Serving the campus community since 1946 March 22, 2012
NIO U N
Women’s History Month
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EL CAMINO COLLEGE
Women find common interest in auto mechanics
Torrance, California
Winter session safe for 2013 Roy Moore Staff writer
Manuel Escalera/ Union Rebecca Nunez 31, tire dealer, explains the importance of basic engine maintenance to EC students, advising that as a car gets older, more frequent tune-ups are required as part of the maintanance.
Winter session 2013 was saved from the chopping block, but the board of trustees eliminated winter session 2014 last week due to state budget cuts that have created uncertainty about the college’s future funding. During a 4.5 hour meeting, the board heard from students and faculty who urged that the 2013 and 2014 winter sessions continue. “By maintaining winter session in both 2013 and 2014, the board would be issuing its support for one costneutral way for EC to better serve its current students,” Academic Senate President Christina Gold said. “Winter session allows for quicker student pathways to completion, thereby, opening up spaces for new students and helping the campus begin to work towards the vision created by student task force recommendations,” Gold added. Yet President Tom Fallo said that the state’s current budget crisis has forced the college to take severe funding cuts; these cuts could continue for the foreseeable future. He said that during the current calendar year, the college has lost $10 million from the state, or 10 percent of EC’s overall budget. In addition, just last month, the college took an unanticipated cut of $2.6 million from the state. “My major concern is not putting the district in a position of uncertain times,” Fallo said. “It is clear the state budget situation has deteriorated and we heard that there is a possibility of another cut.” Students like Whitney Blakeman, 19, undeclared major, attended the meeting to express her concern about winter session. She led a group of OccupyECC students who said that they were upset with public education being neglected due to what they believe is greed from corporate America. Continued on page 2
EC back on accreditation warning after year Thomas Schmit Staff Writer Only a year after being taken off of warning, the college’s accreditation may be at risk once again, according to a letter from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). The letter, which can be found on the college website, lists six recommendations that the college must address by October or else face possible sanction. Jeanie Nishime, vice president of student and community advancement, said the problem is the college is within the two-year period previously given by the ACCJC to meet its accreditation standards.
“You get what they call the two-year rule to alleviate the situation,” Nishime said. “But we were on warning before, so it’s cumulative, you don’t get another two years.” The recommendations given by the ACCJC include the integration of program review, planning and budgeting, Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) and finance management plans for the EC Compton Center. “We satisfied that requirement (in the last review), but we need to consistently show that we are sustainable in terms of the program review, planning and budget cycle,” Nishime said. The matter of program review planning and budgeting has long been a thorn in EC’s side, appearing in accreditation recommendations as far back as 1990, she said.
All colleges are required to meet the ACCJC’s proficiency level of implementation for SLO’s by fall, which may be difficult for the Compton Center, Nishime said. According to an October 2011 status report on the Compton Center’s eligibility for accreditation, this criterion has only been partially met, with the expectation that proficiency would be met at the end of 2012. “Every course and program has an SLO, but we’re probably not where we should be in terms of assessment of those SLO’s,” Nishime said. “It would require close scrutiny in order to make the fall deadline.” While Nishime assures students that the college is fiscally sound, the ACCJC letter mentions that conditions at the Compton Center directly
impact EC’s accreditation status. The Compton Center, formerly Compton Community College, was stripped of its accreditation in 2005 due to financial difficulties and administrative corruption, Nishime said. At that point, it became a satellite to EC in an attempt to avoid closing down the Compton Center. Since 2005, the Compton Center has experienced an unusually high rate of turnover of its chief executive officer, something that’s made fiscal stability a challenge, Nishime said. Another difficulty with the Compton Center is that EC’s administration does not directly oversee its finances--that task falls to the Compton Community College District.
Activities highlighting women’s history to take place on campus Daniela Messarina Staff Writer
NEWS LINE
In honor of Women’s History Month, the college will be celebrating a variety of events and activities that focus on education and empowerment. Many of the events will be sponsored by the Office of Staff Development, Staff and Student Diversity, and the Women’s History Month Committee. Several activities and events will take place in the Alondra Room and Student Activities Center. Leisa Biggers, director of student diversity, said that education is empowerment and should always be a theme. “It’s good to see more females involved in the industry and technology careers. More women are fascinated to take mathematics and institutions are reaching out by learning how to attract those programs to females,” Biggers said. Although people celebrate Women’s History Month in the month of March, EC offers a class in women’s studies every semester and it meets the general education requirement. Professor Maria Brown teaches the has been teaching here for about 37 years and says she enjoys watching her students develop their skills during their time in her class. “You can see the transformation taking place during the semester. It’s their class. I structure things for them, they work
Carina Gomez
within those structures while they grow and develop self- confidence,” Brown said. Not only do female students take her class, but male students do as well. Brown said she gets a lot of men in her classes who enroll for different reasons. “For a long time, education was not accessible to everybody. Public education was an investment in young people, but it was also a benefit to our society as a whole,” Brown said. “I have people from other countries that come with a different attitude toward women. It’s wonderful and exciting to watch young people
grow!” First-year student Brooke Matson, 18, economics major, is enrolled in a women’s studies class this semester and is excited to take part in the upcoming elections in November. “It’s my first year voting, and I already started to appreciate
more what women have done in the past,” Matson said. “If I lived in the past, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Matson also mentioned she is glad that there is a month where women’s history is honored, but wishes that women’s history was celebrated more than just one month out of a year. “People can learn a lot about women’s history and learn to appreciate some of the things they might not know or understand about women,” Matson said. “If people who fought for women’s right’s saw the women of today not voting, they would be very disappointed.” Associated Student Organization member Mark Zelayaran, 19, business administration major, said he thinks it is wonderful for women to be fighting for their own rights ever since this country was founded. “Men should have more respect for women and the right for women to say something,” Zelayran said. “Now that women have a saying and are able to vote, the discrimination is not as bad as it used to be.” Brown said that when she graduated high school, women would only think about marriage and children, not about going on to college. “These events are important because it really acknowledges the wonders of women and it reaffirms the contributions women have made to society,” Brown said.
Theater panel at Hagg Recital Hall
University fair at the library lawn
Informative workshop for TAG students
Hat show in honor of Women’s History
Project Success hosts Umoja
University representatives from USC, UCLA, UC Irvine and CSULB, will present their theater programs and offer information. The panel will take place on Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hagg Recital Hall.
A Black College Fair willtake place at the Schaeurman Library on March 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Various universities will attend and inform students about program options, and financial aid.
A workshop on the Transfer Admission Agreement (TAG) will take place on Thursday, March 29, from 1 p.m. To 2 p.m. in the Distance Education Room. Learn about out-of-state historically black universities and get motivated to transfer.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, a hat fashion show will take place from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on March 29 in the East Lounge of the Student Activity Center. To participate, RSVP at whairsto@elcamino.edu
Presented by Project Success, the Umoja Conference will take place March 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the East Dinning Room
NEWS
2 El Camino College Union
POLICE BEAT By Daniela Messarina
Lost laptop case found in restroom March 9, 10 a.m.—A male student placed his laptop case under a desk in one of his classes. Later that day, he realized he forgot his laptop. A custodian located the laptop case in the men’s restroom on the second floor of the Social Science Building.
Altercation sends student to hospital
Student participates in first and last racquetball class Eva Ziss-Patton Staff Writer Wearing a skull imprinted sweatshirt, basketball shorts and plenty of headgear, he enters the racquetball courts on campus. With his racquet in hand, he introduces himself to the class and begins to mingle with his classmates. Thomas Rocchi, an avid racquetball player, isn’t the typical student. The 64-year-old local resident has been utilizing the racquetball courts on campus since 1950. And in his third semester enrolled in Physical Education 232, the racquetball course, it will be his final since, after this semester, EC plans to tear down the courts Rocchi readily played on throughout the years and replace it with a brand new track and field facility. “I’ve always been into tennis, squash, racquetball, paddleball—all paddle sports,” Rocchi
March 15, 9:50 a.m.—Officers responded to the first floor of the Humanities Building regarding an altercation. Two male students were waiting in the hallway for class to start. They engaged in a verbal dispute, which escalated into a physical altercation. The agressor was arrested for battery on campus grounds and will also be refered to the Director of Student Development. The victim was complaining of pain in his head and knee and was transported to a nearby hospital. Continued from page 1
said. “The challenge of racquetball is what really appeals to me. I encourage everyone to continue challenging our minds along with our bodies and souls.” Rocchi began playing racquetball in 1965 and he was one of the first students to enroll in the racquetball course at EC when it first began in the ‘60s. Fifty year later, he will be one of the students to participate in the final class. “I’m a die hard, I love the game,” he said. Racquetball became very popular in the ‘70s when the “fitness boom” hit America, according to USA Racquetball (USAR), but there has been a steady decline in popularity since then. The college felt the effects when some years the racquetball course had zero enrollment, Eugene Engle, racquetball instructor said, who has been instructing since 1982. Rocchi has continued play-
Winter session
Student transported to hospital after fainting
March 22, 2012
“We will not ignore the blatant disregard for student welfare, the trembling of teachers, the corporate coup March 1, 2:20 p.m.— Of- d’état and the attack on public educaficers responded to the MCS tion by corporate America,” BlakeBuilding regarding a medical man said. aid call. A male student was in Jo Ann Higdon, vice president of class when he began to feel diz- administrative services, said that the zy. He fainted, fell out of his seat, state’s budget crisis is not yet over, so and hit his head on the ground. there is still a possibility of more fiParamedics were notified and nancial cuts later this year. the student was transported to Gov. Jerry Brown is preparing a an area hospital for further treat- measure for the November ballot that ment. would help provide a stable source of funding for the state and potentially end California’s continual budget woes. In its current form, this ballot proposal would raise the state sales tax slightly as well as raise taxes for California’s wealthiest taxpayers to provide additional state revenue. If voters fail to pass these proposals, the community college system, as well as the entire state educational system, would likely be facing more budget cuts.
ing the indoor sport all along. Up until four years ago when he was diagnosed with a medical condition that hindered his game and almost took his life. “I had a brain aneurysm four years ago and pretty much died, but I woke up from a coma after one week permanently blind,” Rocchi said. “I’ve had four operations on my eyes, seven oper-
this semester after hearing of his condition, but with medical clearance and protective gear including a specialized helmet and goggles, he is back on the courts. Rocchi said his love of the game makes wearing the gear worthwhile. Rocchi stresses the importance of getting medical treatment for any reason, but he said if people experience frequent “Racquetball became extreme headaches there might be something more serious govery popular in the ing on. “My message to people is, ‘70s when the ‘fitness if you have a headache of any boom’ hit America.” kind, don’t take it for granted. —Eugene Engle There’s always a reason for a Racquetball instructor headache,” he said. Instructing Rocchi for the past three semesters, Engle said he is a model student and adations total and seven months of mires his passion, despite the physical therapy and I’m back!” odds he has overcome. Engle said he was initially “Here’s a guy in his midhesitant to let Rocchi play again sixties still being active and lov-
“If the tax increases don’t pass, we are then looking at a minimum of another $7 million hit,” Higdon said. Despite the fact that winter session has the highest student success rate of any other sessions, the state’s looming fiscal crisis had board members concerned about the college’s overall budget health. “Thanks to the students who do understand that our funding comes from the state of California and we are getting $10 million less than we got last year, so that’s why we have to face some of these difficulties,” William Beverly, board president, said. All things considered, the board did the best it could in retaining the 2013 session, Joshua Casper, student board member, said. “I think we as the board did our very best to be fair,” Casper said. “We really don’t know what’s going to happen, but I think we did the best we could to hear all the concerns of the students, faculty and staff.” Fallo recommended that the board eliminate the 2013 winter session, move the start of spring semester to mid-January 2013 and then offer backto-back summer sessions.
ing it,” Engle, said. “He’s been really good at helping out and teaching other students, especially the beginning students.” Many racquetball participants said Rocchi is known in the class for helping other students improve their game. “He helped me with my racquet position,” Maria Geter, a student and former competitive racquetball circuit player, said. Rocchi also often does magic tricks and entertains students with his comedy routines during class. In his off time, he enjoys drumming, photography, jewelry design, gardening and spending time with his family. For students interested in continuing the sport, racquetball courts are available in several fitness clubs including South End Racquet and Health Club and various local LA Fitness clubs.
Cal Grant cut rejected Viridiana Vaca-Rios Editor-in-Chief After thousands of students protested on March 1 at the Capitol Building in Sacramento in response to Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposal to cut approximately $307 million from Cal Grants, an Assembly subcommittee rejected the cut. The decision was made after hearing testimony from students who traveled from different parts of CA. The Cal Grant, an income-based financial aid program, helps low-income students pay for college. Students who receive this grant come from families who make less than $50,000. Under Brown’s proposal, many students would be affected by either losing their financial aid altogether, or having the amount they receive greatly reduced. Leaving students with less to pay for their education. As of now, the maximum a student can receive is $9,708 but with the proposal that Brown hoped to pass, students receiving the grant would only be receiving $5,472. Students like Maria Gonzales, 21, nurs-
ing major, are happy to see that the proposal was defeated. “I am so glad that Brown’s proposal was rejected, I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have financial aid,” Gonzalez said. “ I probably wouldn’t be attending college.” And that is exactly what some people feared at first, that students who had a reduced amount of financial aid or no longer received any would drop-out of college. Vincent Robles, librarian, said that while he understands that there will always be budget cuts especially in this economy, he thinks that it is up to each college to make the necessary changes that will benefit everyone. “We’ve grown to be selfish as society instead of giving up our luxuries to better benefit everyone,” Robles said. Luis Chario, 24, political science major is very inspired and glad to know that there are students in California who care enough about their education to stand up in what they want and believe in. “We need more students like that to stand up and protest against things like this,” Chario said. “We would all be suffering without our Cal Grants.”
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Thursday March 22, 2012
FEATURES
El Camino College Union 3
Celebrating
Top row from left to right: Edith Wharton, Sandra Day O’Connor and Amelia Earhart. Middle row from left to right: Joan Benoit and Eleanor Roosevelt. Bottom row from left to right: Hillary Clinton, Harriet Tubman and Sally Ride. These women fought for equality and achieved momentous accomplishments in the fields of science, arts, politics and sports and civil rights.
National Women’s History Month recognizes the achievements women have made throughout history. Carina Gomez Staff Writer They were denied the right to vote, their prescence in politics didn’t exist and they were rejected from participating in higher education. The oppression women experienced during the 17th, 18th, 19th and early-20th centuries brought about a movement when women fought to regain their civil rights. And after decades of suffering, March is recognized as National Women’s History Month in which many people honor the women who helped influence and shape society. “Women are treated way better and have more opportunities to work now than they did twenty to thirty years ago,” Camilla Trudeau-Katoa, 19, communications major, said. “Now we can do anything we set ourselves to.” The celebration of women’s history originated in 1978 when the school district of Sonoma, Calif., honored “women’s contributions to history” by organizing a week-long celebration, according to the website www.history.com. As the celebration gained notoriety as a way to preserve women’s history, Congress established Women’s History Month in 1987, a nationally recognized month-long celebration, according to The Library of Congress. “In American society, women now have whatever role they choose, the challenge now is finding a balance with work and the responsibilities that come with motherhood,” Mediah Din, sociology professor, said.
This year’s theme for the month is “Women’s Education—Women’s Empowerment,” determined by the National Women’s History Project—a clearninghouse that provides training on women’s history. The women who fought and stood up for equal education contributed to American history and culture in the most honorable way possible, paving the way for women’s success, according to the website www.history.com. Before 1848, women had little to no access to the educational system and many were denied entrance into colleges throughout the U.S, according to the NWHP. But the demand for equality in higher education started when the Wom en’s Rights Convention enlightened women to demand opportunities for equal rights and eventually gained eligibility for women to participate in co-education, according to NWHP. After this event took place in 1848, the beginning of women’s educational enrichment began and today, the advancements women reached in history are countless, Din said. “I think education has influenced women’s achievements very positively; without it, it’s hard to make progress,” Din said.
“We see more women in higher education every year and we see women reaching higher places in our political system,” she added. Activists, such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, fought to establish an equal opportunity for women to learn in the same academic programs as men in the U.S., according to the website www.history.com. After being rejected from college because it was thought to make women unfit mothers and wives, Elizabeth Blackwell became the first female to graduate in 1849 with a medical degree from Geneva Medical College in New York, according to NWHP. Not only did women make history in the medical field, —Mediah Din women made sociology professor many contributions over the centuries in the arts as poets, authors and actresses. Edith Wharton is best known for her historical achievement as the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize in 1921 after publishing her book, “The Age of Innocence.” While many women were denied the right to an education, they were also not allowed to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports. But in the beginning of the 17th century, women became part of horseracing, boxing and even baseball. Joan Benoit was the first women
“I think education has influenced women’s achievements very positively; without it, it’s hard to make progress.”
to win the Women’s Olympic Marathon in 1984, according to the website www.history.com. Women also made history in politics when Frances Perkins became the first female member of a presidential cabinet in 1933 when she was appointed Secretary of Labor, according to NWHP. A similar political achievement was achieved when Sandra Day O’Connor was selected to the Supreme Court in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan. These accomplishments opened the doors for many women to follow suit. In the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton became the first woman presidential candidate to participate in every primary and caucus in every state and the first woman to win a primary election, according to the website www.findingdulcinea.com. In the field of science, Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly over the Atlantic Ocean, completing her flight in 1928. And in 1983, Sally Ride became the first American female astronaut to join NASA and travel into space, according to the website www.history.com. While these are just a few of the historic achievements made by women, this month’s celebration is a way to give tribute to all the women who fought for equality and changed the lives of many around the world. “Now that times have changed, women have been given more freedom to do as they please,” Marlen Ramirez, 21, sociology major said. “And today they can be more successful than men.”
EDITORIAL
4 El Camino College Union
March 22, 2012
Innovative ideas are the answers to cutbacks
Illustration by Dan Baldonado
Veto. This word resonates with every U.S. citizen regardless of political affiliation. It is the power our president has to reject congressional proposals. It is absolute power. And it’s coming to a college near you. Winter session has been on the chopping block recently, with the administration proposing to remove it from the calendar in an effort to save money. In these times of extreme budget cuts around every corner, it’s no surprise that the college would seek ways to cut costs. However, winter session should not be the scapegoat. Luckily, the battle was won and winter session was included in the 2012/2013 calendar. A college is no place for this pseudo “veto” power. It is the responsibility of the administration and the board of trustees to make decisions in the students’ best interest. While it is understandable to “trim the fat” in the face of budget cuts, winter session is a necessary fat and the students of EC are emaciated children. It is not in the students’ best
interest to remove winter session and considering the Associated Students Organization, the Academic Senate and the Federation of Teachers oppose doing so, there should be no question that winter session
The Issue • Winter session is safe for 2012/2013 but not for 2013/2014
Our Stand • There are other ways to cutback
should be safe. Winter session has higher retention and success rates than every other semester, according to the Chancellor’s Office website. It is vital for students looking to transfer in the fall because it provides an opportunity for additional transferable credits that summer session doesn’t provide.
Why punish hardworking students looking to get ahead or aiming for a smooth transfer to a four-year college? Removing an opportunity for education is certainly not in the students’ best interest, nor is it the students’ wish. The purpose of an educational institution is to serve its students. Defying student’s and faculty’s best interests, means that the institution has failed in its purpose. One alternative to cutting winter session might be to offer higher priced courses, similar to Santa Monica College’s solution to saving winter session. This would enable students to enroll in the specific classes needed while generating efficient revenue to pay for the college’s operational costs. Another course of action might be to create a partnership with local organization and rent out unused classrooms in the evenings for meetings, workshops or training sessions. This would help generate the revenue needed to keep winter session around.
Women should continue to use education to achieve goals Before women were granted the right to be contributing factors in society, they were largely discriminated against in society. Women were not equal to men. They were denied the right to vote or hold a position in public office and co-education was prohibited. But after decades of determination and resilience behind the feminist movement, the 19th amendment was added to The Constitution—granting women the right to vote—they were given an equal opportunity to learn and history was made. Throughout the United States and much of the world, March is observed as Women’s History Month in which many
celebrate the contributions women made to culture, history and society. And as part of this year’s celebration, education is the theme. While women’s commitments have proven invaluable to society, the list of their achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the equal opportunity to learn. Some of those major accomplishments include Edith Wharton winning a Pulitzer Prize, Amelia Earhart crossing the Atlantic Ocean in an airplane, female baseball players establishing an All-American Professional Baseball League and Sandra Day O’Connor serving on the Supreme Court. During much of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, soci-
ety shared the ignorance that education would hinder women’s reproductive genes, might make them less feminine and would increase competition in the man’s world. During this time, women’s societal roles were only that of a mother and wife. After the American Revolution, women were given the opportunity of a basic education as mothers to learn how to continue to “nurture the bodies and the minds of (male) citizens and leaders,” according to The National Women’s History Project—a non-profit organization that recognizes women’s history. When it came to secondary education, women were denied participation in co-education, the NWHP added.
Women’s civil rights were completely denied. According to an article in the newspaper, The Register Citizen, “following the Civil War, white female Americans had fewer rights than freed male slaves.” The oppression women experienced was dehumanizing. They had no opportunity to grow as individuals and were instead forced to be what society wanted them to be. But this oppression made women determined to be “set free” and become an equal part of society. In 1977, legislation passed Title IX of the Education Codes of the Higher Education Act Amendments, which ended discrimination against age, sex or country of origin to partici-
pants in the educational system, according to the NWHP. In today’s society, many women take for granted the equal opportunity they have to be part of the higher educational system. According to a progress report issued by the White House in 2011 regarding the status of women’s education in the U.S., it stated that “younger women are now more likely than their male counterparts to hold a college degree.” It is important for women to realize that 30 years ago, education were closed to women and life as they know it differed significantly for earlier generations. Today, women have the opportunity to use the same educational tools offered to men,
such as enrolling in many classes that were once denied to women as well as applying for scholarships to help fund their education plans. It is important that women continue to take advantage of these opportunities to learn and keep the fight for women’s equality alive. One way to do so is to apply for scholarships and grants funded by woman’s organizations. Women are also encouraged to participate in all academic divisions including the field of medicine and politics in which participation was once denied.
—See related article on Page 1
Printing is a necessary for students Rest and proper nutrition are essential CAMPUS INSIGHT In the original works of the Brothers Grimm, the story “The Fisherman and his Wife” depicts a greedy woman requesting ever larger gifts from a magiTristan Lee Marx writing tutor cal flounder. The flounder initially grants the wife’s requests; first, the flounder yields physical necessities, then gives money and power to the woman. However, like characters in most morality tales, the fisherman’s wife becomes so greedy that one day she asks to be made godlike, and after doing so, the flounder returns her and her husband to their previous state of impoverishment. Like the generous flounder, EC’s Writing Center, located on the first floor of the Humanities Building, has offered printing during previous semesters, but due to increased budget cuts and a plethora of unreasonable requests, the service had to be shut down during the fall semester of 2011. Like the greedy wife of the fisherman, students at EC initially printed items of appropriate length and content. Students soon began attempting to print nonacademic items and were making unreasonable demands, draining the center’s limited resources. Because of such misuse of already limited resources, the Writing Center was
NIO U N EL CAMINO COLLEGE
Vol. 65, No. 12 March 22, 2012 E-mail: eccunion@gmail.com Newsroom: (310) 660-3328 Advertising: (310) 660-3329
forced to remove printing from its list of services and current students suffer the hardships brought on by past transgressors. Although the Schauerman Library prints for a nominal fee, because of its hours of operation, many students have had difficulties printing there. Students in classes starting at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. suffer particularly from this problem of limited access, since the Schauerman Library opens at 8 a.m. Printing should be widely available on a campus that prides itself on accessibility. As of now, there are a few proposed solutions to the problem of printing on campus, but none has really taken hold. Like the fisherman’s wife, students at EC have been returned to a state of destitution when it comes to printing, and will have to find the “God” within themselves in order to facilitate their printing success. Without filling in the lack of resources with abundant personal effort, many students could find themselves floundering. The views expressed in Campus Insight are those of the authors. They do not represent the views or opinions of the Union, its staff, editorial board or advisers. This column is available to students and faculty. All articles may be submitted to eccunion@gmail. com. Please note that articles may be edited for content and length.
Editor-in-Chief ........................................ Viridiana Vaca-Rios News Editor....................................................Viridiana Vaca-Rios Co-Opinion Editor ........................................... Carolyn Ayton Co-Opinion Editor........................................Viridiana Vaca-Rios Features Editor .................................................. Ashley Curtin Arts Editor .......................................................Eman Elshiyab Sports Editor.............................................................Candice Criss Photo Editor ......................................................... Kyle Borden Online Editor-in-Chief .....................................Eman Elshiyab Advertising Manager....................................Stephanie Alcorn Adviser ..........................................................Lori Medigovich Adviser .........................................................Kate McLaughlin Photo Adviser............................................................Gary Kohatsu Technical Support ....................................................Don Treat
COMMENTARY Just like most of people in the world, college students find themselves busy everyday. There are classes to Viridiana Vaca-Rios pass, bills to pay and other Editor-in-Chief responsibilities along the way. From the hours spent in classes to the hours spent earning an income to provide for themselves and afford their education, students have a lot on their plates. However, with so much to do from day to day, when do students stop to take care of themselves? While there are plenty of places to eat on campus as well as off-campus, do students really properly nourish themselves during the day? Do students get the enough hours of sleep to become re-energized and ready for the next day’s tasks? One would think that students would, since much of their day requires good concentration, plenty of energy and much endurance. The reality is that besides a cup of coffee that one either makes at home or buys at a nearby coffee shop, students don’t really eat what they should or as much as they should. Why is that? The answer is mostly because there is no time or students can’t find the time. The Union is published Thursdays by Journalism 11 students at El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, Calif. 90506, and one copy is free to the student body and staff. Unsigned editorials and cartoons are the opinion of the editorial board and do not reflect the views of the student body, the staff or the administration. Letters to the editor must be signed and must be received one week prior to publication in the Union office, Humanities Building Room 113. Letters are subject to editing for space, libel, obscenity and disruption of the educational process. Single copies of the Union are free; multiple copies can be requested through the Union.
According to the Healthy Eating Guide website, eating six small meals every 2-3 hours will not only keep a student’s stomach full, but it will also prevent one from overeating. While it’s true that shoving a granola bar in one’s mouth while walking to the next class is easy, is it really enough? Another thing that college students are known for, is staying up past midnight in order to cram for a test. But without adequate amounts of sleep, the brain shuts down and in the end, it doesn’t benefit a student attempting to learn. According the the Sleep Health website, “Lack of or poor sleep can affect the individual’s ability to fight and endure sickness, cause irritability, poor concentration, impaired memory and decreases hand-eye coordination.” While it is understandable that students are busy, one must find the time to take a break and take proper care of themselves. Just like a car, in order for it to keep running smoothly and properly, the car requires attention and maintenance. Even with too much to do, the best thing one can do is take a small break in order to not get overwhelm and be able to recharge. Take time for yourself out of your busy day, even if it means a 20 minute break to eat a wellbalanced lunch and plenty of sleep.
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OPINION
March 22, 2012
El Camino College Union 5
UP FOR DEBATE
Does 3-D enhance the moviegoing experience? 3-D effects add depth to films and increase entertainment value.
Daniela Messarina Staff Writer ments in 3-D and not just regarding technology. The uses for 3-D have also expanded. While 3-D was often used in high-budget action movies to thrill audience members, it can and has been used in a more practical way, evoking emotions and drawing the audience into new worlds.
“Experience like never before in 3-D” is the commercialized phrase used to grab viewers’ attention. Movies with 3-D effects are popular due to all the advanced technology and consistent 3-D movie previews from production companies aired on television and on the radio. The bottom line is the “experience” is
not coming to theaters. It’s an experience of wasted time and money for having to pay extra for paper glasses. The exciting part of going to see a 3-D movie is putting those glasses on and watching 3-D features. The “experience” is not so great. These movies are popular right now due to the constant growth of new technology. Too much time is spent on adding 3-D features to movies that have already been established, such as “The Lion King 3-D.” Movies such as “The Dark Knight” have successfully made it to the box office at No. 1 for weeks without the addition of 3-D. Production companies are willing to do whatever they can to exploit the 3-D fad, even if it means spending money on ridiculous-looking glasses that will never be used again. According to an article from The Guardian, dated Aug. 11, 2011, a study was conducted on 400 individuals and found that 3-D features do not enhance the excitement and interest of 3-D movies. Instead, the additional 3-D effect causes eyestrain and headaches. Watching 3-D movies will only become a tiring experience when having to deal with eyestrains and headaches during the movie. The focus would be on 3-D features, rather than the movie’s message. Do we really need to see every detail up close? The surround sound is enough for a movie “experience like never before” and the price that we pay to watch a regular movie is high enough. Illustration by Dan Baldonado
Women’s History Month raises awareness of gender equality COLUMN
Daniela Messarina Staff Writer
I am not a genius in math, nor will I ever be, since I spend my time writing in the newsroom and slowly counting change back to customers at work. The days I walk past the Math and Computer Science Building, I wonder why female
students major in math, science or technology. A colleague I met this year in student government spoke to me about the universities she applied to and how nervous she was to find out which universities accepted her. She mentioned the career goals she hoped to achieve that had me wondering. There is a pervasive stereotype in our culture that men are better at math than women. This extends into science and technology, all of which are heavily male-dominated. Despite the advances in gender equality, this bias remains. Women are just as capable, but the fields of math and science
By Mayu Kataoka
Adding 3-D effects to movies is gimmicky and unnecessary.
Eva Ziss-Patton Staff Writer Movies with 3-D effects have gotten a bad reputation as cheesy and gimmicky over the years. Roger Ebert, film critic, wrote an entire article entitled “Why I Hate 3-D (And You Should Too)” that was published in a 2010 issue of Newsweek Magazine. “It is unsuitable for grown-up films of any seriousness,” Ebert, said in Newsweek. People don’t seem to be concerned about grown-up, serious films anymore. Last year, the top five grossing films included: “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2,” “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” “Kung Fu Panda 2” and “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn ,Part 1.” And the first four were released in 3-D. Today, people typically go to movie theaters to be entertained. And 3-D movies are entertaining. Although many films have used 3-D as a gimmick, films today often use 3-D in a different way entirely. Although filmmakers cannot rely on 3-D to make their movie fun or interesting, 3-D can certainly enhance a film by drawing you in and making you a part of their world, as well as conveying certain emotions, just as any other aspect of a film could. Technology for 3-D movies has been around since the 1890s with the first 3-D film released to paying audiences in 1922. In the 2000s, 3-D has certainly made a comeback. Since the creation of 3-D, there have been many improve-
CAMPUS CORNER
remain a boy’s club. However, women have made great strides in crossing into these fields and shattering the glass ceiling that has challenged women for centuries. There are women currently majoring in math, science and technology who work in maledominated professions. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in recent years more women have achieved high levels of education and salary increases as a result. According to the most recent El Camino demographics, 53.6 percent of students on campus are female. Once, women were not allowed to pursue any kind of education. Now, they make
up the majority of the student body. Women now have the right to vote, to receive an education and to work as government officials, proving how far our culture has come. Celebrating Women’s History Month is a chance for us to see the history of women’s achievements and contributions that have paved the way for modern civil rights movements Let’s take this time to honor those influential and powerful women who have made a difference in our lives. If it weren’t for these powerful women who continue to seek male-dominated professions, modern women wouldn’t
be as inclined to seek majors and professions related to math, science and technology. Please connect with me by email at daniela.messarina@ gmail.com Follow me on Twitter @ECCUnionDaniela Join the conversation online at www.eccunion.com The views expressed in this column are those of the author. They do not represent the views or opinions of the Union, its staff, editorial board or advisers.
Maria Brown Professor Women’s Studies
Maria Brown is a professor of Women’s Studies and a coordinator of Women’s History Month. Are there events celebrating Women’s History Month? There is a whole program. There was a kickoff at the beginning of March and some activities during the month. What can students take away from attending these events? I think they’ll learn something about women. Probably things they didn’t know. Why is Women’s History Month important? I think the program is important because it really does acknowledge the wonders of women and it reaffirms the contributions that women have made to society. Women have sacrificed so much for us and it’s important for them to be recognized for their hard work What events can students expect during Women’s History Month? At the end of the program, there is going to be a Hat Show. It’s going to be really fun. This will be our third one. Kids will wear hats and the girls from my class will model the hats. You get to come to school dressed up and show off these hats. What would you say to women who don’t go to college? Education is liberation. And the more acceptable the institution is, the more women will go to the institution. For a long time, education was not accessible to everybody. The GI Bill made it more accessible than ever before. I really believe that women have always been a valuable asset to our society. They are the caregivers; they are the ones who pass down the values and principles from generation to generation.
CAMPUS VIEWPOINTS
Does 3-D enhance the moviegoing experience? By Daniela Messarina and Kyle Borden
Jeovany Ortiz, 23, Film and Japanese
Elicia Snowden, 28, Aviation Administration
Mariah Younger, 18, Undecided
Ubaldo Aovarado, 19, Communications
Darryl Knowles, 19, Radio Technology
Jamiela McInnis, 21, Psychology
“No. It doesn’t add anything to it. It’s old technology that won’t improve or attract viewers to pay more money.”
“Yes. It depends on the movies. Certain ones were really good and certain ones were really bad”
“No. It doesn’t do anything. It hurts your eyes and it costs more. You can’t even take the 3-D glasses with you”
“Yes. The advantage is that you can enjoy the movie better, but the disadvantage is not everyone has the same taste in movies.”
“No. I feel it’s another way for the movie industry to make money. I should just pay $8 for regular movies.”
“Yes. Just cartoons and Disney movies are better in 3-D, not when it comes to real people.”
ARTS
6 El Camino College Union
March 22, 2012
ON THE SCENE By Jorge Maldonado
Theater “Once on this Island” Love brings two people from opposite worlds together in the musical “Once on This Island” at The Campus Theatre through April 1. It is based upon the novel “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy. Tickets are $25 for adults, children 12 and under are $18 and can be purchased online or at the Ticket Office. For more information, interested persons may purchase tickets at the Ticket Office, online, or call 1-800-832-ARTS.
Music “LUVN BLM” features EC faculty and guests “LUVN BLM” will be playing for one night only, at 7p.m. on Sunday in the Marsee Auditorium. It will be conducted by Dane Teter and is composed by American composer Ellen Taafee Zwhilich. For more information, interested persons may purchase tickets at the Ticket Office, online, or call 1-800-832-ARTS.
Film Persian empire documentary Discovery Films presents “Magic of Persia: Inside Iran Today” at 3 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Marsee Auditorium. Tickets are $7. For more information, interested persons may purchase tickets at the Ticket Office, online, or call 1-800-832-ARTS.
Cary Majano /Union Laron Harvey, 33, welding major, demonstrates the most common cutting power of radiographic welding inspection in Shop Room 100.
Eman Elshiyab /Union On display in the Schauerman Library is an art piece of a welded heart called “Cupid’s Arrow” by Carlos Hernandez who is a part of the CAA program honoring troubled students.
Heat from a blowtorch makes welding fun Stephen Voltattorni Staff Writer As the flame from a blowtorch touches the metal, they begin to heat it into shapes, hammer it together and then bend it into artwork in Shop Room 100, a welding class teaching students different processes of welding. “They burn and bend metal to shape their artwork by using five different welding processes,” Renee Newell, the newest welding professor said. “They are called annealing, tungston inert gas, shielding metal art, flecore art, and gas metal art welding (MIG).” Welding has become a field in demand with classrooms full
of students that are eager to learn, Newell said. “The reasons students take welding classes are usually for certification purposes, more specifically for the D1.1 (structural steel certification),” Newell said. “President Barack Obama is currently making a drive with a program in the field to push for more skilled welders.” According to The Career Advancement Academy. Theplan is train workers in the welding field for 2014, where there is going to be a lot of retiring welders in the field. Obama will demand 580,000 new welding workers, Newell said. Newell is presently working
with the CAA program, where she is helping students weld hearts to exhibit in the Schauerman Library this month for at-risk youths who have gotten in trouble and are trying to turn their lives around. “I’m pleased to be a part of such an awesome program,” she said. Professor Samuel Dantzel said welding has become very popular among students because it is in everyday construction. “Shield Metal Art and MIG welding are common in buildings,” he said. “Aerospace and car enthusiasts also use gas Tungston welding.” Dantzler said the welding department offers two different
programs. “We have the day program and the night program,” he said. “In the day we use all the processes over the four semesters and in the night program, students can specialize in whatever process they want.” Dantzler said welding could be dangerous so it’s required that all students have a mask and a pair of gloves before using their tools. “We use many types of tools such as a welding machine, an electrode, an electrode holder, and a flaming blowtorch,” he said. Fortunately they have a shop technician, Matt Hutcherson, who works very closely with the tools.
“I hand out and check in tools to students. The tools tend to get really expensive,” Hutcherson said. “Thankfully, federal grants pay for pretty much everything.” Some students really look forward to coming to class and using their tools to weld. “I love how we have so many tools,” Jacob Narsha, 24, art major said. “My favorite tool to use is the blowtorch.” Narsha said he hopes to make welding into a profession one day. “I don’t see why not. Nearly everything we use is welded or made by equipment that is welded.” he said. “In construction, welders are virtually rebuilding the world.”
Pianist finds freedom in music another Rachmaninoff prelude in C sharp minor.” Hoping to transfer to the University of Southern California, he hopes to be able to join the music program. But joining the music program isn’t his only goal as he hopes to be involved more than just musically. “I want to be able to play basketball for them also,” Henry said. “I practice a lot and play basketball whenever I can.” Polli Chambers-Salazar, music instructor to Henry said Henry is currently composing a piece of music that focuses on the death of family members. “The piece that I am writing is inspired from overcoming the pain and sorrow of having someone close to you die,” Henry said. Although Henry knows what he needs in order to achieve success, he wants other students who are pursuing music to know that things worth having in life don’t come easy. “It takes a lot of dedication. If you want to be a professional in your craft it takes a lot of hard work,” he said. “One can’t come Kyle Borden /Union to class and expect to become a Justin Henry, 22, music major, found the right career path as a pianist and composer and professional.” hopes to take his musical talent to USC. Henry also said in order to become the best in life one must work at it. “I’m not saying I’m a profesViridiana Vaca-Rios “I definitely think music is sional, but I have a mindset of beEditor-In-Chief what I should be doing, I was ing the best,” he said. given some abilities, natural Henry’s friend and classmate, With the glare from the spot- abilities, to play music and I light in his eyes, he looks at the think I am also better at it too,” Luis Salazar, 22, music major faces of the audience in front of Henry said. “ I like how I can ex- said that he sees Henry working in the film industry as a comhim. Alone with only his piano press myself and my emotions.” poser. on stage, he gets an overwhelm“I know he already ing feeling of pressure, of nerhas a few connections vousness. with some people after Placing his fingers on the ivogoing to the NAAM ry colored keyboard he begins convention. There he to play and gets lost in his own met a composer in the imagination. film industry and he Justin Henry, 22, music major, will be able to hopefully work in has been playing the piano for Inspired by composers such more than two years and com- as Sergei Rachmaninoff, Henry that.” posing music for five. enjoys composing and playing Chambers-Salazar, director Starting off as a business ma- classical music. of piano studies, also sees a lot jor, Henry said he knew he was “My favorite piece of music is of potential in Henry. meant to do something more by Rachmaninoff and it is pre“He is very motivated, intellude in G minor,” he added. “In with his life as he didn’t feel that ligent and loves music,” she said. he was following the right career April, I will audition for the pia- “He learns extremly fast and is alno master class and will perform path. ways challenging himself.”
RISING
STAR
Photo Courtesy of IMDb
“The Silent House” bores audience with familiar plot Diane Vay Staff Writer With a few tears, screams, drips of blood on the floor, a couple of unconscious bodies, and noises that appear to come from nowhere, a movie may now earn its title as a “psychological thriller.” While a thriller may attract movie-goers, a gross income of $7 million dollars on its first weekend makes the future of the movie unpredictable. According to msn. com, “The Silent House” is the American remake of the Uruguayan 2010 horror film, “La Casa Muda.” As well as mimicking the same plot as “Storytelling Conceit of Unfolding in Real Time.” The movie, directed by Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, begins with a lone girl, Sarah (Elizabeth Olsen) who quietly sits above rocks that lie along the seashore. The girl begins to stand up and walks along a field of long grass. It appears she is walking in her own front yard as she slowly walks toward a house. The first person Sarah sees is no other than her own father, John (Adam Trese). Once in contact, the two engage in a brief father and daughter conversation. The conversation begins to trail away and the two walk toward the entry of their home. The door opens and there stands Peter (Eric Shefer Stevens), Sarah’s uncle.
The movie appears to begin with a family get-together, where each individual plays a part in repairing what seems to be an old mold-infested home. The average “trip down memory lane” ends as soon as Sarah meets an old childhood friend, Sophia, whom she cannot recall. Her brief conversation ends when Sarah enters the house alone and begins to “tidy up” her old room. Sarah stops when she sees a mysterious red box that appears to be locked. The “thriller” begins here as she is alone in her own room and in the middle of a conversation with her father, hears no response. Although the suspense throughout the movie captures the audiences’ attention, it leaves them snoring and dissaponited with a typical hollywood horror film. After Sarah begins to panic and the audience screams, she is shaken by a faint sound of footsteps and a loud thud against the wall. She later learns that the loud thud against the wall came from the unconscious body of her father. Who has become nearly-dead after facing the stalking man (Adam Barnett). When all of a sudden, she becomes the stalking man. Sarah turns out to have “psychological issues,” with an abusive father, and an uncle who never stood up for his niece. Overall, the movie was nothing intresting and left viewers with nothing to look forward to any upcoming horror films.
SPORTS
March 22, 2012
El Camino College Union 7
ON DECK
Warriors place first in conference
Candice Criss Sports Editor
Ian Schmidt Staff Writer
MEN’S VOLLEYBALL
With wins against Santa Barbara College and L.A. Pierce College, the Warriors have passed Long Beach and are now in first place for the conference. The Warriors now have a 4-2 conference record, and an 8-2 overall record The home game against Santa Barbara resulted in a 3-1 win for the Warriors. “We practiced hard, but a good team had us befuddled. They were very competitive. We wanted to play hard and get a win, but we let ourselves get sloppy, and that really cut it close for us,” Richard Blount, coach, said. “We really played down, we have to learn to talk more. We really came together at crucial points, though,” Trevor Butler, outside hitter, said. The team was excited about the win, but also aware that they could have played better and given themselves a better lead. “If we have to take an ugly win, we’ll take it, but we should play better than that. But this
Friday at EC vs. Moorpark at 6 p.m.
TRACK AND FIELD Friday at 10 a.m. at Pasadena City Saturday at 10 a.m. at Riverside
WOMEN’S TENNIS Today at 2 p.m. at Long Beach City
SWIMMING/DIVING Friday at 12:30 p.m. at Mt.San Antonio
BASEBALL Today at 2:30 p.m. at Cerritos Saturday at noon at EC vs. Cerritos
SOFTBALL Today at 3 p.m. at LA Harbor
Tennis Scores • Women’s tennis: • Thursday March 15 against Orange County, W 5-4 Singles: (3-3), Doubles: (2-1) • Tuesday, March 20 against Rio Honda W 8-0, Singles: (3-3), Doubles: (2-1) • Men’s tennis will be playing on Tuesday, March 27 at Mt. San Antonio College at 2 p.m.
win is huge for us. It gives us separation from them. If we had lost, we would be in the mud, this win keeps us in contention.” Blount said. The away game against L.A. Pierce ended with a 3-1 win for the Warriors. “It was tense. It was a playoff atmosphere,” Blount said. The key in this type of game is to just support one another, not to interact with the fans, and to just focus on the win, Blount said. Matt Pimblett, outside hitter, who has been out for the past five games came off the bench and got 18 kills, 12 digs, and 5 blocks during the Santa Barbara game and 14 kills and 15 digs at the LA Pierce game. Hunter Hovland, outside hitter, and Kevin Burrell, middle blocker, played big as well, with 16 kills and 7 digs, and 5 kills and 8 blocks, respectively. “They haven’t won a title in seven or eight years, but they were cheering like they had. Beating [L.A. Pierce] at their place really tasted good,” Blount said. The Warriors have a home game against Moorpark College this Friday.
Molly Stolba /Union Joseph Tanuvasa sets up Kevin Burrell, middle blocker, for the kill during the Warriors’ 3-2 win against Moorpark College.
Softball team takes its losses but still plan to have a strong season Eva Ziss-Patton Staff Writer Following the softball team’s March 8 win against Pasadena, the Warriors were faced with a losing streak. The Warriors lost to Long Beach, 1-0, on March 13 and to East Los Angeles, 23-7, on March 15. East Los Angeles took an early lead with 13 runs in the top of the first inning, but the Warriors were not able to come back from such a significant early lead. The game ended after five innings,
with the Warriors behind 16 runs. Although they were unsuccessful, the Warriors tried their best and made some good plays, Vivian Santacruz, first and third baseman, said. The Long Beach game was slightly more successful compared to the one against East L.A. Long Beach scored one run in the bottom of the second, but the pace slowed and neither team scored the rest of the game. Marissa Merced, first baseman, pitched for six innings during the Long Beach game.
With twenty-three players at bat, only three hits were made, with one resulting in a run. Merced had three strikeouts during the game. “Marissa (Merced) did a great job— they earned that run,” Santacruz said. “Merced pitched a really good game—probably the best I’ve seen all year,” Elaine Martinez, coach, said. Priscilla Cardona, a new player, has “been very successful” as shortstop and at bat this year, Santacruz said. Yasmin Antonio, outfielder, who had been ineligible to play due to a lack of units, has recently returned and made
some vast improvements since her leave. “Yasmin has been doing very well at the plate,” Martinez said. The Warriors look forward to their next game against Compton on Tuesday at 3 p.m. at home. In order to achieve success during this game, they will need to adjust to the pitcher while up at bat, Santacruz said. They will continue to practice hitting, defense, and throws, Antonio said. The Warriors have recently ended their losimg streak on March 20 against Compton with a final score of 25-2.
SPORTS
8 El Camino College Union
March 22, 2012
Warriors battle with Mounties Jorge Maldonado Staff Writer The Warriors game against the Mt. San Antonio College Mounties on March 15 was successful compared to their last game, which the team lost 1-3. The Warriors had a previous losing streak against East L.A. and Mt. San Antonio. “We were a little too anxious the last couple of games and being patient really helped us today,” Nate Fernley, coach, said. Patience earned the Warriors a win, 11-4, breaking a three game losing streak. “Offensively we got hits when we needed to. (It felt) good to get back on that scoreboard,” Fernley said. The Mounties had six errors during the game which included dropped balls and failing to steal bases. “Obviously when the team makes an error it gives you more chance to see the starting pitcher,” Fernley said. “It gave us an opportunity to work their pitcher deeper in the game.” “When they make errors it works that pitch count up and gives us an opportunity to score runs,” Fernley added. The Warriors had 14 hits compared to nine hits by the Mounties. Trezek’s fellow teammate, Bryce Savage, infielder, is leading the scoreboard with 19 RBIs and is the most improved player, Fernley said. Savage hit a homerun during the bottom of the eighth.
MIchael Williams/ Union Peter Ives, infielder, anticipates a throw to second base to attempt to tag out the opponent during the Warriors’ match with East Los Angeles, resulting in a 3-5 loss, adding to their losing streak.
“Bryce had a good game, he went four for four, with a home run, he’s been hitting well in that nine hole, he’s leading the team in RBIs,” Fernley added. At the mound the Warriors had one strikeout during the game by Daniel Timmerman. “I think we pitched really well today, we threw strikes,” Timmerman, pitcher, said. Timmerman shared the game with Alex Mis-
tulof who pitched a majority of the innings. “Mistulof on the mound, he battled today and did a good job keeping us in it,” Fernley said. In the seventh inning, the Warriors gained seven runs and two in the eighth. The Mounties, by the end of ninth inning, were only able to earn one extra run, giving them a total of four runs for the game. The Warriors won, 11-4.
“I think we’ve played a little bit more of our type of baseball, going out and playing hard,” Trezek said. Postponing the March 17 game due to inclement weather, the Warriors played the Mounties again won March 19 with a loss, 0-1. The Warriors now tie with Pasadena and L.A. Harbor for the number five spot in the conference.
Swimming and diving team train hard for a chance at the conference Mayu Kataoka Staff Writer With another week of solid training, the Warriors came close to beating their best times during their dual meet on Friday, March 16 against East Los Angeles College and Long Beach City College. Although the team did not walk away with a win, swimmers walked away with the hopes of having a better chance at the conference championships. Erica Bender won her 200-yard free relay, as well as her 500yard free relay while Karina Vint won her 100 IM and her 100 FLY and Paula Mazzarino won her diving. “We won most of the events at the meet but we just couldn’t catch a lucky break,” Corey Stanbury, coach, said. Overall, the men’s swim team lost to Long Beach, 174-89, and
the women’s swim team lost to Long Beach, 70-57, and East LA, 67-60. “The girls swam close to their best times, but we were missing a couple girls that could have added to our points,” assistant coach Vincent Fiamengo, said. “But overall, I think we did pretty good.” Despite the cold weather, Erica Bender won most of her events. For Bender’s 500-yard free relay, she got 549, her 100-yard free relay with 58, and her 200-yard free relay with 208. “You have to visualize your race and visualize yourself in perfect formation,” Erica Bender said. “Imagine coming in first.” During the 400-yard free relay, Bender said that things got hectic when a swimmer from another team was gaining on their swimmer. “We were able to pull through and win,” Bender said. In order to prepare for the meet, Bender added that her team had been practicing non-stop.
“You have to make seven out of the nine workouts, so if you miss two, you can’t compete,” Bender said. Due to missing some of the mandatory practices, six of the men on the swim team were unable to attend the meet. Stanbury added that they could have essentially helped earn more points for the team if they were able to go. “We might have lost, but we just have to put it behind us and get prepared for the next swim meet,” Shanese Douglas said. The Warriors are all working hard for their upcoming meet for the conference championship, which Stanbury is looking forward to. “Everyone gave it their all and we have to keep pushing ourselves in practice and keep giving it everything we have at every meet,” Douglas said. The swimming and diving team will be competing on Friday against Mt. San Antonio.