It is almost here! Students can smell the salty ocean, taste the sweet watermelon, hear the crashing waves, and see the bright and shining sun. As students study and prepare for finals, all they can think about is summer. With only one week left, summer is on the tips of their fingertips. The countdown has begun as students enter their last week of school.

This week, the distribution of yearbooks excited students as they went around signing each other’s and glancing back at the 2009-2010 school year.  Next week with finals, all students want to do is complete the end of the year exams and leave! But not until all exams are completed and the bell has rung, school will have officially ended and summer will officially begin.

For students summer means relaxation, freedom, and no worries about tests or loads of homework. The beginning of summer leaves students looking forward to two months of pure relaxation and the chance to soak up some rays.

For some students, they have the opportunity to travel to amazing places during their summer vacation. Places such as Paris, Rome, Japan, Australia, and tropical islands are popular destinations during July and August.

For freshman Melis Gunay, she plans on having a busy summer, “This summer I’m going to Turkey for 2 weeks with my family. I am also playing lots of tennis, doing community service, and of course hanging out at the beach.”

Besides hitting the beach and tanning, students can catch up on sleep. After waking up Monday through Friday in the early morning hours, students want to do nothing but recharge their bodies with sleep.

“I can’t wait to sleep in everyday in the summer, waking up at 6 in the morning for zero period became really tiring after a while,” said junior Jessica Beyer.

So that’s it, summer is almost here and it sure will be great. Just stay focused until the last bell of the school year rings. Have a great summer!

So how about them Lakers? Once again reliving the age-old Celtics/Lakers rivalry, the series is tied at 1-1 after two Laker home games. But do they have what it takes to beat the Celtics on their home court?

“The Lakers can beat anyone, anywhere,” said freshman Eli Kiani, “Kobe is awesome.”

One of the major aspects of the next game will be the officiating. After the past two games, nobody knows what to expect. The first game was an incredibly physical game; Ray Allen was handicapped throughout by a high foul count, and some of the players looked as though they were about to exchange blows. Then game two comes around, and every bit of contact came with the sound of a whistle. Now, as game three approaches, who knows what to expect?

The second key of game three will be limiting production of Ray Allen. Phil Jackson seemed to think that this was directly related to the officiating; when asked about Fisher’s defense, Phil Jackson was expressed the belief that it was directly related to the officiating. “When they take away any bumps when Fish is trying to make him divert his path and they don’t allow him to do that and they call fouls on Fish, that really gives [Allen] an opportunity to take what ever route he wants to take off on the pickers. That makes it very difficult,” Jackson explained. With eight three pointers in Game 2, Allen carried the team from beyond the arc, and freed up teammates for easy baskets.

The last key to the Laker’s success is the trio of Jordan Farmar, Lamar Odom and Shannon Brown. In game one the Laker’s bench provided more than just a spark; they were the fuel behind the opening charge. With Kobe making things work, and Gasol putting up big numbers, the quickness and speed provided largely by Farmar and Brown has helped the Lakers out in this series. Odom, however, has had a rough time of it, and has only scored eight points so far in the series. If their bench production increases, the Celtics will have a tough time stopping the Lakers.

With game three tonight, the Lakers will have their hands full. Go to http://www.nba.com/lakers/schedule/index.html for more information on their schedule

With California elections coming up On June 8th it is important for students to know what may soon become law.  Some Corona del Mar students will be able to vote for their first time next Tuesdays, some wish they could and according to voter trends, even more could care less.  Nonetheless, this article is meant to inform CdM students of the upcoming propositions.

Proposition 13:

Proposition 13 is a minor revision to the famous California initiative passed in 1978.  The original law was a land mark reform of California property tax that set the tax rate at exactly 1% of total purchasing price of a home.  The revision on Tuesday makes it so that property value is not reassessed after owners retrofit new earthquake safety mechanisms in their buildings.

The proposition is virtually unopposed.  In fact, the Secretary of State released no counter argument to the bill in the Official Voter Information Guide.  This proposition is expected to pass.

Proposition 14:

This law establishes open primaries in California.  Currently, California has a closed primary, which means that when voting a California residents can only vote for a primary candidate in the party they are registered for.  This applies to both federal and state elections.  Under an open primary registered voters can vote for whichever candidate they want, regardless of party.  Proposition 14 will not effect elections for the presidency.

Proponents of this this proposition typically site the fact that this will increase voter participation in California.  They also believe that by having a more open primary partisanship will decrease.  Opponents believe that, because the law would allow candidates to withhold their party on the ballot which would encourages business as usual politics.  The proposition will also make the voting process slightly mroe expensive, because changes will have to be made to voting procedures.

Proposition 15:

The California Fair Elections Act repeals the ban on public funding of California candidates.  Currently no state money is given to candidates seeking office in California.  This law would allow candidates to apply for a grant provided they are willing to accept restrictions on campaign spending and private contributions.

Proponents of the act argue that politicians currently spend too much time trying to fund raise  and not enough time make the lives of Californian’s better.  They also believe that candidates receive too much money from special interest groups, influencing their decisions.  They says that, “Campaigns should be won, not bough by special interests.”  Opponents to act argue that it is wrong for taxpayer’s money to be used in political campaigns and that the amount of money can be increased without voter approval.  They aslo say that proposition 15 is “full of hidden loopholes” however no specifics are given.  While proponents point out the fact that the act does not increase taxes, opponents argue that because proposition 15 increases spending it will inevitably lead to more taxes in a state that is already struggling to make ends meet.

Proposition 16:

The Taxpayers Right to Vote Act requires that in order to provide or expand electricity services to new customers, local governments must get a 2/3 vote from voters in a community.  In California approximately 24% of utilities are publicly owned, this proposition only affects these providers.  In layman’s terms in order for local governments to use “public funds” (defined loosely), local municipalities must get a 2/3 vote from the community.  The act has an unknown impact on state and local budgets.

Proponents of the act stress that the law gives more rights to the people because they have a say in how their local governments will spend money.  They believe that this is extremely important especially considering current economic times.  Opponents claim that the act will drastically limit one’s choice for an electrical provider, reducing competition; albeit without giving specifics as to how or why this would happen.  The “reductions monopoly on electricity” would increase the price of electricity for California’s residents.

Proposition 17:

Proposition 17 will allow auto insurance companies to offer a discount to drivers who have maintained their auto insurance coverage, regardless of whether they have changed providers.  It also allows companies to raise rates on those who have no history of auto insurance coverage.

Proponents argue that this will make insurance more affordable for the 80% of responsible drovers in California.  This is due to the fact that currently drivers can be penalized and lose their discounts by changing insurance companies.  Opponents dismiss this completely as a fallacy saying that the act will raise insurance rates on responsible drivers and will hurt the middle class.

On Tuesday, June 8th Newport Beach’s first Chipotle Mexican Grill will open for business in the Bluffs shopping center. The restaurant is located in the old location of Baja Fresh, which went out of business last year. This highly sought after fast food chain is expected to see a large number of customers on opening day. On the social networking site Facebook, the event “new CHIPOTLE store opening!” has nearly 2,000 confirmed guests and another 500 who may attend.

Chipotle is a Mexican fast food restaurant famous for its large “gourmet” burritos and natural ingredients. While the chain offers many other foods the burritos are by far its most popular item with 47% of customers buying the item. The second most purchased are the tacos which come in at 18%.

The chain is often compared to a family owned restaurant chain, Chronic Tacos. Both restaurants serve food in a similar manner. The best way to describe this process is that they serve food in a very “Subway-esque” manner. Meaning that customers tell an employee what you would like to eat and then you choose specific ingredients in containers that can be seen from line. The end result is a completely customized meal that has been made to the customers liking.

Subway-esque

Currently Newport Beach residents must travel a far distance if they would like to get their Chipotle. The closest Chipotle is located on Harbor Blvd in Costa Mesa. The second closest store is located at the Irvine Spectrum. The new store opening will make Chipotle runs far more convenient for Newport’s residents. Junior Zach Morton said, “Chipotle is one of those places I enjoy, but never go to, because it isn’t convenient. It’s a really good thing that it’s opening.”

Chipotle is offering many promotional giveaways on opening day. The first 100 people that visit the restaurant will be receiving a free Chipotle T-shirts. Additionally, customers will be able to enter a raffle to try and win free burritos for a year. This prize will be given to only two people.

Over memorial weekend, most students went on vacation or spent their time off at Balboa Island; both of which are typical relaxing activities. For some, these three days meant nothing more than a simple glimpse of summer, an occasion devoted to soaking up the Newport sun. Yet, for about a hundred students, this time was dedicated to making a change. Over the weekend, Mariners Church hosted a camp that was more than just campfire songs and junk food.

Everyone is aware of the fact that there are many poverty-stricken areas close to Newport Beach, but only few have done something about it. Mariners Church took the initiative and chose to make a change. They created a camp over memorial weekend called Do Something Weekend, during which roughly a hundred high school students took action and made a difference. Together they became the hands and feet of Christ by bringing love to the forgotten people in our community.

Through out the three days, the student took part in many activities that brought comfort to the people who needed it most. The campers were divided into five groups based on the area in which the lived, and then they went to different places through out Orange County. Some were sent to Leisure World to spend time with the elderly, while others went to nearby neighborhoods to raise money for a campaign called Water For Water. The money donated was sent to a well in Haiti so its residents could have the clean water they desperately needed.

On Memorial Day, the majority of the students went to Camp Pendleton. Once they arrived they were confronted with the task pulling weeds at a memorial sight for the fallen soldiers in the fifth regiment of the army. For nearly three hours they beautified the memorial ground. After a pizza lunch break the students went back to work, re-mulching the ground under the hot California sun.

“By the end of the day, I was so tired of mulching,” says freshman Athena Lemay, “It was really hot outside and all I wanted to do was take a break; but I didn’t stop and it was definitely worth it. I really feel like I made a difference.”

The impact this weekend had on the community is only a start to the changes that can be made in the future. But the purpose of the weekend wasn’t to change the world, it was to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors by showing them that they are not forgotten. The students may not have saved lives or brought immediate relief to those suffering, but they offered a friendly smile and a helping hand: the things they needed most. Those that were helped are still in hard situations and the struggle for adequate survival still reigns true, but now they know that they are not alone, and through the eyes of children, they have seen a glimmer of hope that will always remain.

Memorial Day means different things to different people. To some, it is a time for speeches; to many, it is a time to remember lost family members and friends, who died defending our nation. However, often times memorial day is given little thought or importance, and is overlooked by students crossing off the days until summer. But when did this day of remembrance begin?

There have been many different accounts of the original start of “Memorial Day.” There are over two dozen cities claiming to be the “birth place” of Memorial Day. While Waterloo, New York was declared the birthplace by President Lyndon Johnson in 1966, traditions tied with the date began much earlier. The first ever Memorial Day was proclaimed by General John Logan in 1868, and the idea to wear red poppies began in 1915, when Moina Michael wrote the poem “In Flanders Fields.”

Over time, Memorial Day has lost much of its significance and its recognition. The majority of America’s youth do not know what the day holiday means, and many of our society’s older members observe the holiday as a “general day for the dead.” The individuality of the holiday has continually eroded with the National Holiday Act of 1971, which made the holiday on the “last Monday oft the month.” While this is very convenient for vacation planning, it has made the holiday just another day off, and has taken away from the traditional value of the holiday.

As the Veterans of Foreign Wars foundation said, “Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public’s nonchalant observance of Memorial Day.” Despite the general decline in respect, certain groups have continued their ceremonies, and Washington D.C. dedicated the entire day to a series of parades and dedications to the troops.

So long as people continue to fight for our freedom, this day will continue to be instilled in the hearts of those close to the war. And maybe, for all of us that have benefited from the sacrifices of others, we might pick up a small part of what it means to pay the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Left: Patrick Anderson Right: Brandon Anderson

This past weekend the Special Olympics of Southern California were held at Irvine High School. The Special Olympics are sports events that allow people with mental and developmental diseases to participate in sports events and have a chance to win medals and be awarded for their athletic and cooperative achievements.

This year’s Special Olympics proved successful with an outstanding turnout of athletes along with their friends, family, and mentors, as well as supporters of this cause, which is to promote the efficiency of all the disabled people in this community. Taking place at Irvine High School, the participants proved their athletic talents in events such as 25 meter Freestyle, Breaststroke, Backstroke and Butterfly aquatic races as well as 4×25 Freestyle and Medley relays. At the track, events such as the 50-meter, 100- meter, and 200-meter walks and runs took place as well as the Standing Long Jump, Shot-put, and Tennis Ball Throw. Athletes had the opportunity to play baseball and basketball as well.

CdM students, also brothers, eighth grader Patrick Anderson and freshman Brandon Anderson were among the participating athletes of the Huntington Beach Athletic Team last weekend. Both boys proved their athletic skills in various track and field events.

“My favorite race was the 1500 meter race because I like to run long distances,” said Brandon Anderson.

Brandon Anderson received a silver medal in the 1500-meter race as well as the 4×100 relay. He also won a bronze medal in shot put and the 200-meter race. Patrick Anderson also did extremely well winning a gold medal in the 400-meter race, a silver medal in the long jump and the 4×100 relay, and a bronze medal in the 200-meter race.

When asked about his goals for competing in these sports events, Patrick Anderson said, “I just always try to do my best.”

This is a great motto for the Special Olympics Games because it emphasizes the value of effort over winning.

“Learning and having fun are two things the athletes get out of these events,” said Maryalaine Herbert, special education employee of the Newport Mesa Unified School District.

Another NMUSD special education employee, Annette Schumann, said, “The Special Olympics is really great for the kids because it boosts their self-esteem and teaches them sportsmanship and also helps them to make friends.”

Due to their achievements the boys qualify for the Southern California Regional Special Olympics at Cal State Long Beach on June 12-13. Both boys look forward to further competing and having fun.

Japanese Promotional Poster

On Monday, May 24 the old new television series Dragon Ball Z Kai will premier in America on Nicktoons Network.  The new series was created to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Dragon Ball Z.  There will be two episodes premiering everyday for a week.

The word “kai” is Japanese for updated or modified, which is what Dragon Ball Z Kai will be.  It is an updated remastered version of the series that “defined a generation” according to FUNimation Entertainment, the Dragon Ball series’ American producer.

Strangely, Nickelodeon has now acquired the rights to Dragon Ball Z Kai.  In the past Dragon Ball Z originally aired on Cartoon Network’s hit anime block, Toonami.  Fans have had a mixed reaction to the network change.  Most agree that it is a good thing for Dragon Ball Z to be back on television, but they are unsure what to make of it being on Nickelodeon and not Cartoon Network.  Senior Jack Mulcaire said,

Traditionally the Big 3 in children’s television– Cartoon Network, Disney and Nickelodeon– have aired distinctly different types of programming.  Dragon Ball Z is a show associated with the kind of programming Cartoon Network would air.  Nickelodeon’s airing of Dragon Ball Z Kai is unprecedented.

The series will follow almost the exact same story line as the original Dragon Ball Z; however, Kai will be slightly different in many good ways. The creators took the original 291 episodes of Dragon Ball Z and reduced it to 100 episodes by taking out what is referred to as “filler.”  In the past Dragon Ball Z has been highly criticized for its excessive use of filler.  Filler is anything that the writers use to fill up space to prolong the show. It can be constituted as many things, pointless dialogues, superfluous power up scenes, the Garlic Saga*,  etc.

High Definition Kamehameha!

The creators have done this in part because they would like a version of the show that is more in accordance to the original Japanese Manga.  The original Manga did not possess many of the fillers that Dragon Ball Z incorporated.  Many fans are very happy about this.  Senior Petersen Walrod said, “I’m thankful that they took out the Garlic Saga.  If they did that the new series must be better than ever.”

In addition all the scenes have been digitally remastered to offer DBZ fans new high definition picture, sound and special effects.  The footage is all original, for the most part, although some newly drawn scenes have been added.  Dragon Ball Z fans were happy to find out that Kai is voiced entirely by the original Dragon Ball Z cast.

Many students at CdM are very excited for the new series.  Senior Jack Mulcaire has said, “It is the only thing I have to look forward to in the near future.”  Another Senior Sean Lee is hosting a Dragon Ball Z Kai premier get together at his house Monday.

*The Garlic Saga is an extended filler lasting more than 10 episodes that is widely unpopular.

In 1981, the very first case of HIV/AIDS was reported. 20 years later, in 2001, 6,984 people had been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Orange County and  50% of them had died. In more recent years, medication has allowed people living with HIV to live longer lives; however in 2006, Orange County had a 79% increase in HIV/AIDS cases.

When we think of HIV/AIDS we think of third world countries devastated by poverty. Yet, somehow the vast number of HIV/AIDS patients in our own county go unnoticed.

On May 22, The 24th Annual Orange County AIDS Walk will be held at The Great Park in Irvine.  Aids Services Foundation is the lead organization that sets the walk in motion. ASF works in our community to help those living with HIV/AIDS as well as providing educational and emotional support to the children of HIV/AIDS patients, specifically in Orange County. Their goal is to raise awareness and support for the HIV/AIDS community in our area.

If you are interested in taking part in the OC AIDS 5K  Walk, you can register online at aidswalkorangecounty.com. The standard registration fee is $25.00, however for those 25 and under, the fee is waved. Walkers are strongly encouraged to get sponsors, whether it be family, friends or neighbors, all donations are extremely appreciated.

The money raised from the OC AIDS Walk will be split between the several following organizations, one being the aforementioned ASF.

The Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team-  provides mental health services, and testing and counseling for at-risk Pacific Islanders in Orange County.

The Center OC -  provides prevention education, testing, and counseling, and mental health services for HIV positive individuals, will also be receive donations.

Mercy House – a transitional housing program available to homeless HIV/AIDS patients who live in Orange County

Orange County Cornerstone Outreach -  provides physical, financial, and mental health assistance to those living with HIV/AIDS and those affected by it.  OC Cornerstone Outreach also supplies prevention education, food, toiletries, diapers, and school supplies.

The Public Law Center AIDS Legal Assistance Project -  provides legal services to those living with HIV/AIDS, such as estate and will planning, immigration, bankruptcy, discrimination, employment, health care access, and housing issues.

Shanti Orange County, Straight Talk Clinic, Inc. , and the Health Education Department at the University of California, Irvine will also share in the donations.

It’s time to put on some tennis shoes, grab a water bottle, and join the rest of your community in a good cause!

As spring arises, flowers, bloom and new beginnings form. It may seem like any other seasonal change, but in the city of Newport Beach, one festival comes that brings an audience of 35,000. Over 350 different films varying from foreign to cartoon are shown throughout the theaters of Newport Beach. This year, hosted on April 22-29, people from all over the world came together for this famous event.

“I saw the 3D surf film at Lido theater. It was so gnarly,” said junior Hunter Bilotti.

The festival also reaches out to the community through the outreach program. Local non-profit organizations pair up with a film and raise awareness on a needed cause such as environmental issues, health concerns,  or child care.

“Its really great that these films come because it allows the community to find areas of concern that need help,” senior Rachel Sherman said.

In addition to the out reach program, the starlight from Hollywood is shown among the people of Newport Beach. Stars, some from the movies themselves, come to see the  premiere of their film, so keep your eyes open for next year CDM because you may just be sitting next to the humble star of the film. Following the event around 12 am, special VIP part opportunities are available to people in the audience.

“I got asked to go to a part after the movie i went to see. I felt so special,” said junior Maddie Turner.

Fundraisers, stars, and independent films fill the Newport theaters for a mere five days. People from all over the world come to the beautiful beaches of Newport for this incredible viewing. Who needs the Sundance Film Festival when we have access to one right here? Don’t miss the next viewing CDM, because it surely will be unforgettable.