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December 2009 - Volume 19 - Issue 3 - Sonoma Valley High School
Ms. Philpot to ret i r e
By Kirsten Aguilar
After four years at SVHS, Mi-
caela Philpot’s saga as principal
is coming to an end. SVHS’s first
female principal is set to retire
from a 35 year career in educa-
tion at the end of the current
school year.
Ms. Philpot was a teacher for
20 years and a principal for 15.
She came to SVHS from Altimira
when this year’s seniors were
just beginning high school as
timid freshmen. During her time
as principal, the high school has
seen a revised schedule, a revised
dress code aimed at eliminat-
ing gang presence on campus,
and revised dance rules—rules
that came under heavy criticism,
resulting in a student walkout.
“While I’ve been here, I’ve
tried to put interventions in place
to help with the success of stu-
dents,” she said, going on to ex-
plain that she feels the school is a
pretty happy place. “It feels good
to be here.”
One of her favorite memories at
the high school is doing the Sol-
dier Boy dance at one of the ral-
lies. “That was pretty embarrass-
ing,” she admitted with a smile. “I
Loutish loiterers lose location
By Zach Adams
The warning shots have been
fired near the gathering outside
of Easy Stop. The loiterers, who
congregate in the same location
everyday at lunch and after-
school, have ignored the requests
from the store owners and the
police to vacate the premises.
“The owners [of surrounding
stores] are tired of students hang-
ing out in the parking lot. They
are sometimes rude to paying
customers, block parking spots,
and openly smoke cigarettes and
pot,” said Deputy Regan.
If the students, made up of both
SVHS students as well as Creek-
side students, are upsetting the
customers, they are upsetting the
business’ sales, and thus deterio-
rating the business’ success. The
store owners claim it is begin-
ning to become a nuisance.
Dancing the
night away
page 7
totally forgot the dance once I got
out there.” Even so, she claims
to enjoy attending the various
events. “Even though I have to be
the so-called parent, I like spend-
ing time with the students.”
Inside the principal’s office,
however, it hasn’t always been an
easy ride. “It’s been challenging
moving the school forward given
the resources we have,” she said.
“Even though we are a K-12
district, people look to the high
school as a measure of the dis-
trict’s success.”
“I think this is a great high school
and a great community,” beamed
Ms. Philpot. “I’m lucky to have
been with the same community
my whole time as an educator, be-
cause I’ve been able to know the
students and their families. The
disadvantage to this is that I don’t
know anything else.”
In her retirement, Ms. Philpot
looks forward to a slower, more
relaxed pace. She hopes to trav-
el. “I’ve never been to Europe,”
she said. She might start there
or maybe she’ll go to Hawaii, a
place where she used to live, for
an extended visit. “I figure I’ll
help [in the community] some,”
she mused optimisitcally.
A car is parked beside the Easy Stop sign.
Havoc inside the stores brings
up another issue. Rakh Singh,
Easy Stop manager, recalled, “At
lunch they would enter in large
groups, making it hard for me to
keep an eye on them all at once.”
These sorts of commotions are
the sole reason why reinforce-
ments have been brought forward
to alleviate the situation.
Ms. Philpot stands before the rose bushes at the entrance of the high school.
Photo by James Fanucchi
Regan explained, “If they were
happy with the kids there we’d
have nothing to say about it,
unfortunately it’s always the few
that mess it up for others.”
The repercussions of continu-
ing to stay at the location are
progressing in severity.
Because the students are still
within the school boundaries
Basketball
bounces to a
beginning
p a g e 11
Photo by Joe Gilmore
and are performing their actions
during school hours, the punish-
ment is technically left to the
jurisdiction of the school officials
and campus officer. They can be
prosecuted with legal notifica-
tions, court procedures, school
discipline, and can even be cited
or arrested facing possible cases
for juvenile hall.
It isn’t anything that the school
wants to deal with and if the
students choose to cooperate, the
the problem will cease to exist.
Regan remarked, “I think once a
few people realize we’re not just
blowing smoke at them they’ll
get the hint.”
In the future, Sonoma High
Students can expect to see “No
Loitering” signs posted around
the area, but officials believe
most of the loiterers get the mes-
sage: find a new home.
The end of civilization... page 5
Helping,
one can at
a time
By Shannon Murphy
Ringing bells and donating
blood are no longer the only
means of helping the less fortu-
nate. Leadership has instituted a
canned food drive for first period
classes. Much like the food drives
many of us have participated in
throughout elementary school,
the purpose of this one is to pro-
vide for those who are unable to
provide for themselves.
The drive will last until the end
of this school semester and the
cans are to be given to your first
period class. Of course your first
priority should be providing for
people in their time of despera-
tion, a little incentive never hurt
anyone. The first period class
that has the most cans at the end
of the drive will be given a pizza
party, as well as the gratification
of helping those who need it.
Students
brace for
H1N1
By Dalton Amador
As the H1N1 virus spreads
throughout the country, demand
for its vaccine is running high.
There have been at least ten
confirmed deaths of the flu and
at least 300 confirmed cases in
Sonoma County, according to the
Windsor Times. Sonoma received
its first shipment of the vaccine
the third week of October.
It comes in two forms, a “flu
shot” that contains a dead H1N1
virus and a “nasal spray” that
contains a live, weakened version
of the virus. It can only be given
to people aged 2 to 49 who are not
pregnant. Within two weeks of
taking the vaccine, the body will
produce antibodies against the vi-
rus, according to Centers for Dis-
ease Control and Prevention.
Adolescents and children, for
reasons still unknown, are espe-
cially susceptible to the virus. As
a result, SVHS strongly advises
their students to get the vaccine.
Julie Ea, junior, who has not got-
ten the vaccine, stated, “I usually
never get sick, so I am not com-
pelled to get the vaccine.”
 Opinion - Editorial

Keeping Christ in Christmas

By Will Smith That fact makes them giddy be- was a sacrifice. It was a sacrifice
yond belief. He made because He loved all of
Each and every If emphasizing shopping over humankind. To have this core ide-
“holiday” season, Savior means that we kill our al spat upon by people who do not
it becomes in- spirituality in the process, then understand Christianity, and thus
creasingly clear it’s clear that the hyper-capitalists have an ignorant hatred towards
that a small but who perpetuated materialism it, is a slap in the face to believers
noisy minority of were wrong. By de-emphasizing everywhere.
people would love the love that Christmas repre- Santa is not the Messiah. Why
to see the destruc- sents and implementing hatred of not celebrate something sacred
tion of the real Christianity, mothers, daughters, while opening your presents on
reason we cel- sons, brothers, and others are be- Christmas morning?
ebrate Christmas ing torn apart over Playstations. Instead of taking a chance with
– Jesus Christ. To the students of SVHS: this expensive, impersonal, and po-
That night in the Christmas, remember that pres- tentially dangerous toys imported
manger, a Savior ents under the tree are the cherry from China, be like Jesus this
was born to Mary, on top. The real present is the fact Christmas and give a gift that
a virgin. Nearly that Jesus chose to come into this money could never buy. (Or one
two millennia world as a child knowing that he that Santa could never bring.)
later, an idea was would be killed for it. Love one another, even if you
born in the minds Cartoon by Will Papadin The theme of Christmas isn’t don’t agree with what they be-
of countless retail Christmas has turned from Jesus’ nority mentioned earlier thrives the spending of cold, hard cash; lieve in. Merry CHRISTmas.
executives across the nation – to entrance into this world as a baby on the fact that the Christians’ it’s sacrifice. Jesus’ whole life
capitalize on Jesus. boy into the period of the year second-most important holiday
Since then, Christmas has been
taken out, and in an effort to
where cameras, HDTVs, and iP-
ods are the cheapest they are all
behind Easter has been diluted
to the point where the majority
Having a fair time this season
capitalize on all cultures in one year. of kids growing up in this gen- By Jesse U’Ren bit unfair and restricting to a per-
fell swoop, “Chrismahanukwan- While many find this to be atro- eration will never know the true son’s right to free will, that isn’t
zakah” has been put in its place. cious, that small but noisy mi- meaning of Christmas. Holidays are here yet again and the point. The point is that our
everyone will soon be scrambling country is slowly moving away
People for the ethical torture of animals? to find the best deal on whatever
knick-knack they want to buy.
from its original intentions, mak-
ing money, to a more humanitar-
By Alejandro Tinajero seven were put up for adoption. grams that compare people who But where did these goods come ian and less economically aggres-
2,124 were euthanized. eat chicken with Nazis consume from? Most are made in foreign sive mind set.
How much is that puppy in the But, according to PETA Presi- a large portion of the money. In- countries that are under the per- Some may argue that America’s
window? Well, if no one buys it, dent, Ingrid Newkirk, the putting stead of attempting to give the suasion of what is called the free concern for the worker is a step
PETA will surely take care of it. down animals is cheaper than animals a better life, they irre- trade system. in the right direction, but I really
PETA, (an acronym for People keeping them alive. sponsibly use the money to scare Free trade is a system that puts think that it is doing more harm
for the Ethical Treat- people into changing their little to no government control on than good.
ment of Animals) fight lifestyles to a more PETA the exchange of goods to make a Given the state of the global
for better lives for appropriate one, a lifestyle market based solely on the terms economy we can’t afford to give
creatures that have they do not even bother to of supply and demand. pause for every single person in
been treated unfairly or be a part of. Tens of thou- Recently there has been an ethi- the world, we simply don’t have
poorly. Yet, PETA ends sands of dollars have also cal debate as to whether or not our the recourses or time to do so.
the lives of the major- been spent on defending country should maintain the views Once our country is an actual
ity of animals that they arsonists and other violent of capitalism and utilize a free self sustaining one then we can
take in through eutha- extremists. trade system or to embrace a more start concerning ourselves with
nization. . PETA has paid convicted humanitarian view with fair trade. foreign workers.
Many are aware of criminals to do some of Fair trade is much more focused Although the effects of free
the crazy and strange their dirty work in the past. on the individual worker instead trade make life much harder for
antics of supporters for During the 1990s, they of the corporation who employs the workers who produce the
the ethical treatment of hired Rodney Coronado, a them, making sure that each per- goods, capitalism doesn’t care
animals. Their throw- serial arsonist convicted of son is treated and paid fairly. about the individual, it cares about
ing red paint on fur coat burning down a Michigan Fair trade is, in itself, contradic- the amount of profit that the cor-
wearers and intense State University research tory to our country because it con- poration can make.
protests have received center. flicts with capitalism. It’s not really a matter of how
the attention of many. They have also aided Before I go on, I would like to the goods are made or by whom,
However, these acts radical groups, such as the stress the point that from an ethical it really boils down to whether or
are only a fraction of North American Liberation standpoint, fair trade is the most not we, as a people, are willing to
their violent, hypocriti- front, an FBI-certified “do- ethical and humanitarian way of stand by our countries creed of
cal and criminal ac- Cartoon by Will Papadin mestic terrorist” group. thinking, but the logical stance for capitalism and allow companies
tions. There are more So, animals are being killed Even with knowledge of our country to take would be that to exploit whoever they feel will
hiding just below the surface. because PETA does not enough these criminal and hypocritical of free trade. turn the most profit for them.
Since 1998, 21,000 “compan- money to keep them alive and activities, there are still count- From a political point of view, What really concerns me about
ion animals” have been killed by healthy? PETA has a yearly in- less supporters. They are keep- no American could ever advocate this debate is how our country’s
PETA employees. That’s more come of $30 million. Where is ing information away from the the fair trade system and claim to credibility will be affected if we
than five animals a day. In the last all the capital going to? Their public, and only advertising and be a complete patriot, since fair claim to be a country of capital-
year, PETA has received 2,216 marketing campaigns and pro- protests. There is more behind trade conflicts with one our coun- ism, yet make decisions which
animals into their shelter. Only their curtains of radical protests tries oldest values of capitalism. will result in an outcome which
~Dragon’s Tale Staff~ and activities. Behind closed I, for one, believe that if our will not net us the highest possible
ADVISER - Alison Manchester doors lies countless secrets in- country is going to stick to histori- profit.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF - Clarke Campion volving their hypocritical acts.
MANAGING EDITOR- Peter Armstrong
cal founding, free trade should be With the upcoming holiday sea-
Yet they accuse us of being at least present in any business a son, the debate of free and fair
LAYOUT EDITOR - Rachel Glago
COPY EDITOR - Troy Cameron
murderers. They are attempting US citizen is an owner of regard- trade are going to become a very
NEWS EDITOR - Kirsten Aguilar, Hannah Horrowitz, to shove their lifestyle down our less of the owner’s position on the relevant issue, and everyone is go-
Danny Maggioncalda throats, a lifestyle that they have on the matter. ing to be a part in what our coun-
OP/ED EDITOR - Luther Cenci, Alejandro Tinajero yet to encompass. Even though my last claim was a try’s stance will be.
FEATURE EDITORS - Anna Haley, Chelsea Rose Shiery, Caity Tremblay
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR - Gabe Bassett, Connor Vickers
~Editorial Policy~
PHOTO EDITOR - Joe Gilmore
SPORTS EDITORS - Matt Fraser, Ben Graff, Charles Watson The Dragon’s Tale is a public forum newspaper produced by the Sonoma Valley High School Newspaper
BUSINESS MANAGERS - Zachary Adams, Mackenzie Kelley, class. The newspaper attempts to inform its audience in a broad, fair and accurate manner on all subjects, and
Eva Lindstrom to encourage an exchange of ideas and opinions on issues of prominence to the readers.
REPORTERS - Zachary Adams, Kirsten Aguilar, Dalton Amador, Anthony The newspaper staff encourages letters for opinions and responses on the content of the publication. Only
Arjona, Troy Cameron, Luther Cenci, Sigrid Forsythe, Matt Fraser, Ben Graff, signed letters will be considered for publication. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit all letters for
Anna Haley, Hannah Horowitz, Mackenzie Kelley, Eva Lindstrom, Daniel content.
Maggioncalda, Shannon MurphWill Papadin, Will Smith, Jesse U’Ren, Victor No material, opinionated or otherwise, will be printed which is libelous, irresponsible, advocates an illegal
Vasquez Connor Vickers, Charles Watson activity or which the editorial staff deems in poor taste.
PHOTOGRAPHERS - James Fanucchi, Joe Gilmore, Chelsea Rose Shiery, Editorials reflect the collective views of the staff and will not contain bylines. Other opinionated pieces will
Alejandro Tinajero, Caity Tremblay
include editor’s columns, feature columns, letters-to-the-editor, and entertainment reviews.
ART AND GRAPHICS - Kirsten Aguilar, Sigrid Forsythe, Eva Lindstrom,
Daniel Maggioncalda, Will Papadin, Connor Vickers
If the staff discovers that a mistake has eluded the editors, a correction will be printed in the next issue.

Dragon’s Tale Page 2 December 2009


Where have all the morals gone at Richmond High? M a g i c
By Anna Haley
It was homecoming night for
Richmond High. Heels clicked
gently on the pavement and dress-
es sparkled in the bright lights
as smartly dressed teenage boys
brought their dates to the dance
floor. It was perfect.
At least it was until police
found an unconscious 15 year old
sophomore under a bench on the
school’s campus a short time after
the end of the dance.
She had been lured to a secluded
part of the campus where she was
subsequently coerced into drink-
ing. The girl was then beaten
mercilessly and gang raped by as
many as ten males, most of whom
were her classmates.
There were, however, more than
twenty witnesses to the attack. So,
why was the poor girl assaulted
and raped for over two hours with
no one coming to her rescue?
Well, that was because the
onlookers were much too busy
laughing, goading on the rapists,
taking pictures, and inviting their
friends to join in on the “fun.”
Horrific irony, no? From happi-
ness to tragedy; one night made
all the difference.
More disgusting than the rapists
are the ‘innocent’ bystanders. By
California law, any person who
witnesses an attack on a child is
obligated to report it.
Pork: $849 billion a pound Iranian
By Luther Cenci
Something is wrong on Capitol
Hill. The power-plays and politi-
cal horse-trading on the floors of
Congress over Health Care Re-
form have stolen a timely and
impactful issue out of the hands
of the people and have hidden it
behind rolls of red tape and halls
of closed doors.
The proposed legislation does
not reflect the will of the people;
rather, it is a scandalous mirror
image of the corruption and polit-
ical excess that Americans hoped
to vanquish in the 2008 elections.
The current bills are labyrinthine,
so as to exclude the common man
from the political process that is
rightfully his. The politicking over
a few middle-of-the road legisla-
tors has unfairly unbalanced the
proportions of power distribution.
The current Senate Bill weighs
in at 2,074 pages and has an ex-
pected cost of $849 billion. The
voluminous House Bill is so
weighed down with pork that it
will never get off the ground in
the Senate. The finagling bound to
occur when the two bills are rec-
onciled is sure to add more fat to
the already morbidly obese Health
Care legislation.
The effect of this profligate over-
complication is that the average
citizen has been wholly excluded
from the direct political process.
We the people are unable to read
the entire 4,000 pages of the legis-
lation, and therefore must rely on
summaries written by partisan me-
dia and political pundits tainted by
the commentary of the propagan-
dist. The people are being forced
into a third party role.
The public is also isolated from
the machinery of power by the ir-
Dragon’s Tale
Simply calling something “bad” f i n g e r s
is not enough if anyone expects
The cut-off age for a victim is
14. Since the girl was 15, no legal
action can be taken.
What if it were their best friend,
sister, or daughter gang raped and
left for dead? Something says
they’d want someone to report it.
Why didn’t they?
Some teens present claim that
they thought it was merely an ini-
tiation into a gang. They assert
male members must be “jumped
in,” while the girls have to be
“sexed in.”
Since Richmond has a variety
of students, each clique tends to
stick to itself and not concern it-
self with the actions of another.
Some students also feel they
could have suffered from retalia-
rational importance of crossover
Congress-people such as Senator
Olympia Snowe, R-Maine. Since
the Democrats are short one sena-
tor of reaching the magic number
60 for an unstoppable supermajor-
ity, Snowe’s position as a centrist
Republican on the weighty Fi-
nance Committee has made her
very valuable. So valuable, in
fact, that Democrat leaders have
stuffed the bill full of handouts to
her district and tailored the bill to
her specific political wishes.
Snowe’s role in the bill-writing
process has been instrumental in
centralizing the bill. However,
the skewed power balance neuters
much of the reform potential and
excludes many of the other 199
senators from representing their
constituency. When the deciding
power for a law which will affect
the entire nation is concentrated
in the hands of one senator repre-
senting 0.43% of the population,
the will of the people is not being
reflected in government.
To foreigners, our domestic de-
bate on the Health Care issue ex-
emplifies all the ways in which our
political process has fallen from
grace. In Europe, governance is
accomplished through concensus,
rather than the electioneering and
power jockeying which pervade
our legislature.
As responsible citizens, we must
take back Congress and make sure
that the actions of the legislature
are a manifestation of popular sen-
timent, and do not stem from ulte-
rior motives. Whatever your stand
on Health Care reform, write to
your representatives in Washing-
ton and in the and make the will
of the electorate known.
Opinion - Editorial
By Troy
Cartoon by Will Papadin
tory violence were they to speak
to the authorities about the hei-
nous incident. With this taken
into account, who can society
hold responsible? Why, all the
usual scapegoats of course!
Video games, music, and tele-
vision are always the first to be
blamed. Police and parents allege
these sources of entertainment
elevate the ideas that men should
be strong, violent, and treat their
females like sex puppets.
There is a minute but impor-
tant detail which those who point
fingers are overlooking. If these
sources of amusement were not
sought after and already embraced
by the culture, they would not be
so readily available.
conflict
An Iranian protester calls for peace
By Peter Armstrong
The U.S. Embassy in Iran was
suddenly surrounded. Angry stu-
dents broke into and occupied the
embassy on Nov. 4, taking 53 hos-
tages. Soon after, many others who
had tried sneaking away were cap-
tured as well. Women and blacks
were released, and the 52 remain-
ing white males were held for 444
days before finally being allowed
back into the U.S.
This was Iran thirty years ago. As
Iranian radicals have only increased
their power since then, the atroci-
ties occurring are much worse than
simply holding prisoners hostage.
Suicide bombings are prevalent,
and just this past October 31 people
were killed in an explosion in Iran.
This, obviously, is much worse
than merely holding people hos-
tage, but citizens in Iran think that
the insurgents do not compose a
serious threat.
In fact, many Iranians believe that
the Western involvement in their
country is the main problem.
These sentiments bear a shock-
ing resemblance to Germany in the
1930’s, when the Nazi party was
gaining power. Few educated citi-
zens took them seriously, believ-
ing them to be a fringe group that
would never come to power. And
yet they did.
Today in the Middle East, pop
singers and bands don’t mention
Page 3
change. Action begets results.
Inaction is exactly what those
witnessing the attack are known
for, and we cannot afford to turn
a blind eye and allow this social
pathology to continue.
We need to establish new ways
of thinking, which is a difficult
process, but would be for the ben-
efit of countless men and women.
Girls need to learn to rely on
themselves to get out of bad situ-
ations. Boys need to learn to think
with something more than the
lower half of their torsos.
After all, misogyny has always
been an important cornerstone in
every male-dominated society.
However, the primitive way of
thinking a man is nothing without
his pride, honor, or sexual con-
quest is completely outdated.
Even so, this article is not meant
to promote chauvinistic feelings.
Men are delightful company and
the world benefits from contribu-
tions of both men and women.
With unity, change in inevi-
table, and with all the negative
aspects in the world, change pres-
ents possibility.
In order to curb the violence
inherent in today’s youth, both
sexes must work together and
realize this trend is detrimental
to the ideal society our ancestors
have failed to achieve.
ignites
Photo from Google Images
radical groups, such as the Taliban,
in their songs, out of a combination
of both apathy on the subject and
fear of losing their career.
One more moderate Imam, how-
ever, dared to make the statement
that “[Islamic scholars] have made
the joint decision that suicide bomb-
ings in Pakistan are un-Islamic,”
calling that practice of the terrorists
into question. He’s dead now.
What people around the world
fail to realize is that the situation
in Iran is much more serious than
it may appear to be. Though Presi-
dent Obama is trying to solve the
problem in Iran, mere diplomacy
will not work; it was proven to be
ineffective thirty years ago, and still
is today.
Much stronger international pres-
sures, such as trade embargoes and
pressure from the U.N. need to be
taken if the situation is to be saved.
After all, the U.S. cannot be too
great a threat to the Iranian govern-
ment when all our time and money
is spent keeping ineffective troops
stationed in the relatively harmless
Afghanistan and Iraq.
In addition, our economy is sim-
ply too steeped in oil and gas from
their country to have our demands
be anything more than quiet pleas
on deaf ears.
It’s now time, if this situation is
ever going to be saved, for new,
more effective measures be taken
in solving this crisis.
Cameron
Christian
Science.
Sounds like
an oxymo-
ron, right? Well it seems that the
American government considers
it to be the real deal. As it stands,
the upcoming health care bill con-
tains an obscure proposal seek-
ing to elicit medical cover for so
called, “prayer healing.”
Christian Scientist have abided
by this practice for years, despite
the negligence cases that have
been filed against parents who
refused to seek qualified medical
treatment for their ailing children.
But it’s all in good fun.
Supporters see it as a rela-
tively cost-effective solution to
an already top-heavy bill, with
daylong treatments running any-
where from 20 to 40 dollars. Yet
the fiscal repercussions aren’t the
issue. Rather, the fundemantal
secular fabric of our country is
being tested once again.
The Internal Revenue Service
lists prayer healing as a tax de-
ductible activity. This alone is
worrisome. We truly do not need
to finance the rituals of each and
every religious sect.
Now this unusual piece of leg-
islature came from an even more
unusual, yet simultaneously sus-
picious act of bipartisanship.
Senator John Kerry, D-Mass
sponsored the clause alongside
Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah.
The Church of Christ, Scientist
just so happened to be founded
in Massachusetts, Kerry’s home
state. While he claims that his
support is a result of his anti-dis-
crimination policy, there is clear-
ly something more to it, because
if that were true, he would be ex-
tending coverage to all faiths.
Christian Scientists are not be-
ing treated as second-class citi-
zens simply because their prac-
tices are not funded as legitimate
medical procedures. They are not
scientifically justifiable, therefore
not worth pursuing.
As noted before, negligence
has been an accompanying issue
with this topic. Parents impose
this alternate spiritual health care
on their children when they are
in need of actual medical atten-
tion. The minds of children are
extremely susceptible miscon-
ceptions, thus they become vic-
tims of their parent’s ideological
blunders.
Not only would the passage of
such a bill pose a threat to our
nation’s youth, it would also es-
tablish an unhealthy precedent of
spiritual treatment. If this reli-
gion, why not another?
The government once again
finds itself on a slippery slope, on
the brink of tumbling down into
oblivion.
Hopefully a few members of
the Senate will have the saintly
capacity for reason and will strike
down such an absurd addition to
the bill.
But really guys, we shouldn’t
compensate for madness. We’re
not oppressing Christian Scien-
tists, they’re just wrong.
December 2009
 Entertainment
High Fidelity
Top 5 songs to download
By Bill Papadin
Twelve opinions act out one decision
By Peter Armstrong

Tim Williams - I Hit Another SVHS’ Drama Department per-

Wall
This is a song about the an-
noying obstacles that we even-
tually face in life, gambling, not
paying rent, getting a tattoo, and
getting fired. Hopefully how-
ever, you do not experience all
of these. The song has an apolo-
getic tone, but the music video
softens it with its humor of chil-
dren playing the roles of adults.
Its simple vocals, guitar, and a
rough drum beat make it one
of the top songs that should be
downloaded.
formed the classic play, “Twelve
Angry Men,” the weekend before
Thanksgiving break this past Nov. at
SVHS’ Little Theater.
However, with a new name,
“Twelve Angry Jurors,” women
were able to play the parts, as well
as men.
“It wasn’t my idea, no,” Mrs. Mar-
tin said. “I asked around to other
teachers of high school drama, and
it’s been done quite often. In fact,
it’s even been done as Twelve Angry
Women.”
In fact, of the fourteen actors, only Photo By Peter Armstrong
four were male, creating a startling Juror #8 walks out a scenario in the classic play, 12 Angry Jurors.

Ratatat - Falcon Jab
Ratatat is a rock-meets-elec-
tronica duo. Their songs caon-
tain no lyrics (except when they
do rap remixes) and can take
their songs some getting used
to. But you will find that this
rare combination of rock with
contrast to how it was originally
planned by the playwright.
The two lead roles, Jurors Three
and Eight, were played by Katie
Durkan, sophomore, and Savannah
U’Ren, freshman.
“It was very convenient of Mrs.
Martin to cast me as the immigrant
patricide to death in the chair.
Tension rises, and Jurors Three
and Eight, the two leaders on either
side of the argument, almost come to
come to blows at the end of Act II.
“It was a very high-stakes play,”
said Mrs. Martin. “The tension in the
jury room could easily be felt by us
thing brought in or taken away. In
fact, the three acts resume the story
as they were left off at the end of the
preceding act.
“This was my first time directing
such a non-stop action play,” said
Mrs. Martin. “It made for extremely
intense rehearsal periods.”
performances since Oct. 4, and re-
hearsed four times a week.
“The funny thing about it all,” Mrs.
Martin added, “was that, contrary to
the title of the play and the style of
acting, our cast was so friendly, and
everyone felt so safe around each
other. It really turned out to be a great

The hipster hullaballoo

electronic synths and sounds
can make their music addict-
ing. “Falcon Jab,” is an upbeat
song and is one of the many that
should be downloaded from the
Ratatat discography.
in the play,” said Costa. “That way,
I did not have to deal with work-
ing around my Brazilian accent; it
worked perfectly for the role.”
The play is set in the jury room of
a courthouse, as the twelve jurors
debate and argue about whether to
condemn a teenage boy accused of
all as we worked on it, as if we were The cast had been working on these production.”
there deciding the case ourselves.”
The most interesting aspect to the
play, theatrically, is that there is no set
change, even between the three acts.
The jurors never leave the room, and
must ask the Guard, played by Cait-
lynn Cesario-Kearns, to have any-

To the big house for

David Holmes - 11, 12, 13
David Holmes, the man re-
sponsible for the sound track of
“Ocean’s 11” and all its sequels

Wayne and Mane

had done it by spending days
he up in his apartment playing
around with an xylophone, an
electric guitar, and other instru-
ments. “11, 12, 13” is laid back
for its jazzy style but is also up
beat for its Motown drumming.
This seamless combination is
what makes this song download
worthy.
RJD2 - Rain
RJD2 the Philadelphian mas-
ter of beats and instrumentals
is mostly known for his song
“Ghostwriter,” and for his other
song “A Beautiful Mine,” which
is used for the intro of the hit
show “Mad Man,” RJD2 has a
hidden collection of songs that
require some Internet scav-
enging to find. “Rain,” is one
of these songs, and the title is
exactly how it sounds: a rainy
day and you are stuck inside of
the house waiting for it to stop.
With a repeating piano loop that
guides you through the song and
the addicting beats which RJD2
creates to switch up the tempo,
this song is download worthy.
Souls of Mischief - 93 Till
Infinity
Laid back, old school rap, just
to remind us where it all came
from: a group of rappers taking
turn to rap over a looped catchy
beat. Souls of Mischief consists
of members from Hieroglyph-
ics and throughout the song
shout outs are made to Del Tha
Funky Homosapien, Mike G,
and more. Really this is a song
that you should already have
downloaded, and if not please
do immediately.
By Victor Vasquez
“I just want to let everyone
know I’m not a murderer,” stated
Gucci Mane, regarding his recent
incarceration.
On Nov. 12 the rapper Gucci
Mane was sentenced to one year
in prison after violating the terms
of his probation. His imprison-
ment is a substantial loss to the
hip-hop industry.
Gucci Mane was recently flood-
ing the airwaves with music with
tracks featuring artists ranging
from OJ Da Juiceman to Mariah
Carey.
Gucci Mane’s appropriately-
titled album The State vs Radric
Davis is set to drop on Dec. 8.
This album sadly does not feature
Drug Rug.
Joining him in prison, Lil Wayne
pleaded guilty to a gun posses-
sion charge, putting his music ca-
reer on hold. Wayne is looking at
a sentence of up to a year in jail
beginning next year. It’s unclear
whether the guilty plea will af-
fect the planned Dec. 15 release
of the rapper’s oft-delayed album,
Rebirth.
Lil Wayne is also planning a
documentary about his life as the
self-proclaimed “Best Rapper
Alive.”
50 Cents will be starring in a
new feature length film in conjuc-
tion with his new album, Before I
Self Destruct.
Eminem will not be releasing
his upcoming album, Relapse 2,
in December as expected, but in-
stead will re-release a revamped
version of Relapse.
Upcoming Releases
Christian Oliver Wilson, junior, is SVHS’s resident Hipster.
12.01.09 By Gabe Bassett, Luther Cenci, Troy
Juvenile Cameron and Peter Armstrong
Cocky And Confident
The archetypal hipster faces an
12.08.09 existential conundrum when he
Clipses realizes the fact that his style is
Till The Casket Drops supposedly avant-garde yet it’s
multitudinous constituents in fact
12.08.09 places him in the mainstream.
Souls Of Mischief The hipster model is amorphous
Montezuma’s Revenge and defined only by what it’s not.
Hipsters do not listen to R&B or
12.22.09 any other form of “popular” mu-
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony sic. They do not wear tall tees or
The World’s Enemy baggy clothes. They do not drive
cars, instead they choose to ride
fixed gear bicycles.
Just Out The hipster operates under the
guise of postmodernist irony. Their
10.27.09 wardrobe, preferences, and actions
Tech N9ne are chosen for satirical effect.
K.O.D. The music of choice by hipsters
fits into the Indie Rock category.
11.10.09 This music genre is quite broad
Wale and encompasses a wide variety
Attention Deficit of sounds, ranging from the folky
acoustic sound of Beirut to the
11.16.09 Electronica influenced sound of
50 Cent MGMT or Passion Pit.
Before I Self Destruct Hipster clothing is taken directly
from the gay and metrosexual fash-
11.17.09 ion world as a rebellion against the
Birdman chauvinistic tyranny of pop culture.
Pricele$$ Deep V-neck shirts and tight
jeans are the staple of the hipster
11.17.09 wardrobe. To compliment their
Felt (Slug & Murs) style, hipsters procure random
Felt 3: A Tribute To Rosie Perez articles of clothing, usually from
thrift stores. Some popular brands
for hipsters are American Apparel
Photo By James Fanucchi
and Urban Outfitters.
The fixed gear bicycles or “fixie”
has become incredibly popular
among urban hipsters residing in
the Mission District of San Fran-
cisco, the Williamsburg neighbor-
hood in New York City, Portland,
and Seattle.
The greatest irony of all: hipster
music, fashion and lifestyle have
all become conformist. Indie music
has skyrocketed in popularity of the
past few years. Such acts as MGMT
and Owl City top the charts. In a
stunning example of poetic justice,
the epitome of popular culture, New
Moon, has a soundtrack chocked
full of hipster bands.
Hipster clothing style now adorns
figures as Kanye West to history
teacher Darian Tucker.
American Apparel has posted
record sales despite the economic
recession. Pabst, a popular brand
among hipsters, is now the largest
US owned beer manufacturer.
The hipster lifestyle is also on
the rise. The Mission District is
becoming a desirable place to live,
and fixed gear bicycles are even
more common.
Hipsters have defined themselves
by not being mainstream, but as
with any counterculture, they have
fallen into conformity, and they
are powerless to stop it.
Disclaimer: Everybody involved
in the writing of this article is a
hipster.

Dragon’s Tale Page 4 December 2009

 Concert Review
Arco Arena gets
By Will Smith
“You wanted the best, you got
the best! The hottest band in the
world, KISS!!!”
A gravity defying, explosive,
loud, blood-spitting KISS show
came to Sacramento’s Arco Are-
na on November 23rd, where the
band proceeded to put on the best
show to ever hit the venue.
In order to celebrate the band’s
history, KISS is now on their
“Alive/35” tour, which celebrates
35 years of KISS being KISS.
Although founding members
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons
are pushing 60 years old, the band
is performing better than ever.
For this tour, a new stage set was
added, consisting of approxi-
mately 60 new video screens and
multicolored pyro.
While the band’s first new al-
bum in 11 years, “Sonic Boom,”
just hit shelves two months ago,
the band apparently decided to
stick to the classics on this tour,
since only 2 of the 18 songs were
from the Wal-Mart exclusive re-
lease.
But even though most of the
songs have been played on their
‘The Road’ less travelled
By Shannon Murphy
With Christmas around the
corner, many people find them-
selves in search of an original
present for their family mem-
bers. While books have never
been especially original gifts,
a quality novel should never
taken for granted.
With a movie adaptation of
its predecessor already out,
award winning author Cormac
McCarthy has come out with
what is regarded as his best
work yet, “The Road.”
Shannon Murphy with Cormac McCarthy’s novel, “The Road”.
Dalton’s Youtube picks of humor and intellectuality
By Dalton Amador
Bat (Remi Gaillard)
Remi Gaillard is a French prank-
ster whose antics frequently lead
him to trouble with the law. Galliard
has numerous videos on Youtube
where he employs hidden cameras
to record the volatile reactions of
his peers. In this particular video,
Dragon’s Tale Page 5 December 2009
The band KISS performing at the Arco Arena.
last few tours, KISS’ stage show
has improved dramatically. A
video screen as large as the stage
was placed behind them, which
seemed to perfectly accentu-
ate the monstrosity of the whole
stage set.
In addition, multi-colored flames
shot up from behind the drum kit
during most of the anthemic cho-
ruses that grace KISS’ musical
catalog.
In their 35th year, KISS isn’t
the same as it always was. Found-
ing members Ace Frehley, guitar,
and Peter Criss, drums, have been
replaced by Tommy Thayer and
Eric Singer, respectively, both of
who don the classic KISS make-
up. While this outrages many
fans, no one had time to care after
the first flashpot went off.
Although KISS doesn’t always
get the musical respect they de-
serve, mostly because of their
The novel follows the story
of a father and his son through
a post-apocalyptic world where
the masses have resorted to sur-
vival by any means necessary,
most notably, cannibalism. The
two would never dare lower
themselves to such an abomina-
tion, which makes their journey
all the more treacherous, as
they find themselves avoiding
human contact at any cost.
Although the read itself is al-
most awkward at times with its
unusual use of punctuation, it
serves as one of the fastest 300
Photo By James Fanucchi
Gaillard dresses as a bat to prey on
the unknowing citizens of France.
Hilarity ensues.
Urkaine’s Got Talent Final 2009
Kseniya Simonova brought her
country to tears with sand anima-
tion. She brilliantly depicts the in-
vasion of her country by Nazi Ger-
many and the events that enfolded
Entertainment
Photos By Will Smith
over-the-top stage show, thanks
to Tommy Thayer and Eric Sing-
er, the band has been re-vitalized
and sounded the best they ever
have.
Even though Paul Stanley and
Gene Simmons, frontmen of the
iconic group, repeated multiple
times that Sacramento was the
smallest audience they’ve played
to on this tour, the guys didn’t cut
any corners when it came to pre-
senting a bombastic rock show.
If you want to see the band this
year, you’re out of luck, since by
the time you read this; the band’s
tour will be over. However, they
just announced their 2010 “Sonic
Boom Over Europe” tour, which
is rumored to be followed by a
second leg in the States.
In the meantime, pick up a copy
of “Sonic Boom,” which includes
two bonus discs, for a meager $12
at Wal-Mart.
page books to date. The reader
finds oneself captivated in this
fictional future and worried
for the fate of the two “good
guys.”
A flawless illustration of
the depths of human emotion
during a time of turmoil, “The
Road” reveals human attach-
ment and interaction to be the
most important aspect of life,
as the two are only kept alive
by perseverance and devotion
to one another. The father at-
tempts to shield his son from
the inhumanities that he has
witnessed but also tries to not
lie to his son.
Their relationship in the
book is described appropriate-
ly as, “each the other’s world
entire,” and are willing to die
for one another. Acting in the
best interest of his son, their
emotional affection for one
another is undeniable.
This book is an immedi-
ate cult classic since and has
become a national bestseller as
well as the winner of a Pulitzer
Prize. Much like these two
stand as a pylon of light in an
ash covered world, this novel
floats to the surface of a sea of
questionable books.
thereafter, entirely using sand and
her fingers to shape it. It’s beautiful,
it’s heart-wrenching, and it’s too
powerful not to shed a tear.
Watermelon Nights
Using stop animation, this You-
tube user created a song and cute
animation of watermelons enjoying
each other’s company. The song is
Anything can be found
on FFFFound.com
By Gabe Bassett
What exactly does one
ffffind on FFFFound.com?
Well nobody really knows.
Every day a variety of art-
work is uploaded from dif-
ferent contributers around
the world ranging from pret-
ty standard paintings to the
bizarre.
FFFFound is self described
as “a web service that allows
the users to post and share
their favorite images found
on the web.” But unlike most
image upload websites, this
one appears to be more artis-
tically oriented in content.
Instead of the standard im-
ages or internet “memes,”
FFFFound stresses visually
pleasing or intriguing im-
ages.
The images are wildly var-
ied in medium and style. One
standout includes an incred-
ibly realistic painting of a
rugby player boldy going
head to head with a buck in
an open plain.
Another incredibly impres-
sive painting is of an old,
precarious, vertically-built
village set into a cliff right
next to a giant wall of water
with nothing visible stopping
it from flooding the village.
Other than paintings, FFF-
Found shows a wide array
of photography and photo-
New twist of psychedelic
rock: Dr. Dog
By Connor Vickers
When the style of the 60’s
influenaced happy-go-lucky,
sing along pop harmonic mel-
odies is mixed with experi-
mental lo-fidelity recording
techniques and a taste of psy-
chedelic rock, it results in the
band known as Dr. Dog.
Dr. Dog hails from the west
side of Philadelphia, PA and
consists of band members
Scott McMicken on lead gui-
tar and vocals, Frank McElroy
on rhythm guitar and vocals,
Toby Leaman on bass, Zach
Miller on keyboards, and Jus-
ton Stens on drums.
The band is heavily influ-
enced by classic bands such as
the Beatles, the Beach Boys,
and The Band. The resem-
blance can be heard instantly
as Dr. Dog utilizes similar
song structures.
Dr. Dog began as an offshoot
of Leaman and McMicken’s
earlier project called Raccoon.
They self-released their first
album Psychedelic Swamp in
2001 which was very experi-
mental and was recorded on an
eight track. They followed up
Psychedelic Swamp with the
album Toothbrush in 2002.
They were widely known
catchy, the watermelons are ador-
able, and the stop animation is sur-
prisingly impressive. It’s addictive
and will leave you warm-hearted
yet quizzical.
World’s Most Important 6-sec-
ond Drum Beat
Nate Harrison overviews the 40
year history of the “Amen Break,”
shopped images. One photo
is quite simple but very en-
joyable to view. All the pho-
tograph shows is a sign of lit
up words saying, “What The
F*** Have You Done?”
Yet another photo that
stands out is a photograph
of a shelf containing vari-
ous objects including parts
of a skateboard, speakers,
a clock, a discoball and a
multitude of other things. At
first it just looks like a stan-
dard shelf that has been ar-
ranged pretty symetrically,
but upon stepping back and
looking at the entire thing,
one sees a skull.
One more impressive piece
is a picture of a bicyclist up-
sidedown in the riding posi-
tion, seemingly defying grav-
ity and riding on thin air.
Other than artist-produced
material, there are many up-
loads of posters and pam-
phlets from the past. Some
of them are very random in-
cluding a Minnesota Twins
official program and score-
board from 1967.
FFFFound.com has ab-
solutely no real agenda or
point other than providing
a forum for some fascinat-
ing artwork ranging from
the awesome to tbe utterly
strange.
throughout Philadelphia and af-
ter a few member changes and
tours, they released Easy Beat
with songs like “The World
May Never Know” and “Oh
No.” Shortly after Easy Beat,
We All Belong was released in
2007, which consisted of hit
songs “Ain’t It Strange,” and
“Alaska.” The songs drifted
away from the muffled effect
that most of their earlier work
included.
In 2008, Fate was released
which included songs like
“Hang On” and “The Old Days”
that radiated much more of a
concert experience in compari-
son to their earlier works.
The band has performed on
Late Night with Conan O’Brein
twice and also on Late Night
with Jimmy Fallon.
Dr. Dog is a breath of fresh
air, and they provide music
that can lift spirits. The muisc
incorporates a variety of rana-
don instruments that somehow
is harmonius with the music.
Currently, Dr. Dog is working
on a new album titled Shame,
Shame that is set to be released
in the upcoming spring.
For more information on Dr.
Dog, go to their website Drdog-
music.com or their MySpace,
Myspace.com/drdog.
a drum solo that first appeared in
the B-side single “Amen, Brother”
and has been copied and sampled
in a wide variety of genres such as
Gangster Rap, Hardcore Techno,
and Breakcore. The video also asks
questions pertaining to the ethics of
copyright laws and how they relate
to us today. A video that is sure to
interest the musically intellectual.
 Feature

The festival
of lights Sensational swinging at Ellington Healing through hugs
By Anna Haley and
Caity Tremblay
swing. Initially they teach the ba- lington specializes
in 1940’s swing,
By Chelsea Rose Shiery
sic step, then show a more compli-
cated move, clarifying every little newer swing music The death of a loved one is one
During the Great Depression, movement. Novice and pro danc- is played too. of the most difficult events a person
Americans needed a distraction ers come together to exchange new A request list is can go through. However, for chil-
from the crime and grime of their moves and solidify the old. also available, and dren, it can be even more painful
country, and what better diversion Newcomers are common to El- the live DJ chooses and confusing. After all, children
than to dance the night away? lington. Every night David calls appropriate songs. believe their family and friends
“Swing dancing is great for social out “Raise your hand if this is your There is no age will always be there.
reasons. It’s a positive activity that first time here!” Sure enough, a limit to attend El- It is rarity that grieving chil-
everyone can enjoy,” commented smattering of beginners identify lington, but those dren find a place they can go to or
self-proclaimed door-lady Khyndi themselves. “Let’s give them a who are under someone who they can relate to.
Swearengine, adding, “it brings hand!” David claps as the whole sixteen require a Fortunately, the WillMar Center,
people together.” hall rings with applause. paying chaperon to a place of warmth and acceptance,
Photo by Caity Tremblay
Eight traditional lights and the ceremonial
Is this type of dance even still “My greatest piece of advice attend. is somewhere they can turn to and
Shamash candle illuminate the classic Ha- around? If so, who actually par- for anyone starting out is: don’t Attire ranges depend on.
nukkah game of Dreidel. ticipates? Would a location really be afraid. Everyone will teach all the way from Program Director, Barbara Cul-
By Danny Maggioncalda open its doors and allow the public you right away,” encouraged Mrs. casual jeans and len, believes in WillMar and its
to dance for several hours? Swearengine. “And don’t think too t-shirts to stun- message, “We are a safe and griev-
As the holiday season rapidly To answer these questions in or- much. Just enjoy it.” ning ball gowns ing place. A place of healing.”
approaches, most people escape der: yes; people of all ages, includ- There is a lot to love about Elling- to fierce vintage WillMar was developed with
the grey skies and brisk winter ing teens; and Ellington Hall on ton, but avid dancer Andy Mercer styles. Even a few grieving children in mind. All the
Photo by Chelsea Rose Shiery
A WillMar “Applause Cup” represents the praise that children receive for their brav-
weather with thoughts of decorated 3535 Industrial Drive, Santa Rosa. admits, “My favorite part about El- kilts wind there children present have been through ery in grappling with tragedy.
pine trees and gingerbread houses. Ellington is a renowned dance lington is hanging out with every- way into the mix. a loss in his or her life, and the fa- WillMar great for the kids.” Although the similarity they all
These are among the many clichéd hall that allows public dancing ev- one. I also love the inviting feeling “Swing danc- cility provides them with the un- The children can enjoy bounc- share is despair, Willmar’s ben-
entities that have come to personify ery Friday from 8:30-11:30 p.m. you get walking in. I’ve been com- ing is exciting, derstanding that they are not alone ing in the Bop Room or expressing efits are extraordinary. Being able
December in the United States. The dance hall is saturated with an ing here every Friday for nearly a exotic, and new!” in their misfortune. themselves through art projects. to relate to one another while go-
Dec. 11 marks the start of Hanuk- atmosphere of fellowship, while year and a half -- I love it.” exclaimed Mer- While going through a major loss, They get a chance to be involved ing through a loss is one of the best
kah this year. The Jewish people twinkling blue lights produce the Though dancing is Ellington’s cer. Though swing many children feel there is nobody with their peers and the volunteers. ways to deal with one’s emotions.
will be celebrating what many oth- dreamy sensation of whirling be- focus, Mercer and Swearengine dance is exciting who they can relate to or really de- Afterwards, they come together Children who have the WillMar
ers consider to be the Hebrew ver- neath a sea of stars. agree that the hall’s charm lies in and exotic, it’s pend on. Most children find it dif-
Photo by Caity Tremblay in a closing ceremony where they Center in their life are able to learn
sion of Christmas. After all, it has A tutorial takes place at the be- the people there. “I’ve been with certainly not new. Delighted dancers twirl and dip under the starry lights of Ellington Hall. ficult to express their emotions to can light a candle for whoever is on from their experience in a positive
beautiful lights, gift giving, sing- ginning of every session starting at Ellington for seven years,” reflect- Jitterbug emerged Coining such motions as the is the “follower.” seemed to take over this generation anybody. their minds. manner and obtain awareness of
ing, and religious significance. 7:30, and those who are fluent in ed Swearengine. “I love the people. during the Depression as a form of “dishwasher,” the “rock step,” The role each dancer plays is of dance. The ten dollar admission However, for those who attend This allows the children to reflect their emotions, enabling him or her
However, many overlook the cel- dance are always willing to share There are good people here.” swing dance which combines the and the “scarecrow,” Jitterbug in- usually based on gender, but there fee, the same price as a movie, is WillMar, the gentle atmosphere and express their grief, an action to deal with future tragedies.
ebration’s cultural uniqueness sim- their experience with those less Generational gaps melt away Charleston and the Lindy Hop. corporates a sense of camaraderie have been a few men who like to be well worth the lively evening. provides strong support, inspiring that they are not able to do in the “Seeing people smile or seeing
ply due to its unfortunate proximity knowledgeable. in the heat of the whirling danc- Both of these dances made their between two dancers. This is en- “followers” and some women who Mrs. Swearengine summarized many to share their stories and be “real world.” relief on someone’s face when they
to Dec. 25. Practiced dance-instructor couple ers, the old tunes issuing merrily dazzling debut during the Jazz Age forced through one partner being prefer to be “leaders.” the magical experience with her themselves without feeling judged. “Even though they grieve differ- know they are not alone,” is
The festival of Hanukkah (also David and Cirkl teach lessons in from the speakers. Although El- of the 1920’s. the “leader” while the other dancer Swing is a classic way to move enthusiastic pronouncement, “I As the children file into the com- ently, they don’t want to be alone, Cullen’s greatest reward for her

Gifts galore in the stores!

spelled Chanukah) was established which everyone can enjoy with- would love for everyone to give forting setting of stuffed animals nobody does. Kids don’t want to selfless efforts.
to commemorate the Jewish Mac- out the bump and grind which has Ellington a try. Once you do, it’s and floor pillows, they are individ- be different,” disclosed Cullen. If you or somebody you know is
cabees’ military victory over the addicting.” ually greeted by the animated vol- As the children are recognized dealing with grief, contact the
Greek-Syrian army and the re- By Hannah Horowitz gifts has found a concrete role in festive rows of twinkly lights and greater appreciation for what you’re unteers. The volunteers have also
dedication of the Second Temple,
which oppressors desecrated. Thus, A new atmosphere grips down-
how we define the holiday season.
Stores such as the Harvest Home
baskets of holiday hand puppets.
The store receives a large amount
buying, or it can educate you about
things you might like to fix,” pro- Enticing enchiladas experienced tragedy in their lives.
“We love [them],” states Cullen.
individually through applause from
the circle, they are restored with
the realization that they are no lon-
WillMar Center at:
707-935-1946
579 First Street West
Hanukkah is truly a celebration of town Sonoma. Still in November, and The Corner Store have already of its stock from the Mennonite vided Rosie Connors, junior. 1 (2 ounce) can sliced black “Volunteers are what makes
olives ger alone in their bereavement. www.willmarcenter.org
Jewish survival and the ever-exist- the signs are few and subtle, only set out a large amount of holiday Central Committee, a relief ser- The economy makes buying gifts
evident by the twinkling ornaments stock, featuring items from glittery vice, and community development an increasingly difficult task, re- 24 (6 inch) corn tortillas
ing fight for religious freedom.
Know as the “Festival of Lights,” in polished store windows, floating Christmas ornaments to festive and peace agency representing na- quiring giving without spending 1 (19 ounce) can of red en- Take a stroll down Avenue Q
the holiday begins on the 25th day in the wafts of citrus and cinnamon bedspreads. The Church Mouse tions world wide. too much. If it’s difficult to support chilada sauce By Caity Tremblay purpose in life. the show more believable.
of the Jewish calendar month of emanating from a row of shops. has hung the stockings in Baksheesh and the local community financially, 4 cups of that leftover tur- Initially, the puppets wallow in “When you’re already believing
Kislev and lasts for eight days and its moral values it’s easy enough to spread a little key, chopped. Sex, racism, porn on the internet, their misfortunes, commiserating the puppet is real, it’s not that much
nights. According to the Talmud, are reminders holiday cheer with volunteer work. First, preheat the oven to gays, and relationship problems -- together, “sucks to be me, sucks of a jump to believe it should start
on the 25th day of Kislev in 165 that the holiday Perhaps stop by the Beads Store 350 degrees fahrenheit, and almost any taboo subjects imagin- to be you,” yet a hopeful tone tri- singing,” commented Marx.
BCE, a single day’s worth of pure season isn’t all on Broadway to find some pleasant lightly grease a large baking able are the hub of Broadway’s hit umphs: “sucks to be us but not Humor effectively captures mass
oil found in the rescued Temple mi- joy and jingles items to make your own necklaces. dish. In a small bowl, com- musical Avenue Q. when we’re together!” interest and attention; morals deliv-
raculously burnt for eight days until for everyone. Support the local markets, such bine the turkey, cheese, on- Referred to as an “adult Sesame ered in a sermon have a much more
more pure oil could be retrieved. While we peruse as Sonoma Market and Glen El- ion, and black olives. Street,” this musical is directed at limited audience than an entertain-
In observation of these miracles, store shelves and len Market, by buying ingredients In a small skillet, heat anyone with insecurities about the ing and poignant satire.
a Menorah (also called a Hanuk- open up boxes of to make pies to donate to F.I.S.H. Photo by Victor Vasquez enough oil to lightly glaze future or nostalgia for the past, Though amusing, Avenue Q has
kiah) is lit during each of the eight holiday truffles, (Friends in Sonoma Helping). Two turkey enchiladas bask in a lake of delicious one tortilla, and cook until
with enlightening lyrics about con- serious undertones and is a signifi-
there are people red sauce.
nights of Hanukkah. Lighting the So what is the holiday season re- By Victor Vasquez soft. Remove and dip the troversial topics in hit songs such cant social commentary. Political-
Menorah is the principle obser- in other countries ally about? Sure, it’s closely related tortilla in enchilada sauce. Add as “It Sucks to be Me,” “Schanden- ly charged lyrics force the audience
working to create
vance of the festival. One candle is to the mouths sticky with pepper- A majority of Americans cel- turkey and cheese mixture to the freude,” and “If You Were Gay.” to confront difficult realities, and
the materials we
lit the first night, and an additional mint candy and the arms worn out ebrate the holiday of Thanksgiv- center of the tortilla, roll and place Some critics have hailed the show challenges them to face hard issues
enjoy.
candle is lit each night afterward. from holiday embraces, but the real ing: eating, rejoicing, and honor- in the prepared dish. Repeat until as offensive, however the sincere with a sensible dose of humor.
Whether it’s a
Thus, on the final night of Hanuk- fun, the real excitement, is born out ing familial bonds. Leftovers are bottom layer of the pan is covered lyrics clearly indicate the opposite. Avenue Q advises listeners to re-
family in Africa
kah, all eight candles of the Meno- of simply having something to be a must-have on this foodie-holiday, with enchiladas. “If we all could just admit that we member that “everyone’s a little bit
rah are lit. happily weaving excited about. Spread enough red enchilada are racist a little bit, even though we unsatisfied; everyone goes around
however there are many more ex-
Hanukkah customs include eat- colorful quilts, However cliché it may be, De- sauce over bottom layer to cover. all know that it’s wrong, maybe it a little empty inside.”
citing uses for these leftovers than
ing foods fried in oil, such as lat- or a young child cember has an air of kinship and Repeat with a second layer; spread would help us get along,” chorused Unconventional and satiracal,
making turkey sandwiches.
kes (potato pancakes) and suf- in a sweatshop, cheer uncommon to other months. remaining sauce on top and sprin- the ensemble in the candid song, Photo from Flickr Avenue Q keeps one laughing and
Photo by Caity Tremblay Though the enchilada is a tradi-
ganiot (doughnuts). Playing with Ornaments glitter in the Wedekind’s resplendent Christmas display at 21095 Broadway. it is important to Despite differences, people find the kle with remaining cheese. Bake “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist.
Racist.” Colorful cast of “Avenue Q” beams from thinking long after the final chords.
tional Latin American dish, usually Broadway.
the dreidel is also traditional. The Sonoma is slowly, but surely, the awning and Tiddleywinks’ understand where all of our magi- opportunity to unite on account of made with chicken, it can also be 20 minutes in the oven, or until The puppet characters, invented As the ensemble reminds the au-
So, why puppets? The cloth char-
game is played with a spinning top gearing up for the holiday season, nooks and crannies are packed with cal items come from. Santa didn’t the festivities surrounding the sea- made with Thanksgiving turkey. cheese is melted. by writers Jeff Marx and Bobby dience in the finale “For Now,”
acters are reminiscent of the chil-
inscribed with the Hebrew letters and with it comes new opportuni- all it’s usual candies. just drop them down the chimney son. Christmas and the holidays You will need: So on the day after Thanksgiv- Lopez, embody an array of ste- “Don’t stress, relax, let life roll off
dren’s show “Sesame Street,” in
nun, gimmel, hei and shin, which is ties for gift giving. Some love it Baksheesh, specializing in Fair one night! offers, more than anything else, a 2 cups shredded Cheddar and ing when you would normally have reotypes; many are working class your backs; except for death and
which the lovable creatures taught
an acronym for Nes Gadol Hayah while others classify it as too con- Trade products, has a new stock “I think it’s important to under- chance to shop around for a little Monterey cheese blend a turkey sandwich for breakfast, people in the doldroms of their youngsters basic moral lessons. paying taxes everything in life is
Sham, meaning “a great miracle sumerist, however it is undeniable of wool scarves and beanies from stand where and how everything faith, gratitude, and added cheer! 1 cup chopped onions lunch, and dinner, try making en- lives, uncertain how to obtain their only for now.”
Puppets were also a device to make
happened there.” that shopping and the exchange of Nepal, stacked neatly among the gets to the stores. It can give you a chiladas instead! elusive dreams or discover their
Dragon’s Tale Page 6 & 7 December 2009

An Historical teacher
Photo by Anthony Arjona
Darian Tucker teaches histoy at SVHS.
By Anthony Arjona
Many know Darian Tucker as an
instructor of history, but many don’t
know beyond his scholarly, teacher-
like exterior.
Born in the capital city of Wash-
ington D.C., Mr. Tucker moved at an
early age of six to Ukiah, and spent
the rest of his childhood there, until
going to UCSB for his college edu-
cation.
Moving for his education, Mr.
Tucker spent his college years study-
ing for his Graduate Degree and
Teacher Credential. Following he
went to USSC for his undergraduate
in sociology.
Mr. Tucker enjoys his profession, as
he likes to “talk a lot, preach, and be
in debates.”
“If I could teach anything else I
would teach sociology or psychol-
ogy,” admits Mr. Tucker.
During his days off, he spends time
with his family, scuba dives, plays
racquetball, and snowboards in the
winter.
However, it is not all fun and games
for Mr. Tucker.
“Some of the frustrating moments
of my job are when I have to engage
students who don’t want to be pres-
ent, and it feels that sometimes we
don’t have the funding to do some of
the stuff we can do.”
Through the frustrating moments,
Tucker focuses on the positive as-
pects of educating young adults.
Feature
Wasting water
wastes money
By Chelsea Rose Shiery
Take a seat and enjoy the low
flow of the free toilets being
disturbed throughout Sonoma
County. Instead of flushing
money down the toilet, people
can now save with less water.
On Aug 18, Sonoma County
Water Agency Board of Direc-
tors endorsed the energy effi-
cient fixtures.
With six different plumbing
contractors to decide upon,
from Tom’s Plumbing to Boden
Plumbing, any bottom can en-
joy the john.
When one’s toilet can’t take
the load or saving water is his/
her privy priority, all he/she has
to worry about is picking up the
phone and calling a plumber.
A plumber, clad in uniform,
will remove the old toilet, re-
place it with a low flow loo, and
dispose of the drained porcelain
potty.
There is no charge for labor,
installation, or for recycling the
water consuming commode.
With 2.25 gallons of water be-
ing conserved each flush, it is a
win-win situation.
Although, if there is a problem
with the flanges, a fitting that
connects the toilet to the floor,
then the plumber will have to
charge to fix or replace it.
Unevenness or ruined floors
will have to be worked on be-
fore installation of the new lav-
atory chair.
Although the toilet will be free,
if the facility flooring has to be
fixed, there will be a charge.
The toilets being distributed
don’t meet up to par for many
rest room worshipers. There
will also be a charge for a uri-
nal upgrade for those who want
a specific toilet.
Wasting water is out and low
flow toilets are in. So take the
time and call a plumber and
invest in a new throne for the
comfort station.

S t
By Sigrid Forsythe
y l
High school can be a difficult
time to express one’s self without
being singled out or teased.
One person who defies the
normal angst teen getup is Cole
Aviles, with his suave style. storm because of their affordable
Aviles shows a deferential atti-
tude with his fashion and doesn’t
care what peers think of how he
dresses.
Since sophomore year, Aviles
has made a distinctive style for
himself which expresses his per-
sonality.
e P
Photo by Chelsea Rose Shiery
Cole Aviles shows off his suave style.
r o f i
“Neat, clean, fancy and sophis-
ticated,” are all words that Aviles
described himself as well as his
attire.
His style is fueled by the fash-
ionable store H&M, a European
store that is taking America by
clothes.
Aviles’s inspiration for his style
comes from films, “I get a lot of
my ideas from movies.”
It takes a significant amount of
confidence to dress differently
than most of your peers, but Cole
is unperturbed.
l e
A typical day’s attire is crisp pair
of pants, a sweater or dress shirt,
and every once in awhile, a hat to
top it off, much like a cherry on
an ice cream sundae.
Hats are such a useful thing
for the fall; they keep your head
warm, which may stimulate your
mind, and they also add panache
to any outfit, even if it doesn’t
match. Although matching is out
any ways!
Be sure to look for Cole’s unique
style on campus, and learn from
him that not everyone has to dress Photo by Chelsea Rose Shiery
the same and conform. The low flow water saver.

Dragon’s Tale Page 8 December 2009


Tam soars over Sonoma
By Charles Watson
In a shocking second half, the
SVHS boy’s soccer team was
upset, and eliminated from
playoffs. Their first round
match up was expected to be
a challenge, but they received
more than just a fight.
“We played hard, but weren’t
as organized as usual,” ex-
claimed Joe Alexander-Short,
senior co-captain.
With a l-0 lead heading into
the half, the Dragons felt con-
fident about their chances, but
after questionable foul calls,
they gave up the lead and ulti-
mately fell 4-3.
“We gave up some cheap
goals, they got two penalty
kicks and a free kick right out-
side the box,” stated Alexan-
der-Short.
The completion of the 2009
soccer season was disappoint-
ing for both the boys and girls.
After finishing off the regular
season on an incredible win-
ning streak, and playing their
best soccer of the season, the
Boys received a strong sev-
enth seed in the North Coast
Section playoffs.
Their foe, Tamalpais High
School, placed 5th in the
Marin County Athletic League
with a 6-5-2 record, and fin-
ished the regular season with
a 7-8-3 overall.
“It hurt because we had beat-
By Ben Graff
Fall sports wrap-up
Water Polo
The boys’ and girls’ water
polo teams had a solid showing
this year and were able to start
reversing the custom of losing
that has plagued the program in
recent years. The Dragon boys’
team was led by senior captains
Peter Armstrong, Clarke Cam-
pion, and Sean Hammett. The
girls’ team was led by captains
Ghitta Ferrara, sophomore, and
December sports calendar
Sun Mon
6 7
Boys’ Basketball
w/ Maria Carrillo
13 14
20 21
27 28
Boys’ Basketball
- Tournament in
Seattle
Dragon’s Tale
Samantha Lind, senior, makes an attempt to steal the ball from an opposing player.
en them earlier in the year 3-1”
explained Alexander-Short.
Tamalpais lost its next game
to Santa Rosa High School,
which ended up losing to
Marin Catholic in the compet-
itive NCS championship.
“I’m disappointed because
I know we could have played
with anyone,” said Dylan
Howarth, senior co-captain.
The Lady Dragons were more
successful in their first round
game, in which they downed
seniors Eva Lindstrom, and
Shirley Morovich.
Girls’ Golf
Without enough girls’ to com-
plete a team near the end of
the season, the year’s outcome
looked to be a disappointment,
but thanks to senior sensation
Brooke Dagner, the season has
to be considered a resounding
success. After earning medal-
ist honors in every SCL match
this campaign, Dagner placed
Tue Wed
1 2
Girls’ Basketball
@ Encinal
8 9
Girls’ Basketball Boys’ Basktball @
w/Miramonte San Rafael
15
Girls’ Basketball
w/ Napa
22
Girls’ Basketball Boys’ Basketball
@ Vintage w/ Liberty
Girls’ Basketball
@ Acalanes
29
Girls’ Basketball
@ Rancho Cotate
Wrestling tourna-
ment in Reno
Sports
Cager’s
Corner
Rachel Glago
Uncontrolled punches, hair pull-
ing, and cleats-up slide-tackling are
only a few of the fouls seen during
one recent aggressive soccer game.
New Mexico women’s soccer de-
fender Elizabeth Lambert was sus-
pended indefinitely after engaging
in rough play during the Mountain
West Conference semifinals against
BYU.
Lambert was given a yellow card
in the 76th minute for tripping. This
should have been given early on in
the game when Lambert, slide-tack-
led from behind, punched a girl in
the back and another in the face, and
when she pulled an opposing player
Photo by James Fanucchi
to the ground by her pony tail.
Lambert is currently suspended
Eureka 2-0. After finishing 4th scheduled to play top seed from the New Mexico team until
in league, with a 6-6 record, Montgomery. further notice. Is this a reasonable
the lady Dragons received the In a tough game at punishment?
8 seed heading into playoffs. Montgomery’s home field, Soccer is a contact sport. It is
Their opponent was the 9 the girls were edged 2-0, and meant to be played aggressively,
seed Eureka, who finished the eliminated from playoffs. but Lambert did go too far with the
season 17-3-2 and were cham- Montgomery ended up going hair pulling.
pions of the Humboldt Del all the way to the champion- Most of Lambert’s fouls were be-
Norte League. ship game, where they defeat- hind the referee’s back, and there-
After traveling all day to ed Casa Grande 2-1 to become fore were not called. BYU was fo
Eureka, the girl’s did not ap- NCS champions. uling back in retaliation, but it was
pear flat from the drive, and The loss completed a strong behind the ref’s back as well and,
played a strong game. With season for the girls, who fin- therefore, no one noticed.
the victory, the Dragons were ished with a 13-8-1 record. The referees need to take a re-
fresher course, not because they
1st in SCL’s and went on to strong performances from Nick
failed in their mission, as defined
by many nowadays, as “setting
the tone” for the match -- referees
place 2nd in the NCS qualifi- Spector, senior, who finished cannot create good sportsmanship
er, before finally falling in the two seconds off of the school where it does not exist -- but for
NCS championships. Dagner record set last year by Niko simply not seeing and responding
hopes to have a chance to con- Conner, Danny Maggioncalda, to violent conduct and serious foul
tinue her career in college and junior, sophomores Steven play.
should have a healthy choice Wedell and Alex Conner, and If Lambert’s fouls were called
of schools at which to continue Jeff Slack, senior. As for the when they began, the referees
her dominance. girls’ squad, they placed 7th in would have taken control of the
the SCL meet, and were paced game.
Cross Country
by Emma McGee, junior, soph- If the refs won’t protect you, you
omores Selena Caruso and Sar- protect yourself. Soccer has always
The boys’ cross country ah Summers along with Serena policed its own, so if you want the
Dragons placed 5th in SCL’s Spry, freshman. aggressiveness to stop, you take
and were led this season by matters into your own hands by
Girls’ Tennis
The Lady Dragons did not
creating more?
I am not saying that this behavior
is acceptable for Division 4 rec-
Thu Fri Sat obtain a vast amount of suc- reational soccer players, but at the
cess this season, but showed competitive level that Lambert is
3 4 5
Wrestling w/ Elsie Boys’ Basketball Wrestling @ some positive signs that they playing, this type of aggressiveness
Allen @ Vintage Freedom are improving. That being said, is expected.
Girls’ Basketball - Sonoma finished in 7th place in Don’t get me wrong, she deserves
Dragon Classic SCL. Seniors Jessica Forchio- every bit of her punishment, but the
10 11 12 ne, Laura Harvey, Gianna rumor of her “ban for life” is ridicu-
Boys’ Basketball Johns, and Mackenzie Kelley lous.. A lifetime ban is too extensive
- Wine Country Girls’ Basketball
Classic @ Campolondo led the Dragons this season. a punishment. One season is a rea-
sonable amount of time for her to
Volleyball
Wrestling @
Novato` reflect on her actions, which she has
16 17 18 19 already begun doing.
The Dragons were able to pull
Boys’ Basketball Boy’s Basket- Lambert has given a public apol-
@ San Marin ball w/ Moreau off one of their better seasons
ogy to the BYU team and to any-
Catholic in recent memory and secured
one she has offended. But is saying
Girls’ Basketball an NCS berth with a 3rd place
“I’m sorry” enough? No, which is
@ Justin Siena finish in the SCL. The Dragons
why Lambert is seeking therapy to
23 24 25 26 were able to beat Terra Linda in
Boys’ Basketball figure out what caused her irrational
four games on their home court
- Tournament in play, not to mention she is speaking
Seattle in the 1st round, but then fell to
to young soccer players about ap-
a strong Miramonte team in the
propriate behavior.
NCS semifinals. Sonoma was
30 31 So what should happen? Sus-
led by seniors Lauren Fisher,
pend Lambert for some period of
Kendall Smith, Sophia Somers,
time, definitely; lifetime ban? Not
and Jersey Witous, sophomore.
unless this is a pattern of behavior,
which it doesn’t appear to be.
Page 9 December 2009
 Sports

S i n g l e s e a s o n s u r f a c e s Time-Out
By Rachel Glago By Rachel Glago

Sonoma wrestlers hit the mats as Off the court, student athletes
they begin their season with high jump into action and discuss
intensity. With 11 seniors graduat- their current season.
ing last year, the Dragons have al-
most an entirely new team.
Coaching for his 22nd year, Deets
Winslow and his assistant Kyle
Baird are turning the almost new
team of Dragons into top notch
wrestlers.
“Last year we were a really strong
team, this year we have really
strong individuals,” stated return-
ing varsity senior Alberto Bandt.
In previous years, the Dragon
wrestlers have been successful in
many of their tournaments, includ-
By Joe Gilmore Andie Nibler, Senior
ing their home Valley of the Moon Seniors Jeff Shoemaker and Joey Lee embrace in a grapple at a recent Dragon practice.
tournament, which is planned for this year. I need to remember not to cause so many kids graduated and it of the almost entirely new team, but Varsity Basketball
Jan. 8-9. worry so much about my weight will be hard to bounce back to the the wrestlers have faith. “Our prac-
At last years Valley of the Moon class, but to worry more about learn- team we had. Last season will be tices are hard, consisting of running, 1. Pregame Rituals: “We use to
wrestling tournament, the Dragons ing new skills which will help me tough to top. We literally dominated drills, and calisthenics. We have the do jigalo before every game.”
had 10 medalists, with a lone first qualify,” explained Evan Murden as every team last year, so this year will potential to be a great team,” com- 2. Team to beat: “Petaluma or
place finish from then junior Evan he reflected on his past state qualify- be a challenge.” mented Bandt. Analy.”
Murden. ing weight division. The Dragons hope to steal the title This year’s Dragon boys currently 3. Off-season training: “We
“This year, we hope to have more As far as this year appears, there back from Elkgrove’s Franklin High consist of 21 wrestlers. However, have been playing in summer
first place finishers, but with a new seems to be a slew of new wrestlers School as Valley of the Moon cham- many wrestlers have not filed their league. We also have open gyms
team this will be a challenge,” stat- for the Dragons. There are 12 new pions and Overfelt champions, place paperwork with the Student Activi- and TUFF workouts.”
ed senior Steven Murden. wrestlers so far, some who have in the Wine Country Classic, Worlds ties office. There are currently no 4. Favorite athlete: “JT Snow is
Being SCL champions and NCS never wrestled before. This young in Reno, Sierra Winter Classic, and heavy weight wrestlers; those who my favorite athlete.”
5th place finishers, the Dragons team has a reputation to live up to Redwood Duals, stay SCL champi- are interested should contact head
sent lone senior Evan Murden, then this season. ons, finish 5th or better in state, as coach Deets Winslow.
a junior, to state for the weight class According to Steven Murden, well as send at least four wrestlers The wrestlers begin their season
of 114 pounds. “There is no comparison between to state. with a match today, Dec 3, in Golton
“I hope to qualify for state again this year and last years team, be- These expectations are a lot to ask Hall against team foes Elsie Allen.
Opinion

Golden gone bad

By Ben Graff
After drafting former Davidson
guard Stephen Curry with the 8th
overall pick in this summer’s draft,
and signs of forward Anthony Ran-
dolph becoming a dominant player,
the upcoming season seemed to
have a positive outlook with the
young nucleus of players.
Even with star guard Monta El-
lis finally fully recovered from his
ankle injury suffered in the summer
of 2009, the Warriors have cer-
tainly looked like a team that will
struggle for consistency throughout
the year.
While Golden State still has
their strong core group of players,
near-senile coach Don Nelson has
already been resisting giving all of
these talented young players time
on the floor.
Nelson, who has always had
trouble giving young players, es-
pecially rookies, court time in his
gimmicky fast break offense, began
the season only 23 wins shy of the
all-time regular season wins list.
This may make Nelson want to
play his veteran players even more,
in order to obtain his prestigious
1,333rd win, rather than thinking
about the future of the franchise
and playing the inexperienced, tal-
ented, young players.
Fortunately, he will be operating
without one of his favorite veterans
for the remainder of the season in
“point forward” Stephen Jackson,
who was recently traded to the
Charlotte Bobcats along with sel-
dom used guard Acie Law.
Jackson, who signed a lucrative
contract extension prior to last sea-
son, inexplicably became disgrun-
tled during the off-season, request-
Dragon’s Tale
ing a trade, and stepping down as
one of the team’s captains.
Unfortunately, the team received
two over-the-hill role players as
compensation from Charlotte,
in Raja Bell and Vladimir Rad-
manovic, exactly the kind of players
that Nelson loves to play instead of
those in need of game experience.
Although they are currently look-
ing absolutely dreadful, the War-
riors still have a solid core of play-
ers around which they can build a
team that can eventually become a
winner.
Along with Ellis, Curry, and Ran-
dolph, they also have Latvian big
man Andris Biedrins who continues
to put up consistent double-double
numbers.
Among other young players are
Anthony Morrow out of Georgia
Tech, who is one of the best pure
shooters in the NBA, and versa-
tile third year swingman Kelenna
Azubuike, who is also a great
shooter from the outside.
In order for this season to be a
success, Nelson needs to let his
younger players keep playing,
through their mistakes, so that they
can learn from them.
The issue is, the perennially bad
team shows positive signs all the
time. In a recent game against the
Portland Trail Blazers, the Warriors
beat one of the best teams in the
Western Conference.
Monta Ellis was able to outplay
one of the best players in the league
in Brandon Roy, and Anthony Mor-
row went off from downtown, bar-
raging three pointers.
This being said, the Warriors will
be hard pressed to find wins this
season, and will need to fight hard
for every victory.
Spector runs wild
By Charles Watson
SVHS senior, Nick Spector,
has had one of the most suc-
cessful years racing on the
boys cross country team in re-
cent school history.
His success has been no
fluke; however, he spent
countless hours training over
the summer in preparation for
the season.
Before races, Spector does
nothing unusual to get ready.
“The night before I eat a lot
of carbs because the day of a
meets I usually can’t eat as
much” explained Spector.
After having a superb regu-
lar season, Spector and the rest
of the Dragons traveled to the
SCL championships at Spring
Lake in Santa Rosa.
At the SCL championships,
Spector placed 9th with a time
of 16:27. This was two sec-
onds shy of the school record
at the Spring Lake Course set
by Niko Conner last year.
Cross country powerhouse
Petaluma, won its 5th straight
boys’ SCL title 18 points, fol-
lowed by Casa Grande’s 50,
El Molino’s 105, Analy’s 115,
Sonoma’s 132, Healdsburg’s
142, and Windsor’s 167.
Page 10
Sonoma’s disappointing 5th
place finish was brightened
by Spector, who advanced to
NCS playoffs. At NCS, Spec-
tor finished in 17th place.
“In order to qualify for state,
I needed to place in the top 16,
plus in the top five individu-
als, that means you take out
the top three teams and the
rest are individual” explained
Spector.
The NCS meet marked the
end of Spector’s cross coun-
try career at SVHS, but his
dominance of the sport will be
remembered in the seasons to
come.
The cross country season may
be over for Spector, but his
training will begin once again,
because he still participates in
track during the spring, where
he is just as successful.
Furthermore, after high
school, Spector does not in-
tend to hang up his running
shoes for good. He plans to at-
tend a four-year university.
“I hope to try to walk on at a
UC,” stated Spector. He is not
sure where he will attend col-
lege, but he hopes to run cross
country wherever he ends up
going to school.
Bobby Schimm, Senior
Varsity Wrestling
1. Pregame Rituals: “We have
the pit, the light, and we run
around the mat.”
2. Team to beat: “Healdsburg.”
3. Off-season training: “We
don’t really have training as
a group, but there is the Wine
Country Wrestling Club.”
4. Favorite athlete: “Reggie
Bush, because he is hot.”
Joe Alexander-Short, Senior
Varsity Basketball
1. Pregame Rituals: “We don’t
really have any riuals as a team,
but Ben and I have a really cool
hand shake.”
2. Team to beat: “Analy.”
3. Off-season training: “We had
TUFF workouts, open gyms, and
went to different summer league
and AAU tournaments.”
4. Favorite athlete: “My favorite
athlete is Joe Alexander. he plays
basketball for Milwakee.”
December 2009

Jets fly over Sonoma
By Ben Graff
Despite coming out, and making
a key 3rd down conversion on their
opening drive, Sonoma was unable
to contain opposing quarterback
Tyrone Duckett in the second half,
and was downed in their first round
North Coast Section playoff game
in Alameda by Encinal 28-0.
“We came out strong. It was like
they thought we wouldn’t even
show up,” recounted lineman
Braden Lyons, senior.
Although the Dragons were miss-
ing their top two rushers, Yahya
Muslim, sophomore, and Mario
Gomez, senior, as well as key se-
nior players, Nate Swanson, Richie
Merlo, and Charlie Watson , they
were able to play well, especially
on defense.
The first half was a defensive
battle, with the game remaining
scoreless until a Jet punt return for
a touchdown near the end of the
second quarter, making it 7-0.
However, in the second half, the
Dragons were unable to stop the
Jets ground attack, and Duckett
was able to display his explosive
speed, which will be showcased at
Washington State next season.
Sonoma could not restrain the se-
nior quarterback, as he rushed for
two second half touchdowns, cou-
Dragons pillage Vikings No excuse Niners
By Matt Fraser
After a season of suffering
fall sports, the basketball team
looks to revive SVHS and bring
us the victory we have been
waiting for.
Although the team has just
come together, the Dragons
have already faced off against
Montgomery in a Foundation
Game. Taking place last Tues.,
Nov. 24, the varsity boys went
and conquered, returning home
with a 61-56 win.
Making up the team and help-
ing bring home the victory were
seniors Joe Alexander-Short,
Ben Graff, Nathanael Hargitt,
Christian Palominos, and Nick
Woodle; juniors Matt Breen,
Steven McGunagle, and Vitus
Mortensen, Giancarlo Romano,
Dylan Severson; along with
Will Rose, sophomore.
Leading the Dragons to soar
past the Vikings were Graff
with 16 points and 13 rebounds,
Woodle with 11 points, Sever-
son’s 10 points, Mortensen’s
8, Hargitt’s 6, and Alexander-
Short’s and Rose’s 5 each. With
the game coming to an end and
Sonoma down in the points,
Graf and Rose came through
in the nick of time with three
points each to ensure the Drag-
ons with their status as champi-
ons.
Following their triumph at
Montgomery, the Dragons lost
in the annual alumni game to
an athletic alumni team led by
class of 1994’s John Florance
who scored 23 points in a 54-28
romp.
In their first non-league game,
the Dragons fell on the road to
Dragon’s Tale
Jordan Winslow, senior, runs for a first down against #1 seed Encinal High School of Alameda.
pled with another rushing touch-
down by running back Andrew
Ve’e made the final 28-0.
Still, Sonoma put up a great fight
in a game which the Press Demo-
crat predicted them to lose 49-7.
“The fact that we were playing
the top seed worked to our ad-
Dylan Severson, junior, attempts a jump shot in the SVHS alumni game.
the Ukiah Wildcats in a tough
54-42 loss.
Against Ukiah, Sonoma was
led by Severson’s 13 points,
Graff’s 7, Woodle and Roma-
no’s 5 each, Rose’s 4, Palomi-
nos’ 3, Hargitt and McGunagle’s
2 each and Mortenson’s 1.
The Lady Dragons opened
up their season by destroying a
bad Piner team at home in their
Foundation Game.
The Sonoma Lady Dragons
are comprised of seniors Ra-
chel Arietta, Erin Galut, Emma
McNeilly, Shirley Morovich,
Andie Nibler and Keeley Ray,
juniors Jeannette Acevedo,
Ellie Ceja, Lauren Leveroni,
Natalia Minatta, Brittney Ra-
Sports
vantage,” stated a surprisingly en-
thusiastic Lyons, “We felt we had
nothing to lose. No one outside of
our team thought we would have a
chance.”
All in all, this season should be
considered a success. In their first
Division III season, the Dragons
Photo by Joe Gilmore
chuy, and Krysta Young along
with sophomore Annie Stud-
dert.
The Lady Dragons were able to
dispatch of the women’s alumni
team, in a 49-28 decision.
In the alumni game, Sonoma
was paced by Ray’s 17 points,
while the alumni were led by
the class of 2008’s Sheila Brady
who had 9.
The Lady Dragons then went
on the road to face a strong Ta-
malpias team, and came back
from a poor start, but ultimately
fell 43-42 to the Hawks.
Against Tam, Sonoma was led
by Morovich’s 13, McNeilly
and Ray’s 8 apiece, Galut’s 6,
Nibler’s 5, and Rachuy’s 2.
Page 11
Photo by Joe Gilmore
were able to sneak into the playoffs
thanks to finishing .500 against op-
ponents in their division.
In their last regular season game
against D-III opponent Analy, they
collected a stirring victory to clinch Salle looks to have the best shot
their playoff birth.
Although they lost Muslim and
O p i n i o n
By Victor Vasquez
As the roller coaster that is
the San Francisco 49ers season
enters its last quarter, things
seem to be looking more
bleak.
The Niners have lost four of
their last five games, causing
the national media to jump off
their bandwagon and regard
the Niners as a sub par NFC
west team.
People forget that it’s only
Mike Singletary’s first year
as head coach, also starting
quarterback Alex Smith hasn’t
played a game in two years.
Furthermore, the Niners of-
fensive line has been having
problems all year, with the
most recent injuries of tackle
Joe Staley, and guard David
Bass.
Also, all the Michael Crab-
tree drama has been an im-
mense distraction. Issues such
as this could be a damper on
any team’s season, let alone
the Niner’s, who are trying to
build a contending franchise.
Still, the Niners fight for a
playoff spot, standing at 5-6,
2 games behind the division
leading Arizona Cardinals.
“We don’t lose games, we
just run out of time,” said run-
ning back Frank Gore in a post
game interview.
The season has been tough,
but there are still some bright
spots. Rookie wide receiver
Michael Crabtree has been
making plays for the offense
ever since his very first game
in Houston. This is a big sur-
prise to those who doubted his
Gomez to injury in this game, se-
niors, quarterback Steven Murden
and wide receiver Tyler Rose were
able to lead the team to a come
from behind 33-25 win.
Even though the Dragons fin-
ished with a 4-7 overall record,
their playoff berth would have to
make it a successful season.
Lyons agreed with this saying,
“We were able to overcome a lot
of adversity, and it was nice to get
into the playoffs in a season that
would otherwise have been con-
sidered a disappointment.”
With Muslim coming back for
two more seasons, and quarterback
Sam Morgan, sophomore, coming
up from junior varsity, the future
for the Dragons looks bright.
The Sonoma County League’s
playoff picture is looking great, as
every team other than El Molino
qualified for the postseason, with
Petaluma, Casa Grande, and Analy
winning their first round games.
In the Division III playoffs,
Encinal and Marin Catholic look
to be the favorites, with Alhambra
and Novato also being favored in
their quarterfinal matchups.
Out of anyone in the North
Coast Section, powerhouse De La
to qualify for the State Champion-
ship game.
abilities after holding out for
almost half the season.
The Niner’s defense is
emerging as one of the top
young defenses in the league,
with their rush defense ranked
6th in the NFL.
Tight end Vernon Davis is
having a break out year, the
team captain leads all tight
ends in touchdowns with eight
and is third in yards with 601.
The Niners hold their play-
off destiny in their own hands
as they face three teams under
500 in the final five weeks of
the season.
They also have a critical
Monday night game at home
against the division leading
Arizona Cardinals. If they win
this game, they will be tied
with the Cardinals, but have
the advantage because they
have won every divisional
game so far.
With their recent victory over
the Jaguars, the Niners have
some momentum heading into
the remainder of the season.
Even with all the problems
they have had, they still have
a chance to make the playoffs,
where anythibg can happen.
December 2009

Ringing bells doesn’t just benefit angels Caught in
By Shannon Murphy
There is an abundance of com-
munity service opportunities in
Sonoma, ranging from the elderly
who could always use a help-
ing hand, to volunteering at the
drug and alcohol free environ-
ment of the teen venue, The Shop.
Of course, these are not
necessarily the most acces-
sible options, and certainly not
the most frequent. Perhaps the
best option for those in search
of these valuable hours, wheth-
er voluntary or mandatory, is
SVHS’s own Interact Club.
Elizabeth Lawlor, senior, and
Zach Adams, senior, co-presidents
of the club, openly invite all to join.
Lawlor describes the club
as “A Rotary sponsored ef-
fort for community service.”
She further explains that it’s im-
portant for kids to feel that they’ve
made a difference, because, “If
European Escapade Lookin’ for Money?
These snapshots provide a glimpse of many of the sites on the itinerary for the
SVHS trip next summer.
By Danny Maggioncalda
When people hear the word
Europe, a flipbook of classic im-
ages speeds through the mind;
Big Ben on the River Thames,
The Eiffel Tower at sunset, a
meal at a traditional Italian res-
taurant, or the turquoise blue
seascapes of the Greek Isles.
A small group of SVHS stu-
dents are lucky enough to say that
they will be endeavoring on their
own European dream trip this
upcoming summer. A map of the
planned itinerary is shown above.
“I’m really excited. I mean,
I’ve been to Europe before, but
never for this long or in this kind
of depth,” comments Raymond
Mellinger, junior. “Plus, we’ve
been planning this since August,
so the anticipation is growing.”
The group will be led
Dragon’s Tale
Liz Lawlor and Zachary Adams pose during a break from their service activities.
they start as active citizens in high
school, they can take away all the
qualities they develop as involved
members of the community to
Photos from eftours.com
by the popular Mr. Gib-
son of SVHS’s history dept.
“I’m more than happy. It’s a
great group of kids, and I get to
go for free,” Gibson mentions.
Although the official dates are
not set, the group plans to de-
part sometime in mid-June and
return before the 4th of July.
The trip itself would not be
possible if it were not for the
EF Tours program, an organiza-
tion designed to provide teach-
ers with opportunities to travel
abroad with their students.
A similar group (with a few of
the same students) was led over
the summer of 2009 by SVHS
German and art teacher Ms. Ku-
prian. The group traveled to cities
in Germany, Austria, Italy, and
France, with a language premise.
Next year, Mr. Gibson plans to base
the trip on historical education.
News
frequently organizes opportuni-
ties for community service, all Thought:
aimed toward a worthy cause.
“Most of our activities are
What do you want
community based, and they
all benefit non-profit orga-
Santa to bring you
nizations,” clarified Lawlor. this Christmas?
With over 20 dedicated mem-
bers in the club, attendants are
always accompanied by fel-
low sudents throughout the du-
ration of their participation.
Club members take advantage
of the seasonal opportunity to ring
bells in front of Safeway. For the
duration of two hours, one can help
raise money for FISH, Friends In
Sonoma Helping, and Salvation
Army. This will continue until
Christmas and is an easily acces-
“A flying
Photo by James Fanucchi
sible means of gathering hours.
Regardless of how one intends
aid them in future endeavors.” to use these hours, helping oth-
The club meets at school every
Wed., but most of their activities
ers is undoubtedly a reward-
ing and enlightening experi- bicycle.”
occur outside of school. The club ence during the holiday season.
Liam Casey, Freshman
College Scholarship Info
Redwood Empire Section of the American
Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air
Conditioning Engineers Scholarship
Min. GPA of 3.0. Applicants must be planning to pursue the Field
of Engineering or Related Allied Sciences.
DUE December 14, 2009.
Todd Williams Memorial Scholarship
High Academic Performance expected. Student must be entering, “A new
Speedo.”
full-time in the fall, either Junior College on track to attend a 4
year college
DUE December 14, 2009
Hispanic Scholarship Fund General Daniel Fonseca,
College Scholarship Sophomore
For students of Hispanic Heritage
DUE December 15, 2010
AXA Achievement Scholarship
For students who plan to attend an accredited two-year or four-year
college or university in the United States for a full-time course of
study.
DUE December 15, 2009.
The California Association of Collectors
Educational Scholarship Foundation
Scholarship Program
Applicant must submit an essay about “The Importance of Estab- “Lots of
moolah!”
lishing and Maintaining Good Credit during Your College Years.
Applicant must attend an accredited public, private college, univer-
sity or trade school.
DUE February 1, 2010.
Sierena Parker, Junior
Gates Millennium Scholars
Scholarship Program
Min. unweighted G.P.A. of 3.30. Applicants must be of African
American, American Indian/Native Alaskan, Asian Pacific Islander
American, or Hispanic American descent. Must plan to attend
full-time to an accredited four year college or university in the fall,
2010.
DUE January 11, 2010
Sonoma State University Scholarship Program
Min. 3.0 GPA
Applicants must be eligible and planning to enroll to Sonoma State “A Christmas
University as a full-time student for the fall semester 2010.
DUE January 14, 2010. Snuggie with
flashing lights.”
For further information visit the Sonoma Valley
High office or the counseling department on the Shirley Morovich,
school website. Senior
Page 12 December 2009