‘Chavez Ravine: An L.A. Revival’ A Los Angeles Love Story
Posted on February 26, 2015 by Abril Chuvac in Entertainment
Peter Galindo
Chronicle Repoter
Wednesday is about the time people try to start figuring out their weekend plans. If you are thinking of going out and want to watch a play that gives an insight into some Los Angeles history while showing it in an interesting way, go watch “Chavez Ravine: An L.A. Revival.” This play is a redone version of the Culture Clash’s original “Chavez Ravine,” which first premiered at the Mark Taper Forum in 2003.
The Culture Clash is a theater group consisting of Chicanos Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas, and Herbert Siguenza. It was founded in 1984 and is a theater troupe that focuses on comedy and satire while targeting political and social issues that primarily affect the Mexican-American community.
Chavez Ravine tells the story of how a housing community that was primarily consisting of a large hispanic population, with the exception of a few other races, was taken and turned into the famous Dodgers Stadium leaving many people having to leave their homes and forcibly taken out as their home was demolished shortly thereafter. This play manages to keep its audience entertained by poking fun at some extremely important figures at the time, such as former Los Angeles mayor Norris Poulson, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. These jokes do not get in the way of the messages that the play is trying to convey about the beginning of the gentrification of Los Angeles.
Some of the most enjoyable parts were a couple of instances where the troupe broke the fourth wall. This play kept me engaged to the end, just when people may start to get a bit bored with too much exposition, it gets interesting and it never disappoints. This is a great way to learn about Los Angeles history, especially if your family was in Los Angeles around the 1950s and lived through this. To those who do not have weekend plans yet, this is where to go. Buy tickets at http://www.centertheatregroup.org/
The play runs through till March 1st so pick up those tickets fast!
Caught Red Handed
Posted on February 25, 2015 by Amaany Ruiz in News
Amaany Ruiz
Felipe de Bedout
Chronicle Reporters
Fame Health Club hosted the “Caught Red Handed” campaign to promote better nutritional choices. Students and staff attended an open optional challenge held during lunch Feb. 25.
They signed up and pledged to make better eating habits and stay off chips and/or soda whether it be for a set goal of a day, week or month.
The campaign was held to bring awareness to the risks and issues of having an unhealthy lifestyle. When the goal is set, a student or staff member can then choose to pick a healthy option of food without being limited to an easy bag of chips during their “chip fast”.
The club hopes to inform students and staff about what the risks of eating high quantities of sodium that are found in chips and soda.
Fame Health Club adviser and health/life skills teacher, Randall Fenderson said, ” We hope for teens to raise their level of awareness about what they are eating. They should avoid processed foods.” They also want to raise awareness to adults so that they can make better nutritional choices and empower students.
The club’s president and TCA senior, Wendy Siguenza said, “We hope that we can teach students and adults about what they are consuming.” “This is not just limited to students, because adults can show the example.” “Without a proper example of eating right, students will not make proper nutritional choices either.”
Fame Health Club will teach students the risk of eating processed foods like chips. In the long run, these foods can cause high blood pressure and other health problems. Wendy said, “whatever you consume, has an effect on the inside and outside.”
Students and staff will continue to try to meet their goals and not get “caught red handed” (eating chips or drinking soda) in hopes to help others to make better nutritional choices.
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Mean girls with smartphones
Posted on February 23, 2015 by Ana Amador in Entertainment
Ana Amador
Chronicle Reporter
“The DUFF” movie, while a little too generic, achieved it’s main purpose as a comedy: to make its’ audience laugh. The movie was released friday 21 and follows Biancas’ Senior year of high school when she realizes that she is the DUFF. The DUFF stands for designated ugly fat friend and describes the least attractive person in the group of friends. When her childhood friend Wesley (Robbie Amell), the football team captain, tells her that she’s the DUFF in her group of friends Bianca decides to take action.Bianca’s group of friends consists of Casey (Bianca A. Santos) and Jess (Skyler Samuel).
Bianca and her friends get along great until Bianca gets mad at them because they never pointed out to her that she’s the DUFF, her friends think that’s ridiculous and Bianca ends up spending her Senior year of high school all by herself. Wesley comes to the rescue after Bianca asks him to teach her how to not be a DUFF in exchange for her help with chemistry class. Wesleys steps to not being a DUFF result in some pretty comical situations. The plot is driven by Biancas’ internal turmoil and the constant bullying from mean-girl, and Wesleys on-and-off girlfriend, Madison (Bella Thorne).
The movie was directed by Ari Sandel and was expectantly mainstream with its’ cinematography. The acting in this movie is believable enough considering the characters the cast played were just everyday teenagers, with simple feelings, and not hard characters to convey. The soundtrack is fairly mainstream with songs like Jealous by Nick Jonas and #selfie by the chainsmokers.
The movie uses a lot of graphics to show the viewers what’s going on with the characters’ social media because phones and social media are Madisons’ bullying tools and that pretty much drives the conflict of the story.
In the incorporation of phones and social media “The DUFF” modernizes your typical teen movie. There’s still the football captain, the attractive mean girl, and the slightly less attractive loser girl but instead they all have an instagram accounts. The movie isn’t bad; it is funny and it’s a nice movie but it won’t make much of an impact. “The DUFF” is your everyday feel-good comedy, as long as you can understand the social media references.
http://theduffmovie.com/
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_duff/
At the Premiere: Hot Tub Time Machine 2
Posted on February 23, 2015 by Hovhannes Maghakyan in Entertainment
Hovhannes Maghakyan
Chronicle Reporter
Before I went to the premiere of Hot Tub Time Machine 2, I thought it was going to be really easy to get in and that I’d be meeting many celebrities, but that wasn’t the case, partially. I first walked in to see that the actors were already on the red carpet and it was completely covered with people effectively making it useless to try to see the actors.
After finding out where the line is, I made my way hoping it wasn’t too long and that I’d wait very little. This was not the case as the line stretched over two blocks. My hopes quickly diminished as I thought that it would be near impossible to get a ticket. The line actually went pretty fast and I got near the front of the line in about 30 minutes tops. When I was near the front of the line, I saw Sam Lerner who played Quinn Goldberg in the movie Project Almanac.
I got my ticket and was ushered across the street and toward the movie theater. Everyone went behind where the red carpet was located so it was impossible to see any actors that might have been on the red carpet. Getting closer to the theater showed that there were tons of security. I passed some nicely dressed people that may or may not have been actors or actresses as I couldn’t recognize any of them.
Inside the theater, it was packed. There was barely any leg room and everyone was constantly moving as to not cause a ruckus. The theater was giving free popcorn and drinks so I didn’t have to sign up for financial aid in order to pay for it which is pretty cool. After getting popcorn and water (none of that sugary crap) I was making my way to the balcony seats when I saw Chris Pratt. For those who don’t know who he is, he’s the actor who played Peter Quill, or StarLord, in Guardians of the Galaxy. He was talking to fans and taking a couple of pictures before he left abruptly stating “there’s got to be a last picture” to the fans who couldn’t get pictures with him.
The movie itself was very funny and enjoyable but the first movie needs to be seen in order to fully enjoy this sequel. The audience seemed to be really into the movie as they laughed at the funny parts and got emotional at the deeper scenes. After the movie finished, the crowd erupted in applause. Many people started exiting as did I and the main floor was chaotic once more. As I was exiting the theater, I saw many people flocking to my right so, generally curious, I look to my right and I see Adam Scott who is one of the newer actors who wasn’t in the original movie. He replaces John Cusack and plays his son Adam Jr. in the sequel.
Overall this was a very fun experience and this being my first time, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the movie. If given the chance to do this all over again, I would in a heartbeat. Hopefully in the future I can go to more of these premieres and be able to report on how much fun they are and how everyone should go to at least one in their lifetime.
Senior Breakfast 2015
Posted on February 22, 2015 by Estefania Valencia in News
Estefania Valencia
Chronicle Reporter
Seniors had their annual Senior Breakfast this past Friday, Feb. 20 at Dave & Buster’s located at the Hollywood and Highland Shopping Center.
This location was changed from last year’s venue which was The Hard Rock Café. Elizabeth C. Payne, PAM counselor, was in charge of organizing the event. Seniors were asked to meet at the location at 8 am sharp and were required to bring their I.D. cards. A list made by administration contained the names of the students permitted to attend the event.
Once inside, students were led to the buffet area where they were free to choose from a menu which included: bacon, potatoes with bell pepper, eggs, bagels, fruits and pastries. Unfortunately, there was a minor setback when the food ran out and employees had to rush to serve students. Afterwards, students were able to play at the arcade with the cards they purchased at the Student Store prior to the event.
There were mixed feelings about the way the Senior Breakfast turned out but it seems that many seniors were unsatisfied with the outcome. Between the lack of food and the poor quality of it, many seniors left grumbling. Regardless, a few admit that they did enjoy themselves, if only because they were able to have fun with their friends. Yelitza Ornelas, SAS senior, said, “The only fun thing was playing and spending time with friends but the food was honestly not worth it.”
Isabel Quintero, a girl like you
Posted on February 22, 2015 by Kiyoshi Koiwai in Entertainment
Angie Quintanilla
Chronicle reporter
Author Isabel Quintero is a writer, poet, and English professor who tore down barriers with her novel “Gabi, a Girl In Pieces.” Quintero won several awards for her debut novel: William C. Morris Award, the Tomas Rivera Award, and is in the Best-of Young Adult Book List of 2014.
Quintero visited the Will and Ariel Durant Library on Thursday March 20, 2014.
Quintero said, “Gabi, a Girl In Pieces” took about seven years to write and to publish because she originally intended for it to be a poetry style book. An agent urged her to change it to a novel so she had to edit and change the vernacular of that of a teenage girl. Quintero said she did not struggle with this change because she has “many young nieces and nephews and a friend’s daughter helped with edit[s].”
Certain publishers rejected Quintero, but she emphasised more on the surrealness of her success. She said it is “almost like an out of body experience. I’m in LA for writing this book”.
She also mentions how the main character, Gabi, is based on her life as a teenager and her dreams to be someone else. The book addresses some of feminism ideas Quintero faced as an adolescent. For example, in the novel, Gabi is conflicted when she has feelings for a boy but already has a boyfriend. Gabi is afraid of expressing her sexuality to both boys but is worried of becoming a “slut.” Quintero addresses other issues throughout the novel like teen pregnancy and identity problems.
What sets Quintero’s novel apart is it focuses on Mexican-American culture. It has many Spanglish (Spanish-English) terms, cultural references and accurately depicts the life of a Mexican teenager. The fact that Gabi is a poet and an all-around intelligent girl while a minority is different yet inspiring.
“It is difficult to connect when you do not see yourself in the book,” Quintero said. “People of color have been writing for a very long time. Not just two years ago.”
“I teach so I do not write 8 hours a day… I just carry a Moleskin around and write something” Quintero said in response to some questions regarding her writing routine. Quintero ended her presentation with an excerpt from the novel.
Fagan Wins Inspirational Teacher Award
Posted on February 18, 2015 by Amaany Ruiz in News
Amaany Ruiz
Chronicle Reporter
The United Way of Greater Los Angeles partnered with LAUSD to commemorate teachers as outstanding instructors. LAUSD hosted a second annual selection of 25 inspirational teachers from the district. The LAUSD teachers that qualified received the Inspirational Teachers Award.
United Way wanted to celebrate LAUSD teachers on working hard to improve student success. Nominees for the award needed to show excellent classroom instructing methods that used education to prevent poverty.
English and NMA lead teacher, Carolyn Fagan, was among one of the 25 selected nominees who received the award.
“When I found out I was nominated by a student, I had no idea,” said Fagan. “I was surprised and flattered because it was nice to be recognized.”
Fagan said that it is important to recognize that Hollywood teachers work together as a team.
“It’s easier to be a good teacher when you work with great teachers and good kids,” said Fagan. “It is nice to know that what I do, impacts students in a good way.”
Fagan said that working as a Hollywood team helps students improve and pushes teachers to be the best educators so that their students can excel.
These teachers are commemorated for improving graduation rates and academic excellence by exceeding the limit of classroom instruction and hard work. United Way will continue to celebrate teachers because they improve education and go above and beyond.
Fifty shades doesn’t live up to the book
Posted on February 18, 2015 by Abril Chuvac in Entertainment
Maria Montiel
Abril Chuvac
Chronicle Reporters
The most talked about buzz of the week goes to Fifty Shades of Grey. This adaptation of the book written by E. L. James, was directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson.
Fifty Shades of Grey is an erotic romance novel that was published in 2011. It follows Anastasia Steele (a college graduate), that falls for a business magnate, Christian Grey. Wrongly mistaken as a normal romance novel ( in which the woman slowly falls for a man who might not be in the same league as her) turns out to be anything but. Anastasia falls for Christian fast and she gets involved in a fairly more complicated relationship than most movies depict.
Christian has only been in relationships in which he is the one in control, the one who has the power during erotic relationships. The women is supposed to give up her freedom and follow his orders. Anastasia, on the other hand, has never been in any type of normal relationship much less erotic. She is stuck in choosing between a “vanilla” relationship with any other person or an erotic one with Christian.
Many people went to watch this film expecting to see an racy film (considering it was rated R), though it was more of a romance film than anything else. There were only very few scenes, about 16% of the film, that were too intimate but, 84% of the film was decent enough to be a PG – 13 rated movie.
Although compared to the book, the film did not live up to the full expectations, there were many scenes, in which Christian gave information about his life and the reason as to why he lives the life he does, that were taken out. The most information that was given about him was that he had a rough beginning that led to his adoption into the Grey family.
The book brought a better imagination and understanding of the plot than the film. The actors did an okay job in portraying Anastasia and Mr. Grey. Dakota Johnson, who played the role of Anastasia Steele, portrayed her very accurately as described in the novel, she was shy, trustworthy, independent, and curious. Jamie Dornan, who played Christian Grey, did not portray Mr. Grey accurately at all. He came off as dull and distant Mr. Grey, rather than being a control freak who is distant and intimidating with a dark side.
Having read the book may helped out with the plot line, but any fan of romance and light “catchphrase” comedy will enjoy it. As a film it is entertaining enough that you would definitely stay to watch. It is no surprise that this movie had currently brought in $237.7 million worldwide since it came to theaters.
As the movie went on, the audience progressively gets captivated, so much so, that there was a female voice in the distance who said “WHAAAAAT?!” towards the final seconds of the movie.
We recommend that the books be read if you would like to get a much better understanding of Mr. Grey and his past. Though if you wish to just see a the film, it was pretty good as an adaptation of the book, and finished it with an unexpected cliffhanger for the new fans.
Varsity Lady Sheiks lose first game
Posted on February 17, 2015 by Ana Amador in Sports
Vanessa Centeno
Chronicle Reporter
Varsity Ladies undefeated streak ended Feb.13 at Belmont High School losing 48-43.
The girls held an undefeated record of 16 wins to zero losses until facing the Sentinels who ended it after a very intense battle.
This was the second game played against the Lady Sentinels this season, who are known as being the toughest team in their league. The Lady Sheiks won their previous game of the season against Belmont with a 16 point lead, 51-35, but couldn’t keep up this time around.
Hollywood had a 2 point lead the first quarter scoring 13 points slightly ahead of the 11 points scored by Belmont. The lead the girls had was solid most of the second half until Belmont began to take more control of the ball ending the first half with a lead.
By the end of the first half Belmont had the slightest lead of one point against Hollywood, 19-18. The second half of the game was when the ladies began to lose their game.
There were turnovers rebounds and many factors that led to our Lady Sheiks to fall behind. By the end of third quarter the Lady Sentinels had a 7 point lead of 34-27.
There was no comeback from there, our girls played the best they could but never recovered. Belmont had many steals that kept Hollywood from getting any further in the game. The game ended with a 5 point loss of 48-43.
Although coming home with the first defeat of the season the girls can keep their head up high being number 3 in their division in all of California. And in the state they are ranked team number 436.
Still proud of our girls, there will be many more games to prove themselves in as they go on into the playoffs.
Happy birthday or happy vacation?
Posted on February 17, 2015 by Jenifer Oliver in Features
Jenifer Oliver
Chronicle Reporter
The national holiday known as Presidents’ Day was celebrated this year on Feb. 16, and every third Monday of Feb. annually. Originally, in the 1800’s it was to honor George Washington’s Birthday on Feb. 22 and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on Feb. 12 was also added as part of a deal. “President’s Day” is now the nationally accepted name and has become a celebration for all presidents.
The federal holiday did not become official until the 1870’s. Initially the holiday only applied to the District of Columbia and then, in 1885 it was expanded to the whole country. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act was proposed in the late 1960’s by Congress. This law’s purpose was to change specific dates of federal holidays to a series of predetermined Monday’s. It also combined with combined Lincoln’s and Washington’s Birthday. The Act was passed in 1968 and took effect in 1971.
This holiday is seen as a patriotic celebration and remembrance. Presidents’ Day today is used as a day to stage celebrations, reenactments, and other events.
This year our current President, Barack Obama spend his weekend in California playing golf before going back to Washington D.C. He spent it with Bobby Titcomb, Mike Ramos, and Greg Orme in Porcupine Creek Golf Course in the Palm Springs area.
So thank you Washington and Lincoln for a day off!
