NEWS: Car plummets 600 feet on Angeles Crest Highway

By Omar Castellon
Staff Writer

One of the two helicopters that arrived in
the aftermath/ Photo by Jim Burns

Early Tuesday morning, a grey Nissan Altima went careening off a cliff on Angeles Crest Highway.

The unidentified driver was on his way to work in La Cañada Flintridge when the accident occurred. George Beltram, an employee of Pro Traffic Services, was the one who walked down the hill and called the incident in. He said the car fell 600 feet. “He was all the way down there.” Another eyewitness, who works for Par Electrical Contractors, said that cars continued to speed at “70 or 80 miles an hour” even after seeing the accident before.

George Beltram/ Photo by Jim Burns

The car was flipped, with its roof crushed, trapping the driver inside. Members of the US Forest Service, LA County Fire Department 130 and the Department of Public Works arrived on the scene. The roof of the car was sawed off and the driver was eventually airlifted to Antelope Valley Hospital. Despite the fall, he remained conscious through the ordeal.

Angeles Crest Highway remained closed for over two hours as the wreckage was removed

OPINION: Military vs. celebrity media coverage

By Geena Barret-Fernandez
Staff Writer

The real-life death of Whitney Houston brought to light an online problem: some users are angry regarding celebrities that pass away getting more coverage on the news than the military. Other users feel like our soldiers don’t need the coverage; they did not sign up for the media’s attention, they signed up to protect our country.

Pictures and status updates on Facebook are filled with anger over who’s being forgotten and who’s not. Many people are mad over the media making Houston’s death such a tragedy that will be covered in weeks to come, when the death of our soldiers don’t get that same response. Especially when the possibility of Houston’s death was from drugs- legal, yet expired.

OPINION: This article is now available in 3-D

By Maria Cortes
Staff Writer

American cinema is being taken over by one phrase: 3-D. The majority of the movies we see come equipped with those dimension-warping glasses that are meant to transport us and, supposedly, give us a more intense movie experience. The problem with this plan is that everything is now in 3-D. Horror movies, action films, romantic comedies, even movies about animated fluffy animals discussing the importance of friendship are all in 3-D.

Is this necessary? Does it really intensify our viewing experience? Or is it just a clever gimmick to make certain films more interesting than they really are? There is a simple way to answer those questions on your own. Look at the most recent 3-D releases and see if the effect actually made a difference.

FEATURES: Whitney Houston funeral in Newark, New Jersey

By Kevin Solomon
Staff Writer

Whitney Houston’s funeral on Feb. 18, aired on CNN, was like going to church. It was very spiritual, powerful and uplifting. Watching the funeral definitely was a spiritual experience. The service was profound and elevating.

Houston, her gold coffin covered with flowers, was mourned by family and friends before a hearse took her body away. The coffin was carried as hundreds of tourists and fans watched among the gritty streets of Newark from behind barriers guarded by police. Some cried out in the crowd, ”Whitney! We love you!”

At the funeral, a choir of fifth graders sang “The Greatest Love of All.” Whitney’s recorded work leaves behind the sweet, hopeful voices of these children.

CNN’s anchor team of Soledad O’Brien and Piers Morgan were nothing short of great. It was surprising to see Piers Morgan being very authentic when her gold coffin was being lifted on the pall bearers’ shoulders as Houston’s voice boomed throughout the church singing “I Will Always Love You.”

SPORTS: East LA at AVC

By Ravi Surampudi
Staff Writer

AVC's women’s softball team played against East Los Angeles College on the 16. With a win against Moorpark College 5-4 on Feb. 14, AVC tried to increase their record to 7-2. East LA’s record was 6-5. 

Nicole Peters struggled through the first inning and only got one out and was replaced after giving up four runs. Jessica Saldana pitched for AVC next. AVC scored one run in the bottom of the second inning. East LA picked up two runs in the top of the third inning. Stephanie Medina went to the plate with the bases loaded. She had a chance to bring AVC back into the game. She found the pitch she liked and hit a grand slam to left-center field to make the score 6-5. The crowd went wild. Medina said, “It depends on the situation. I try and make good contact, but home runs are a bonus.” The score was then 6-5. In the fourth inning, Saldana injured her shoulder and was replaced by Brooke Farrell. Coach Vargas commented on the seriousness of the injury, “She will be out two weeks.”

FEATURES: Career fair brings long line of people

By Krista Daly
Contributing writer

Photo by Krista Daly/A woman at the South Valley WorkSource Center
career fair interested in an office position at Midas
takes information about the requirements of the job

Over 300 people attended the South Valley WorkSource Center (SVWSC) career fair in Palmdale, Wednesday morning, Feb. 22.

Carolyn Ramsey, an AVC student, said she thought the career fair was good for the community. “We definitely need job fairs in Palmdale,” Ramsey said. “I moved out here from L.A. and there are more opportunities there than here.”

The career fair included representatives from Midas, Holiday Inn, Devry University, Solar Powered Independence, AV Union High School District and others.

NEWS: Violence across the nation

By Ben Fassett
Staff Writer

NORCROSS, GA. – A gunman walked into the Su Jung Health Spa Feb. 22 and shot four people before turning the gun on himself. Three of the customers and the gunman were pronounced dead at the scene, and the fourth victim later died in the hospital. The shooter has not been identified, though allegations point to a relative of the store owner. Norcross Police Captain Brian Harr told the Associated Press that the incident was “probably domestic-related.”

CHICAGO, IL. – An 18-year-old woman was found beaten and nude on a residential sidewalk after being sexually assaulted by approximately six men, a short distance from the Congress Theater in Logan Square. The victim was attempting to enter a concert, but was turned away when she failed to present identification. A theater employee said that she sat down in a nearby restaurant upon being turned away and was later seen leaving with a group of men.

NEWS: Kern County's chronic pot pains

By Ben Fassett
Staff Writer

Neighboring Kern County is raising arguments concerning the legality of medical marijuana distribution once again. On Feb. 21, County Supervisors rescinded the August 2011 ordinance banning dispensaries from Kern County after a successful ban block campaign by marijuana advocates.

A new policy is in the works, which if passed would limit the cooperatives to operating within industrial zones. Dispensaries must also maintain a distance of one mile from schools, parks, day care centers and other marijuana distributors. This new ordinance will be placed on the ballot on June 5.

Should voters reject the alternative ordinance, medical marijuana dispensaries will no longer be allowed to operate in Kern County. Advocates disagree, however, saying that they will challenge again should this come to pass.

There is still a standing limit of no more than 12 plants grown in the home, which is also being challenged by lawsuit against the county by medical marijuana advocates.

SPORTS: 2012 CCCAA Men's Basketball Southern California Regional

By Benjamin Min
Staff Writer

The Southern California Regional tournament is finally here. The seventh seeded AVC Marauders (21-7) are going up against the tenth seeded Irvine Valley Lasers (22-6) tomorrow, Feb. 24, at 7:00 pm. Although the Lasers boast a better record than the Marauders, the higher seeded Marauders will have home court advantage in their first playoff game.

FASHION: Five items you should and shouldn't spend your money on

By Maria Cortes
Staff Writer

It’s really easy to spend your money on stuff you’ll never wear, but now more than ever it’s important to save your money and shop wisely. Here’s a list of five things you should spend your money on, and things you should hold out on.

1. DO spend on Jeans: A good pair of jeans can last you a lifetime. Everyone has that one special pair of jeans that has seen the best and worst of adventures. The good thing about this particular piece of clothing, is that they are resilient and you’ll rarely have to buy a new pair quickly. Don’t feel bad about spending $30 to $40 on that great pair of jeans. Trust me, they are worth it.

OPINION: Worst place to shop at the mall: Hollister

By Maria Cortes
Staff Writer

Hollister is the number one place to find summer clothes all year long. The store is promoted as chic and fun with plastic palm trees adorning the bungalow-style front entrance and a shirtless boy smiling down at you. It’s needless to say that they spend an awful lot of time creating the stereotypical California ambiance.

Unfortunately for those of us who enjoy seeing money in our wallets, Hollister is not the place to shop if you’re on a budget. In actuality, it’s the wrong place to shop if you don’t enjoy spending $50 on a skirt. The entire store is completely overpriced. It’s a wonder they are still in business.

OPINION: The femicides of Juarez

By Maria Cortes
Staff Writer

The women of Juarez are in danger. They are now the targets of spontaneous and brutal murders happening all over the northern Mexican city, and there seems to be no end in sight. According to Amnesty International, more than 370 young women and girls have been murdered in Cuidad Juarez and Chihuahua since 2005. Mexican officials are calling it a “femicide” of epic proportions.

The Organization of American States Inter-American Commission on Human Rights released a statement saying, “The victims of these crimes have preponderantly been young women, between 12 and 22 years of age. Many were students and most were maquiladora (manufacturing) workers. A number were relative newcomers to Cuidad Juarez who had migrated from other areas of Mexico.”

SPORTS: AVC's men's basketball team suffers a loss to Barstow, Wednesday night

By Travion Bynum

On Wednesday, The AVC Marauders Men’s Basketball team took on the fierce Barstow Vikings. This game was key to the upcoming playoffs. The Marauders had to come back from their losing streak against the Vikings in the past games to prepare them for the playoffs. The Vikings lead throughout the game but the Marauders fought hard in the first half, closing the lead to 1. Barstow came out in the second quarter, scoring shot after shot while the Marauders were missing shots, free throws and underneath put-ups. The Marauders put away all but three points of a 12-point Viking lead with two minutes left. The Vikings maintained their lead and ended the game in their favor, 71-66.

SPORTS: Foothill Conference game at Lancaster against Barstow

By Travion Bynum
Staff Writer

On Wednesday, the Marauders Women’s Basketball team took on the Barstow Vikings at the AVC Marauders Gym. The Vikings beat the Marauders 4 times in 32 games, winning two in a row the first time at the Marauders gym. But with the Marauders basketball team’s clutch cylinder shots, the Vikings had a challenge. But on Wednesday, one of AVC’s top players and catalysts sat on the sidelines nursing her bad ankle. AVC struggled without their top player and lost for the second straight time to Barstow. The final score was 56-47. Maurisha McKissic lead AVC in scoring with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Whitney Washington scored 10 points and hustled 11 rebounds, while Ashleigh Wilson, who was only 3 for 18 from the field, scored 10 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.

NEWS: Blackboard could be on the budget chopping block

By Kat Wilson
Staff Writer

On Tuesday, Feb. 7, AVC’s Distance Education and Technology Committee (DETC) met with two Blackboard representatives, Matt Lord and Liam Ferris, to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of renewing AVC’s contract with their company this June.

“The biggest issue is the cost,” said Richard Balogh, physical sciences professor and member of the DETC.

In a special board meeting held on Jan. 31, chief business officer Tom Brundage made it clear that due to California’s fiscal crisis AVC must cut $750,000-$480,000 each year for the next three years.

FEATURES: Local concert benefits breast cancer research

By Maria Medina
Staff Writer

The new local venue in Lancaster, Industry Theater, hosts a benefit concert for breast cancer awareness this month where half of the proceeds of each ticket sold will go to research.

The concert  on Feb. 18 was not peculiarly thought up; a source went to the venue in hopes of an opportunity to get help from the community. The venue was approached by a promoter with what the owner of the theater, Tully Gluffaker, called a “deeper tie” to the cause.

FEATURES: Charity run to support local YMCA

By Omar Castellon
Staff Writer

On Feb. 18, the Antelope Valley Family YMCA will hold its third annual Friendship Charity Run. On that Saturday, there will be a total of three runs. Five and 10 kilometer races will begin at 7:00a.m., while a one kilometer event for children will be held at 8:30a.m. All proceeds raised during the event will go toward their scholarship funds, allowing those who haven’t the adequate resources to utilize the services of the Antelope Valley YMCA.

When asked for specific details regarding the organization’s aid, Linda Hairston, an employee of the local YMCA, said, “We offer scholarships for youth sports like basketball and soccer. We also offer scholarships on memberships.” These scholarships are granted purely on a financial-need basis, with the maximum household threshold set at $50,000. Families and individuals who potentially qualify for aid naturally have their income status verified.

OPINION: Be afraid of the National Defense Authorization Act

By Maria Cortes
Staff Writer

Do you remember when Congress woke up one morning and decided that the tomato paste in pizza was now considered a vegetable? Do you remember how ridiculous we all thought that was? Well hold on tight, because you haven’t seen anything yet.

The National Defense Authorization Act, and along side with it, the Indefinite Detention Bill was passed last December much to the dismay of all the citizens who enjoy their rights as Americans. The act not only nullifies the majority of our rights, but the fine print may have you wishing you lived in Europe.

OPINION: One bill, four acronyms

By Jordan Lofgren
Staff Writer

After months of protesting against SOPA and PIPA (the internet-filtering bills that have been killed off), two new bills have risen in response. One bill that has been made up is the Protecting Children From Internet Pornographers Act of 2011. The other is the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), which is a worldwide plurilateral agreement amongst dozens of nations to combat piracy. While we should be for protecting children from pornography and against piracy, these bills do almost nothing that their names infer.

After the losses of SOPA and PIPA, Republican Lamar Smith, from Texas, has authored a new bill under the alluring name of the Protecting Children From Internet Pornographers Act. This bill’s main point is that it would force Internet Service Providers (ISP) to keep track of user information for 18 months. This would include your bank account numbers, credit card numbers, mailing addresses, and phone records. But what surprises me the most is that this lawmaker doesn’t understand the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution which clearly states the following: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated…”

NEWS: Elementary School Scandal

By Geena Barret-Fernandez
Staff Writer

On Thursday morning, the entire staff, from teachers to cafeteria workers, at Miramonte Elementary will have been replaced. The cause of this extreme measure is due to the scandal surrounding two teachers at the school.

Mark Henry Berndt, 61, who has worked at the school for 32 years, has been charged with felony molestation involving 23 students, ages 6-10, between 2005 and 2010. He allegedly fed his students sperm-laced cookies as part of a food testing game. It has also been found that he had taken around 400 images of children, some with a cockroach on their face, others with blindfolds on or a spoonful of milky liquid placed near their lips. According to CNN, the investigation into Berndt started when the pictures had been discovered by a film processor at a drugstore, no doubt being disturbed by the images and had contacted the police.