R.I.P. Chueco

Marcos Ramirez: missed but never forgotten
by Elma Gonzalez and Omar Arce

Every day twelve teenagers between the ages of 16-19 die from motor vehicle accidents. On Sunday morning, August 30, 2009, these statistics hit close to home when a former SOH Raider lost his life in a car accident. Known by his friends and family as "Chueco", Marcos Ramirez had just graduated from SOH last school year; he was barely eighteen years old. Marcos was coming back from a night out at Tijuana at about 4am, when he asked some friends to give him a ride home. As the the car drove through Camino de la Plaza, it engaged in an improvised street race with another car. According to Sgt. Delimitrios, the cars sped up and just as they approached Dairy Mart Rd. both cars - a Mercedes-Benz and a Toyota- lost control resulting in one vehicle smashing against a pole and the other rolling over to the side of the road. Although the cause of the crash is yet unclear, the fatal repercussions are all too apparent.

Last Monday, August 31, more than 200 students and alumni came together to honor Chueco's memory in a walk to Camino de la Plaza. Wearing white t-shirts, holding flowers, and carrying posters, the crowd walked for 20 minutes and once they reached their destination, an altar consisting of flowers, candles, and pictures of "Chueco" was created. Mrs. Ramirez engaged everyone in a heart warming speech in which she affirmed she "saw Marcos in the face of everyone that attended," and was very grateful for the support and solidarity given by everyone present; but most importantly she took that time to advise everyone present to "learn from this misfortune", to understand that there is only one life and it is up to us to protect it. His dad talked about Marcos' virtues, " He was a great son, he had such an easy going attitude. He never got in trouble. And he always had a great smile on." After such an accurate description of Marcos, tears started to roll out of everyone's eyes. Following these two speeches, Aldo Ramirez addressed his brother Marcos by saying, "I know you are in a better place now." The ceremony ended with one final cheer for Marcos Ramirez, " Chueco! Chueco! Chueco!"

Francisco Soto-Garcia, another alumnus of the class of 2009, was one of the persons who saw him last. "We crossed the border together after the party. He asked me If I wanted a ride. I said no thanks." He never thought that would be that last time he would see his friend Marcos -only fifteen minutes before his death.

We as teenagers sometimes do not think about the consequences of our actions, and it is only with such fatal events that we open our eyes.

Every single person who knew Marcos Ramirez could tell you that he was a great soccer player, a great friend, and that he had many good things coming his way, but the problem with life is that you never know when it will be over; for Marcos it might have been over too soon, but his death was not in vain. Raiders have developed a deep awareness of automotive safety. We now know the consequences of not taking this task seriously. As his mom said, his memory would remain a part of all those who loved him.

Royal Raider Regiment Is Back!

SOH band plays at Open House
By Robert Garcia


During open house the Royal Raider Regiment band played. As in the many articles before the band had a total 7 people now the band is up to around 30 plus members. The band overall first performance was a good one, even though we had just really learned the music and had many rookies. The band's two musical pieces were "The Land of 1000 Dances", and "The Victors". The song "The Land of 1000 Dances" was one of the band's favorites because of the upbeat music and the way it just makes you want to dance! And you can tell that the band is going to be full of school spirit when they reached the UUH part in the music and so many individuals were dancing. At the end of the performance we all gave praise to one another and how good they did. "The Victors" was played well even if there were some mistakes. However, that's what the band does sometimes. Pricilla Lopez says to her fellow Mellophone Player "Perfect Practice makes Perfect" The band strives to get better and works hard every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. The band is really excited about this year's season of marching band and concert band! Overall the bands performance at open house was well done and I give it a 5/5

Pig Skin Mania

Football season rushing our way
by Omar Arce

As the year advances, the moment many of us have waited for is closer. Yes, the football season is here - perhaps the biggest source of pride (or shame in some cases). Last year's winless season left many of us fans with a bitter taste in our mouth. And perhaps the most appalling part was that we lost the bell in our home field. Honestly, fan morale is low for this year's football team.

But this year , the football team is prepared to amaze, is prepared to entertain, and most importantly the football team is prepared to win. A new coach, new players, and a new attitude promise to deliver us a great football team.

For the players, the team expectations are real. They are not dreaming about winning championships or breaking records. "Our expectations are to make a name for ourselves and have a a positive season," says Carlos Troche, senior defensive end. School pride - that is what it all comes down to, if only to put the name of the Southwest High School football team back in the map.

When you see Omar Manrique, you immediately think he is a skater with long hair, who enjoys listening to The Ramones. Wel,l he is, but he is also a linebacker for the football team. To achieve the team's goal, they need "...hardwork, practice and teamwork..." says Manrique. Indeed that is all a team needs. From the "Little Giants" to the real Giants at the 2008 Super Bowl, these values have always been with them.

All winning teams have something special. senior tightend Enrique Sanchez was asked what was special about the team. " We have a lot of good players. Even though we mess around, we still treat each other as a family." We all know that football is about attitude, but it's better when you and your brothers have the same winning attitude. But the most singular feature of Sanchez is that even standing at 6'3 and weighting more than 200 pounds, he had many significant bruises in his arms. I asked him about the bruises and then he said they came from last day's pracitce. They might be a family but it is clear that they give a lot of tough love to each other.

The Bell is perhaps the most coveted bell in the west side of the Freeway 5 - the holy grail of the rivalry between Southwest High School and Mar Vista High School. Last year it was taken away from us, but this year the race is on to get it back. When Troche was asked about the bell he stated with determination:"It is what we practice for. It is what we wait all year for." That shows that the road for the Bell will not be taken lightly this year.

The football team might not have a young Tomlinson, or a young Rivers. What the team has are players like Troche, Manrique, and Sanchez - players with pride and determination, players that never back down and the fight until the end, and as cheesy as it sounds it is true. They have done their part by practicing every day, the Raiders Digest has done its part by telling their story, now do your part by putting your school colors on and supporting our Raiders

Fundraise by Browsing

Web surfing for Raiders
by Martin Zazueta

Attention SOH student body and staff! Do you know that there exists a search engine in which you can specify your designated charity or school and every time you search using this engine your school or charity will receive $.01. I know it's not much compared to the large amount of money the school needs, but all of us collectively can make a difference. The website I'm talking about is none other than Goodsearch.com

Goodsearch.com is powered by Yahoo and has been recognized by various news sources and magazines from USA Today to The Oprah Magazine.

How do you get started? Well first go to Goodsearch.com and then go the box under “Who do you goodsearch for?” and then type in Southwest High and from the choices pick the school from San Diego. You can also goodsearch for the district, in which case you type in Sweetwater Union High School District. If there's any other school you would rather goodsearch for, then by all means go ahead and just type in the name your preferred school or charity and if it happens to not be there you can always start one. But don't worry making one is not too much of a hastle.

Also if you are an online shopper then if you shop through Goodshop.com then part of your purchase will also go to your selected charity. So, let the web surfing begin and start using GoodSearch so you can help raise needed money.

Rising to the Challenge of AP

AP Physics now offered at SOH
by Elma Gonzalez


Do you own a television? a computer? what about a car? If you do, then you can thank physics for that! This scientific branch deals with matter, energy, motion, and force, and as you probably already figured out , it is critical in our society. Nonetheless, it is the subject most students want to avoid -or at least that is the case here at SOH. In fact, this school year, there is only one physics class in the entire school; or at least there was, because as of Monday, August 24, the class ceased to be just Physics to become an AP Physics course. Led by Julian Villalvazo, ASB Vice President and Academic League Varsity Captain, Mr. Orin's 5th period, Physics class signed a petition two weeks ago in which they requested the class to be changed to AP.

"When I found out this was the only Physics class at school, I thought, why not make it AP, why not go that extra mile," explained Julian Villalvazo. Upon seeing the opportunity, he took the initiative by making a petition and asking his fellow students to sign it. "Most of the class was supportive," he assures, although pointing out that there were a couple who were hesitant to sign it. Julian's effort was well received by the principal, and with help from Mr. Orin, a decision was quickly reached. Dr. Armstrong, Mr. Orin, and Ms. Padilla (councilor) collaborated in order to make the changes and necessary arrangements.

Last year the administration had made the decision that AP physics would not be taught at school the following year. Many students who had planned to take the class were disappointed. Refusing to give up, they made a petition requesting the class be brought back. Unfortunately, they were not successful. Being one of the students who had attempted to bring back the class last year, Julian decided to try once more, this time with successful results. In the end, everyone was satisfied with the change; even those students who were uncertain about signing the petition at first, finally decided to take on the challenge. Overall, Julian and the rest of Mr. Orin's 5th period class shows us that with determination -and patience- anything is possible.

Intersession???

Taking summer school in the Fall?
by Bob Chan

Hey Raiders! What do YOU think about going to summer school in the Fall?
It's called intersession and it's when we go to school during our breaks to catch up with our classes or complete other academic work and it's like a mini summer school. Last year Montgomery High School had intersession which nine weeks of classes are followed by a three-week intersession. During this time, students have an opportunity to attend tutorial and make-up classes to improve their academic standing. Last year they had Fall Intersession from September 15 to October 3, 2008, and Spring Intersession from March 16 to April 3, 2009. So, Raiders - what do you think about it?

Teachers of the Sweetwater Union High School District still have no contract

SEA vs. SUHSD - Part II
by Elma Gonzalez

Last Monday, August 17, SUHSD teachers surrounded the district office in protest against the district's "last, best, final" offer. Holding up "Respect Our Contract" signs, teachers united in chant to be heard. The rally, which lasted over an hour, included the presence of SEA President, Alex Anguiano who gave an encouraging speech to fellow union members to continue to resist the district's "unacceptable demands." During his speech, Anguiano condemned the district's policy when dealing with various issues in the contract, and its lack of communication when choosing the new schedule. He also expressed the union's disapproval of the imposed 30:1 student:teacher ratio. Before the rally was over, at about 5:15pm, the teachers were allowed to march through the district office.

Among the many factors delaying the process, there is one that seems to be most worrying for educators: the staffing ratio. Teachers assert it is not just two more students per class; increasing the amount of students by any quantity changes the quality of education received by the students. According to John Nascimiento from Hilltop High, teachers in other states are appalled when hearing of our student-teacher ratios . SUHSD is one of the only districts facing this problem. Although it is unfair to burden the teachers with larger classes, the district is facing fiscal challenges that leave it no other choice. Our principal, Dr. Maria Armstrong, believes the economic crisis to be the main cause of all this chaos. "We are

living in unprecedented, tough times, and everyone is under a lot of pressure." She adds,"...the 80's was the last time things were this tight."

Many believe the 'salary' to be the principal issue in the new contract. However, according to Anguiano, "Teachers have tried to compromise by settling with a 0% increase in their salary." He accuses the district of simply being "mean-spirited" and unwilling to compromise.

During his speech, Alex Anguiano discussed the two-tier retirement system proposed by the district, in which new teachers will not be able to enjoy health benefits after they retire. "Instead they will have to wait until they are 65 and Medicare kicks in...", affirms Rod Reagan, a teacher at SOM. But many teachers retire around this age anyway, so how does the district benefit from doing this? "It doesn't!", explains Anguiano, "There is no benefit in doing this."

There are some who put all the blame on the Superintendent, Dr. Jesus M. Gandara. "He has no sense of commitment to this community," argues Mr. Nascimiento of Hilltop High,"he doesn't even own a home here in San Diego." Several insist Gandara's "lack of leadership" has been the district's downfall. All the same, some assert that we can't put all the blame on one person. As stated by Dr. Armstrong, it is at these times of crisis that people try to "point the finger at someone" and that usually ends up being the person at the top.

Although it may not seem so, all this affects the students at our school. "It is like a 'domino effect'," explains Dr. Armstrong. Nonetheless, she," [feels] lucky to have a staff that continues to work professionally" and puts district matters aside when it comes time to teach. Overall, she is sure both parties will eventually come to an agreement with the best intentions for the students.