on dirty sleeping bags, starve for al-
most 14 hours, and end up with an unbe-
lievably weary looking yearbook picture.
I was careful not to let the others
know I had no business at ROTB at 4:30
a.m., worried I might get lynched for my
spot. But I wondered, out of the 200 or
so students that had shown up well be-
fore 5 a.m., how many of them actu-
ally needed schedule changes? And how
many of them, like me, were paranoid?
During the extensive fve-hour period
I was given a chance for some discerning
introspection. I came to the conclusion
that the paranoia at ROTB is in actual-
ity self inficted. Its like we are asking for
it. It comes from the precedent the pre-
vious years have set which tells us that
unless you have good teachers, you are
screwed for the year. We change gears to
being pessimistic and wind up at school
at the most peculiar hours of the night.
Weve accumulated this giant rain cloud
in our minds which make us do undoubt-
edly absurd things, and we have no one to
blame but ourselves. We set ourselves up
for something, and then mock it inces-
santly. Three cheers for being hypocritical.
Giving in to this paranoia is one thing,
but then this paranoia starts to develop
into the stereotype that we are all nerds,
have no lives and are too academically
driven. Well, duh. Of course well think of
ourselves as freaks if we see about 100 of
our peers at 5:00 a.m. Coming to school at
that hour, we are doing nothing more than
conforming to our stereotype and worse,
giving it even more legitimacy. Precedent
becomes paranoia, which begins to per-
vade every layer of our society. And now
is the time to break out of it, before its too
late. All it takes is a small attitude change,
a realization that whether we think we can
or we cant, were probably right. So have
heart, take a deep breath, and relax. Its
only a vicious cycle that seems unbreak-
able, but really its just all in your head.
The dirty truth about recycling
For those who
think MVHS
is green, we
have some
bad news.
Some out-
doors recy-
cling bins are
emptied into
the same
dumpsters
as the trash.
So much for
recycling.
by Stefan Ball
PAGE 9 EL ESTOQUE OPINION SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
UC: Policy shortsighted
Rules hurt academic reputation
to be doing the opposite.
These new policies put in
place by the UC system also
do not make sense when com-
pared alongside the fact that
the number of UC applicants
has been rising each year. In
order to select only the best of
the best students, the UC sys-
tem should be making their
qualifcations for admission
stricter so that they can fur-
ther narrow the admission
pool. Sacrifcing true intellec-
tual capability for the sake of
ethnic diversity doesnt make
much sense. If a student is
smart, it shouldnt matter
whether he or she is asian or
black, or anything else.
In fact, in this time of eco-
nomic recession and concerns
that jobs are moving out of
the US, each American uni-
versity should be doing its
part to make sure the bright-
est young minds stay here and
are given ample opportunities
to thrive. By making decisions
aimed at diversifcation rather
than the creation of a more
talented student body, the UC
system is failing to live up to
the challenge. Now, if every
college and university in the
US began to flter applications
based on the applicants race
rather than actual intellec-
tual capability, it would not be
long before the US would lose
its place as an international
leader in education.
As the UC mission state-
ment itself says, [The mission
of the UC system involves]
providing long-term societal
benefts through transmitting
advanced knowledge. In real-
ity, however, it seems that in-
stead of focusing on the long
term implications of what they
are about to do, the UC sys-
tem is choosing only to look
at the short term advantages,
in turn leaving the potential
of hundreds of highly quali-
fed potential UC admittants
untapped. This policy has no
place in higher education. Its
time the UC saw that.
from arising.
Were liable for everything
[clubs] do, said sophomore
club commisioner Ryan Chui.
Though club commission is
in charge of making sure that
clubs receive the help they
need while keeping in check
with school policies, requir-
ing clubs to pass a motion for
a fundraiser months ahead of
when they are planning to hold
it is unreasonable. Not only is it
extra work for the club, it does
not necesarily help club com-
mission out either. The policy
only states that the plan for
fundraising must be somewhat
tentative; meaning, it could be
called of and it wouldnt have
made a diference whether club
commission was informed of
the fundraiser or not. In addi-
tion, the punishment for not
telling club commission of a
fundraiser when school is out
is quite harsh. Clubs must hand
over half of their profts to club
commission for failing to notify
them of a fundraiser. What is
the point, in the end, of having
a fundraiser if 50 percent of the
profts will be taken away?
It would be easier to simply
eliminate the policy of hav-
ing to inform club commission
of fundraisers. But because it
would become extremely hard
for club commission to then
regulate the number of similar
fundraisers occurring at a time,
club commission and the re-
spective clubs should come to
a compromise by eliminating
the current fundraising policy,
and instead creating simpler
guidelines. For example, if there
was a time limit to email club
commission at least two weeks
ahead of time as to where and
when a fundraiser is, leadership
council could then see that if
there was a problem, they could
deal with it easily. The burden
of having to deal with motions
and such would be completely
lef out.
Clubs should not have to pay
a high penalty. The only solu-
tion is to eliminate the rule.
CLUB: Excessive penalty
Fifty percent too much to lose
continued from page 7 continued from page 7
So, bravo to a system
that, perhaps unexpect-
edly to students, can
work.
SARIKA PATEL
Its all
Head
in your
Recycle or
else!
PAGE 10 EL ESTOQUE OPINION SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
I
ts easy to complain about how
little money our school is given
and even easier to assume that
the money is wasted and used in-
correctly. People argue that getting a
new track and building solar panels
is wasting the money on frivolous
projects that we really dont need.
What they do not know is: the funds
from this bond cannot be used to
buy new textbooks, pay teachers, or
pay other staf members. The proj-
ects allowed with Measure B empha-
size not so much on what we learn,
but on how we learn it, something
which has been loosing a signifcant
amount of respect these days.
One of the newer projects, install-
ing new speakers and LCD projec-
tors, can be benefcial to classroom
learning, if used appropriately. The
LCD (liquid crystal display) projec-
tors hang from the ceiling and have
a remote control to make it easy for
teachers to use. Teachers will no lon-
ger have to interrupt the fow of their
lessons in order to continue using
slides. The speakers have three parts
two speakers and a larger box that
are drilled into one side of the room.
The speakers have been wired to the
cable and the LCD projectors, and to-
gether can create a theater efect.
It is supposed to help the teach-
ers by giving them more options and
hopefully integrate this new tech-
nology into their lessons, Assistant
Principal Brad Metheany said.
Having all these facilities broad-
ens the horizons for teachers, and
New toys for classroom use
LCD projectors and speakers allow new styles of teaching
by Sarika Patel
jected on to the large screens instead
of watching on the smaller TVs.
Was it worth spending a signif-
cant amount of money on things
that we already have? Especially
when many teachers have already
bought new speakers with their
own money? Defnitely. If teachers
actually use this new technology in
their classrooms to make learning
more interactive for us, please count
me in. Its safe to assume that most
students would prefer to watch a
cool clip about Chemistry rather
than yet another dull Powerpoint,
no matter how cool the ClipArt is.
Sarika Patel | El Estoque
Access: Denied. Students: Not trusted.
Rationale behind blocking Facebook and Youtube is fawed
by Sabrina Ghaus
T
wo weeks before school started,
I watched a miracle unfold in
A111. Hoping against hope,
I typed www.facebook.com into
the web browser, and crossed my
fngers. To my great joy, I found
that I now had access to one of the
greatest inventions (in my opinion)
of our time Facebook. Flushed by
my success, I searched for Youtube.
Again, I was victorious! A few days
afer school started, however, I found
that both sites were blocked. My
exhilaration faded as I realized that
sadly, the Lord gave, and the Lord
hath taken away. It turns out that
it was only a technical malfunction
that caused Facebook and Youtube
to be unblocked for a few weeks
before school started and a couple
days into the school year.
For three years now Ive been
fruitlessly trying to understand
the logic behind fltering Internet
content at school. Really, shouldnt
high school students such as
ourselves be learning to navigate
the web and manage our time
by ourselves? What exactly is
the district trying to teach us by
blocking popular sites like Youtube
that people will undoubtedly fnd
ways to access by other means?
Obviously not to be responsible
adults. Honestly, if we are going to
be taught how to use the Internet
correctly, we should be allowed to
access the entire Internet at school,
not just a few sites that the adults at
the district ofce have decided are
pure enough for our innocent (as if!)
eyes to behold.
All right, so the district is obligated
to heed the Child Internet Protection
Act (CIPA), but the classifcations it
uses to defne content that is obscene
and harmful to minors as stated
in sections A and C are hopelessly
fawed. While all content on Youtube
is blocked, Wikipedia is lef free,
despite the fact that Wikipedia is by
no means a completely clean site.
Is Wikipedia lef unblocked simply
because its more educational? Well,
last time I checked, a translation of the
Bible into LOLcat was not a part of the
curriculum of my literature class.
It comes down to this: if were
going to have Internet at school, give
us the whole thing. We, as young
adults growing up during the age of
technology, should be allowed access
to all of the Internet so that we can
actually learn how to deal with it.
Im sure we can survive without
pornography websites, which is
prohibited by section B of the CIPA,
but sites like Facebook and Youtube
which anyone and almost everyone
accesses outside of school shouldnt
be blocked. For one thing, how else
am I supposed to while away my open
third period? And second, school is for
life-long learning, not just learning
how to identify the parts of a dead
fetal pig. We as students should be
learning how to handle the Internet
in its entirety, because thats the only
way the lessons the district is trying to
teach us will be learned.
Sabrina Ghaus | El Estoque Photo Illustration
THE UNBREACHABLE WALL District offces restriction of popular web-
sites reveals an unwillingness to allow students to exercise responsibility.
Model Drivers
Parking lot refects quality
of student drivers
by Stefan Ball
the sky becomes the limit. They no
longer have to rely on the drudgery
of Powerpoints and be chained to
colorless overhead projectors. Teach-
ers can try to incorporate movies,
clips and music into their lectures
to further engage students. It will no
longer be a battle of man versus ma-
chine and teachers who are not fond
of dealing with technical glitches will
be able to easily work with the pre-
wired devices. In addition to helping
teachers in their lessons, administra-
tion hopes that by connecting the
LCD projectors to the cable, the video
announcements can directly be pro-
NEW TECHNOLOGY Teachers are offered opportunities to integrate visuals
and audio into convential learning.
Psyche of a
MVHS
Car Guy
Legit race car driver
Legit off-roader
Legit?
1969 Monta Vista opens
1977 Cheering students
at the game
Q&A on the frst graduating class
Change from 40 years ago to now
How well do you know MV? . . p. 14
Monta Vista High School first opened its doors in
1969. On its 40th anniversary, we take a look at what
has changed and what has stayed the same, from the
past to the present.
Quiz on trivia throughout the years
Across the decades . . . p. 13
Before the present . . . p. 13
Highlights of eras in MVHS history
PAGE 11 EL ESTOQUE CENTERSPREAD SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
The open campus policy, written by
student Beth Simmons, was voted
on, and four out of six schools
voted in favor of it.
History wasnt a required class be-
cause it was not thought to be use-
ful class for career-bound students.
Bathroom smokers propose and get
a smoking area. Smoking was
accepted then about 30 per-
cent of the student smokers began
smoking on campus.
Junior Prom was held at Sunnyvale Community
center with bids for $6.50.
California Scholarship Federation was created.
1979
Once upon a time,
40 years ago...
How well do you
know MVHS?
1. Which card game was popular in Monta Vista
since 1994?
l) Yugioh m) Magic card n) Pokemon
2. In the year of ________, the senior class
tried to establish a senior lawn.
A) 1972 B)1968 c)1992 d)2001
3. True or False?
MVHS had a badminton team in 1978
4. In 1979, how did students describe MVHSs
academics?
a) lenient b) similar c) strict
5. What change was made to the PE
department in 1980?
A) it was closed temporarily
B) they introduced weekly running
C) they included weight-training
D) they created co-ed locker rooms
M
1
A
2
T
3
A
4
D
5
O
6
R
7
P
8
R
9
I
10
D
11
E
12
Xiaoyang Zou by
PAGE 11 EL ESTOQUE CENTERSPREAD SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Changes at MVHS from 1972 to 2009
250 649: Students in the graduating class
90 144: Total teachers in school
1,600 2,515: Total students enrolled
12-20 18-35: Average class size
Census recorded changes from 1972 to 2007 in Cupertino
18,216 59,592: Total population
96% 35.56%: White population
0.2% 1.46%: Black population
2.9% 52.88%: Asian population
0.1% 0.07%: Native Hawaiian and other
Pacifc Islander
3.2% 3.76%: Hispanic/Latino
0.3% 6.72%: Other
Somel Jammu by
The old library used to be smaller and did not
have an attached computer lab. A separate
study section was added during renovation.
The Black Box was added along with the new
woodshop rooms. Before, the woodshop rooms
were twice the size they are now.
The D building was built on an area that used to
be asphlalt-covered basketball courts.
2003 New library and computer lab
2004 Visual performing arts building
2004-2005 Tennis courts
The tennis courts were renovated. During the
process, there were some problems so construc-
2005-2006 D building
Just before the swimming pool and weight room
consturction began, the locker rooms were
completely remodeled. The old boys locker room
consisted of what is now both the boys and girls
locker room. The weight training room and wres-
tling room were the girls locker room.
Initially there were two pools, and now there is a
much bigger one. Before the new weight room
was made, it was in the room above the student
center, which is now the Leadership room.
The old offce was diffcult to identify. The new
offce is bigger, more organized, and has easy
access from the bus circle.
2006 Locker rooms
2006-2007 Swimming pool and weight room
2008 New office opens
tion was held off for almost a year.
10. What was shown in a 1973 survey on MVHS
students?
H) 5/10 students werent planning to go to college
I) 9/10 students have cheated at least once
11. In which year did a TV news program begin?
A) 1986 B)1983 C) 1990 D) 1994
12. In 1972, coaches tried to regulate _______,
causing widespread protest.
C) the dress code for all students
D) school conduct E) the hair of athletes
Answers:
6. In 1972, MVHS had its frst ______.
m) El Estoque Publication n) rally
o) graduating ceremony p) yearbook
7. In 1998, how did MVHS rank compared to Saratoga, Gunn, and Lynbroook?
Q) better than all three.
R) worse than all three
S) better than Saratoga but worse than the others T) worse than Saratoga but better than the others
8. What percentage of MVHS students believed
that the US should not boycott the Moscow
olympics in 1980?
L) less than 25% O) between 25% and 50%
P) between 75% and 90% Q) more than 90%
9. In 1980, which one of these sports became
intramural?
R) volleyball S) badminton T) softball U) dodgeball
s
p
o
r
t
s
1
5
PAGE 16 PAGE 17 PAGE 18
Increased focus, decreased numbers
Boys cross country limits team size to improve organization and performance
by Jiachen Yang
E
very day, throughout the fall season,
one single coach manages, instructs
and trains more than 60 athletes,
many of whom do not receive specifc
individual advice. During every cross
country meet, that one coach tries to
organize these adrenaline-pumped MVHS
sportsmen, all crowded within a sea of
other school teams, and prepares them
for the high-stakes race. If these situations
seem daunting, rest assured, they belong
to a team of the past. This season, boys
cross country coach Jef Payne made an
unprecedented decision, a 2.65 mile tryout
at Stevens Creek County Park on Sept. 1
for all of those who aspire to join the boys
team.It was hard to concentrate on 60 to
70 boys, Payne said. Too many athletes is
hard for the coach. Getting to know them
should be part of the whole package of
coaching.
Payne used to coach 30 athletes at
Woodside High School before he started
coaching the MVHS boys cross country
team fve years ago. Given this prior
experience, he thinks that a smaller team
will allow him to give more attention
and more focus to individual members,
arrange training sessions more efciently
and avoid organizational difculties at the
start of a race. Therefore, he devised the
time trial, involving two steep hills as the
selecting factor, in which the cutof time
decreases consecutively from 23 minutes
for freshmen to 20 for seniors.
Some cross country veterans view it as a
drastic reversal from a long history of open-
participation. With the transition from a
larger community, in which novices could
fnd their passion and more experienced
runners could help to guide others forward,
to a smaller and more competitive group of
runners, this seasons team has raised some
discontent. Keaton Chiu, a former cross
country member from the class of 2009, and
senior William Yee, a team member since
his sophomore year who missed the cut by
18 seconds, doubt the appropriateness of
the tryout.
It totally changes the family atmosphere
of the team. Before, everyone was close,
everyone had fun while supporting each
other, and anyone could join and improve.
Trying out people ruins it, Chiu said.
23 minutes for freshmen is all right,
but they cant expect people to improve
by three minutes in three years, Yee said.
They should decrease the cutof point of
23 minutes by 30 seconds for each grade.
On the other hand, Payne focuses on
the necessity of the cut and views it as an
acceptable deviation from the tradition of
including everybody.
I think this system will be fair to
everyone, Payne said. Looking back at the
race times in previous years, I think eighty
percent of those who try out should make
it. Of course, having another coach would
be the ideal solution, but because the
school can only ofer a ffh of the stipend
for a normal coach, well have to settle for
the cut.
While newcomers mainly concentrate
on the cut itself freshman Nicholas Chen
views it as doable and lenient veterans
with more knowledge about team
organization and experience with team
spirit assess the new policy on its relation
to the overall team. Senior Alex Cheng
provided a more balanced viewpoint on
the issue:
Its sad to see people go, but we should
keep in mind that one coach cant manage
that many people, Cheng said.
ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO! The cross country team lines up at the start of their
2.65 mile time trial run on Aug. 30. The runners had to meet a certain time in order to
make the team. This was the frst cut for the cross country team in recent history.
Jiachen Yang | El Estoque
Pushing
Through
ing Pedialyte in the night time and
in the morning before school helps
keep him hydrated through the day.
Despite his previous experience,
there was still a fair share of concern
coming from his family. Although
his brother, class of 2007 alum,
Ahmed Naguib performed the same
feat a few years ago, Omars parents
were still concerned about the toll
that playing would take on his body.
My mom didnt want me to play,
Naguib said. She didnt think I
could do it, but it looks like I can.
Naguibs mother Fatma Elkholosy
did note that she was very much
concerned going into the year, but
has since eased up afer seeing how
Naguib has met the challenge.
He seems so comfortable, he
doesnt just go to sleep afer prac-
tice, Elkholosy said. I am so proud
now.
Social studies teacher and co-head
coach Nick Bonacorsi admitted that
he had his concerns when he heard
about what Naguib was going to do.
He was willing to let him play, but
knew he had to keep an extra watch
on Naguib.
Theyll push themselves and play
through anything, Bonacorsi said.
Its our job to sit them down and
tell them to take a break.
Afer practice last Friday, Naguib
was done with his month long
journey. Ramadan ended this past
Sunday and the team water breaks
are no longer a test. Afer the last
four weeks its clear that Naguib has
earned his victory sip.
Freshman continues to play football
through month-long fast for Ramadan
by Samved Sangameswara
F
ootball players rarely get a
break. Afer fve days of gruel-
ing two-a-day full pad practices
during the dog days of August, they
are greeted on the very frst day of
school with another set of two and a
half hour practices. The one respite
they get is their water break. Its a
welcomed break for almost every
single player, every single player
except freshman Omar Naguib.
Naguib dreads the water break. The
freshman is currently participating in
Ramadan, the Muslim religious holi-
day that requires full day fasts for an
entire month. This means that from
sunrise to sundown Naguib cannot
consume any food or liquid, includ-
ing water. The result is a physical
and mental struggle each and every
day at practices and games.
The hunger you get used to,
Naguib said. But the thirst is not
that easy.
On empty stomachs and parched
throats, Naguib makes it out to prac-
tice every single day, playing on both
the ofensive and defensive line.
Going into the season, Naguib
knew what he was in for. Afer three
years on Kennedy Middle Schools
cross country team during Ramadan,
Naguib felt that he was ready for the
challenge. He says that he relied on
drinking a lot of water at night and
in the mornings, as well as using a
drink called Pedialyte, an electrolyte
solution designed to keep people
hydrated. Naguib says that drink-
Stefan Ball | El Estoque
Belshe takes over JV feld hockey Interview with Freddy Kuo Football vs. Cleveland HS
CARRYING ON Freshman Omar Naguib
running during junior varsity football
practice on Sept. 15. Naguib played and
practiced with the team even while fast-
ing for Ramadan.
PAGE 16 EL ESTOQUE SPORTS SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
THE PAGE A LOOK BACK AT THE MONTH IN SPORTS
THE TEAM THE PLAYERS AND PERSONALITIES OF VARSITY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
THE GAME VARSITY GIRLS WATERPOLO VS. WILCOX THE PLAYER
FREDDY KUO - VARSITY FOOTBALL
Freddy Kuo #4
Junior Freddy Kuo is now the
starting quarterback of the varsity
football team. Afer a brief period
of uncertainty in which the team
had three possible choices for the
role, Kuo was named the starter for
the remainder of the season. Afer
a strong performance against Wil-
low Glen High School on Sept 11.
Kuo started again Sept. 18 against
Cleveland High School from Port-
land Oregon. MVHS won the game
14-6 and Kuo had one touchdown
pass to senior Nick Utley.
by Ashley Wu
Stefan Ball | El Estoque
CHARGE! Senior Alexis Weckel moves towards the Wilcox goal with junior Nikki Danse trailing her.
Weckel scored a goal in the game on Sept. 15 and Danse added an additional 5 in the 10-3 win.
Erin Chiu | El Estoque

10
3
Stefan Ball | El Estoque Photo Illustration
MONTA VISTA
MATADORS
WILCOX
CHARGERS
W
ithin 28 minutes, the varsity girls water polo
team were able to snatch the oppotunity to
beat the unbeatable.
Last year, the girls lost 7-9 in an intense game
against Wilcox, who fnished their season unde-
feated. This year, with the promise of new players
and new strategies, they were prepared to take on
the challenge.
Were the best conditioned team in the league,
said coach Don Vierra. Were further along [in
training] this season than in seasons past.
Less than two minutes into the frst period of the
game, junior Nikki Danese made the frst goal for
MVHS. As the spectators cheered, the team played
on with their strong umbrella defense formation,
swimming back and forth to keep the ball in their
possession. Throughout the frst half of the game,
senior goalie Alyssa Walker blocked four attempt-
ed goals by Wilcox. A goal made by senior Alexis
Weckel and another by Danese brought the score at
the end of the frst period 3-0.
During the second seven-minute period, Wilcox
was fnally able to make its frst goal. However, the
MVHS girls increased their lead with two goals made
by Danese, and one each by junior Sonika Singh,
junior Lena Jenny, and junior Gaby Antonova.
Afer halfime, the girls switched sides and Singh
replaced Walker as goalie. Although Wilcox was
able to get two goals in, Singh made a total of six
saves during the second half. Freshman Chris-
tina Enescu and sophomore Stacey Urauchi were
in during the third quarter, helping Danese score
two more goals before the second time-out of the
game.
The last quarter of the game involved a penalty
shot taken but missed by Weckel. Sophomore Kel-
ly Darmawan and junior Anne Faraday were put
in, playing to keep Wilcox from scoring any more
points. As the timer buzzed, the game ended with
the fnal score of MVHS vs. Wilcox was 10-3.
The new varsity girls contributed to the im-
provement of the playing in the pool. I couldnt
be happier with the new players, Vierra said. One
of the girls I just brought up made a great steal and
drove straight to the goal.
The fact that the varsity Wilcox team is defend-
ing a league championship put the pressure on
MVHS, especially considering the fact MVHS had
not won against them for the past two years. Vi-
erra praised the team as the victory was more than
just a small addition to the win column.
I knew it was going to be a test for us, and we
really stepped up.
EL ESTOQUE: This is your frst year
starting on varsity. How does it feel
to basically lead a team of players
that you havent had all that much
experience with yet?
FREDDY KUO: Well, its pretty in-
tense since I have to learn how to ft
in and be a leader out there.
EE: What are your strengths?
FK: My weaknesses are scrambling
and getting out of the pocket and
moving around.
EE: Has the team made any drastic
improvements since last year re-
garding strategies in plays?
FK: Well, right now, we have made
a lot of improvements like [in] the
previous plays that we screwed up
on. Also, a lot of sophomores are
coming in and out, so theyre get-
ting in practice time and getting reps
done too.
EE: What has been your most mem-
orable moment so far during prac-
tice or a game?
FK: During the frst game, I didnt
start, but coach put me in at the last
quarter and I made a touchdown
pass.
FK: Right now, my strength is prob-
ably throwing the ball and staying
in the pocket.
EE: What are your weaknesses?
EE: You probably have the biggest
shoes to fll, succeeding Justin
Rahn. How does that feel?
FK: Its pretty intense, but Im look-
ing forward to reaching that goal
because Justin Rahn, hes pretty
damn good. So Im always looking
up to him now and [trying to] be
at his level.
EE: What do you think will be the
biggest challenge in the upcoming
Milpitas game?
FK: Probably the linemen because
they have some big people on that
team, so its going to be a tough job
for me and the line.
EE: Maxpreps predicted your team
will win league this year. How do
you guys feel about that?
FK: Well, we started of pretty badly
this year, but I think we can get it
back. Im actually pretty confdent
this year.
EE: In terms of league, which team
do you think is going to be the big-
gest challenge to beat?
FK: For right now, I think Lynbrook
will be tough one.
EE: What makes them a tougher
team than say, Fremont?
FK: Actually, all the teams are
pretty tough. What makes them
good is their intensity, which we
didnt have in our frst games.
by Somel Jammu
Returning to a long loved childhood sport
World history teacher Robyn Brushett competes in marathons
Going the whole 26 miles
I
should probably preface this column
by mentioning that Im not a very good
sport. From about the age of 11 on-
wards, I gave up on organized sports and all
the lessons on sportsmanship that would
have come along with it. This resulted in
me learning all of those valuable lessons
from video games, who were by no means
the best teachers. There may not be an I
in team but there most certainly is one in
Playstation .
So afer spending the last half of a de-
cade merely watching sports, Ive gotten my
fll of egomania from the Terrell Owens and
Chad Ochocincos of the world.But when it
comes to high school sports, Im bafed. As
an avid fan of MVHS football I make it out
to almost every single game and afer three
years of observation I must say, I think that
the California Interscholastic Federation is
stabbing the game in the heart.
Take for example what happened three
weeks ago in the frst game of the season
against Gunderson High School. Lineback-
er senior Joe Crosoriol caught the Gunder-
son ofense of guard and was able to get
an interception and run it back for a touch-
down. In a game with very few bright spots
for MVHS, Crosoriols interception was a
fash of brilliance.
Afer taking it to the house and keeping
the Mats in the game, Crosoriol spiked the
ball in celebration. A perfectly acceptable
gesture in my opinion, in fact I would go
as far as saying he could and should have
done even more. If I were to have been in
his postion, I would probably mandate a
show stopping frework display and some
sort of parade.
Anyway I digress, Crosoriol spiked the
ball and although the MVHS crowd clearly
approved, our friends at CIF did not. The
MVHS football team was charged with an
unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and was
forced to kick the ball of 15 yards behind
the designated spot.
I was apalled. Crosoriol was being pun-
ished for what, in my eyes, was a perfectly
appropriate display. I suppose that the CIF
is aiming to keep that ego driven behavior
that I admire out of our schools but I still
wonder why?
Of course the obvious answer is that
egregious celebration on the high school
fosters the sort of cocky, individual driven
attitude that doesnt belong in our high
schools. However in an efort to stamp out
that kind of behavior, CIF is taking emotion
out of the game entirely. So much for the
thrill of victory.
It seems to me that their ideal scenario
would involve Crosoriol politely handing
the ball back to the referee and then per-
haps, in an extreme explay of jubilance,
shaking coach Jef Muellers hand.
So maybe my frework displays are
wrong but that doesnt make gutting all the
joy out of some of the great moments in
high school football right. Crosoriol did no
harm when he spiked that football, what
he did do was fre up one of the groups
CIF tends to overlook, the fans. Sure they
dont participate in the game neccesarrily
but when it comes to spectator sports like
football, they are certainly a part of the ex-
perience. Could you imagine how quickly
Crosoriol issuing an apology for his un-
sportsmanlike behavior would defate an
MVHS crowd.
The bottom line is that everyone, the
fans, the players, the coaches, are all out on
that feld to have fun and even if the CIF
wont sink down to my level, they need to
learn how to have a little fun. Afer all, it
is just a game.
Unsportsman-
like conductor
by Hannah Lem
History teacher Bonnie Belshe coaches junior varsity feld hockey
courtesy of Robyn Brushett
RUN LIKE THE WIND The clock continues to tick as social studies teacher Robyn Brushett
is about to run past the fnish line at the Maui Half Marathon in 2006.
T
he night before a
marathon, World History
teacher Robyn Brushett
loads on the carbohydrates
by feasting on pasta. The next
morning, her nervousness
changes into excitement, and
by the time she is at the fnish
line, she is only focusing on
her attitude.
Im amazed by the distance
Ill be running soon...but I have
to be positive, Brushett said.
If you only think about the
negatives, you wont enjoyit.
Since her frst marathon,
Brushett has participated in
three full marathons, 12 half
marathons, and 10 to 12 smaller
races. She has also trained with
two other running clubs, San
Francisco Road Runners and
Nike Run Club.
Each day of the week,
Brushett trains for an hour,
varying between running
and alternate activities such
as aerobics, push-ups, and
sit ups. And no matter how
desperately she may want to
slouch of and watch T.V., she
always gets up and runs.
If I dont go now, Ill never
get up and do it, Brushett said.
Besides, I come back from
running feeling energized.
Afer graduating and
relocating to California from
Connecticut, Brushett was
introduced to marathon
running by a close friend.
She joined Team In Training,
a Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society sports training
program, and began training
for her frst marathon.
At the Leukemia &
Lymphoma Society marathon,
held in San Francisco, Brushett
was able to meet fellow runners
and patients who came out to
support the runners.
I looked at [the patients]
and thought, If they can do
chemotherapy, then I should
be able to run a marathon,
Brushett said.
Though it may seem as
though marathon training
would take up much of
Brushetts free time, Brushett
runs precisely because of the
time issueor in this case,
because marathon running is a
solution that fts her schedule.
[I run because] I can make
my own schedule and set my
own goals and limits, said
Brushett. I can run on my own
and still feel challenged.
In addition to her
own reason for running,
Brushetts Team In Training
captain inspired Brushett
and fellow runners to run,
as well. Brushetts captain,
Amanda Arsenith, chose
to run marathons because
she wanted a challenge, but
also because her father had
Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma,
a condition where large
groups of cancerous white
blood cells develop.
Last season, I was the
Honoree Captain. My job
was to help my teammates
connect to the cause. A lot of
people join Team in Training
not knowing how much
they help people living with
PAGE 17 EL ESTOQUE NEWS SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Y
ou have seen her enthusiasm on
the court at Dodgeball games, but
wait until you see her on the feld
during feld hockey games. Dressed in a
purple polo and yelling instructions and
encouragement from the sidelines, during
the pre-season game against Christopher
High School, a spectator could instantly
pick out the coach of the MVHS junior
varsity feld hockey team, social studies
teacher Bonnie Belshe.
Belshe has helped coach the junior
varsity sofball team with art teacher Jodi
Johnson, but this is the frst year that she
is coaching feld hockey. However, she is
not new to this sport since she played feld
hockey during her seventh to twelfh grade
years at her high school in St. Louis.
Its huge [in St. Louis], Belshe said.
Every girl played feld hockey. I moved
there in sixth-grade from West Virginia
where no one played feld hockey, and
didnt even know what it was. In seventh-
grade I went to a private school, and they
said, You play feld hockey, and I said,
Okay. From that second on I loved it.
Unfortunately, Belshe hyperextended
her knee during her senior year. Although
she was able to fnish her season, her injury
crushed any chances of playing in college.
Belshes love for feld hockey provides
much of her enthusiasm for coaching.
However, coaching is a big commitment.
During the season there is a lot of time
put in, not just on the feld, but also for
evaluating players and preparing for
practices, away and home games.
Stefan Ball| El Estoque
PEP TALK Belshe gives the JV girls feld
hockey team a talk after a game.
However, Belshe said that working with
varsity coach Denise Eachus is absolutely
fantastic because Eachus set up such a
great program already. It has been easy for
Belshe to step in and coach because Eachus
has done so much of the work already.
Eachus agrees that she and Belshe both
have similar coaching philosophies and
that they complement each other. Belshe
works mainly with the goalies and brings
a defensive perspective while Eachus tends
to focus more on the ofensive.
Although Belshe had played for such a
long time, there are still some things which
she will have to relearn.
Some of the rules have changed, Belshe
said. Ive been working to learn what has
changed because it has been 13 or 14
years since I have played. The rules do
change, some have even changed from
last year to this year.
While Belshe has to get used to the
new rules, the junior varsity girls have
also had to get used to a new coach.
Cheryl, the coach from previous
years, was really nice and supportive,
sophomore and junior varsity player
Danielle Beiser said. We all miss her
a lot. However, Belshe coming in has
been a great addition to the feld hockey
program. She has been completely
supportive and upbeat. We love having
her on the team, so the girls have
adjusted really well [to a new coach].
Beiser also has Belshe as her World
History teacher and says that many of
her teaching qualities come into play
when she is coaching as well. Belshe
asserts herself well in the classroom
and on the feld, Beiser said. She is
very forward with what she wants, and
shell tell you what she wants done in
practice. The girls dont fool around
when she says to get things done. She
gives advice where its needed and
support to those who need it.
During one of the time outs of the
Christopher game, Belshe was giving
advice on how to better the game. She
made sure to say that the girls were
doing great, but they needed to focus
on what the other team was doing
because the girls could have reached
many of the opponents passes. The
junior varsity feld hockey girls won
their frst season pre-game, 3-0.
blood cancers, Arsenith said.
I encourage [Brushett and
others] to run by cheering
them on and letting them
know that they are doing a
good job...that training for
long distance running doesnt
happen over night!
With her next marathon
coming up in December,
Brushett hopes to use the
Womens Nike Half-Marathon
in October to prepare for the
winter run. In addition to
this, Brushett still wants to
try new experiences, such as
a triathlon, a sporting event
where participants bike, swim,
and run.
You can train your body to
do anything, Brushett said.
SAMVED SANGAMESWARA
For the
of
LOVE
the
GAME
PAGE 18 EL ESTOQUE SPORTS SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Pao and Pedrazza bring national soccer title to Cupertino
Local club soccer team with two MVHS players wins national championship over summer
Football develops interstate tradition
Varsity fghts for 14-6 victory in second annual game against Cleveland High School
O
n Sept. 18, MVHS played Grover
Cleveland High School for the second
time in as many years and won, 14-6. In a
heated match between friendly, but ferce
rivals, varsity football scored frst early in
the game when senior Nick Utley caught a
35-yard pass to complete a touchdown. The
game proved to be more of a defensive bat-
tle as the score stayed at 7-0 for most of the
game, but it got tense again in the fourth
quarter when CHS snatched an intercep-
tion and ran it for a touchdown. With the
game tied up, Utley delivered again with
a 60-yard touchdown run. The Matadors
held on for the last few minutes and were
able to seal the deal with a 14-6 victory.
The victory was the frst for Matador
football all season. Afer tough losses
against Gunderson and Willow Glen, the
team fnally came through for a victory Fri-
day night. Utley noted that the team was
playing at a much more competitive level
than they had been playing the previous
couple of weeks.
We came out a lot stronger than we
have in the past few games, Utley said
about Fridays win. And [Cleveland] had
nicer guys this year, as compared to last.
The win, was made even more signif-
cant by that fact that MVHS came out on
top despite a number of injured starters,
including cornerback senior Alex Spurzem
with a knee injury and fullback Wesley
Oberhelman with a shin injury. And, in
I
t was only a few months ago that the
varsity girls soccer team made history
by clinching a CCS title for the frst time
in 30 years. However, that achievement
seems tiny compared to what two of that
girls from the team have accomplished.
On July 26, the De Anza Force, a local
club soccer team, won the national title in
the under-16 division. With the help of
Pepperdine University-bound senior Mi-
chelle Pao and junior Jacqueline Pedrazza,
the Force beat out Floridas Ponte Verda
Storm 1-0 to clinch the national title.
The teams journey kicked of in late May
when they won the NorCal State cup. Af-
ter claiming the state title they moved on
to the regional championship where they
played in a tournament with teams from all
over the Northwest. Although they placed
second in this tournament, the team which
took frst had already earned their ticket to
the National Championship so the Force
were given a chance to represent Cupertino
and the Bay Area on the national level.
By
By Samved Sangameswara
Bhargav Setlur
Courtesy of Michelle Pao
Patrick Mi | El Estoque
The team arrived in Lancaster, Massachu-
setts in late July, ready for the challenge
that awaited them.
We knew we were going to win, Pedraz-
za said. We had come so far there was no
way we were going to let ourselves lose.
The win elicited memories of the CCS
victory of Palo Alto in March, but both girls
agree that winning on the national level
was an entirely diferent experience.
It is the biggest thing you can win, Pao
said. Its defnitely bigger than CCS.
Pedrazza also noted that she enjoys these
national games more because of the efect
they have on her personal game.
Youre playing the best teams, Pedrazza
said. It makes you a much better player
and prepares you for playing in college.
The title run that the girls experienced
has proved to be a defning moment in
their soccer careers. As excited as they are
for the upcoming season this winter, the
girls have made it clear that they will not
be forgetting this match anytime soon.
It was unbelievable, Pedrazza said. It
was a once in a lifetime experience.
CHAMPIONS The De Anza Force, an under-16 girls soccer team, poses with the trophies
from their national title run. The team, which features junior Jacqueline Pedrazza and
senior Michelle Pao, beat out the Ponte Verda storm from Florida in the national champi-
onship tournament over the summer and clinched the title.
terms of morale, the 14-6 fnish had a very
strong efect on the team.
Last year, we were 2-0 going into the
game. Going in 0-2 this year made us really
desperate for a win, Utley said.
The game is also the only time that var-
sity football coach Jef Mueller comes face
to face with his old coach and mentor, Mike
Shanahan, now an athletic director at CHS
in Portland, Ore. Although on opposite
sides of the feld now, Mueller played for
Shanahan when he was a student, and kept
in touch with him afer graduation. Later,
Mueller returned to Cupertino High School,
where he coached football with Shanahan
for three years. Afer moving from on CHS,
he and Mueller came up with the idea of a
cross-state game between the two schools.
This idea became a reality last year,
when the varsity team few up to Portland
and defeated CHS 22-20. It was a nail-bit-
ing fnish, with MVHS needing to score a
touchdown with only 50 tense seconds
on the clock. Afer faltering twice on two
incompletions, quarterback Justin Rahn
completed a 40-yard pass to Eric Wen-
schlag. Afer two more incompletions, then
junior Nick Utley caught a pass from Rahn
to score a touchdown with no time lef on
the clock.
As exciting as both this years and last
years games were, the expenses involved
in fying a team from one city to the other
are high. However, Mueller is confdent that
the game holds more than enough value to
cover the costs of transportation and sched-
uling issues.
Its an experience that you dont get
very ofen, Mueller said about the game.
You have to learn how to be fexible, and
adjust to diferent circumstances.
For the players, however, the game
also has symbolic meaning. Senior Chris
TOUCHDOWN! Senior Nick Utley celebrates in the end zone after scoring in the frst
quarter. Utley went on to score the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter on a
60-yard run. MVHS proceeded to win the game 14-6.
Kompella, who plays ofensive and defen-
sive tackle, views the game from a larger
perspective.
Were representing California to Or-
egon, Kompella said of the game. and we
have to play with pride for our school and
our state.
Do you want to see
your ad here?
Contact us at
mv.el.estoque@gmail.com
a
&
e
1
9
PAGE 20 PAGE 23
YEAH Club: A new way of thinking about a timeless value
Service club focuses on having members design independent projects to improve health
by Joseph Beyda
T
hirty-three years ago, the MVHS graduating
class of 1976 began a new Homecoming activity,
which involved the building of foats for the
Homecoming game. Little did they know it would
become a vital part of the schools spirit and tradition
for many years to come.
However, due to the implementation of Measure B,
foats will no longer be a part of MVHS Homecoming
traditions afer the 2009 Homecoming celebration. By
the end of this year, Cupertino High School, where
MVHS Homecoming games are held, along with other
schools, will have a newly renovated track, making it
impossible for MVHS to have their Homecoming foat
parade on it. Along with MVHS, other schools in the
district will have to cease the use of trucks for foats and
vintage Ford Thunderbirds to drive the Homecoming
court around the track.
Junior Angeline Chen was less than thrilled when
she heard the news.
Im disappointed, Chen said. I really like
foats and I think that without
them, it will be harder for
classes to show spirit aside from
rallies and for everyone to come
together and work as a class.
Dean of Students Denae Moore
disagreed, stating that she would
like to see a change in Homecoming
traditions.
I would prefer seeing something
where there are more
students involved in more ways, Moore said.
Along with Moore, other students are supportive of the
changes. It takes $250 and a lot of timeabout 6 weeks
to make one foat that makes one lap around the track at
halfime of one football game. When foats frst started in 1976,
anywhere between 50 to 70 people in each class participated
in foatbuilding. Today, those numbers are closer to around 10
to 20 people at each class foatbuilding.
While some are sad about the end of Homecoming foats,
others remain optimistic.
I love foats, but other schools dont have foats, and they
still think Homecoming is fun, sophomore Ryan Chui said.
Maybe a better tradition will come out of this change.
Administration has not yet come up with a permanent
replacement for the foats, though they are considering the
concept of human foats. According to Assistant Principal
Brad Metheany, human foats have been a tradition in other
schools and have gained a lot of popularity due to the creativity
that goes into creating a foat by decorating only the bodies of
the members of each class.
Another idea being considered is to have a parade of foats
on the streets near Cupertino High school, similar to what
Homestead High does. Who knows? Maybe the class of
2011 will start a Homecoming tradition that will
continue on in the many years to come.
Tradition of foats at Homecoming changing for the future
by Erin Chiu
1979
1983
1997
THROUGH THE AGES
M
ention the phrase problems
that arise unexpectedly to most
MVHS students, and they will
likely think of that math test that they
didnt realize had two sides.
But senior Akshay Ravi will probably
think of weaving through corporate budget
cuts during an economic recession in order
to give out free food.
Ravis less-than-typical endeavor started
when he and senior Peter Tran approached
Chemistry teacher Kavita Gupta last
spring about creating a new club. In the
beginning, she was skeptical.
My frst question was, Are you doing
this for your rsum? Because I wont be
your advisor for that, Gupta said. But Ravi
and Tran had something else in mind. Their
plan? To create small units of volunteers
who would come up with small-scale
projects regarding keeping up health and
exercise. Her decision?
Yeah.
While other clubs specialize in health
or community service, the YEAH Club,
Youth Engaged in Advancing Health, tries
to combine the two while improving upon
each. Events set up by the club address
exercise and eating right, the two most
important aspects of healthy living. Their
version of community service, however,
may not be for everyone.
Its for those kids who really have a
calling, not for those
who want to put [down]
hours, Gupta said.
While the clubs
smaller, focused projects
have greater impact,
they do not generate the
large numbers of community service hours
that most students crave.
The group of around 10 students that
heeded that calling havent been ofcially
awarded club status due to their late start
last year. As the YEAH clubs frst exposure
to the school, they teamed up with Chipotle
to give out healthier food to students for
free on June 1.
Though Ravi, the clubs president, was
pressed for time due to the unexpected
budget cuts, the event was a huge
success with hundreds of MVHS students
attending. Currently, the club is planning a
community health fair and a collaboration
with 24-Hour Fitness.
America is only becoming wider,
Tran said of the countrys growing obesity
fgures. Tran, Ravi, and Gupta all agree
that students are ready to
change for the better.
I see so many kids that
are very conscientious of
what theyre eating, Gupta
said. If its not awfully
inconvenient, they are
willing to make that change to live a better,
healthier lifestyle.
Though improving the health of students
is a main focus, the club is unique for its
novel ideas about just what community
service should mean to people.
We give, pretty much, the power of an
ofcer to the members, Tran said, and he
or she is allowed to make projects by him
or herself.
Its for those kids who
really have a calling,
not for those who want
to put [down] hours.
Additionally, the actual ofcers take
a hands-of approach, helping members
when necessary but leaving them to plan
most of the project on their own.
Ravi thinks this community service
system will provide benefcial leadership
skills in the long run. Youll see hundreds,
thousands of people saying, I did like 500
hours of community service, but you wont
see anyone saying that they created their
own community service project, they ran it
themselves, and it was just by students.
The idea seems revolutionary in a
campus flled with large-scale service
clubs. Members believe in the service
they are doing, in large part because they
themselves decided what that service
would be. Its like creating your own mini-
club for an activity, Ravi said. Youre your
own leader, and you can go out and carry
out your project. If genuine service like
this continues to gain in popularity, larger
service clubs may soon be eating some
humble pie.
That is, of course, if the YEAH club deems
it healthy.
PAGE 22 Flea market scavenger hunt The breakfast club(s): a guide Junior plays on her harpstrings
End of one era,
2009
FLOATS IN THE WORKS (Left to right) Class
of 2010s cardboard rainbows, Class of 2011s
papier mache toucan, Class of 2012s bees, and
Class of 2013s painted characters.
start
of a
new
PAGE 20 EL ESTOQUE A&E SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
T
he sardonic and humorous aferlife
of suicide victims in Wristcutters:
A Love Story. The unconventional
love story in 500 Days of Summer. Both
flms fall into the romance category, both
are independent yet Wristcutters: A Love
Story was flmed using a low budget and
reached a smaller audience, while 500
Days of Summer was backed by a major
independent flm studio with a consider-
ably larger budget. Do these two flms re-
ally come from the same category of indie
flms?
Since the success of Napoleon Dyna-
mite in 2004 and Juno in 2007, more
independent flms have broken through
to the mainstream audience. Independent
flms, more commonly known as indie
flms, are movies that are not produced by
any major flm studio such as Paramount
Pictures, MGM or Warner Bros. Most of
the time the independent companies that
distribute these flms dont have as much
money as major flm studios. And due to
this, usually budgets are low and actors in
the flms are not well known.
During the summer of 2009 indepen-
dent flms became more popular through
the openings of 500 Days of Summer and
Paper Heart. But due to the more main
stream qualities of 500 Days of Summer
A recent trend among Cupertino students: The new indie flm
by Jane Kim
Students question whether or not independent flms remain true to their traditional roots
the question arises among students on
what is considered to be a true indie flm.
Indie flms have always been present as
a less well known alternative to the movies
on the big screen. Senior Brian Egan, has
been watching indie flms since he was 14
years old. He was frst introduced to the
flms through online movie critics, and has
since then rented and watched them.
I love [indie flms] because they keep
delving into interest-
ing subjects, Egan said.
They arent like main-
stream action, horror
movies, or romantic
comedy fodder.
According to Egan, the
watchers have diferent
reactions to mainstream
and independent flms.
Real indie flms arent going to
be things everyone likes. They have odd
styles, or plots or they touch into obscure or
ofensive subjects, Egan said. Most audi-
ences like to watch plots they are familiar
with or they dont really think of movies
as capable of demonstrating anything other
than point-blank humorous reactions.
Egan is a fan of independent flms. But
what he doesnt care much for is the ris-
ing trend and labeling of those flms. With
its substantial budget of around $7 mil-
lion, this summers hit movie, 500 Days
of Summer, has made students such as
Egan question whether or not some indie
flms are staying true to their defnitions.
According to Egan, success for indie flms
such as 500 Days of Summer depends on
a contracted independent vibe to appeal to
the main stream audience.
I dont think theres really a big surge of
people towards real indie flms. Indie has
become another false label, like Green or
Eco-friendly, Egan said.
Its one of those things
companies like to afx to
products to make them
seem cultured.
Egan also believes that
some indie flms, such as
Juno and 500 Days of
Summer, have to use a
manufactured indie feel
to gain a broader audience. However, se-
niors Alan Do and Benjamin Juang, also
watchers of indie flms, dont see eye to eye
with Egan on his opinion. Their belief in
why some indie flms gain such fast popu-
larity among audiences difers from Egans
as well as each others.
The movies havent been getting bet-
ter or worse. Some of these movies are
getting a lot of attention because theyre
pretty good. Theyre always going to be
independent flms, Do said. Its not like
theyre changing but more like more and
more studios are trying to make these types
of flms.
And Juang believes that indie flms are
changingnot as a direct efect of flmmak-
ers need to keep up with trends and gain a
larger audience, but because the flms have
always been changing.
Theyve always somehow related to
the problem of the decade. District 9 was
based of an indie flm about apartheid, so I
dont think that the messages that they give
are technically changing, Juang said. But
the way the flmmakers portray the prob-
lems is changing.
Juang thinks that indie flms try to por-
tray difculties in society, while Egan be-
lieves it is societys mediocrity that has cre-
ated the current trend and label of indie.
I think the current Indie trend where
movies starring white teen hipsters doing
inane things is more of an efect of society,
Egan said. There exists that whole middle
class social strata where kids have nothing
better than to do than just to talk about in-
sane things.
Although all three have diferent opin-
ions about the flms, all three agree that
there is no fear in independent flms per-
manently switching over to mainstream
media.
Indie as a label will come and go,
Egan said, but independent flms will al-
ways be around.
I dont think that the
messages that they
give are changing,
Juang said. But the
way the flmakers
portray the problems
is changing.
Y
ouve heard about the tragedies every day on the
news. Asia has recently been struck with mul-
tiple natural disasters, including Typhoon Mora-
kot in Taiwan. Chinese club took it upon themselves
to do what they can to help the millions whose lives
have been shattered and whose homes have been lef
in shards of rubble.
They hosted an Orange Tree fundraiser on Sept 5-7
and raised $250, which they donated to the American
Red Cross. The money will be used to reconstruct hous-
es and hotels torn down by the typhoon.
Chinese club president, junior Sharon Zhu, wished
that they could have helped China during the 2008
earthquake in Sichuan China and saw this fundraiser
as a way to help those in Taiwan. More than 1,000 stu-
dents supported their families at Orange Tree.
Chinese charity
A
llahu Akbar. On Sept. 4 at 7:37 p.m. the loud
chanting of the evening namaz was heard all
across campus. Muslim Student Association
held an Ifaar to commemorate the end of Ramadan for
students on campus. Ramadan is a month-long fast that
Muslims observe from dawn to dusk in hopes of getting
closer to the plight of the hungry and in honor of those
who have fought to uphold the religion.
During Ifaar, large groups of Muslims break their fast
together with the ceremonial eating of dates and drinking
of water. Many students brought a variety of delicious Is-
lamic desserts to the Ifaar.
The clubs mission was to unite all Muslims on campus,
but for the event, they welcomed Muslims from all over
the Bay Area. Over 100 Muslims gathered to celebrate the
the spirituality and richness of Ramadan.
End of the fast
S
plash! MHVS students pelted each other happily
with water balloons at Interacts frst annual bar-
beque on Friday, Sept. 4 from 3:35 to 5 p.m. in the
rally court.
The event was meant as a promotional tool that the
club plans on using in its future years, mainly to raise
awareness about Interact. The barbeque was open to all
students, even if they were not previously involved in
the club. To further promote the barbeque, the food was
free.
The event far exceeded the expectations of Interact
ofcersabout 200 people participated in the barbeque
activities and over 50 people signed up for the club.
Highlights of the event included a speaker from the
Cupertino Rotary Club, a Chipotle gif card rafe, a wa-
ter baloon toss, and lots of food.
Students Interact at BBQ
P
repare to Be Speechless!" declared pro-
motional signs for the speech and debate
team's showcase. The event took place on
the evening of Sept. 4 in the MVHS auditorium.
Varsity speech captain junior Yeshar Hadi and Var-
sity debate captain junior Daniel Ki are taking steps
to publicize the speech and debate team more than
in previous years to increase membership.
Instead of a traditional end-of-year showcase,
the speech and debate team chose to hold a pro-
motional showcase to raise freshman and other
student awareness about their club. The goal of the
showcase was to give students a way to understand
what the team does, and to fnd those that are in-
terested in it. To attract an audience, the showcase
advertised free admission and free food, and some
teachers gave extra credit for attendance.
The nine speeches performed showed a cross
section of the speech events available to competi-
tors, and Ki explained the debate program. With a
turnout of over 200 students, the showcase was a
successful start to the year for speech and debate.
Prepare to be speechless
by Sahana Sridhara and Roxana Wiswell
MONKEYING AROUND Sophomores
Amit Reddy and Adhiraj Watave perform
their duo interpretation speech at the
speech and debate showcase on Sept. 4
Clubs in a fash
Roxana Wiswell | El Estoque

PAGE 21 EL ESTOQUE A&E SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

Plucking strings with love
Experienced in piano and harp, junior makes comparison
by Tammy Su
W
hen junior Sharla Capener lifs up her hands
and points out the pads of her fngers, I see
calluses. They arent from doing yard work
or any other outdoor activity, though. No, these hands
belong to a harper, and the roughened patches of skin are
seven years in the making.
Capener plays what is called a lever harp. A harp, she
explains, isnt always the ornately-carved, ceiling-high
instrument that many of us picture when we hear the
word; those larger harps are generally pedal harps. Hers
requires her to, beyond the obvious string plucking,
physically fip levers up and down when she wants to
change a key or raise a note. Shes been playing since
elementary school, a track record that proves itself
through her advancement in technique levels: she and
her instructor of fve years, Celeste Midsfelt, a gray-
haired woman about her height, now sometimes play
similar music.
Despite her current expertise in this instrument,
though, Capener brings an interesting element to her
playing with her prior experience of another, more
widely played instrument. Its hard to come across a
harp player in this land of piano and violin players, and
Capener acknowledges that. She herself, in fact, has also
had experience in tapping keys.
Most young musicians start out by practicing the
piano, and years ago, Capeners mom, a music theory
major, felt that her daughter should do the same. Capener
though, who had grown up attending Scottish fairs with
her family, knew from a young age which instrument
she wanted to play.
I always used to tell my mom I want to play the
harp. I want to play the harp, Capener said.
Her mother agreed, with the condition that Sharla
would play the piano for two years frst. Promptly at
the end of two years, Sharla began a renewed demand
for the instrument. That year, she received a lap harp
for her birthday.
Having had experience playing both instruments,
its easy for Capener to look back and see similarities
and diferences between the two instruments. Piano
players might be interested to know, for example, that
although the harp and the piano are similar in physical
respectsboth contain several octaves worth of notes,
both are played with two hands, and so onthere are
some critical diferences.
For example, Capener points out the colors of the
strings on a harp, which, incidentally, are not random,
and contrast with the stark blacks and whites of a
pianos keyboard. Each diferent colored string on a
harp is actually representative of a diferent notered
for C, blue for F, and so on. Other diferences she cites
include the use of the hands in playingharp players
dont play with their pinkiesthe fexibility of being
able to reach across more octaves when the keys are
strings, and the difculty of playing with accidentals
raising or lowering a note despite the overall key of
the songas she has to induce every sharp (she cant
fatten a note, either) manually with a lever fip.
Musicians are also very familiar with instrument
maintenance. Capener estimates that she tunes her
harp once every two weeks, and that frequency is
necessary because of the manner the harp is played
the harpist pulls directly on the strings.
Theres a joke about harpists, Capener said, It goes
that we spend 90 percent of our time tuning, and 10
percent of the time playing out of tune.
Most importantly, though, unlike her two-year
excursion in piano-playing, Capener has continued
playing the harp out of genuine passion and enjoyment,
not parental pressure. Her parents, in fact, have only
enjoyment for her practicing in a household of
musicians, her playing is always welcomed and
encouraged.
[My mom] actually says, Sharla, why dont you go
practice your harp I need to take a nap, because she
says it sounds really restful, Capener said. Like in
the Bible story with David and Sol, when Sol wanted
David to play the harp for him, because it really is such
a relaxing sound.
So, in this absence of music-related pressure, she
continues to pursue her hobby. She defnitely has
been playing with rough future plans a job, perhaps,
understanding the uniqueness of her skill, or maybe
a website where she can advertise her talent and
showcase some of her playing. Ultimately, however,
her focus remains on the present, and day by day,
fnding an hour to give up to the beautiful music of
this relatively rare instrument.
MAKING A MELODY Junior Sharla Capener tries to
practice the harp about an hour and a half daily.
Tammy Su | El Estoque
What was your
favorite song
in high school?
social studies teacher
Margaret Platt
FAST FACTS ABOUT HARPIST SHARLA CAPENER
Been playing for : Seven years
Instrument description : Lever harp: Light brown wood, about fve feet tall,
has a range of fve octaves.
Sampling of songs : Canon in D, Dance of the Dead, Angel of Music,
Under the Sea; in general, Celtic and Irish rhythms, assorted hymns, synco-
pated rhythms
Where to fnd her : Carpener plays at recitals with other harp students and
at special church services
Upcoming performances: She will be participating in a holiday event called
Twenty Harps for the Holidays, promotional materials coming soon
(
(
SAIL ON
LIONEL RICHIE
(
(
DONT SPEAK
NO DOUBT
(
(
BORN TO BE WILD
STEPPENWOLF
(
MORE THAN WORDS
EXTREME
(
(
SUNDAY BLOODY
SUNDAY
U2
social studies teacher
Viviana Montoya-Hernandez
math teacher Jon Stark
science teacher Pamela Chow
math teacher Jeff Payne
teacher picks
Mansi Pathak and Aileen Le | El Estoque
(
PAGE 22 EL ESTOQUE A&E SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
Uncovering treasures amongst trash
Students race to fnd items in fea market rush, learn valuable lessons about business
by Aileen Le and Roxana Wiswell
Natalie Wong and Mihn Bui | El Estoque
R
eady, set, go! On an early Saturday
morning, senior Justin Shie and
freshman Lucia Dalle Ore disap-
peared into the busy, hustling crowds of
the De Anza Flea Market. Only Shies navy
backpack and Dalle Ores long ponytail
were still visible.
El Estoque chose two students to partici-
pate in a challenge during the fea market
on Sept. 5. Shie and Dalle Ore were given
$20 each to spend in 20 minutes. Both ex-
pressed concern about the time limit before
the challenge and had a goal in mind; Dalle
Ore was afer sunglasses, while Shieh want-
ed comic books. They both ran through the
crowds to get to the most stalls. Shie even
ran in a zigzag pattern to view stalls on both
sides of the aisle.
Both agreed that the presentation of
stalls made a huge diference.
If [shop owners] dont set up [their
stalls] in an interesting fashion, then they
dont deserve my money, Shie said.
Freshman Aneesh Prasad, who was
working at the MVHS water polo booth to
raise funds for the team, understands why
customers would feel that way.
You have to get [customers] to buy the
junk that you got in the trash, Prasad said.
While everything is mostly throw away
stuf, lots of people get good deals.
Bargaining is defnitely his favorite part.
Its fun and kind of educational because
you get to deal with real world people,
Prasad said. In school, you just learn in
class with teachers and peers, but here you
have to manage, you have to be charismat-
ic, and you have to get them to buy.
1
1..
Freshman Lucia Dalle Ore browses through a sunglass stall to
buy sunglasses for her older sister.
SCAVENGER HUNT SNIPPETS
[These sunglasses] are to make up for the last 13 years of
pure torture [to my sister].
2..
Senior Justin Shie fips through an assortment of comic books
and picks up Howard the Duck, Master of Quack Fu.
3..
Dalle Ore quickly checks how much money she has left before
deciding what to buy next.
Oh yay, now I get to buy shiny things!
4..
A plastic bug, shampoo, and a bracelet were only some of Dalle
Ores bargain buys.
2 3 4
Natalie Wong and Minh Bui | El Estoque
PAGE 23 EL ESTOQUE NEWS SEPTEMBER 23, 2009
O
ne dollar and ffy-three cents. I
searched every corner of my wal-
let, hoping in vain to fnd a cent, or
a dollar that might have magically hidden
itself. No such luck. I closed my wallet with
a sigh. So much for that new jacket from
Urban Outftters or that new pair of Nikes.
I thought about it. Money can be earned,
right? And it was then and there that I
made a decision: I needed a job.
A week later I drove down the hill to
Blackberry Farm, excited and ready to work
in my new guard shorts and Cupertino
Lifeguard shirt. The pool manager greeted
me there and explained the logistics of the
pool: the basic rules, the diferent signals,
the rotation schedule, etc. Once I got the
gist of the rules, I put on my rescue tube
and fanny pack and worked myself into the
lifeguard chair. I had a job.
I learned quite a few lessons at work that
day. Here are a couple:
Lesson One: Always use sunscreen. No
matter how long you think youre going to
be out in the sun or how strong the daily
UV index is, use sunscreen. Plan ahead and
dont be lazy. When I went out for my frst
rotation, I distinctly remember assuming
that the suns UV rays would not be able to
burn my already tan skin, so I walked out
unprotected. However, within 30 minutes
under the blazing heat of the sun, I dis-
covered I had developed terrible bright red
sunburn on the back of my neck. I could
already imagine the pain it would cause
and the peeling and sunspots that would
result from the burn. I groaned thinking
about it. So for the futurealways remem-
ber to plan ahead if going outside and put
on sunscreen.
Lesson 2: Never be too nice. People just
dont seem to respect nice lifeguards. On
the pool deck kids are always in a rush to
get from one end of the pool to the other,
so they get out and sprint to the other side,
though they know theyre not supposed to.
As lifeguards, we have a duty enforce the
rules so we are required to yell WALK! a
million times a day. However, some little
kids just dont listen. Apparently saying,
walk please, youll get hurt and yelling,
WALK! have two entirely diferent mean-
ings to kids. On the pool deck it seems that
the word please signifes weakness. If you
want to get your point across, say it force-
fully and with confdence. Command them.
The lifeguard is in charge of the pool; never
be afraid to assert authority.
Lesson 3: Biohazards in the pool can
be blessings. Poop and vomitmore com-
monly known as biohazardsmay seem
like hassles from the patron point of view
but from the lifeguard point of view they
are blessings in disguise. Since poop and
vomit need to be disinfected, all the patrons
in the pool must be evacuated for a certain
amount of time, depending on the serious-
ness of the accident. Poop closes the pool
for the day and vomit for around an hour.
During that period of time, the lifeguards,
rather than having to guard the crowded
pool deck, get to enjoy a few hours or the
rest of the day to themselves. One per-
sons mishap can cause quite a few unseen
consequences, both good and bad. When
a baby decides that it needs to go in the
pool, the patrons lose some swimming but
the lifeguards get a break. The lifeguards
have to clean up the mess but they get to
relax afer. All actions have consequences,
whether good or bad, big or small.
Refecting back on my day at work, I as-
sess what happened. A pretty painful sun-
burn, watching over rule-breaking kids,
and biohazards. Maybe being a lifeguard
isnt the job for me.
The best breakfast in town
The most delicious morning wakeup is right around the corner
by Mansi Pathak
DMV disasters: Driving test horror stories
Students share bad experiences while getting their licenses
by Sahana Sridhara
S
ome girls await their sixteenth birthdays with plans for
extravagant parties and elaborate celebrations; then there
are others who wait for something elsea DMV proctor.
Junior Nicolet Danese did just that, as she sat at Santa Claras
DMV waiting in a lengthy line to meet the man who would
determine her driving fate. Getting a permit on your half birthday
and a license on your birthday had been a long-lived tradition
for the Danese clan.
Things were going well, until the proctor told her to turn onto
Lawrence Expressway. Cautiously, she entered the 50 mph road
only to encounter a large construction site. Out of nowhere, a large
cardboard box sailed across her windshield and seconds later,
three construction workers sprinted afer it. Danese slammed the
breaks and swerved to a halt at the side of the road.
When they returned to the DMV parking lot where the proctor
announced that she had just barely passed. When she asked
how she lost 13 points, she was shown a big red sixhandled
construction site improperly.
Many students have been through the process and all concur
thar there are quite a few bumps on the way to getting a license.
When it comes to preparing for the drivers license test, fnding
a good instructor is key. MVHS students have experienced them
all: the instructors who give directions in foreign languages, the
ones who cant tell their lef from right, and even violent ones.
My driving instructor made me his very own personal
chaufeur. He made me drive him to the bank, to McDonalds,
and even to his house, senior Alice Yu said.
She paid hundreds of dollars in hopes of having a few hours
dedicated to her, but she was expected to learn while completing
her instructors chores.
What can be worse than having your instructor treat you
like their child expected to do chores, is actually being your
instructors son or daughter. Junior Amanda Hsu experienced
frst hand the horrors of having her dad as her teacher.
The frst time I was being taught by him, my father wouldnt
let go of my steering wheel out of fear that Id do something
stupid. He kept yelling whenever I didnt do a perfect turn or hit
the brakes too slowly Hsu said.
She comments on how her dads tense hands on her steering
wheel and his loud voice screeching in synchrony with her
brakes did everything but teach her how to drive safely.
I almost met with an accident when driving my mothers car.
I had been so used to my dad controlling the wheel that I drove
horribly without it, Hsu said.
Somehow, Hsu and Yu got that golden slip signed, authorizing
that the classes had been taken and the practice had been done.
Whats lef was only the test.
Danese went through the requirements and six months later,
she is the proud owner of a piece of plastic. However she feels
that the process wasnt easy.
License-holders have experienced the faulty driving process
frst hand, but for those who haventconsider yourself warned.
Gilleys Coffee Shoppe
47 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos CA 95030
Prepare for a time-warp when you step into Gilleys Cof-
fee Shoppe. The tiny breakfast shop is the ultimate diner, fully
equipped with tiled foors and food right out of Pleasantville.
Upon my frst visit, I was seated next to the door and I ordered
their freshly made hot cocoa topped with a thick whipped cream
most restaurants wouldnt dare use. Needless to say, I fnished the
entire mug before I even had time to begin on the main coursea
stack of pancakes with a side of bacon and sausage links. The food
quality was simply good. The pancakes were home-made quality,
though less fufy than I would have liked. The sausage and bacon
were also merely satisfactory.
Typical of a family-run diner,
the utensils were mismatched and
the atmosphere very casual. My hot
chocolate was in a glass decorated
with hearts, while the cofee came
in a white, wide-mouthed mug.
The overall atmosphere of Gil-
leys is more impressive than the
meal itself. While I may not visit
again, I would recommend Gilleys
Cofee Shoppe as a must tryat
least once.
Holders Country Inn
998 S, De Anza Blvd., San Jose CA 95129
If youre craving a quieter break-
fast experience, Holders Country
Inn might seem like a suitable en-
vironment, since it only attracts
a meager amount of customers.
Though this breakfast inn is located
on De Anzas busy main road, Hold-
ers Country Inn Cofee Shop is not
a popular breakfast spot, which is apparent by the little to no wait
on weekend mornings.
The restaurant has minimal decoration, both on its exterior
and interior. The very large menu ranges from the average break-
fast disheseggs, pancakes, and French toastto lunches and des-
serts.
The regular customers at Holders Country Inn Cofee Shop are
more businessmen and senior citizens than groups of teenagers
and families making a racket. The service is also slightly slow;
waiters dont check up on their customers ofen, so it is hard to get
a hold of one. The eggs are quite mediocre as are the pancakes.
Though price is decent for the amount of food ofered, I
wouldnt recommend Holders Country Inn. A homemade break-
fast might be a better bet.
Los Gatos Caf
340 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos CA 95030
Theres nothing like a hearty, delicious brunch to get the day
started. At Los Gatos Caf, that is exactly what youll get.
The caf is bustling with parties of families and friends and has
a wait of at least 20 minutes at peak brunch hours. The seating is
pretty tight, but the crowd is only a sign of the fabulous food that
awaits you. The breakfast menu consists of over 15 omelets, as well
as a section of pancakes, Belgian wafes, and French toast. Over-
whelmed by the selection, my sister and I decided to share the
strawberry Belgian wafe and Italian omelet, which turned out
to be a very, very unwise decision. Luckily the omelet was served
frst, and afer looking at its size, we cancelled the wafe order
immediately. Our omelet, which
was fufy and savory, came with
a side of potatoes and was easily
a meal for two. The potatoes are a
Los Gatos Caf specialtyslightly
crispy on the outside and warm
and favorful on the inside.
Though Los Gatos Caf comes
at the cost of a 20 minute wait and
cash-only policy it is well worth
it for the delicious breakfast at an
economical $8.50 for two.
Hobees Restaurant
21267 Stevens Creek Blvd. Suite 310,
Cupertino CA 95014
Hidden between new froyo
shops and upcoming Thai restau-
rants, old Hobees Restaurant is easy
to overlook. The family-friendly
restaurant has been located in Cu-
pertino Oaks Center for years.
To begin my Saturday morn-
ing feast, I ordered the Hobees hot
chocolate. Much to my dismay, the hot chocolate tasted more like
warm chocolate. As I neared the bottom of my cup, the consisten-
cy thickened and the hot chocolate began to taste more and more
like the powdered cocoa mix they had likely used.
Dissatisfed with my warm chocolate, I quickly ordered the
main course: banana and blueberry whole-wheat pancakes and
a side of the Hobees Famous Blueberry Cofeecake. The square
of cofeecake had a crunchy blend of brown sugar and cinnamon
crumbled over the top. There was no doubt in my mind to why it
was named their famous cofeecake. The pancake stack, however,
was too sweet for my slowly diminishing appetite.
The $14 was inexpensive for a meal, but the quality was def-
nitely a bummer. Perhaps next time, Ill take the cofeecake to go.
Blueberry Pancakes * Toast
and Eggs * Cinnamon Bun
Hot Tea * Waffes and Fruit
Creamed Coffee * Cereal
Breakfast in Bed * Granola
Coffee Cake * Quiche * OJ
Omelet with Chives * Milk
Scones * Fruit Parfait * Hot
VICTOR KUO
Temp
the
Adventures of
a lifeguard
junior Melanie Kim

senior Derek Bau

Backpack
CAMPUS
RUNWAY
With this summer suns still shining overhead,
students whip out their brightest neons and pastels
junior Ryan Mulligan
freshman Jenny Han
Whats next?
I have an open 5th pe-
riod, so I go out to lunch
everyday. This free coupon
comes on the soda; you get a
free cookie, so I save them.
Whats in
your bag?
Take a peek
into your
classmates
bags this
month:

[The clothespin game] is

just a fun way to go back
to school; to play, you tag people
by pinning clothespins on them as
they walk by. Its just a
fun way to mess around.

I got the yellow [key chain]

from the Converse store for
$10. I got [the other one] from my
cousin. Theyre really cute and they
are the same size as my
phone. I like Converse!

I was biking to school and I

needed a helmet, so I used
[earmuffs from my snowboard
helmet] to block out sound.
148 MPH
Senior Kevin Chen discusses his
choice to purchase a motorcycle
Q: Why did you get this motorcycle?
A: I wanted a new bike. My frst motorcycle went
through some unfortunate circumstances when
a friend of mine accidentally tipped it over. The
exhaust was messed up and there were scratches
on the main body, so I replaced some parts. My
second one is a lot better and faster.
Q: Why did you decide to ride a motorcycle instead of
driving a car?
A:
For the money. Motorcycles are a lot cheaper,
better gas mileage, repair is cheaper, gas is cheap-
er, parts are cheaper, everything is cheaper.
Q: How often do you ride it?
A: Every single day. I like to go into the mountains
up Regnart Road. Its a good stress reliever and I
can get my mind of of things. Sometimes I ride
on the highway too and go as fast as possible. It
gets really scary once you pass 100 because then
everything is really shaky, so much so that my
jeans futtering would make my riding unstable.
The fastest Ive gone is 148 mph.
Q: What model is it?
A: 2008 Honda CBR 600RR
Q: Where did you buy it?
A: I bought it from this guy who lives in a small
town called Griddly. I found him on Craigs List
and I contacted him afer looking at pictures on-
line. My friends and I rode three hours there and
three hours back to get it.
the expert:
senior Cat Shieh
UP2DATE
The best and worst features
of the newest tech gadgets
Best features:
Light weight,
cheap price, fast,
free software,
soundquality
Worst features:
Comes with
linux software,
memory space
Battery Life:
4 hours
Cost:
$169 with $5
shipping
Netbooks are good if you just need something to
function. I need a convenient, small,and fast laptop for
meetings, so this is the best thing to carry around. If you
are looking for something with advanced performance and
features like a laptop, a netbook may not be the best thing
to buy. I personally fnd them a lot better than
iTouches when browsing around the Internet.
Exhaust Chen has an Ital-
ian-made exhaust. It has
an amazing purr,Chen
said.
Tiger Chen keeps a stuffed
tiger next to his license
plate for luck. He claims it
waves good-bye to you as it
passes by.
Front Headlight
Chens front headlight
only lights up one light
when parked.
Black Rims Chen enjoys
showing off his black rims
which he considers to be
extremely stylish.
Backpack
DIY
Cap
Hat World
Tee Shirt
Michaels
Blue Zip-up
Fox Store
Converse
Taiwan
October 1 and 2
Powderpuff Games
Lunch on the Upper
Field
Oct. 1- 2011 vs 2012
Oct. 2- 2010 vs 2013
October 9
Homecoming Game
Cupertino High
School
JV- 5-7 pm
Varsity- 7-9 pm
freshman Michael dAntonio junior Elizabeth Marten
Tank Top
Forever 21
Shorts
Sports Authority
freshman Matt Olkein freshman Kyrene Wang
Finds
TREND WATCH
October 9
Homecoming Rally
MVHS Gym
Photos courtesy of Scott Deruiter
Photo illustration by Mansi Pathak and Aileen Le
Aileen Le and Mansi Pathak | El Estoque
interview
conducted by
Victor Kuo
Victor Kuo | El Estoque
by Bhargav Setlur