When I’m in Downtown Los Angeles, there's a strange feeling of euphoria that comes over me. Although the city can definitely be intimidating at first and downright terrifying at times (especially at 2 A.M east of main street) the city has a strange welcoming feeling to it, a feeling that allows you to become a part of it without even trying.
I can honestly say that I’ve learned more about people, culture, and life from spending time in the city and with the people who inhabit it as everyone there, whether they’re commuting down Figueroa street after work or having a smoke in front of their record store in Echo Park, they all have one thing in common: they’re trying to make something of themselves. It doesn't matter if they are in business or art or a little bit of both, the second you start doing your thing in LA you become a part of something truly magnificent, a melting pot of creativity and opportunity where everyone is willing to learn and everyone is willing to teach.
Within the past two years I have fully immersed myself in the city and in spending more than half my time downtown I have gained a more open mind and have experienced and learned new things that I could never in a school. I’ve also gained more opportunities in these past two years by simply being in LA than I have in my entire existence and that blows me away everytime I think about it.
If you have the mindset and the determination to do what you believe is good work, grab your keys or your bus pass and head to downtown where your options are many and opportunities limitless, don't overthink it, just do it. It’ll change your life, I promise.
I can honestly say that I’ve learned more about people, culture, and life from spending time in the city and with the people who inhabit it as everyone there, whether they’re commuting down Figueroa street after work or having a smoke in front of their record store in Echo Park, they all have one thing in common: they’re trying to make something of themselves. It doesn't matter if they are in business or art or a little bit of both, the second you start doing your thing in LA you become a part of something truly magnificent, a melting pot of creativity and opportunity where everyone is willing to learn and everyone is willing to teach.
Within the past two years I have fully immersed myself in the city and in spending more than half my time downtown I have gained a more open mind and have experienced and learned new things that I could never in a school. I’ve also gained more opportunities in these past two years by simply being in LA than I have in my entire existence and that blows me away everytime I think about it.
If you have the mindset and the determination to do what you believe is good work, grab your keys or your bus pass and head to downtown where your options are many and opportunities limitless, don't overthink it, just do it. It’ll change your life, I promise.
California's Natural Wonders
By Michelle Phan
Besides the heavy traffic and polluted air of our crowded major cities, the aesthetic that mother nature contributes to the beauty of California is truly incredible. Many people who live here don’t realize that it doesn’t get much better than the Golden State. Taking up most of the West Coast provides us with great beaches and weather. We have almost 1,000 miles of beaches along the coast and warm weather for most of the year, which you can hardly experience anywhere else. Three of our biggest cities, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, have so much to offer, which is the reason why we are visited by so many tourists coming from other states and countries.
It doesn’t take much to appreciate what you are surrounded with. Coming from and living in a city that is only 4 miles from the nearest beach, I feel as if there aren’t enough people I know who take the advantage to enjoy the beauty of nature that many in other states can’t. The environment of California is like no other, so if you haven’t done something here that has taken your breath away, go out and experience it.
It doesn’t take much to appreciate what you are surrounded with. Coming from and living in a city that is only 4 miles from the nearest beach, I feel as if there aren’t enough people I know who take the advantage to enjoy the beauty of nature that many in other states can’t. The environment of California is like no other, so if you haven’t done something here that has taken your breath away, go out and experience it.
As the days pass by, time begins to run out and the big day only gets closer and closer by the minute. For the Leuzinger Olympian Drumline Ensemble, their time begins to wind down as their first competition is only a few days away. Drumline has been working diligently on their show but the members are still very “nervous and worried about messing up,” says Sofia Villatora, the front ensemble captain and marimba player. Despite all the worrying and doubts that she has in mind, she is very “confident” that they “have what it takes to place among the top drumlines in the California region.” Possessing a more realistic judgement, Azalea Estrada, a bass player, says that drumline has taught her to “get out of [her] comfort zone” and to be “confident in everything [she] does.” One of the things she is very confident about is that the drumline will have a moment of realization at their 1st competition & can only use the judges’ comments, remarks and advice to get better and learn from their mistakes. Drumline holds their members accountable for many responsibilities that they must fulfill while still maintaining good grades and juggling their family situations and social life. “In order for this ensemble to be victorious, great effort and dedication is required from every single member,” says the percussion tech, James Chavez, “A great drumline is more than just some people working together, it is a unique combination of elements that becomes stronger together than apart.” On Saturday, February 28th, 2015, the drumline will be facing their toughest critics, the judges of ADLA. Good luck to the Leuzinger Olympian Drumline ensemble! May all of your hard work and dedication pay off as you advance further into the competition!
The environment around us has changed. It used to have trees all over but now it is mostly concrete and metal, as we evolve we slowly destroy our environment around us. We built buildings and houses over the dirt and cut down many trees only leaving few left for us to survive while the animal life is forced to survive either on our leftovers or just random junk. It is best if we could stop destroying the wildlife and actually make it. Put a park with many trees for the animals to live and for people to see how beautiful nature can be.
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Keep Our School Environment Clean
by Randy Rodas Escobar
We should keep our school environment clean because if we don’t keep it clean, seagulls will invade our school grounds. Throwing our trash away to the trash bin will prevent seagulls from coming to our school. Seagulls could carry a disease and they could probably affect students. Why leave an apple on the ground? When you can throw it to the trash bin. The worst thing about seagulls is that they can poop on you while they’re flying. Some seagulls could attack students holding food. Make sure you throw away your trash to the trash bin.
How Great Leuzinger Football Once Was
by Jose Franco
November 1, 2013
Did you know that the Leuzinger High School football team was once undefeated and won CIF in 1985? As a senior at Leuzinger a 6'2,180-pound football player named Mike Reddington, lead the Olympians to receive the 1985 southern section desert-mountain conference title and was recognized as the player of the year in the community. Reddington, once a standout athlete at Leuzinger and former all-star quarterback, was tragically killed in the apartment of a woman he had been dating at the time. Since the death of Reddington, Leuzinger football has had difficulties living up to the CIF Champion title. The best season since Reddington was in 2005 with Mike Whitt coaching. During that year, the overall record was 7-4-0 and their national rank was 2820 while their state rank was 221. In 2005 the total rushing yard in a single season record was 1414 yards. The game history types the overall record at 36-34 and non-league record at 23-32. Leuzinger Football has never really had a stable coach. The current record for the Leuzinger football team is overall 0-7, League 0-2, National Rank 13565, and State Rank is 967. Will Leuzinger ever regain their CIF title?
Volleyball Tradition
by Alexandra Cabrera
November 1, 2013
Did you know that the Leuzinger High School football team was once undefeated and won CIF in 1985? As a senior at Leuzinger a 6'2,180-pound football player named Mike Reddington, lead the Olympians to receive the 1985 southern section desert-mountain conference title and was recognized as the player of the year in the community. Reddington, once a standout athlete at Leuzinger and former all-star quarterback, was tragically killed in the apartment of a woman he had been dating at the time. Since the death of Reddington, Leuzinger football has had difficulties living up to the CIF Champion title. The best season since Reddington was in 2005 with Mike Whitt coaching. During that year, the overall record was 7-4-0 and their national rank was 2820 while their state rank was 221. In 2005 the total rushing yard in a single season record was 1414 yards. The game history types the overall record at 36-34 and non-league record at 23-32. Leuzinger Football has never really had a stable coach. The current record for the Leuzinger football team is overall 0-7, League 0-2, National Rank 13565, and State Rank is 967. Will Leuzinger ever regain their CIF title?“The most beautiful thing about coaching at Leuzinger is that everyone who played came out and played because they wanted to; I had no club members, no experienced players, and no team, everyone came for fun and to enjoy the sport.” These words of courage came from Mr. Hromadka; the man who has been a very strong supporter of the volleyball team here at Leuzinger High School since coaching the team himself for 5 years. Sadly, the volleyball team came to an end and ceased any chance for newcomers to participate. Since Hromadka last coached the team, volleyball at Leuzinger High School failed to become a topic of interest among staff members and the student body. However within the last two years Leuzinger’s volleyball club and team has made a tremendous comeback with one of Leuzinger’s very own former varsity volleyball players Mr. Le as the coach. This year the team grew in mass numbers with girls from all class levels coming out wanting to learn and play the sport. Each person on the team had a specialty and contributed greatly to the team. The team got along well and helped each other overcome any obstacles thrown at them whether it was on the court or off; they became a family. Even Hromadka’s intentions were not to become a volleyball coach for Leuzinger he took the opportunity to start something that brought people together. He stated that the best thing about coaching Volleyball was that the girls came out not knowing anything about the sport so he taught them everything he knew and watched them grow from nothing to something. Hromadka coached Mr.Le in Volleyball during his high school years and states that he was very talented and passionate about the sport. Later on, Mr. Le took the opportunity of becoming the coach for girls’ volleyball in 2012. Both current coaches, Le and Nguyen, grew up playing Volleyball making them naturals at it. They both would play whenever they could; if it was to practice or even just to get out of the house and do something active. When interviewed, Coach Nguyen stated, “I felt like the students in this community needed a new sport. The girls were the one to take the objective to start the team. Mr. Le and I supported them because anything brought to the kids for Leuzinger helps benefits them in many ways.” Volleyball teaches you many important life skills like communication and getting along with others. However, just because a sport is good for a school and community doesn’t mean it is going to stay alive. Contributors are the key to keeping the volleyball tradition as vivid as it can get. Mr. Le stated that he is not sure how long he will stay coaching but he is proud of the team and hopes to see volleyball continue to grow at Leuzinger. Will the Leuzinger volleyball team tradition keep going? When Nhi Nguyen, a current varsity volleyball player, was asked if she would coach the volleyball team here at Leuzinger she said, “I don’t think I could coach. I have a bad temper and would not be able to handle the pressure, but I would be glad to help others become a better volleyball player.” We are not sure who will uphold the coaching position in the next few years but we can see the love that the team has for each other and the sport. The Volleyball team is a family and has grown to support the tradition.
History Of BMX
by Ediberto Gonzalez
November 1, 2013
Looking back at Southern California in the 1970’s, BMX bikes became more known to civilization. During the 70s', teens were introduced to the BMX bike and a new form of racing was developed; dirt back racing. This kind of racing and riding is now very popular in the campus of Leuzinger High School. George Esser was the first person to introduce the BMX Race League to the US in 1974. The race was named The National Bicycle League because it was open to anyone and everyone in the United States. BMX riding can be very dangerous leading you to a hospital bed sooner or later. Nick Miller, a Lawndale local teenage boy, said he collided against someone on the streets causing a few injuries. “My bikes a beast” is a quote that many BMX riders live by. In June 14, 2013 the 2013 Hall of Fame was announced. The graduating class nominees were Rob Fehd, Billy Griggs, George Esser, Ron Wilkerson, and Leigh Donovan. This Ceremony was taken place September 28th and the 29th. This will also be the first ever Hall Of Fame for BMX! Soon maybe we will see someone from our community being featured in this hall of fame.
Is It the End for Leuzinger Basketball?
by Jamari Hicks
November 1, 2013
Is this the end for the Leuzinger basketball team? This is the question everybody is asking. Last year, Leuzingers’ varsity basketball team captains Eric Childress and Treyvion Anderson lead the Olympians overall record (23-9) and league (7-3) all the way to the fourth round of the CIF playoffs until their drastic loss against Orange County's Santa Margarita High School. The team still managed to make it to State Championships blowing out Hamilton High School with a final score of 58-75. However, they lost the battle against St. Augustine High School in San Diego which resulted in being kicked off the charts. This year's basketball team has a big shoe to fill but that doesn't stop them from working hard and pushing themselves to their absolute maximum in order for them to have a successful season. Captains Isaac Stell and Da’von Abner along with Coach Parvaz are pushing the players hard so that they can show improvements from last season. Lots of student supporters at Leuzinger think this upcoming season won't compare to the last four seasons but the team is working to change their minds. Last years captain Eric Childress said, “Leuzinger’s 2014 basketball team has the potential to make it to state, they just need hard work and dedicate themselves [to the sport].” When interviewing this year's captain, Da’von Abner, he showed how dedicated and confident the team is in making is to the state playoffs this year, “We are making it to state no matter how hard we have to work.” Another thing to keep in mind is the height and weight difference from last year's players to this years. Last years starting players varied from 6’0 to a whopping 6’4 tall weighing from 175-185 lbs. As of this season, the starting players vary from 5’8 to 6’3. Does the height and weight difference make a difference in the way the team will perform this season? The only way to know is to keep up with the Leuzinger basketball team as they start their journey to the CIF Championship.
Fixing the Future
by Franklin Cortez
November 1, 2013
The fixed gear bicycle has become the ultimate bike within urban bicycle riding as well as the community of Lawndale. One of the first bikes was created by Madison square in 1876 and it was named was the Penny Farthing. The first people to actually ride fixed gears were messenger boys because of their super lightweight and comfort. There are advantages to riding fixed gears, and there are also disadvantages to using these ultimate bikes. The advantages that the fixed gears have is being low on weight allowing people to traveling faster and storage for the bike can become a lot easier.As for the disadvantages; fixed gears don’t have a brake therefore making it very dangerous to ride on streets. Two students from Leuzinger High School, Evy Cruz and Brian Cruz, were asked about their bikes and why they rode fixed gears as opposed to a typical cruiser or BMX bicycle. They both expressed how they ride fixed gears because they want to do something new that nobody else can imagine.”Ride or die.” and “Fixed forever.” are quotes that allowed teenagers from all over to become one as a whole as it recruits people into a so called fixed clique. We see them all over Leuzinger High School however, in reality that number does not amount to how many people actually appreciate and enjoy the company of a sweet ride like the fixed gear.
What Happened to School Spirit?
by Alexandra Cabrera
November 24, 2013
Leuzinger? School spirit? Over the years Leuzinger students have tremendously lost school spirit. The question is “why?” Is it because the slab is no longer available to the student body? Or simply just because these students lack school pride? While looking at recent school events like the homecoming parade, homecoming dance, and spirit week, we can infer that our school generally lacks spirit all around. For example, the Homecoming Parade this year only consisted of two floats when normally there are more than 4 floats. Since 1981 students were allowed to bring cars on the track to be apart of their floats, the students were very creative and took a lot of time and energy to make there floats unique and amazing. Students would even take the time to dress up and have themes such as a Disney theme. The homecoming parade is typically an event to look forward to, however this year it was a real disappointment to the student body. Homecoming week is the plotted to be best week at school because it gives students the opportunity to dress up and show their school pride. In past years, school spirit was at Leuzinger High School was at an all time high but has recently dropped to a low minimum causing very little students to participate in school activities. The ASB spirit committee works hard to plan games and lunch activities however, not many students get involved which therefore causes the ASB committee to take precautions for a next event by not taking the time to make it extraordinary. This committee is here to keep the school gain spirit. It is hard to have many events at school due to the construction and with the slab being under construction, we do not have the right area to have a pumped-up rally. Some say that they are unaware of school events and therefore can’t participate, “ I think the school needs to advertise more and make announcements because many students are unaware of school events and they can not participate if they have no idea what is going on” said Adriana Trujillo. When asked what the school can do to improve school spirit Kim Rosas says, “ I feel like we should have more performances ,prizes, and have the upper classmen be involved”. Will this advice help Leuzingers’ school spirit rise again?