www.sonomadragonstale.
com
February 2010 - Volume 19 - Issue 5 - Sonoma Valley High School
Seniors travel new road
By Chelsea Rose Shiery
and Kirsten Aguilar
The seniors arrived at the bus cir-
cle, girls in heels and dresses, boys
in nice shirts and slacks; ready to
catch a bus that would take them to
on the Road to Reality, an event put
on by the Soroptomists of Sonoma
and held at the Veteran’s Building.
They shivered in the cold air,
hands in pockets or arms crossed
over chests, waiting in clumps of
chattering friends as four buses
pulled in.
The students were divided into al-
phabetical order and shuttled across
the Plaza to the Veteran’s Building
where a buffet breakfast of muffin,
bagels, fruit, hot chocolate, coffee
and orange juice awaited them.
In the main auditorium, ten sta-
tions were set up, each with a clus-
ter of chairs huddled around pre-
senters.
The seminars included: Change
the World and Volunteer, Surviv-
ing College, Decisions, Financial
Fitness, How to Win the Job You
Want, Yikes I’m Legal, Citizenship
101, College Elegibility Financial
Aid and Immigrations Status, Suc-
cess Without College, and finally
Life is a Balancing Act...How Do
I Manage My Time?
Determination receives recognition
By Danny Maggioncalda
Since the year 1860, the Boys
& Girls Clubs of America have
strived to fulfill one heartfelt mis-
sion: “To enable all young peo-
ple, especially those who need us
most, to reach their full potential
as productive, caring, responsible
citizens.”
Therefore, it is only natural
that when a particular individual
reaches this lofty goal, and dem-
onstrates his devotion to future
success, they are recognized and
commended by the organization.
In September of 2009, Manuel
Heredia a senior at SVHS, en-
tered the Boys & Girls Club com-
plex at Maxwell Park in search of
guidance regarding his upcoming
senior project.
“I wanted to help tutor kids with
their schoolwork,” commented
Heredia. “I knew that any help I
Art Wednesday pages 4&5
Baseball
up to bat
page 6
Oscar Gomez and Cole Aviles listen intently to a presentation at Road to Reality.
The seniors could choose to at-
tend three out of the ten offered.
After each session, the presenter
picked a name from a bag and that
lucky person received a $50 sav-
ings bond from Sonoma Valley
Bank.
At the break between sessions,
there was a raffle in which nu-
merous gift cards for facials and
haircuts, manicures and pedicures,
Mary’s Pizza Shack and Sunflower
Café, among others were, given
away excited students.
Photo courtesy of Sonoma Index-Tribune
Manuel Heredia is presented with the Youth of the Year Award last month.
could give would be worth it, so I
gave as many hours as I could.”
Heredia was recognized for his
outstanding contributions to the
demeanor and spirit of the Boys
& Girls Club on Jan. 27. He was
congratulated for his influence as
a positive role model for younger
club members, in part because of
his inspiring recovery from an
After the second session, a long
awaited lunch of chicken and veg-
etables was served, catered by
Ramekins. The Jaywalkers played
as entertainment.
Before the final session, another
round of raffle prizes were given
away. Matt Versaggi won the grand
prize, a Vespa. “I was surprised and
happy,” he said. Versaggi also won
a $10 Mary’s gift certificate and a
$50 savings bond.
The event was intended to edu-
cate seniors in practical matters that
occasionally troubled childhood.
Heredia was presented with a
plaque and a hopeful handshake
from Sonoma Valley Boys &
Girls Club Executive Direc-
tor David Pier (left in the above
photo) and BGCSV Coordinator
James Conners.
Members of the BGCSV board
selected Heredia from a lineup
Tantalizing
truffles
page 4
Photo by James Fanucchi
regular school might not necessar-
ily cover, such as how to balance
a checking account, how to make
good choices and the responsibili-
ties that come with turning 18.
“I wish I could have done more
sessions,” Versaggi said. “Also, the
sessions should have been in sepa-
rate rooms because it was way too
loud.”
This was the first year the infor-
mative event was held at the Vet-
eran’s Hall as well as the first year
that it was coeducational.
consisting of four other excep-
tional Sonoma Valley teens. His
fellow nominees were Matthew
Compton-Clark, Monica Gomez,
William Doran, and Daniel
Martinez, all past or present stu-
dents of SVHS.
Heredia’s plaque will now hang
alongside many others on the
walls of the center at Maxwell
Park. Having been awarded on a
local scale, Heredia now quali-
fies for state level recognition,
the winners of which are granted
a $1,000 scholarship and qualify
for regional competition.
Five regional winners earn an
engraved plaque and an addi-
tional $10,000 in scholarship. Of
these five, one is selected as the
BGC National Youth of the Year,
and receives another $15,000 in
scholarship, and the opportunity
to meet the President of the Unit-
ed States.
Hot mamma drama
page 3
4 Slates
vie for
office
By Shannon Murphy
SVHS’s annual convention to
determine the new student coun-
cil brings many interesting char-
acters out of the woodwork, and
this year is no exception.
Despite a promising number of
juniors signing up to become a
slate, it has been drastically limit-
ed due to a number of regulations,
namely grades.
As of February 23, there are 4
slates that will be actively par-
ticipating in convention. All
freshman, sophomore, and junior
homeroom classes will designate
4 people as delegates to attend
convention in Golton Hall on
March 19 of this year.
The winning slate will begin
making changes for the school
when the current slate vacates the
position (at the beginning of next
school year).
Although the election is serious
matter, the room’s atmosphere
does not necessarily reflect this.
For the most part, everyone who
participates has plenty of fun, in
addition to missing the majority
of their B-day schedule.
Joe Alexander-Short, senior,
and member of the current stu-
dent council, describes conven-
tion as, “one of the best times of
the year.”
Those familiar with the antics of
convention will come prepared;
as for the rest, Alexander-Short
offers a quick piece of advice:
“They should expect lots of fun
activities,” he says, unquestion-
ably alluding to the fuzzy room.
Slates will make their first pub-
lic appearance on Friday, Feb. 26
at general assembly during A+
in order to reveal their electoral
agendas.
Slates should be prepared as
they fall into another school year
of budget cuts in addition to a lim-
iting the number of school days.
Students and slates alike have
much to look foward to in the fu-
ture endeavors of both the student
council and administration.
 Opinion - Editorial

Kindling an active interest in books

By Anna Haley and store as
many as 1,500
The age-old story of David and books. With its
Goliath has taken countless forms wide range of
over the years. With the financial features, many
meltdown and new competition would-be shop-
threatening their markets, many pers are plug-
small, independent stores are ging in to Ama-
fighting against impossible odds zon instead of
to survive. One of the present day spending time
examples is the struggle between with their lo-
local, independent bookstores cal independent
and the immense and powerful bookseller.
Amazon.com. Independent
Amazon has taken a large por- bookstores all
tion of the consumer base thanks around the world
to its might. The website has are fearing the effect the Kindle
taken the hassle out of shopping may have if or when it takes
with low prices and mail deliv- flight. Each clings to and pleads
ery. Kindle, Amazon’s “book of with the public to remain loyal
the future,” has proven to be a even though it appears technol-
formidable adversary as well. ogy has encroached on the previ-
The Kindle is an electronic hand- ously forbidden territory between
held device which can download book and reader.
society’s future. any on the darkest depths of ig-
In the past, an- norance. They manage to speak
cient ways and in a language which transcends
peoples have gender or age. The brain tingles in
been preserved intellectual excitement when one
through their use walks into an independent book-
of cave paintings store. The sensation of unlimited
or written lan- possibility entices curiosity to rear
guage. If every- its quizzical head. This awaken-
thing in the world ing of consciousness can never be
becomes digital, cloned by some monopoly-orient-
who would learn ed corporation.
our history if we To sum up, independent book-
become extinct? stores base their success on the
Cartoon by Sigrid Forsythe
There are some allegiance of the public. They
However, one must consid- who argue that thrive or die based on the con-
er all the myriad failings of the books are becoming obsolete. But sumer deciding not to call their in-
Kindle. For example, the Kindle there is the history and content of dependent bookstore and instead
could never replace the feel of books to consider. Books contain go online to Amazon. Every time
any print publication, whether it information which spans from this small decision is made, locals
be well-known and loved, or new life in all its forms, to ideas which are getting closer to shutting their
and daring. A Kindle could never shaped civilization, to anecdotes doors. After all, they lack govern-
act as a substitute for the smell of which inflame hidden desire, to, ment backing. Consider this the
a book or replicate the safe, warm well, grammar. next time the fancy to buy a book

Making green off of green
By Luther Cenci
feeling when one is surrounded by
books.
There is also the small consider-
are also suspect, such as labeling a
Books have been known to in- strikes. Remember there is some-
cite revolutions or break down thing special in running your hand
preconceived notions in order to along the spine of a book, smiling,
shed the revealing light of epiph- and taking it slowly off the shelf.

Learning how to learn

toy as organic, without independent ation of the Kindle’s effect on
Commercial Break! Windmills certification.
whirling peacefully in the breeze. Most green claims are too vague
Solar panels gleaming in the sun. to mean anything. The use of the By Alejandro Tinajero complex algebraic equations, brain deals with holistic learn-
Hydroelectric dams resolutely term “All-Natural” is especially dates, numbers and facts that he ing. The left deals with analyti-
guarding their precious reservoirs. A infuriating. Arsenic, uranium, and Let us consider the enigma that may not use later on in their life. cal learning. Schools today tend
racially androgynous child’s voice: formaldehyde are “all-natural;” al- is learning. Learning can be seen Research has also shown that to favor left brain education.
“Taking on the worlds greatest en- though one would do well to avoid as a form of art. Although there a student will learn much bet- In the 1940s, many epileptics
ergy challenges- Exxon Mobil.” using them as baking ingredients. are no specific rules one must ter when they are interested in underwent a new procedure that
With ads like these, who needs Alleged third party endorsements follow to create a work of art, the subject. The required courses would, in theory, lessen the fre-
lies? As public awareness of envi- of sustainable products also require there are some elements the artist we are ordered to complete will quency of seizures in their life.
ronmental degradation has surged, close examination. More than 350 should consider. The procedure involved
industrial giants and ingenuous eco-labels are used in the United These elements are much severing the corpus callo-
marketers have teamed up to con- States, many of whose standards like the tools necessary to sum, the structure that con-
vince Americans that they can solve and funding are unpublished. create a masterpiece. These nects both hemispheres of
problems of over-consumption by Also, a surprising number of tag instruments are at our dis- the brain together. Seizures
consuming more “environmentally- lines are irrelevant. “CFC-free” posal, but it is up to us to were reduced dramatically.
friendly” products. Advertisements claims mean nothing, since CFC choose to use them. However, after tests and
claiming “sustainability,” “reduced use is prohibited by law. Learning works in a similar experiments, the patients
carbon-footprint,” and “organic in- In addition, marketing often uses fashion. There are countless who underwent the proce-
gredients” crowd the airwaves as environmental labels to hide the ways a student can learn. dure demonstrated diffi-
well as supermarket shelves. negative effects of their products, Observation, play, explora- culties identifying objects
While some products are indeed like organic cigarettes. tion are all different meth- they normally would have
more environmentally responsible, Finally, some claims are down- ods one can use to learn. A no difficulty with.
many of the “new” green products right lies. In a recent case, the Fed- student will learn on his or The two hemispheres of
are anything but. In 2009, market- eral Trade Commission indicted her own. He will search for the brain were no longer
ing watchdog group TerraChoice three firms for labeling their cloth- knowledge based on what able to communicate with
published a report which identified ing items as made of bamboo fiber. he is interested in. A student one another due to the sev-
seven “Sins of Greenwashing”, or In fact, they are made of rayon, a will learn when his whole ered corpus callosum. It
misleading eco-advertising tech- synthetic fabric made of cellulose, mind is stimulated. He will was not functioning as it
niques which are exceedingly com- found in all plants. The manufactur- learn by applying the knowl- should have. This idea can
monly used. ing process requires bamboo to be edge he has already acquired also be applied to learn-
Marketers often exploit consum- dissolved in hazardous chemicals, and honing these skills. ing. If only one side of the
Learning should be simple Cartoon by Danny Maggioncalda brain is being stimulated,
ers by emphasizing the greenness of where it loses all of its natural prop-
only one attribute of their product. erties, and becomes identical to fi- for any capable student. It should probably not be applicable to all. then the student will not learn
For example, Florescent light-bulbs bers from wood or grass clippings. come naturally. But, when com- A young woman, hoping to major as much as he could, should the
are portrayed as eco-friendly, even Ninety-eight percent of the prod- bined with today’s standardized in English and become an author stimulation be balanced.
though they contain mercury and ucts surveyed by TerraChoice com- methods of teaching and compul- or a teacher, probably find little Today’s educational system
their manufacturing is highly toxic. mitted at least one of these fallacies. sory schooling, it becomes more use for differential calculus. focuses too much on teaching
Any claims made without evidence In the words of marketing guru Jon of a chore than it should be. But, due to the nature of the the students rather than making
Coifman; “Buyer Beware.” Scientists have shown that a educational system, she will be sure they learn properly. It is
~Dragon’s Tale Staff~ child will learn better when he required to take an excessive a flawed system should not be
ADVISER - Alison Manchester applies experiences together in number of math classes. A stu- tweaked; it must be completely
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF - Clarke Campion new ways. He will begin to build dent must be truly interested in overhauled. After all, learning
MANAGING EDITOR- Peter Armstrong
knowledge, and from these expe- the subject they are taking in or- is not a process that is done
COPY EDITOR - Troy Cameron
LAYOUT EDITOR - Rachel Glago riences, he will learn. der to learn properly. to the student, but one that the
NEWS EDITOR - Kirsten Aguilar, Hannah Horrowitz, But today’s institutionalized The human brain consists of two student does. Hours of teaching
Danny Maggioncalda teaching methods do not allow hemispheres. Each hemisphere of will not result in hours learn-
OP/ED EDITOR - Alejandro Tinajero this to occur. Instead, a modern the mind is responsible for a dif- ing. Learning occurs of the stu-
FEATURE EDITORS - Anna Haley, Chelsea Rose Shiery, Caity Tremblay student is forced to memorize ferent type of learning. The right dent’s own volition.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR - Gabe Bassett
~Editorial Policy~
PHOTO EDITOR - Joe Gilmore
SPORTS EDITORS - 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, Anthony Arjona, Troy The newspaper staff encourages letters for opinions and responses on the content of the publication. Only
Cameron, Luther Cenci, Sigrid Forsythe, Matt Fraser, Ben Graff, Anna Haley, signed letters will be considered for publication. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit all letters for
Hannah Horowitz, Mackenzie Kelley, Eva Lindstrom, Daniel Maggioncalda, content.
Shannon MurphWill Papadin, Jesse U’Ren, Victor Vasquez, Connor Vickers, No material, opinionated or otherwise, will be printed which is libelous, irresponsible, advocates an illegal
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 February 2010

 Entertainment
Mamma Mia! Here we go again!
By Caity Tremblay
Vampire Weekend
getaway
By Gabe Bassett

A charismatic crowd of exuber- If their debut album Vampire

ant singers lit up the Sebastiani Weekend can be considered the
stage during two weekends in the Columbia University Alumni’s
middle of February. The 26 dedi- musical version of an English
cated performers began rehearsing major, their sophomore attempt,
in August, passionately practicing Contra, would be their interna-
17 of hit pop band ABBA’s most tional affairs study.
popular songs for six months.  Ezra Koenig and company take
  “It was really worth it to me,” a wide array of musical influ-
stated Emma McGee, junior ences to create Contra. The most
participant in Mamma Mia. “It notable being a very strong Afro-
was a time commitment, but not pop beat prevalent throughout
so much that it took away from the album.
other commitments.”  Other obvious inspirations on
Local theater group ETC! (the the album range from reggaeton,
Experiential Theater Company) to dancehall, to ska.
produced Mamma Mia; singers The first song released, “Hor-
of various ages and experience Photo by Alejandro Tinajero chata” flawlessly demonstrates
partook in the production. Actresses from ETC sing ‘Super Trooper’ from the hit film ‘Mamma Mia!’ the band’s ability to create a
“I’ve been singing since... catchy pop tune while using
well, since I could talk!” realized Lively tunes were interspersed flowers of yellow and red decorat- really taught me how to use my much more sophistication than
Heather Villasenor, sophomore with slower songs, producing a ed their hair, their rainbow skirts voice -- I have a new appreciation the average artist. Koenig is even
participant in Mamma Mia. Ages pleasant diversity; during certain swirling during the lively dancing. for [that] music genre.”   able to rhyme horchata with bala-
ranged from 18 year old Peter choruses the audience was even Perhaps the most spectacular gar-   “It was good experience which clava and aranciata.
Armstrong, senior, to 6 year old invited to sing with the cast, as ments were the glamorous glim- gave me a chance to improve not Their first single, “Cousins”,
Julien Ducarroz.  well as dance.  mering “Super Trouper” suits, only vocally but also dancing,” re- takes the generally fast paced
  “I liked   “I like shimmering one-piece jumpsuits marked McGee. 
getting to “I did it to further my s i n g - reminiscent of the 70’s.    Choreographer Amee Alioto
band, and speeds them up. The
impressive guitar wails are remi-
see young- ing and “Cat puts together really good challenged the singers with her de-
er singers musical horizon.” dancing plays that are fun to be in,” pro- manding dance routines, including
niscent of something that Vam-
pire Weekend is not yet, but takes
grow into in “Does claimed Villasenor.   jumps and lifts, along with fierce many influences from: punk. It
their voic- Y o u r   Choral director Cat Austin found- synchronized poses.  sounds as if the entire song is on
es,” commented McGee. “They Mother Know,” grinned Villase- ed ETC! in 2002 as an organiza- “She came up with all the chore- the brink of losing control, but at
really gained confidence and stage nor. “[It’s] a fun song with a lot of tion dedicated to cultivating teen ography on the spot, inspired from the same time, it’s all so perfectly
presence throughout the show.”  movement.”   talent. Teens joined for their own the music,” McGee added.  executed.
  Bold dancing, abundant energy,   Vibrant costumes transported the reasons, and were often pleased ETC!’s next ensemble is for Another standout on the album
and flashy costumes accentu- audience to the tropics, enhanc- with the result.  twelve talented teens interested in is “Diplomat’s Son.” One can-
ated the singers’ jazzy harmonies. ing the performers’ pizzazz. Vivid   “I did it to further my musical performing the music of Michael not help but draw a comparison
Exciting game disappoints horizon” poetically remarked ex-
perienced pianist Barret Wilbur,
Jackson. This intense Glee Club
begins rehearsing in late February;
to The Clash when they dabbled
in reggae. The simple, yet pleas-
By Shannon Murphy senior, who worked with ETC! for more information, call ETC! at ing synth beat, sparse strings and
save their most compelling ads
during previous ensembles. “Cat 935-6675. cooing behind Koenig’s distinct
for these short bursts of time.
All of us who haven’t been Many had mixed feelings over
living in a box for the last de- this year’s advertisements, while
‘Shutter’ opens the mind voice makes this song an engag-
ing listen.
cade are familiar with the pesky some didn’t especially care for By Connor Vickers Once on the island, Sir Ben “Taxi Cab” is a downbeat song
interruptions during television them, others enjoyed their wit. Kingsley is introduced and gives featuring fluttering pianos and
programming, the unmistakable “I thought the ads were clever,” “Shutter Island” belies the ap- an astounding performance as the Koenig singing in a slower, lower
billboards that stand alongside began Adam Kohut, junior. proach of a frightening, fear- manipulative and mysterious an- voice than usual. Once again, his
roads, and even the occasional In accordance with its football packed horror, when in real- tagonist, Dr. Crawley, who runs mastery of lyrics shines through
phone call that we are quick to audience, the abundance of com- ity it is a gripping psychological Shutter Island. in a way that no other band can
dismiss as a telemarketer. mercials found on Super Bowl puzzle as the audience is taken As Daniels gets closer to solv- rival. It might have helped that he
These three different entities Sunday were for potato chips and with Leonardo DiCaprio in his ing the case, his past gets in the went to Columbia University.
all share a common purpose: to beer, but that doesn’t take away attempts to fit the pieces together. way of his current situation and Vampire Weekend has received
persuade their tar- Taking place in 1954, the film he finds that he has a connection quite a bit of backlash due to
get audience to pur- wastes no time introducing the to the island that he himself is un- people’s perception of the band
chase their product or complicated character of U.S. aware of. as elitist, condescending board-
support their cause. Marshal Teddy Daniels, played Do not go walking into the the- ing school boys.
While we have long by DiCaprio, who begins his ad- ater expecting a run of the mill Contrary to many people’s opin-
since regarded these venture seasick on a ferry em- scary movie, for the dialogue is ions of this ivy league band, they
forms of advertise- barking to Shutter Island with his very sharp and filled with im- are not the upper crust elite tak-
ment as nuisances and new partner Chuck Aule, played mense importance to the complex ing a stab at music. Koenig came
are usually able to by Mark Rufalo. story, which will keep the viewer from a middle class family from
tune out their intended The institution of Shutter Island on the edge of the seat. New Jersey, and none of his
message, an effective is basically if Alcatraz Island not At times the twists are so ob- bandmates come from particu-
ad will not only hold only kept captivity of the most vious that it seems that they are larly wealthy backgrounds.
its viewer’s attention dangerous criminals, but the most almost cop-out twists, when actu- Regardless, Vampire Weekend
but also intrigue his or Oblivious snackers prepare forPhoto from Google Images
Dorito warrior ambush deranged and insane as well. ally, it is just sheer brilliance. has done what many bands fail to
her interest. from their clever and usually hu- Daniels is sent to the island in Scorsese takes on this mind- do, avoid the sophomore slump.
Because of this, a huge amount morous commercials. order to uncover the dangerous boggling mystery in a style that Contra stands as a testament to
of money is invested every year “The Dorito Warrior was my fa- missing patient Rachel Solando, is similar to that of Alfred Hitch- the ability of these New York
into developing entertaining vorite commercial this year,” said who seems to have somehow cock’s “Vertigo” and M. Night City boys borrowing sounds from
ads, and never more clearly is Vitus Mortenson, junior foreign vanished from her cell. Shyamalan’s “The Sixth Sense.” The Clash, to Paul Simon, to ska,
this exemplified than is during exchanged student. Despite this, DiCaprio’s performance seems The cinematography is top- to afro-pop.
the NFL’s annual championship everyone could agree that this a bit over the top, but when filled notch beauty with cut action shots Encountering the accusations of
game, the Super Bowl. year’s ads paled into comparison in on the character’s background, along the whole film. making nothing original and just
Perhaps what’s most impressive to the high bar it set last year. his behavior is rather appropriate. The music sometimes seems a recreating the same music that
about this T.V. event is not the “The baby e-trade commercials Daniels is a very troubled man tad overboard but it becomes more has already been made, Koenig
high-performance athletes that are hilarious, shankapotomus,” and is haunted with intense and appropriate as the plot thickens. simply states, “Everything is in-
pummel each other into oblivion, said Kohut. vivid flashbacks by his infuriat- All in all, the film is not very tertwined, polar opposites don’t
but the brilliant commercials that Ads have begun to appeal to ing past filled with Nazi con- violent or terrifying, but the few exist.” With this new ideal, he
come along with the game. With a larger audience, perhaps even centration camps and a horrific violent scenes included make up continues, “The idea of fusion -
the price of a commercial that oc- greater than the Super Bowl. family history. Director Martin for its scarcity. However, the es- of mixing things - seems less and
cupies 1 minute of time costing Even if you’re not a football fan, Scorsese is not afraid to show the sence of violence is always in the less like a novelty and more just
6 million dollars, it’s no surprise the ads are well worth the watch. audience how vivid the memo- air at Shutter Island. the way the world works.”
that these advertising juggernauts ries are for Daniels.

Dragon’s Tale Page 3 February 2010


Art Wednesday at the café
By Anna Haley and
Caity Tremblay
Every Wednesday after school the
No Name Café hosts a freelance art
program open to all students. Free
supplies, free time, free will.
“It’s not so structured. Our
goal is to provide a place to come
and unwind,” described Cristin
Lawrence, No Name manager.
Lawrence organizes the Art
Wednesday program. “My job
is to come in and make people
feel comfortable, or help
with tutoring,” explained
Lawrence.
Artists of all calibers
show up. “We have
some serious artists
who come in to fine-
tune their skills, but
we also have peo-
ple who come in to
hang out or learn,”
Lawrence noted.
“I like to watch
kids come in
who don’t think
they’re artists,
then see them
Dragon’s Tale
as their art is framed,
and they say ‘Wow!
Did I really do that?’”
Art Wednesday began
five years ago when a
female student who
worked in the No Name
decided she wanted an
art club. Initially a
club of girls, the pro-
gram grew when Jason
Davis, senior, became
involved.
“I started with Art
We d n e s d a y w h e n
Cristin came to me and
mentioned it,” remem-
bered Davis.
“He was really en-
thusiastic,” recalled a
smiling Lawrence.
The No Name is part
of Operation Youth, a
non-profit which in-
cludes Teen Safe Ride
and The Shop. With
community support,
Art Wednesday has
expanded. Daniel Stone, senior, loses himself in his oil painting, using materials provided by the Art Wednesday program.
“Jason started it, but
now we have up to 30 regulars. June 4, the day of graduation.
Everybody tells their friends so it
keeps growing,” beamed Lawrence. nates glass and frames. Zach at
Volunteer artist Annie Falandes Fine Line is also a big contributor,” current president of Operation Youth, discover they have something in
assists the program. Falandes has mentioned Lawrence.
been working in the program for Students
two years; she is available for ques- have the
tions, advice, or support.
Falandes also helps bring in sup- to keep
plies, collect donations, and spread their art
the word about Art Wednesday in or
the community.
Art Wednesday is funded through its are divided in a typical gallery
Operation Youth, which gains as- split: 60 percent goes to the artist, a sense of community here on campus,
sets from local donors, grant writ- 40 percent is returned to fund the a sense of pride in themselves and in bringing out something internally
ing, art sales, and an annual fashion program. Art sales open to the pub- their school,” commented Lawrence.
Surprisingly spicy chocolatey concoctions
By Anna Haley
Warm yourself from the cool Feb-
ruary days with a spiced chocolate
truffle. These tasty delights are sure
to tantalize taste buds and offer a
sweet treat to any chocoholic.
To make these delectable
sweets, you will need:
10
oz. quality
semisweet choco-
late, finely chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp quality honey
2 tbsp unsalted butter, room tem-
perature
1/4 tsp chili powder
show. This year it is scheduled for lic are hosted at the No Name every
“John at the Frame Factory do- spring.
“Art is a really nice
choice
release from the
turbulence of life.”
sell
it. Prof-
Place chocolate in a me-
dium sized heatproof bowl.
Fill a saucepan with an inch
or so of water and bring to
a slow simmer. Set the bowl
over, but not touching, the
water. Stir chocolate until
melted and smooth.
Meanwhile, mix the cream
and honey together in a
small saucepan and bring
to a low simmer. Add the
chili powder and meld until
incorporated. Slowly whisk
the cream mixture into the
chocolate, taking care to en-
sure everything has blended
together into an even,
uniform texture.
Cover the
surface of the
chocolate with
plastic and
leave the bowl in the refrig- Truffles bask in a powdered sugar garnish.
erator for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
While waiting for the chocolate
to cool, line a baking sheet with move it from the refrigerator. Take covered and refrigerated, for up to
parchment paper.
Feature
Photo by Alejandro Tinajero
“What I love about Art Wednesday
year before Christmas and during the is that it brings in people from all dif-
ferent groups,” described Lawrence.
With the help of John Randall, the “They get to meet new people, and
and Mr. Moll, the No Name was common.”
built 5 years ago “It’s a fun atmosphere, really re-
in an attempt to laxed,” agreed Brianna Sieren, junior.
provide a student “I’ve met new people.”
hang-out and to Though relaxed, these artists are
give the campus passionate about their craft.
more of a college “Art is a really nice release from the
feel. turbulence of life,” pronounced Davis
“The beautiful thing is that it develops in his self-made tie-dye shirt.
Lawrence nodded. “Art’s a process,
which becomes wonderful.”
spoon. Wash your hands and
scoop out a little of the truffle
chocolate. Roll the chocolate
around in your hands until
it forms a little sphere and
place on the baking sheet.
Repeat until the chocolate
is gone. Be prepared to get
messy, as the chocolate will
start to soften. Make sure to
move quickly and rinse your
hands frequently. If the choc-
olate becomes too soft, put it
back in the refrigerator until
it is firm.
Once the truffles are made,
use either sweetened cocoa
powder, powdered sugar, or
a dash of chili powder for
garnish. Once that is done,
refrigerate the truffles until
set, about 15 minutes.
Once set, the truffles can be
Photo by Anna Haley
kept in a cool spot for about 2
hours before needing refrig-
After the chocolate has cooled, re- eration again. They will also keep,
off the plastic covering and grab a 5 days.
Page 4 & 5
M a n g a p r i n c e s s Animated
By Chelsea Rose Shiery personalities
Anime can be seen on television
and magna in comic books, but
at SVHS it is created by Teresa
Moreno, senior. Inspired at a young
age by Sailor Moon and Pokemon
shows, Moreno has become a
skilled manga artist.
“I started drawing when I was
two; drawing on the walls and in
my mom’s notebooks, but of course
she was mad,” divulged Moreno
with a laugh.
Soon she wasn’t just coloring in
the lines but copying the pictures
from her anime coloring books.
“I really liked the style, and I
guess the story lines inspired me
too,” stated Moreno.
Though her time is limited, she
tries to draw with the preferred
“pencil, paper, and colored pen-
cils,” as much as she can.
Reshma’s inspiration
By Chelsea Rose Shiery
Without the influence of her par-
ents or sister, Reshma Varghese,
junior, picked up a paintbrush in
kindergarten and began her journey
with art. From that point on, art be-
came an outlet for interpreting life
and happiness.
“My inspiration . . . just, life,”
stated Varghese.
Although Varghese spends as
much time as she can sketching
and painting each week, she isn’t
pursuing a career in her artistic
abilities.
“I really love art, it is something
that makes me happy. But I don’t
want to make money out of it,”
Varghese admitted.
However, she does not want to
stop incorporating art into her dai-
ly life. Varghese aims to take art
classes in college; although, it will
Life is beautiful
By Anthony Arjona and
Caity Tremblay
Art encompasses an immense
range of mediums, but Sarah Sum-
mers, sophomore, knows what
works for her. “I like to use sharp-
ies and thin brushes. I like the
richness that the sharpies and the
brushes give.”
Summers has been immersed
in the world of art since an early
age. Beginning in kindergarten at
Sonoma Charter School, Summers
discovered art was an exhilarating
form of expressing her feelings and
thoughts; she particularly favored
impressionism.
“I really like impressionism be-
cause it makes everyday people
beautiful,” Summers remarked.
Summers appreciates others’ piec-
es; her favorite artists include
Winslow Homer and Edgar Degas.
“My favorite pieces of art are
the ballerinas that Degas paints.
Photo by Chelsea-Rose Shiery
Teresa displays her drawing of an
angelic manga character.
“If there was no school, I would
be drawing 24 hours a day,” ad-
mitted Moreno.
Moreno doesn’t want to stop
with drawing pictures for her
friends and Minds Magazine.
She plans on continuing into a
Photo by Chelsea Rose Shiery
Reshma holds up her piece that was
published in Minds Magazine.
not be her major.
Varghese’s favorite medium to
work with is paint, but her current
creation, which is her favorite, is
all in pencil.
“I’m working on this picture of
Photo by Alejandro Tinajero
Sarah Summers utilizes her artistic
abilities for her English assignment
“I really like
impressionism
because it makes
everyday people
beautiful.”
career with her expert skill.
“I want to learn how to speak
Japanese and move to Japan
[then] learn how to make magna
books,” explained Moreno.
Although she is moving to
Mexico right after graduation,
she isn’t letting it deter her from
her dream of becoming a pro
manga artist. Moreno is always
searching for any Japanese class-
es that might help her improve
her art.
The art of Natsuki Takaya, and
Kazuya MineKura inspire many
of her drawings.
“I recently drew a realistic
drawing of my favorite Mexican
actress and singer. It turned out
really well,” revealed Moreno.
With her love of anime and
drawing, Moreno will flourish.
“I have a lot of ideas in my head
and I feel like drawing them.”
a boy, a child. He is in front of a
temple and he is holding this large
pot,” she explained.
Varghese describes art as, “a lei-
surely activity, a past time,” but she
is very passionate about what she
does, and it shows.
“I entered a picture in Minds
Magazine, and it got in. It is a
drawing of a baby and his mother,”
Varghese beamed.
Even though homework and
school takes up most of her time,
Varghese takes advantage of the
time she can get to work on her
talents.
“I am in art design right now,” re-
vealed Varghese, “It’s nice to have
time to work.”
With Van Gogh as an inspiration,
along with many people in her life,
Varghese’s art continues to be an
inspiration in her community.
The art style, brush strokes and the
colors are so enjoyable.”
Attention to color is an impor-
tant aspect of every art style.
“I like green because it is not a
cold or warm color, and it has a
lot of shades,” reflected Summers.
“It’s also very bright and it can be
very bold.”
Summers has experimented in
different fields of art, taking class-
es to expand her artistic abilities.
Currently she takes art at the high
school, and draws whenever she
has free time.
“My favorite piece of art that I
have done is the giant bird cage that
is painted on my wall,” Summers
mentioned. “It took me a while but
it was worth it.”
Summers intends on furthering
her art education in college.
“I plan on doing it on my own
time after that,” Summers added.
Her talent fueled a love of art that
will last for the rest of her life.
By Jesse U’Ren and Anna Haley Anime Club promotes an atmo-
sphere of cultural interest and en-
Anime: a mix of colorful cartoon gaging discussion on the meeting’s
characters and overly dramatized latest video.
actions which blast onto the screen “The club itself has been run-
as complex plot lines and emotions ning for about 7 years,” explained
flow through the story’s various club advisor Gary Gissell. “The
twists and turns. last president came in one day and
These and other engaging attri- asked me if they could watch anime
butes are core components of this in my room since I had the biggest
popular Japanese art form. T.V. and they never really left.”
“The main ap- Club mem-
“The main appeal
peal of anime bers hope to
is the intense one day incor-
of anime is the
story lines and porate Japanese
the emotion that language les-
intense story lines
it brings,” con- sons into their
fessed David routine along
and the emotion
Cole, junior. with a field trip
Though anime to Japan.
that it brings.”
has always had Originating in
a rather obscure Japan as a form
following, many of propaganda
SVHS students have developed an
interest in the Japanese sub culture,
as demonstrated by the increasing-
ly prominent Anime Club.
during World War II, anime has
captivated audiences of all back-
grounds and ages.
Largely unknown in the West dur-
“We watch everything in here, ing its early years, anime started to
from comedies to action films and make an impact in the early 1980’s,
even movies,” remarked club pres- where it slowly gained popularity.
ident Rod Swisher, junior. Throughout the 7 years of its exis-
“I used to watch it a lot as a tence, Anime Club has maintained
kid,” explained Swisher, “and then its tradition of exposing students to
picked it back up later in life. So the delightful characters and stories
when the last president asked me to that compose the art of anime, and
lead, I of course said yes.” plans do to so for many years to
Meeting every Tuesday at lunch, come.
Art for life By students prompted her
Jesse U’Ren to work at SVHS after
teaching in the Valley’s
At some middle schools for 18
point in al- years.
most every Art is often passed
SVHS stu- off as a simple, easy
dents’ life on campus, they end up class, but Feuer wants
taking an art class.
The art department is composed
of three closely-knit teachers,
to remove this nega-
tive stereotype by
adding structure
amongst which is the very well
known Mrs. Feuer.
“I just love teaching high school
and art theo-
ry into her
courses.
students,” exclaimed Feuer. She Al-
explained that the things they are though
capable of constantly astound her. Art 1 is
Having taught at both Adele and an intro-
Altimira middle schools, Feuer ductory
knows a vast majority of the stu- class,
dents that enter her Art 1 class. F e u e r
As usual, however, not many doesn’t
students know much or anything see any
about her past and present life. reason why
Born in New York, Feuer’s family the students
soon moved to Michigan where she cannot handle
cultivated a passion for art. advanced top-
Her vast experience in the arts ics such as el-
ranges from interior design to cre- ements of Art
ating language-developing videos. and the prin-
Thirty five years ago, Feuer and her ciples of design
husband visited the Northern Cali- through a variety
fornia area and fell in love with it, of media.
causing them to move shortly after. Feuer hopes to in-
With an education in creating and spire the artistic pas-
teaching art, Feuer decided to con- sion in young minds,
tinue her career in artistic fields by to help mould them
becoming SVHS’s art teacher. into ambitious
Feuer’s fondness for high school adults.
February 2010
 Sports

Dragons rebound
By Charles Watson to Analy three
times this
Time-out
By Matt Fraser

Off the court, student athletes

jump into action and discuss
their current season.
With great anticipation, the season, the
boys basketball Division III NCS Dragon boys
seeding were announced this past have stepped
Sunday, revealing Sonoma’s first up their game
round match up. recently, win-
The Dragons are scheduled to ning 8 of their
play the Analy Tigers, for the third last 12 be-
time in their last four games. Af- fore the SCL
ter defeating Casa Grande in the To u r n a m e n t
SCL Tournament, Sonoma was championship
expected to gain a bid to playoffs, game. Their
but being matched up against most signifi-
Analy again was unlikely. cant victory
Sonoma lost to Analy just came over
days ago in the SCL Tournament Casa Grande
championship game held at the in the SCL
Santa Rosa Junior College. tournament. Christa Swanson, Sophomore
After a close first half the Drag- After los- JV Baseball
ons trailed Analy 33-26, but were ing to Analy
unable to hold of the high pow- about a month
Photo by James Fanucchi 1. Game Preparation: “I medi-
ered offense, ultimately falling ago, Sonoma Sonoma’s Dylan Severson, junior, is fouled attempting a layup in a recent SCL game. tate before my games to clear
70-54. has surprised my head.”
The Dragons played tough, everyone, and After losing to the same Casa The Dragons played up-beat and 2. Season Goals: “To beat Casa
never giving up, and shrinked the played great basketball. Their team three weeks ago, the Drag- exciting basketball, and shocked Grande.”
lead to only 10 points going into strength has not been one super- ons pulled together four straight Analy by starting the game on a 3. Favorite Athlete: “Chuck
the fourth quarter, but giving up star however, rather it is an ele- league victories over Windsor, 15-1 run. But the Analy bench Norris. Do I even need to give a
easy points and turnovers led to vated level of play from the entire Healdsburg, Petaluma, and El rallied and came up with an im- reason why?”
an eventual defeat. team, as well as better coaching. Molino. The streak was then pressive 72-61 point victory.
“ We played well in the first In their recent SCL tournament ended by first place Analy. How- Regardless of the outcome of
quarter, but failed to maintain game against Casa, the boys ever, the Dragons put forth a val- playoffs, the Dragons should be
that tempo throughout the entire stretched their lead to 15 at one iant effort in their defeat, giving proud that they were able to turn
game,” stated Steven McGunagle, point, and finished with a solid the favored Tigers a run for their around their season and make the
junior. Although Sonoma has lost 74-66 victory. money. postseason.

Strong finish In the season

finale, the Lady
Dragons trav-
eled to Forest-
ville and were
able to knock off
El Molino by a
final of 59-55, Mia Stornetta, Junior
in the seniors’ JV Softball
final game.
Against the
Photo by Joe Gilmore 1. Game Preparation: “I listen
Steven Murden pins an opponent at the Valley of the Moon Tournament.
Lions, Sonoma to music very loudly.”
was led by 2. Season Goals: “To have a

Ray’s 20 points,
junior Ellie Ce-
ja’s 12 points, 8
rebounds and 7
steals, McNeil-
ly’s 6 points
and 6 boards,
and Morovich’s
6 points and
5 rebounds.
The Dragons
finished up the
season with a
Photo by James Fanucchi 7-19 record
Brittany Rachuy, junior, sinks a shot in a recent game. (5-7 in league
play), and were
By Ben Graff
unable to quali-
fy for any type of postseason games.
On Senior Night, it was Britt-
However, the outlook for next
ney Rachuy, junior, who con- season seems positive with
verted on a layup in the final 30 Sonoma returning key players
seconds of the game, knocking in juniors Jeannette Acevedo,
off the visiting Petaluma Tro- Ceja, Lauren Leveroni, Nata-
jans by a final score of 37-36. lia Minatta, Rachuy and Krysta
Prior to the game Sonoma hon- Young, and sophomore Annie
ored its five seniors, Erin Galut, Studdert, along with a j.v. squad
Emma McNeilly, Shirley Moro- that performed well this season.
vich, Andie Nibler and Keeley Ray.
“We have a lot of returning
“It was a great experience to players, we have a lot of poten-
beat Petaluma on Senior Night,” tial for next season,” reported
commented Ray. “Since it was an enthusiastic Ceja, “If we can
so close, it was a fun game to work on our chemistry over the
play in, and it was nice that the summer, we can be successful.”
crowd got involved in the game.”
Dragon’s Tale
Looking ahead
By Matt Fraser
SVHS senior standout, Steven
Murden, has had a superb season
up to this point and hopes to main-
tain his success in the NCS and state
tournaments.
Murden’s success has not come
without hard work, however. He has
put in many hours of practice and
conditioning to get achieve his cur-
rent skills.
“I work hard in practice, run 3
miles every night, and run Robin-
son Road Tuesday and Thursday
mornings at 6 a.m. to stay in shape
for my matches,” proudly explained
Murden.
His skill has been tested at many
tournaments, but he always comes
out on top. This season, Murden
took first place at the San Marin
tournament, second at Modesto,
seventh at Reno, first at Valley of
the Moon, first at Clayton, and first
at Dublin.
His most recent accomplishment,
however, was at the San Jose Over-
felt Tournament on Feb. 6 where he
brought home second, coming in
behind the returning state champ.
Page 6
winning season.”
3. Favorite Athlete: “Kalen
Ergas.”
Murden has had a very successful
season, coming in to SCL’s with a
record of 39-5, with only one lose
in our section. Murden placed first
at the SCL Championships, held at
Windsor High School, which quali-
fied him for NCS, along with 6 oth-
er Dragon wrestlers. Murden was
looking to be in the top 3 and on his
way to NCS as the number 1 seed,
which he succeeded in doing.
“I plan on winning NCS because
I’ve been training very hard with the
best kids in the section, Jordan Win-
slow and Evan Murden and have
the best coach in the section, Deets
Winslow” says Murden.
He is expected to do well sections
given his record and hopes to make Dominic Demartini, Senior
it to state and, where he could have a Varisty Golf
chance to face off against the return-
ing state champ again. 1. Game Preparation: “I eat
After high school Murden is un- lots of cookies”
sure if he will pursue wrestling in 2. Season Goals: “To shoot
college or not. He may wrestle at par.”
Questa College in San Luis Obispo 3. Favorite Athlete: “Michael
but has not come to a final decision Phelps because he’s a cool
yet. Regardless, he has been a very guy.”
consistent and successful Dragon,
and will likely be remembered in
the years to come.
February 2010

Cager’s
Corner
By Rachel Glago
In memory of a fallen Olym-
pian…
Powder white snow, tears of
happiness, and intense competi-
tion are all memories of the Win-
ter Olympics. However, in 2010,
these memories were marred.
In a tragic accident, Nodar
Kumaritashvili, a Georgian luger
competing at the Vancouver
Olympics, died on February 12
after crashing during a training
run and hitting an unpadded metal
pole. He was only 21.
As Kumaritashvili came around
his final turn, turn 16, at over 90
mph, he spun off the track, fly-
ing helplessly into the metal pole
where he died instantly.
In memoriam, at that night’s
opening ceremonies, there was a
moment of silence to honor Ku-
maritashvili and his fellow Geor-
gian Olympians, each wearing
black armbands in his memory.
In a case of terrible foreshadow-
ing, earlier that day, Kumaritash-
vili told his father that he was,
“terrified of the track;” known to
be one of the fastest in the world,
reaching speeds over 90 mph.
Before the fatal crash, concerns
about the track had risen, such
as the wooden protective devices
where too short and needed to be
lengthened to protect lugers.
As news spread of this sud-
den accident, people have been
searching all over the internet for
the video and the horrific images
of the fatal luge crash.
Is this appropriate? The incident
occurred in shockingly public
fashion, but shouldn’t people be
respecting Kumaritashvili’s fam-
ily and let his death be personal
and private.
I understand that the death was
shown on national television be-
cause the constant coverage of
the Olympics, but is it really nec-
essary for websites to post the ter-
rifying images and video?
Youtube has prohibited users
from posting the video on their
site. This shows respect towards
Kumaritashvili, and, most impor-
tantly, his family. I will admit that
I have seen the devastating video.
I was amazed, yet impressed at
how incredibly hard it was for me
to find it.
Although I did watch this ac-
cident through the internet, I
must say that it is Kumaritashvili
and his family’s right to privacy;
therefore, it should be taken off
private websites.
Would you want videos of a
family member’s death on the
internet for the world to see, con-
stantly reminding you of the up-
setting memory? No, a death is
personal; it’s time for people to
keep Kumaritashvili’s that way.
Dragon’s Tale
Grapplers fail to repeat
By Rachel Glago
Despite the take-downs and pins,
the wrestlers were unable to de-
fend their 2 year SCL champion-
ship title, ending their season in
4th place last Saturday at Windsor.
“It was sort of disappoint-
ing to come in 4th instead of
1st, but we gave it our best,
and that’s what matters,”
stated senior Alberto Bandt.
Contributing to the 4th place
finish were first place seniors
Evan Murden at 121 pounds,
Steven Murden at 127 pounds;
in second place, senior Jordan
Winslow at 137, juniors Aus-
tin Rose at 132 and Omar Paz
at 217; in third place, fresh-
man Giordi Serafini at 105; and
in fourth place, Bandt at 114.
Though the wrestler’s did
not make NCS as a team,
the 7 individual top finishers
will travel to Newark Memo-
rial High School to represent
SVHS in the NCS duals on Fri-
day and Saturday of this week.
“It was kind of sad to think
that was our last league cham-
pionship. Every year, we just
think there is always next year
Kansas primed for playoff push
By Ben Graff
With conference play nearly
completed, and March Mad-
ness just around the corner, col-
lege basketball is in full swing.
Unlike most years, there
are at least seven or eight
teams who could easily make
a run to the national title.
These teams include Duke from
the ACC, Georgetown, Syracuse,
Villanova, and West Virginia
from the Big East, Michigan
State, Purdue, and Ohio State
from the Big Ten, Kansas and
Kansas State from the Big 12
and Kentucky from the SEC.
Kansas, who is currently
ranked number one in the nation,
Alec Berthoud, junior, delivers a pitch in a recent scrimmage.
Sports
Joey Lee, senior, prepares to take down an opponent in a recent match.
and the year after, but now it’s
over for us seniors,” comment-
ed co-captain Steven Murden.
Seeded first for NCS is co-
captain Evan Murden, second is
Steven Murden, fifth is Winslow,
and sixth is Bandt. Rose, Paz,
and Serafini were not seeded for
NCS but hope to make a suc-
cessful appearance this weekend.
As the Dragon’s season comes
to an end, so does long time
coach, Deets Winslow. After
is the favorite to win it all. They
return point guard Sherron Col-
lins and big man Cole Aldrich
from last year’s Final Four team,
and are getting big contributions
from freshman Xavier Henry.
Kentucky, considered by
many to be the second best
team in the country, is talent-
ed, but young, which could be
costly come tournament time.
They are led by freshmen John
Wall and DeMarcus Cousins.
Purdue is an extremely ex-
perienced team who has
loads of talent, and is com-
ing around after a slow start.
Their top two players are guard
E’Twaun Moore, and versa-
tile forward Robbie Hummel.
Photo by James Fanucchi
Page 7
coaching for over 20 years, he
is giving up his head coach po-
sition to his assistants, Kyle
Baird and Glen Geesman.
“I think that Deets is the best
coach in this area. I wouldn’t
be the wrestler or the person
I am today without him. He
has helped my brother and I a
lot throughout high school,”
admitted Steven Murden.
Agreeing with his brother,
Evan Murden states that, “He
In a deep Big East, it is tough
for any one team to stand out,
but Syracuse and Villanova are
doing just that. Syracuse is led
by transfer student Wes Johnson
and their stifling 2-3 zone, and
Villanova is led by experienced
point guard Scottie Reynolds.
While Duke is a very talented
team, they have been inconsis-
tent at times this year. While
they have the “Big Three,” in
Jon Scheyer, Nolan Smith and
Kyle Singler, they have bad
losses at NC State and Geor-
gia Tech and were blown out
on the road at Georgetown.
Outside of the top ten teams,
there are several dark horses to
keep an eye on who could do
Springing
By Victor Vazquez
Spring is here and in comes
a slough of sports to be played.
Baseball, softball, boys’ golf,
track and field, plus swimming
are starting up this spring and
there are high hopes for all.
Baseball is looking to be
very competitive this year as a
dominant pitching staff includ-
ing seniors Jeremy Branconi,
Ben Graff, Nate Swanson, and
Charlie Watson. Along with
the strong crop of pitchers is a
good mix of returning seniors
and enthusiastic juniors ready
to make names for themselves
in the SCL. The Dragons will
face tough league opponents in
Casa Grande and Analy. former Keeley Ray, senior.
Nick Spector, Nathaneal Har-
gitt and others lead this year’s
track and field effort. Hargitt, a
team captain, is among the SCL
leaders in the 100-meter hurdle.
Spector, coming off a great
cross-country season, is poised
to do very well this season.
Sonoma will be competing with
Photo by Joe Gilmore
has changed my whole high
school career and my life.
The wrestling program will
not be the same without him.”
On their way to NCS,
the wrestler’s hope to have
at least three State quali-
fiers this year, if not more.
With only a few matches left in
this years season, the Dragon’s
want to blow away the North
Coast Section with their fo-
cus, dedication, and fiery spirit.
major damage come March.
New Mexico and BYU, each
currently ranked in the top 15, are
both rolling through the Moun-
tain West schedule. Both have
only three losses on the year,
and will most likely earn high
seeds in the NCAA tournament.
In a conference dominated an-
nually by Gonzaga, St. Mary’s of
Moraga is not currently ranked
in the top 25, but is 21-5 and has
a great shot at earning a tourna-
ment berth, and could surprise
some fans when they get there.
With tournament time on its
way, there are sure to be many
more upsets, and many more wins
by big time programs on the way,
it is sure to be an exciting finish.
into action
an always-tough Petaluma team
for the SCL title.
Boys’ golf, led by junior AJ
Viterelo and sophomore Alex
Connor hope for big things this
season. Boys’ golf home match-
es will all be played at Sonoma
Golf and Country Club.
Dominic Amara and the
Dragon boys swim team is
looking to rebound after the
loss of standout grad Dylan
Hamilton. The Lady Dragon
swimmers look to compete
with their vast experience, and
are led by Liz Lawlor, senior.
Softball looks to be a
team on the rise this season
with many returning start-
ers including All-League per-
The Lady Dragons will face
tough opponents in Petalu-
ma, Casa Grande, and Analy.
Spring is going to be a
very exciting time, so hope-
fully you won’t be too busy
to check out a game or two
of the great Dragon athletics
that are coming up this spring.
February 2010

Slownoma becomes official slowgan
By Troy Cameron,
Peter Armstrong, and
Clark Campion
Congratulazioni Sonoma,
primo Cittaslow di Stati Uniti
d’America. With the arrival of
an official Italian delegation,
Sonoma secured its position as
the first Slow City in the United
States of America.
Standing in opposition to the
burgeoning conventions of fast
food, the Slow Food Movement
seeks to supplant homogene-
ity and the globalization of our
towns and cities. This movement
has pioneered an entire Slow
culture. One that cherishes indi-
viduality, local agriculture, and
healthy eating.
“If you want to hang on, you
better speed up,” comments Pro-
fessor Guttorm Floistad, Slow
Movement activist. “That is the
message today… In order to
master changes, we have to re-
cover slowness, reflection and
togetherness.” This is exactly
Your unofficial slate ballot
Slate Slate Slate Slate
1 2
“What seperates us from other
slates is our passion to have with
with and make positive changes
for the school, and to stand out.”
- Natalia Minatta
(Student Voice)
Other Members:
Adam Kohut
KC Jeppesen
Vitus Mortensen
(not pictured)
Dragon’s Tale
Peter Armstrong intervies Pier Giorgio, President of Cittaslow international.
what Sonoma aims to do.
It was Sonoma’s initiative that
claimed the title of Cittaslow.
The city actively sought to join
an international family, span-
ning 124 different locations.
Cittaslow evaluates membership
based on 55 stringent criteria,
loosely divided into six areas.
The main focus is on the qual-
ity of public life along with
strong agricultural and environ-
mental roots. Local production
is encouraged in accompaniment
with Slow Food awareness.
“Slate 2 will work diligently to
improve the school experience of
the students here at SVHS, mak-
ing your day to day classes more
enjoyable.”
- Gus Bolen
(Student Voice)
Other Members:
Krysta Young
Maeve Greenberg
Walter Aldana
News
Photo by Clarke Campion
“Sonoma already embraced the
idea of Slow Food, we just made
it official,” stated Pier Giorgio
Oliveti, Cittaslow International
Secretary General.
Sonoma was already heeded
internationally as a bastion of
viticulture, among other culi-
nary accolades. This made for a
simple transition into the Slow
City lifestyle.
Sonoma juried for applica-
tion on Nov. 28, 2009 and was
accepted, with a low-key cel-
ebration on Jan. 27, 2010. The
3 4
“We won’t get second because
second is the first loser.”
- Jenna Wirick
(Student Voice)
Other Members:
Doris Martinez
Jordan Albertson
Carrie Payne
(not pictured)
Uncharted Sonoma
Things you didn’t know about your hometown
While we are all likely famil-
iar with the Lisa Kirstine photo
gallery located adjacent to the
Basque Boulangerie on the Plaza,
few know of the wonders con-
tained within. Lisa Kristine, a
San Francisco based photogra-
pher specializing in images of re-
mote indigenous peoples, began
Page 8
process of approval can take
Caught in
anywhere from 6 months to 3
years, depending on the merits
Thought:
of the applicant. Sonoma had
very few adjustments to make in
order to meet the demands.
What sport would
To mark the occasion, a lavish you add to the
spread was on display for the at-
tendants of Sonoma’s Slow Food Olympic Games?
christening. Reporters were treat-
ed to a plethora of Italian dishes:
crustini di fagioli, torta rustica,
and frittele di risotto, all in fine
fashion. Slow Soup Supper also
catered to the public; offering a
taste of local soup, bread, and
cheese for a scant $5.
Thus, Slow City has emerged
as the latest cultural fad in an
ever-urbanizing world. With
the designation of Sonoma as
the first Slow City in America,
we have taken steps toward a
more independent community in “Tennis... with the
which cultural identity takes pre-
cedence over rapid gratification.
ball on fire.”
In the end, Sonoma has proved
that speed is not a virtue; rather, Courtney Struthers,
it is an all too common vice.
freshman
“Log rolling.”
Hans Olsen,
sophomore
“Our slate is committed to em-
powering the disenfranchised to
rebuilding the school’s dignity,
and to protecting student inter-
ests in this menacing economic
climate.”
- Luther Cenci
(Financial Advisor)
Other Members:
Alex Moore
Emma McGee
“Chocolate
Jeremiah Zelaya
eating.”
Vitus Mortensen,
junior
showcasing her work in 1988 and
has since photographed natives of
more than 60 countries, primarily
in Asia, Africa, and the Middle
East. The gallery is open seven
days a week from 10am-6pm, in-
viting all to appreciate and learn
from Kristine’s colorful and emo-
tion filled photographs.
“Cookie eating!”
Tori Phelan, senior
February 2010