June 15, 2005 - Top Stories
About 306 seniors will take the walk from their teenage years into life Friday, 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Jaguar Stadium.
Leading them will be valedictorian Paul Fisher and salutatorian Chris Wheatley.
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This year’s valedictorian and salutatorian are well known for their academic and athletic abilities.
Paul Fisher is valedictorian for the class of 2005.
Driven by admiration for his older brother, it’s no surprise that Fisher excelled in everything he did from tennis to soccer to academics.
Following in his brother’s footsteps, he will be attending the University of California at Irvine in the fall, majoring in Biomedical Engineering.
Chris Wheatley is this year’s salutatorian.
Aside from his natural intelligence, Wheatley said his self-motivation is what allowed him to move ahead of this year’s class. He also said his parents helped him by letting him learn from his own mistakes.
Brainy and athletic too, Wheatley played volleyball for Valley Center High School as well as soccer and water polo.
He will attend UC Berkeley this fall to study architecture.
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VCHS seniors were honored at the annual awards night June 8.
The name of the award is followed by the name of the student:
Pacific Propane Service Scholarship — Jessica Brennan, Brett McMurdo
Jason Armstrong Memorial Scholarship — Andrew Clifford, Heather Marshall, Erica Maxfeldt, Brianna Miniter, Adam Schrader
Community Special Districts Scholarship — Max Fishman, Daniel Holtz, Evelyn Robarts
VCHS Band Senior Music Scholarship — Sabrina Sullivan
Knights of Columbus & Rita E. Cook “Love of Education Award” — Luke Johnson, Danielle Moyneur, Rebecca Moyneur
VC Optimist Club Scholarship — Erica Maxfeldt
ASB Coca Cola Leadership Awards — Heather Marshall
High School Sports Assn. Scholar Athletes of the Year — Paul Fisher, Bonnie Zabinsky
Laurels for Leaders / Laura Lee Reid Leadership Award — Daniel HOltz
Valley Center Rodeo Scholarship — Juan de la Cruz
Teenage Republican Club Scholarship — Sierra Kierstead
North Co. Building Industry Assn. Scholarship — Brett McMurdo
VC Real Estate Professionals’ Scholarship — Amy Adams, Jessica Brennan, Daniel Holtz, Danielle Moyneur, Rebecca Moyneur
Ashleigh Elizabeth Roach Memorial Scholarship — Melissa Tuomi
RB Chorale Musical Scholarship — Amy Adams
Sean Salisbury Scholarship — Stephanie Bonnici
Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Assn. — Trisha Allred, Phillip MacNitt, Matthew Sanger
San Diego County Citizen’s Scholarship — Evelyn Robarts
VC Rotary Scholarship — Stephanie Bonnici, Jessica Brennan, Brett McMurdo, Rebecca Moyneur, Emily Tolstad
VC Kiwanis Scholarship — Stephanie Bonnici, Jessica Brennan, Danielle Moyneur, Evelyn Robarts, Emily Tolstad
VC Roadrunner Scholarship — Sarah Gallagher
Yuima Water District Scholarship — Evelyn Robarts
VC Federated Republican Women’s Club Scholarship — Amy Adams
Garden Club of Pauma Valley Scholarship — Juan de la Cruz, Daniel Holtz
Isaac Lawson Memorial Scholarship — Michael Cullen, Isidra Reyna
United Food and Commercial Workers Scholarship — Jackie Gjorkovski, Sabrina Sullivan
VC Friends of the Library — Sean Harris, Evelyn Robarts
California School Employees Assn. Scholarship — Alixandra Grafft
Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards — Alysse Aviles
Jeld-Wen Scholarship — Clayton Bland
Richard Godwin Memorial Scholarship — Shawn Bennett, Shawnette Dial, Elliot Watson
Patrons of Palomar Scholarship — Blanca Soto
San Diego Salute to Education Ford Scholarship — Leea Aguirre, Jeana Boulos, Julia Boulos, Decova Gifford, Rueben Hejja, Rebecca Moyneur, Caitlin O’Connor, Aaron Simpson, Samuel Woolley, Bonnie Zabinsky
Rene Dawson Memorial Scholarship — Leea Aguirre
VCHS Foundation Achievement Awards — Isidra Reyna, Marquita Sanchez
Presentation of United States Naval Academy Appointment — Luke Johnson
Boys and Girls Club of Greater San Diego — Michael Cullen, Alida Diaz, Anthony Donahue, Evelyn Robarts, Austin Silldorff, Brandyn Young, Bonnie Zabinsky
VC Art Assn. — Torrey Delaplane
Karen & Kristen Bose Memorial Scholarship — Stephanie Bonnici, Andrew Clifford, Anthony Donahue, Ashley Kooyers, Evelyn Robarts
Dos Valles Garden Club — Daniel Holtz
VCHS Athletes of the Year Coca Cola Golden Boy/Girl — Trisha Allred, Greg True
Spirit Award Coca Cola Scholarships — Eric Lopez, Rebecca Moyneur
Raymond Tice/San Diego Co. Water Authority Paths to Partnership Scholarship — Sarah Montagne
Young Democrats of America Scholarship — Michael Cullen
San Diego Bible Bowl Scholarship — Tauna Pile
VC Middle School TPC Scholarship — Brett McMurdo, Danielle Moyneur
California Scottish Rite Foundation Ruppert Scholarship — Evelyn Robarts
San Diego Fire Victim Scholarship — Samuel Woolley
San Diego County Fair Livestock Scholarship — Brianna Miniter
Music Teachers Assn. of California Northern San Diego County Branch — Amy Adams
San Diego Cycling Club — Michael Cullen
Palomar Medical Center Auxiliary Siselia Johnson Scholarship — Evelyn Robarts
Breitbard Athletics Award — Bethany Harris
Interior Decorating Scholarship Interiors by Decorating Den — Erica Maxfeldt
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Scholarship — Evelyn Robarts
VCHS Scholarship Award — Ariel Marvin, Samantha Peterson, Isidra Reyna
VCHS Foundation Hall of Fame Awards — Torrey Delaplane, Luke Johnson
Jaguars of the Year — Daniel Holtz, Bonnie Zabinsky
VCHS DEPARTMENT AWARDS:
Agriculture — Jessica Brennan, Brianna Miniter
AVID — Andres Bonilla, Marquita Sanchez, Rogelio Zuniga
Career Education, Auto — Alexander Buchka, Andrew Clifford, Ian Osterberg
CE, Journalism — Alysse Aviles, Julia Boulos, Lauren Hui
CE, Yearbook — Courtney Ferguson, Sarah Gallagher, Aubree Papaj
English — Jessica Brennan, Lennay Castner, Phil MacNitt
English Lang. Dev. — Marco Morales, Blanca Soto
Jaguar Resource — Mohammad Alayian, Saul Hernandez, Sandy Luviano, Erica Spanu
Mathematics — Paul Fisher, Max Fishman, Sean Harris
Physical Education — Trisha Allred, Yesenia Gonzalez, Marco Morales, Ryan Snow
Science — Max Fishman, Brett McMurdo
Social Science — Max Fishman, Brett McMurdo, Tauna Pile, Christopher Wheatley
World Languages — Stephanie Bonnici, Caitlin O’Connor, Tauna Pile, Evelyn Robarts, Blanca Soto
Visual & Performing Arts, Ceramics — Rueben Hejja, Saul Hernandez, Colleen Keaveny
V&PA, Dance — Janice Brodin, Juliana Hinrichs, Erica Maxfeldt
V&PA, Drama — Ashley Clark, Philip Holden, Valerie Malagon
V&PA, Fine Arts — Morgan Daniels, Torrey Delaplane
V&PA, Music Chorus — Bree Amstone, Jeana Boulos, Julia Boulos
V&PA, Music Instrumental — Amy Adams, Andrew Circle, Sabrina Sullivan, Beth Tupper
V&PA, Photography — Andrew Cuffel, Kristin Neveux, Adam Valenzuela
V&PA, Sculpture — Ayla Linton, Hailey Lowder, Chris Suarez
Governor’s Scholars Program Award Recipients — Emily Atkins, John Barlow, Natassia Bezdeka, Jeana Boulos, Benjamin Bricker, Ashley Caldwell, Andrew Circle, Douglas Crawshaw, Andrew Cuffel, Anthony Donahue, Paul Fisher, Max Fishman, Jon Forrest, Jennifer Greene, Tyler Harding, Sean Harris, Alexandra Haynes, Rueben Hejja, Lauren Hui, Sierra Kierstead, Alma Lasater, Alan Lee, Kelsey Manning, Brett McMurdo, June Owatari, Michael Rea, Evelyn Robarts, William Schwartz, Shelby Walker, Christopher Wheatley, Bonnie Zabinsky, Rogelio Zuniga
National Honor Society Life Members — Natassia Bezdeka, Jeana Boulos, Julia Boulos, Jessica Brennan, Anthony Donahue, Max Fishman, Alexandra Haynes, Daniel Holtz, Lauren Hui, Aubree Papaj, Tauna Pile, Michael Rea, Evelyn Robarts, Sabrina Sullivan, Maryvonne Whitworth, Brandyn Young
California Scholastic Federation Life Members — Amy Adams, John Barlow, Jessica Brennan, Anthony Donahue, Paul Fisher, Sean Harris, Daniel Holtz, Lauren Hui, Hailey Malone, Rebecca Moyneur, Tauna Pile, Kelly Powell, Michael Rea, Alex Serio, Sabrina Sullivan, Maryvonne Whitworth, Christopher Wheatley, Caitlin O’Connor, Sierra Kierstead, Aaron Simpson
Most Inspirational — Sandy Luviano
School Service Award — Michael Harrell
Timberline Award — Blanca Soto
National Merit Scholarship Finalists — Aaron Simpson, William Schwartz
Robert C. Byrd Scholarship — Sean Harris, Christopher Wheatley
2005 Distinguished Scholars — Paul Fisher, Max Fishman, Sean Harris, Rueben Hejja, Lauren Hui, Brett McMurdo, Tauna Pile, Aaron Simpson, Sabrina Sullivan, Christopher Wheatley
Valedictorian & Salutatorian — Paul Fisher, Christopher Wheatley
The Roach family has refiled a lawsuit in federal court against Harrah’s Entertainment.
The lawsuit alleges that the casino company, which operates a casino and resort on the Rincon reservation, didn’t do what it could to prevent a wildfire that burned the family’s home, caused the death of one daughter, and permanently disfigured and disabled the other.
The refiled lawsuit alleges that Harrah’s “callously” ignored known dangers prior to the Paradise Fire of October 2003.
Janet Beronio, general manager of the Rincon Harrah’s Casino told The Roadrunner: “We have no comment on pending litigation.”
John & Lori Roach, their son, Jason, 24, and daughter, Allyson, 22, Monday refiled the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court that they originally submitted against Harrah’s last June.
The family originally filed suit against Harrah’s and a separate claim against the Rincon Tribal Council for personal injuries suffered by the family members and the wrongful death of their 16-year-old daughter, Ashleigh.
She was one of two Valley Center residents who died in the fire. The other was Nancy Morphew.
The original lawsuit asked the Rincon Band to waive its sovereign immunity that shields the tribe from being sued without its tribal council’s consent.
The tribe declined and sought to extend its immunity to Harrah’s.
In September, the court ruled that remedies sought in the Roach family’s complaint against Harrah’s must first be exhausted through a hearing process before the Rincon Tribal Council before seeking resolution in federal court.
“That’s exactly what we’ve tried to arrange these past nine months,” said Dean Broyles, the family’s legal counsel. “However, the tribe has stonewalled the Roach family and has made little, if any, good-faith effort to give the family the fair hearing the court had in mind. We, therefore, have no choice but to return to federal court to seek a fair hearing and justice.
“In effect, the Roach family continues to be victimized by Harrah’s and the tribe’s coordinated efforts to deny them a forum to seek justice,” Broyles said. “The tribe and Harrah’s both now need to be accountable for what they refused to do – to protect the lives and properties of their neighbors from known fire dangers.”
The family alleges that the Rincon tribe and Harrah’s did not do what they could to build a fire station on the reservation.
For several years prior to the opening of the casino the tribe and Harrah’s was in negotiations with both the Valley Center Fire Protection District and the San Pasqual Tribe to provide fire protection.
Negotiations broke down with Valley Center FPD and eventually Rincon contracted with San Pasqual. The contract included purchase of a hook and ladder fire engine.
The Paradise fire started early in the morning of Oct. 26, 2003. It started near the Mazzetti & Sons Market, about a mile from the casino.
Fanned by high winds the flames roared off the reservation and into Valley Center, where it destroyed over 200 homes.
Several fires were burning in San Diego County at about the same period, all exacerbated by abnormally high winds and very dry conditions.
During the Roaches’ escape from their burning home, Allyson sustained second- and third-degree burns over 85 percent of her body, requiring 12 skin graft operations, several plastic surgeries, numerous treatments for infections and breathing problems and physical therapy.
Ashleigh perished that morning in the car in which she, Allyson and Jason were fleeing after it collided with another car and struck a burning tree before being engulfed in smoke and flames. Jason was treated for burns at a hospital and released that day.
California Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection investigators have stated that the fire was an arson, although they have never said if they have suspects in the case.
Tuesday night Valley Center-Pauma school Supt. Karen Jobe announced that she will be stepping down before the end of the year.
The announcement was made at a special board meeting. At the same meeting a presentation was made by Leadership & Associates, a firm led by former County Supt. of Schools (and former VC superintendent) Harry Weinberg.
The firm specializes in finding superintendents for school districts. Mrs. Jobe said that she will stay as long as it takes for the school board to find a replacement.
Often it can take several months to find the perfect fit between a school and a new superintendent.
Mrs. Jobe has been superintendent at VC schools for three years, and has worked for the district for 33 years.
Mrs. Jobe started as a teacher in 1972 in Valley Center and taught elementary through middle school. She did some work with categorical programs over the years but her first real administrative position was assistant principal at the middle school 13 years ago.
During the unification process she was appointed principal on special assignment to guide the district through the many twists and turns associated with transitioning from an elementary school district into a unified district with a high school.
Much of her job these last three years was the challenge of integrating a small K-8 district to a fully functional K-12 district.
When she first took the job she said that her strength was in systems and curriculum.
“I like looking at how things are done and saying, ‘Is there a better way of doing this?’ I get great fun out of cleaning a closet. We need to constantly look at how we can do things better. To appreciate what works and question those things we think we can improve,” she said in 2002.
Michael Crews Development and Helping Others More Efficiently (HOME) WILL present Valley Center's annual Fourth of July Celebration, Monday, July 4, from 5 - 9 p.m. at the Valley Center High School Football Stadium.
Join the fun and experience one of the best firework displays in North County.
“Valley Center's fireworks show is the second largest in North San Diego County,” said Sam Bruggema, Pyro Spectaculars Show president and producer. “This year’s display will consist of the latest and greatest pyrotechnics available.”
Festivities begin at 5 p.m., with fireworks shooting off promptly at Diego County,” said Sam Bruggema, Pyro Spectaculars Show president and producer. “This year’s display will consist of the latest and greatest pyrotechnics available.”
Festivities begin at 5 p.m., with fireworks shooting off promptly at 9 p.m.
Don’t miss the gigantic, inflatable “Cowabunga” slide, the 32 foot high Rock Climbing Wall and the inflatable combination slide that will be set up on the football field.
With a one time, $1 donation to Valley Center High School, participants can ride and play games for free all evening long. Games for children ages 3 and over will begin at 6:15 p.m. and include an egg toss, three-legged race and gunny sack race. Arctic Heat, a high-energy, family-oriented band will play throughout the evening.
Bring a picnic basket and a blanket, get your face painted, and take in a fun afternoon with family and friends. Local clubs and school organizations will sell refreshments such as kettle corn, burgers, bratwurst, nachos, chili Fritos, and more.
Please note that alcohol, tobacco and pets are NOT allowed on the school campus.
Participants are encouraged to come early for best parking and view. For more information, call Dawn at Michael Crews Development at 749-1919.
By DAVID ROSS
For over two decades the school board and the teacher and classified unions have agreed on their contracts the first week in June.
Not this year.
Amicable labor negotiations have long been the hallmark at Valley Center-Pauma, and that hasn’t changed. But the lack of a state budget has forced both sides to agree to wait until later.
Pam Moe, the district’s financial director, told the board Thursday night: “The budget is based on estimates because at this point the state has not adopted an education budget. We will come back to the board several times during the year as the state adopts a budget, probably in August.”
Although the budget does have a 4.23% COLA (cost of living adjustment) increase, no increase in salaries are contemplated and budgets in programs, budgets at the individual schools and departments are contemplated.
“It’s a very lean budget,” said Mrs. Moe. “It assumes that we don’t have a state budget and it assumes that we are guessing.”
The board did approve a preliminary budget, subject to the changes noted above.
The budget will be about $.37,441,000. That includes $18,516,340 for teachers’ salaries, $5,554,022 for classified employees’ salaries, $6,272,871 for employee benefits, $3,029,196 for books, supplies and materials, $399,676 for capital outgo and $195,000 for other outgos.
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In other business, the board held a closed session to hear an appeal by a parent appealing a grade that was given to a student. The board voted to uphold the grade. The student’s name was not released.
The board honored Nora M. Scott, classified Employee of the year.
Mrs. Scott has worked at the district since 1984. Olivia Leschick, who spoke about her, praised Mrs. Scott for her “bonds with children” and “kindness and genuine concern for her students.”
Mrs. Scott frequently gives the children little gifts for the holidays and pays for special celebrations that are not provided by public funds,” said Olivia Leschick.
Mrs. Scott thanked those who had turned out to honor her, and promised, “I’m still going to keep going on as long as my body will carry me.”
Drama Class
The board heard a report from several students belonging to the International Thespian Society, the high school’s drama club.
They learned that the club has over 70 members.
It participated in last year’s July 4 celebration, has hosted several guests speakers from Hollywood and has competed in several Southern California high school drama contests.
The students participate in a variety of activities during the year. They do improv. They direct scenes. They learn stagecraft and perform in “poetry slams.”
Students talked about some of their performances and even shared some scenes from Monty Python , See How They Run and A Christmas Carol.
The play they are most proud of participating in, however, is the annual production of Bang, Bang, You’re Dead. This hard-hitting play is about the aftermath of a campus shooting.
The Thespians will be presenting a check for $3000 to the board to be used for drama equipment in the new high school theater.
Kathleen Swift, a student of one of the Thespians, thanked the board for supporting the drama activities at the school. She said that her son, Lance, has “flourished into a self-confident youth man in the drama class. It enabled him to nurture the abilities of public speaking, problem solving and acting. He learned a lot more than I expected to get.”
Summer School
The board heard a report on summer school, which will be held July 5-29.
About 1170 at risk students will be invited. Summer school will be held at Pauma Valley elementary, the primary school and high school.
Theater Name
Supt. Karen Jobe told the school board that she doesn’t yet have a recommendation for naming the high school theater.
She asked for another month before making such a recommendation.
Go to bid
The board acted on the superintendent’s recommendation to go forward with improvements at the high school’s Jaguar Stadium.
These will include the snack bar, press box and rest rooms, i.e. improvements that need to be completed before the next football season begins.
Other improvements at the high school will follow, probably later in the year. They will include tennis courts.
The Valley Roadrunner
P.O.B. 1529, Valley Center, CA 92082
Tel. 760.749.1112 Fax 760.749.1688
Website: www.valleycenter.com
Email: editor@valleycenter.com
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