May 13, 2016
Coachella May Be over. . . but the Desert Trip Has Just Begun!
By Veronica Renaker
GOLDEN VOICE PRESENTS: DESERT TRIP
A rock n’ roll music festival
Weekend 1: October 7th, 8th, & 9th
Weekend 2: October 14th, 15th, & 16th
“Two Weekends, Six Iconic Bands, Six Nights of Rock and Roll.”
The time is nearing where the heat of the desert doesn’t stop fans from rocking out to their favorite artists.
Due to an overwhelming demand Goldenvoice, the promoters of Desert Trip, have announced that they’ve added an identical second weekend.
Held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, iconic artists such as Neil Young, Paul McCartney, Roger Waters, the Who, and Bob Dylan will be putting on a show.
Weekend 1 is Oct. 7 through the 9th and Weekend 2 is Oct. 14 through the 16th. Each weekend will include more than 30 culinary masterminds if you need a bite to eat and a break from the rockstar lifestyle.
For tickets and/or information: http://ww2.deserttrip.com/
May 11, 2016
Disneyland ASB Trip
By Jonathan Celiz
On May 6th, the ASB Club had their annual spring trip to the Disneyland Resort. Headed by lead chaperone Myisha Cutrona, it was a 2 night trip: Friday afternoon to the LA Farmer’s Market and the next day to the Disneyland Park.
During this time, the park is celebrating its 60th Diamond Anniversary with festive decorations throughout both parks especially Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. It also marked the premiere of their latest nighttime shows, an updated variation of Disney’s California Adventure’s World of Color water fountain show titled “World of Color: Celebrate,” celebrating the legacy of Walt Disney as well as a new nighttime parade “Paint the Night,” a spiritual successor to Disneyland’s famous Main Street Electrical Parade and a fireworks spectacular called “Disneyland Forever” which utilizes mapping projections throughout the castle and main street to create the most technologically lavish fireworks show to date.
Another seasonal event going on in the park was a Star Wars-themed event in Tomorrowland titled “Season of the Force” which hosts a ton of new additions and overlays to the land such as the Star Wars Launch Bay which offers exhibits, merchandise, and meet-and-greets with famous Star Wars characters such as Darth Vader and Kylo Ren.
The new “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi” movie offers a montage of famous clips from all the Star Wars movies. A new overlay for Space Mountain, now re-themed as “Hyperspace Mountain,” puts you in the middle of a space dogfight between X-wings and TIE fighters, and a new segment in Star Tours is based on the desert planet Jakku from the latest film The Force Awaken.
Now doubt it is a most exciting time to visit the park with the summer season coming up; the ASB Club has had their fill of excitement to finish off the semester at the happiest place on earth.
May 9, 2016
Annual Passports to the Disneyland Resort
Hannah and Emily
By Emily Davis
In August of 2015, I got with one of my good friends and we decided to get Annual Passports to the Disney parks. Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure.
The decision to purchase an AP was almost a no-brainer for me. I have loved the Disney parks for my entire life and no matter how many times I go to the parks, it’s never enough!
The only thing that almost stopped me from purchasing an AP was the cost. I chose to purchase the least expensive AP which, at the time, cost $299. Since I purchased my AP the prices have gone up.
The link to the prices, payment plans, and different types of AP’s is: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/
I have the Southern California Select Passport. This pass allows me access into both parks Monday – Friday for a majority of the year. Holidays, weekends, and other peak dates are blocked out for me. Since I purchased my pass I have been able to visit the parks at least once a month and sometimes even more.
The link to blackout dates for all annual passports is: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/blockout-dates/
Thor with Haylee and Emily
Overall, having an AP to the Disney parks has been a great decision. If you are a fan of Disney and have a way to get to the parks often, I encourage you to save up your money and get yourself an AP. It is a great way to get out of town and have some fun.
If you do end up with an AP, allow me to give you a little advice.
- Go with the flow. If you have an AP you most likely know that you’ll be back to the parks pretty soon. If your favorite attractions line is 60+minutes just go on to something else. It’ll be there for your next visit.
- Try something new. There are so many things that you can experience at the Disney Parks. Whether it’s trying a new food or going into a store that I’ve never been in, I always try something new each time I go into the parks.
- HAVE FUN!
May 9, 2016
Wine and Jazz Festival
By Alberto Muro & Sandra Merino
The Historic Fort
Taft Abilities Partnership Team and The Fort Preservation Society hosted its annual wine and jazz festival at The Historic Fort on April 28.
wine selection for patrons.
Hors d’oeuvres, barbeque ribs, and pot stickers were one of many special dishes that Chef Geoff Dunham cooked up for the people at the wine and jazz festival.
Chef Geoff
The proceeds generated from the wine and jazz festival will benefit the TIL department’s goal of building an accessible playground equipment for students with disabilities. The rest of the earnings will go towards preservation of the Historic Fort.
Going once….
The Taft High School Jazz Band performed for the crowd at the festival. For over a year and a half, the Jazz Band have been raising funds for a trip to Washington, D.C., and with the help of TIL and Fort, they are getting closer to their goal.
TUHS Jazz band providing entertainment
Comedic favorite Miguel Lugo made his way to the stage and provided comedic relief for the audience. Despite having a disability, the people listening to Mr. Lugo’s comedy found themselves intrigued about his daily routine.
Miguel Lugo bringing the laughs
There were two types of auctions occurring at the Wine and Jazz Festival; one auction took place indoors, and it was considered a silent auction meaning guests would purchase their tickets and place them into the container of the desired item.
selection of goods for the silent auction
The outdoor auction was action packed and filled with accessories for wine lovers and family orientated prizes. As the auction continued, more prizes were revealed and the bidding wars escalated. Overall, the Wine and Jazz Festival was a success thanks to the cooperative actions of the TIL department and the Historic Fort.
Chef Geoff delicious creations
