NIO U N
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Spring Break: Using the Metro for local and affordable fun Page 2
EL CAMINO COLLEGE
April 5, 2012
Collegial consultation meeting raises questions Thomas Schmit Staff Writer In a strange coincidence, the board of trustees had a presentation on the collegial consultation process hours after the academic senate accepted a resolution of no confidence in that process. Academic Senate for California Community Colleges President Michelle Pilati and Community College League of California CEO Scott Lay gave an hour-long presentation titled “Participating Effectively in District and College Governance” during a special board meeting on April 3. However, at noon that day the Academic Senate had voted, without nays and with five abstentions and requested to the board for the ASCCC and CCLC’s to jointly provide issue resolution service. “We feel it’s a very fair request, and we see it as a positive move that could solve our problems with collegial consultation, instead of just drawing attention to it,” Academic Senate President Christina Gold said. The ASCCC and CCLC, as statewide representatives of faculty and administrators, jointly offer four such services, the other two being “Advisory Assistance” and “Special Workshops and Presentations”. According to a draft of the senate’s resolu-
Torrance, California
Colorful hats worn to celebrate women
tion, a similar request for service and was denied by the board in 2008. Instead, the board insisted that only the “information presentation” service was necessary, the same service that took place at the April 3 board meeting. “The board asked that we start at the beginning, with the presentation, and then move on to the issue resolution,” history Professor Emily Rader said. A few of the 120 or so members of the audience, such as trustee Dr. Ray Gen, were optimistic about the presentation’s effectiveness. “I think it laid out the issues so that we all have common ground when we advance into other areas of disagreement or communications,” Gen said. Less optimistic about the presentation was EC Classified Representative Luukia Smith who hoped the presentation managed to accomplish something worthwhile. “I think there are many people on campus who think collegial consultation means ‘listen to what I want to say, and then do what I say’” Smith said.“I think having an accurate understanding of the definition is really important.” Ali Ahmadpour wasn’t enthusiastic about the presentation’s outcome. “I don’t think the board listened. I didn’t hear anything from the board that sounded like these people were here for a reason, that there is a problem here,” Ahmadpour said.
Kyle Borden/ Union Helen Padilla, 21, nursing major, prepares to walk down the runway while wearing a hat owned by Maria Brown, history professor, for the Women’s History Month, Hat Show.
Sexual harassment case is settled Ken Brown appointed to tech task force Thomas Schmit Staff Writer After just 14 months, EC has again settled a lawsuit with a female employee who alleged she was sexually harassed by a former Dean and Vice President. The woman, whose attorney asked that she not be identified, alleged that Dean James Schwartz continually harassed her from 2004 until 2010, according to court documents. While the woman and her attorney, David Myers, were unable to discuss the amount settled for, a Daily Breeze article said the woman was awarded $750,000 last February. The last settlement involving Schwartz was for $2.5 Million, Myers said.
While EC’s Community Relations Director Ann Garten could not be reached for comment on the situation, board of trustees President Bill Beverly offered several comments to the Daily Breeze. “I’m disappointed in the whole thing,” Beverly was quoted as saying. “I’m disappointed in everybody who was anywhere near the problem, if there was one.” Beverly added. The news of the settlement came as a surprise to many students, such as Brian Lutz, 22, Anthropology major. “This is the first I’ve ever even heard of allegations,” Lutz said.
Viridiana Vaca-Rios Editor-in-Chief Board of trustees member, Ken Brown has been appointed to the new education technology task force by State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson. “It’s a cool thing; I feel honored that they want my opinion and I’m pretty proud that there was a lot of people that applied and I’m one of 49 select few that will be helping,” Brown said. According to the Compton Bulletin Web page, the technology task force will offer recommendations for how to bring 21st century tools into California’s classrooms to improve teaching and learning. Brown added that his duties will include how to implement technology and the way students in K-12
Transferring options for students Roy Moore Staff Writer With CSU’s no longer an option for many transferees, students got the opportunity to explore other transferring options at the Historically Black College University Fair (HBCUs). Some of the colleges in attendance were Howard, Hampton, Tuskegee, Stillman, Tennessee State and North Carolina State University. “The purpose of the HBCU fair is to provide awareness and to let all students, regardless of race, know about transfer options and
what they might want to consider, especially with the decrease of acceptance of students at the Calstate system,” Elaine Moore, academic counselor, said. Students seeking to transfer to an HBCU can take advantage of the Transfer Admission Guarantee program (TAG). “It’s a process that allows students to transfer in a much faster and easier way with fewer units depending on the University they will be applying for,” Moore said. “It provides a pipeline for students for the ten schools that we have agreements with and three of the ten will accept the inter-segmental general
education transfer curriculum” (IGETC). “By attending an HBCU, I learned quite a bit about myself and my culture,” Brandon Williams, Tuskegee University alumni, said. “We have a saying over at Tuskegee, if you can survive Tuskegee, then you can survive anywhere in the world.” Keith Cox, from the Southern University Alumni Chapter, encourages students to go online and take advantage of the technology. “I advise students to use Twitter and Facebook, because Southern University is currently trending with those technologies,” Cox said.
learn. “What are children learning? How do students learn with technology? How do we judge and grade students? Do we use technology?” Brown said. However, Brown said that the implementation of technology in schools won’t be something that can be quickly accomplished. “It’s not an overnight thing where we are going to waive our magic wand and fix everything that is wrong with the schools,” Brown said. Brown also explained how the community colleges aren’t the only ones impacted by budget cuts. “A big concern is budget and money. K-12 is feeling it too. But if you impliment technology into education it can empower teachers and you might get a lot more bang for your buck,” Brown said.
Warrior Games to promote clubs Viridiana Vaca-Rios Editor-in-Chief The newly named Warrior Games, will take place tomorrow at the Schauerman Library Lawn from noon to 3 p.m. Ricky Gonzalez, 20, Inter-Club Council member said that they have decided to change the spring games name to the Warrior Games to make the games more college oriented. Along with the new name, Gonzalez also said that he wanted to change things up and make sure that everyone has fun. “The games we will be playing are something we weren’t able to do before,”
he said. The games played will include Tug-oWar, capture the flag and water balloon toss. The newest additions will be sumo wrestling and gummy war hunt. Although students are encouraged to attend and watch the clubs on campus compete, only students involved in a club may participate. Josian Fuentez, 21, political science major said the games help raise more awareness of clubs. “We have a lot of fun and this is one of those feel good events that we have throughout the year,” he said. “Everyone is invited to come and help the clubs.”
EC kicks off Alcohol Awareness month with DUI Awareness Fair Candice Criss Sports Editor
NEWS LINE
Kyle Borden/Union Wayne Wagner, 19, kinesiology major, drives the DUI fair golf cart with EC police department, Officer Lewis.
Eman Elshiyab
Kicking off Alcohol Awareness month, the EC Police Department teamed up with the South Bay DUI task force for its 12th Annual South Bay DUI Awareness Fair. The event was to educate students on the dangers of drinking and driving, Sargent Dal Toruno said. There were a few displays and demonstrations to better explain what it is like to maneuver a vehicle while inebriated. One of the demonstrations required students to take a free-throw shot at a basketball court and then try it again with altered
goggles to give you the illusion of being under the influence. “When they first try to make the shot, it’s quite on point. Then once they put the goggles on, their whole shot has changed,” Victor Gomez, investigator for the SouthBay Police Department, said. “They are then nowhere near close to making the intended shot.” Another one of the demonstrations required students to drive an obstacle course twice; one time without the goggles and another time with the goggles on. The obstacle course had bright orange cones to keep the students on track. During their first try, a lot of the stu-
dents made it through the obstacle course with ease. When it was time for them to have their second try while wearing the goggles, a majority of the students had a much more difficult time making their way around the course. “I was truly scared that I could have hit the wall or a person.” Christian Lawrence, freshman, said. “I learned from the experience that I would never drink and drive. It was very difficult getting through that obstacle course.” Gomez said that the purpose of the demonstrations is for the students to experience, first hand, the consequences coupled with drinking and driving.
Arts center college tour on Friday
Undeclared major workshop
Mandatory pep squad workshops
Club charter deadline approaching
UC Santa Barbara “Spring Insight” tour
Students interested in the arts, are encouraged to attend an arts center college tour. Students must be currently enrolled in at least one course at EC. Interested persons should visit the Transfer Center, or call 310-660-3593 ext. 3408.
An undeclared major workshop will take place at the Career Center, Room SSC 106 on Thursday, April 19, from noon to 2 p.m. Students can meet with a career counselor. Space is limited, students are encouraged to sign-up.
Pep Squad 2012 mandatory workshops will take place Monday, April 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, April 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in PE-N 52. Interested persons may email pep squad advisor at dgalias@elcamino.edu.
Today is the deadline for students to reactivate an existing campus club. In order for a proposed charter to appear on the Inter-Club Council agenda a couple of completed forms must be on file in the Student Development Office.
There will be a college tour on Saturday, April 14 at UC Santa Barbara regarding “Spring Insight.” Interested persons should visit the Transfer Center located on the first floor of the Student Services Center, or call 310-660-3593 ext. 3408.
FEATURES
2 El Camino College Union
Thursday April 5, 2012
Metro Adventures Diane Vay Staff Writer
Spring break is approaching and with a week off, many students will close their text books and have some fun. The Metro is a great way for students to explore different areas and attractions using public transportation. Whether students are looking for a hiking trail, a museum exhibit, a movie theater, or an amusement park, various Metro routes will help make fun day trips affordable. Students can also get discounted tickets to certain attractions by purchasing an Auxiliary Service Board (ASB) sticker. By using the ASB sticker, students will save money on various attractions throughout Southern California. The sticker can be purchased in the Student Development Office, Room AC160. As gas prices continue to rise, here are some destinations using public transportation.
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• Read a book • Catch up on the news • Eat breakfast or drink coffee • Browse Facebook or Twitter
EDITORIAL
April 5, 2012
El Camino College Union 3
Spring break offers dangerous risks to students
Illustration by Greg Bell
Spring break is right around the corner and excitement is building. Maybe you’re flying to Miami to indulge in some UV rays and wet T-shirt contests. Maybe you’ll be tossing back margaritas and mojitos in Cancun. Maybe you’re staying local and plan to cruise the Sunset Strip. Spring break is a whole week of endless possibilities. The possibility students often overlook, however, is the consequence of too much partying. The issue is invincibility. A person who has never been in trouble with the law often feels above it. You may have driven home from a party buzzed one night and gotten away with it, so you feel like the chances of getting pulled over are slim. However, spring break is a whole other beast. Police know when local schools have spring break. They know where the parties are. They know which bars are popular. And they know when you’ve had a few and figure you can make it home. It’s easy to shrug off the
dangers and say it won’t happen to you, but let’s look at the facts. According to the most recent factsheet on adp.ca.gov, there were a total of 214,811 Driving Under the Influence arrests in California in 2008.
The Issue • Students ignore the consequences of drunk driving.
Our Stand • A DUI will affect you for the rest of your life.
That’s a big number. Taking the risk of getting arrested for a DUI cannot be justified. According to drivinglaws.org, a first-offense DUI in California can lead to a $2,600 fine and license suspension for up to ten months. The severity of those consequences increases significantly
if you’re under 21. The consequences to the person getting the DUI are pretty hefty, but that doesn’t even touch the consequences that will follow that person for the rest of their life if they get in an accident. According to the same factsheet, 1,355 people were killed in accidents involving alcohol or other drugs in 2008. Imagine being responsible for the death of another person. Now imagine being responsible for that death, all because you couldn’t be bothered to call a cab. El Camino hosted its 12th DUI Awareness Fair Monday in an effort to raise awareness about just how much harm a DUI can do. The fair happens a week before spring break for a reason. It’s important now more than ever for students to understand the impact of their decisions. Have fun during spring break, but remember that your actions have consequences. Don’t let yourself become a statistic, just call a cab.
Private universities offer hope of transfer during CSU freeze Transferring EC students must seek out other options for education while state universities deny spring enrollment. With the California State University system plan to freeze enrollment for spring of 2013, EC students explored transfer options at the Historically Black College University (HBCU) Fair that was held last Thursday on EC’s Library lawn. The most devastating news about the CSU enrollment freeze is the fact that thousands of new students, as well as thousands of community college students hoping to transfer to a CSU will be denied admission or put on a waiting list, where some could wait as long as two years to begin their education. There is no question, espe-
cially in today’s competitive job market, that a college degree is necessary and students should not put their education on hold because of the CSU admissions freeze. Luckily, some of the top ranking HBCUs in the country sent representatives from Howard, Hampton, Tuskegee, Stillman, Tennessee State, North Carolina A&T State University among others to talk about the benefits of being accepted to out of state universities. According to EC’s public relations bulletin, EC is the first California community college to have transfer agreements with HBCUs. While on sabbatical in
spring 2010, El Camino College counselor Elaine Moore developed the transfer agreement program that simplifies the admissions process for EC students seeking transfer to the schools. The program is modeled after the agreements between El Camino College and USC and the California State University system. These agreements have assisted thousands of transferring EC students move on to universities within the state. Another alternative route to take during the CSU freeze is to consider transferring to private universities. While a private university
Recent acts of racism rock the nation CAMPUS INSIGHT Here we are in the 21st century trying to move forward stronger than our ancestors. However, as far as our advancements in science and technology may have Steve Calise History major improved, we still lack in the movement of humanitarianism. I am talking racism and extremism. The reason why I say society as a whole is lacking is because we still live like the previous century with these problems around us. The proof lies in what has been brought upon us recently. When it comes to the facts of racism, we should look at recent news reports. This past year alone we have had attacks on the president, the murder of an innocent boy in Florida and the murder of the innocent woman in her home in San Diego. Our president, the first African American, has had his citizenship challenged by conservative figureheads like Donald Trump. The fact that our president has to show his birth documentation to prove he is American is ridiculous. Another example is Shaima Alawadi, the Iraqi woman who was ruthlessly beaten down in her own home by a radical racist. Her murder has yet to be put to justice. A letter was found stating, “Go back to your country, you terrorist!”
NIO U N EL CAMINO COLLEGE
Vol. 65, No. 14 April 5, 2012 E-mail: eccunion@gmail.com Newsroom: (310) 660-3328 Advertising: (310) 660-3329
If that wasn’t harsh enough on Muslims and Arabs, then look at the fundraiser for abused women hosted by The Islamic Circle of North America in February 2011. During the fundraiser, The Tea Party of Orange Country stood outside yelling, “Go back home! Go back and abuse your wives! Terrorist! Go USA!” My last example of racism and extremism is the killing of Trayvon Martin in Florida. An innocent young man was racially profiled and shot down while walking home from a convenience store. The killer, George Zimmerman, is said to have used words in phone conversation that I personally would not use to describe a human being. Racism and extremism are a cancer that we can always try to treat, but in the end will reappear and try to destroy us in both humanitarian and social advancements. 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 Assistant News Editor ....................................Jorge Maldonado Opinion Editor..........................................................Carolyn Ayton Features Editor ....................................................Ashley Curtin Arts Editor.......................................................Viridiana Vaca-Rios Sports Editor...............................................................Candice Criss Photo Editor .......................................................... Kyle Borden Advertising Manager..................................... Stephanie Alcorn Adviser ........................................................... Lori Medigovich Adviser ..........................................................Kate McLaughlin Photo Adviser.............................................................Gary Kohatsu Technical Support ..................................................... Don Treat
might have higher tuition than the CSU system, students at state universities have a difficult time getting into classes they need because popular majors are often impacted. If a student chooses an impacted major, it will take longer for them to finish their degree program. This means students often spend an extra year at public universities, costing them more in the long run. The higher tuition at private universities is less of an issue when students can get degrees in fewer years. It is important to consider the amount of time it will take to finish a degree when evaluat-
ing options and weighing costs. According to TheCollegeSolution.com, there are a number of different financial aid options available no matter what kind of situation the student is in. Private universities offer many scholarships for students, which can help to cover the higher tuition. Students looking for private scholarships can use search engines such as scholarpro.com to help them find and apply for scholarships. If students take initiative and start applying for scholarships now, they can offset rising tuition costs and make private universities an option.
With education budgets being slashed, colleges are no longer looking to help students. Instead, students must help themselves. College can be affordable if students work hard to find financial solutions. Students can no longer rely on an affordable education from a state university or on financial aid grants, so private scholarships and additional aid from private universities are the most viable options. If students don’t think of alternative options for education now, some might lose hope and give up on college completely, and that should not be an option. —See related article on Page 1
Letter to the editor Apart from disagreeing with the assessment that “’Once on this Island’ leaves audience unentertained” (March 29), there were a number of inaccuracies in the review: the musical was in the Campus Theatre, not the Marsee Auditorium; the director was Caryn Desai, not David Moan; the character of Little Ti Moune was played by Olivia Aniceto and Fiona Okida, not Grace Blewer; the character of Ti Moune was played by Michelle Zelina, not Tehani Pestatozzi; and the character of Daniel was played by Jeffrey Hurley, not Adam Granato. It is unfortunate that so many inaccuracies were published the day before the closing weekend of the play. My concerns are with the possible consequences to the Fine Arts division, especially the 35
students, 8 faculty and 20 employees who made a sincere and concerted effort to produce a quality production with interdisciplinary collaboration among three departments. Low morale among the cast and crew, low attendance on closing weekend, and diminished support for Fine Arts programs are the potential consequences when such irresponsible and unfair reporting is left unchecked. In our common mission to maintain high standards of respect, integrity and excellence, both in journalism and the performing arts, I request a retraction on behalf of the faculty, staff and students of the Fine Arts division. Constance Fitzsimons, dean Fine Arts Division
Letters to the editor policy
Letters pertaining to campus is- Every attempt will be made to run all letters sues or responding to articles will received before the editorial deadline, which have priority over commentaries or is the Monday prior to publication, each week. other letters on the editorial page, to the discretion of the editorial board.
Letters may be from any El In cases of sensitive circumstances, anonyCamino student, faculty member, mous letters will be published. Depending on classified person or employee of the the gravity on the content of the letter, some college. Letters from students have anonymous letters may not be published priority. 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.
Associated Collegiate Press Regional Pacemaker Award 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 California Newspaper Publishers’ Association General Excellence Award 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005 Journalism Association of Community Colleges General Excellence Award 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
ARTS
4 El Camino College Union
ON THE SCENE
Songwriter brings talent to Grammys Daniela Messarina Staff Writer
By Jorge Maldonado
Fashion Modeling auditions The “30th Annual El Camino College Fashion Show” will be casting models from 3 to 4:30 p.m. today in the east lounge of the Activities Center. Men, women and children are all invited to audition. For more information, interested persons may contact Vera Ashley at 310-660-3593, ext. 3346.
Art Murals,Paintings, Prints and Sculptures The Expressive Line of Wayne Alaniz Healy is showing in the Art Gallery now through April 26. The Art Gallery is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday as well as 12 to 8 p. m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Admission to the Art Gallery is free. For more information, interested persons may call 310-6603010.
Editor’s Note:
A story that ran in the March 29 issue of the Union about “Once on This Island” contained several inaccuracies and was plagiarized after the reporter turned it in for publication. The review did not run as Stephen Voltattorni originally wrote it. The correct information for the play are as followed: the musical was in the Campus Theatre, not the Marsee Auditorium; the director was caryn desai, not David Moan; the character of Little Ti Moune was played by Olivia Aniceto and Fiona Okida, not Grace Blewer; the character of Ti Moune was played by Michelle Zelina, not Tehani Pestatozzi; and the character of Daniel was played by Jeffrey Hurley, not Adam Granato. The Union regrets the error. Please refer to page 4 letter to the editor.
April 5, 2012
Robert Long/ Union Bilal Akhtar, 22, business major reminices about past life experiences to inspire some of his songwriting.
With the sound of the music blasting through his headphones, he quickly grabs a pen and paper and jots down the first things that come to mind. A memory, a heartbreak or a defining moment in his life is where Bilal Akhtar, 22, business economics major, said he gets his inspiration. Akhtar began writing songs in the 11th grade and has been busy working with an independent recording company called Wright Records signed under Interscope. Now a member of the Grammy Association, Ahktar has worked on a record for rapper Bryan King, and worked with King at California Sound Studios. “It was cool because it was my first time being in a studio and being in control,” Ahktar said. Ahktar is currently working on getting a record deal by producer Alex-da-kid, who has written songs such as “Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem and “Airplanes” by B.O.B. Born in Pakistan, Ahktar spends time writing rhythm & blues and
pop music. Lately, he has been writing music based on love songs. “It’s easy to write about since it comes naturally to me, yet I don’t want to be the guy who writes just love songs,” Ahktar said. Aspiring to attend Harvard University, Ahktar has been thinking and writing about songs that could help people in college.
RISING
STAR “I don’t want to write songs in a direct way, just good messages that will help them realize there are certain things they need to do in order to become successful,” Ahktar said. One of his previous professors, Kurt Hull, business instructor, has heard about Akhtar’s interest in music and songwriting. “I completely connected with him because I have a creative side as well in filmmaking,” Hull said. “He is not willing to accept the little
packages that people like to put you in. He has that analytical mind.” Akhtar’s former classmate, Daniel Chester Carhalo, 21, who is also majoring in business economics, was stunned by his talent when Ahktar did a demonstration. “When he started playing the piano and singing, I could already imagine lyrics playing in my head,” Carhalo said. “I am inspired by the songwriting he does. I feel if you want to be successful, you have to surround yourself with successful people also.” Managing his songwriting and academics has helped Ahktar with discipline, especially being the first in his family to go to college. “In high school, I had a 1.8 GPA, and now, I am getting ready to transfer and have a 4.0 GPA,” Ahktar said. Akhtar recently got invited to attend UC Berkeley for the summer to take any summer class for five weeks at no cost. “I want people to know that I am hard working,” Ahktar said. “It’s in everyone. People have the ability to do something. If everyone had the mentality to be hard working, then there would be more talent out there.”
Students prepare for dance concert Mayu Katoka Staff Writer With numerous dance numbers to remember, long hours of dancing and practice, the students in the dance department are in preparation for this semester’s upcoming spring dance concert, “Momentum.” Taking place in Marsee Auditorium April 26-28, the advanced dance students and faculty members have been working diligently to showcase various types of dances that include ballet, modern, lyrical,and several musical numbers. “Depending on how many dances they’d been chosen to be in, the dancers could be here everyday for hours,” Pam Santelman, co-director of the concert, said. Santelman and Daniel Berney are the directors of the show, and said the show will be worth watching. “It’s usually very entertaining,” Santelman said.
“It’s a great example of creativity both from the students and the faculty.” Some of the dance numbers include a celebration to Whitney Houston, choreographed by Daniel Berney guest choreographers and several numbers choreographed by students. “We always try to implement as much of the student work as much as possible,” Berney said. “We like to take them to the next level.” One of the numbers include a student piece on the American College Dance Festival which will be in competition and will also be showcased in the dance concert show. “We also have a part-time faculty member Michelle Funderburk who’s choreographed a faculty piece for the (ACDF) competition that will be showcased in the show as well,” Berney said. Student lab tickets can be purchased for $10 and the rest for $15, and with a matinee Thursday show.
Directors hope to attract a larger audience with the convenient time. “We find this really attractive not only for the day time students, of which we have a lot on campus, but a lot of staff and people on campus maybe wouldn’t come to an evening or weekend show,” Berney said. Although the show is still in development, both of the directors are looking forward to showcasing students, faculty members and guest choreographies. “We hope that people can come and attend the show,” Berney said. “We find that the diversity of it always lends itself to everybody liking something.” Aviante Wilson, 27, dance major, is one of the many dancers excited about the show and is looking forward to his first show. “I hope to get better technique, more experience and hopefully a future outlook in jobs,” Wilson said. “The directors give us a chance to ring what we find in dancing.”
April 5, 2012
ON DECK Ian Schmidt Staff Writer
BADMINTON Wednesday at 3 p.m. at EC vs. Compton College
SWIMMING/DIVING Friday and Saturday all day at Pasadena
TRACK/FIELD Friday at 10 a.m. at Orange Coast Invite
BASEBALL Today at 2 p.m. at Barstow College Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at EC vs. Compton College
SOFTBALL Today at 3 p.m. at EC vs. Long Beach Tuesday at 3 p.m. at East L.A.
MEN’S VOLLEYBALL Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Santa Barbara
GOLF Monday at 1 p.m. at Los Verdes Golf Course
SPORTS 5 Warriors win big in bouts with L.A. Harbor El Camino College Union
Jorge Maldonado Staff Writer The baseball team won all three games against L.A. Harbor this week. The Warriors are 7-5 in the conference and 18-7 overall. L.A. Harbor had the home team advantage on March 27 and March 31 but weren’t able to earn enough runs as the Warriors took home the win, 5-4 and 6-3. “We limited our mistakes and made some good pitches,” Nate Fernley, coach, said. Alex Mistuloff pitched through all of nine innings on March 29 as the Warriors took home another win, 4-3. “Mistuloff threw a great game and gave us a chance to allow offense a chance to make an opportunity in the eighth and ninth innings to score a couple of runs,” Tony Asaro, assistant coach, said. During the first two innings fly balls and groundouts set both teams back from earning any runs. Peter Ives, infielder, was able to score a run by the bottom of the fourth inning. It wasn’t until the eighth inning that the Warriors were
Michael Williams/ Union The comeback kids of EC mob the field and celebrate with a dog pile on Thursday, winning the game against LA Harbor in a dramatic way in the bottom of the ninth, 4-3.
able to tie the score with Harbor. Marvin Flores, catcher, singled to right-field earning two
RBIs as Luke Klocek, outfielder, and Daniel Timmerman, pitcher crossed home plate ech earning one run to help close
out the game. “I think anytime you walk the team off a winning game at home, especially against L.A.
Harbor where you have a bit of a rivalry, it’s really exciting,” Asaro said.
Volleyball team plans on doing better Ian Schmidt Staff Writer The Warriors continued to battle with Long Beach for first place in the conference. The Warriors came through at the end of each game, beating Santa Monica, 3,0. Hunter Hovland, sophomore, contributed with six digs and two blocks, while Kevin Burrell, freshman, swatted down three blocks and added two aces. Trevor Butler had eight kills, seven digs and two aces and setter Joseph Tanuvasa dished out 31 assists. The Warriors did well, but Tanuvasa feels they should have done better.
“It was sloppy. We need to continue to play to our potential. We came out with a win but we need to play to where we know we can beat them every time,” he said. Richard Blount, coach, agreed, saying “I think we played down.” The Corsairs brought a cheerleading squad with them to EC’s gym for support. The Warriors did not seem phased by it in the least and continued to play with determination. “I don’t think it really had an affect on us, we like playing with a loud crowd,” Tanuvas said. “It makes us play harder.” The Warriors are now ranked No. 2 and will battle for the top spot against Long Beach tomorrow.
Badminton team has fun and holds third place Kenneth Berry Staff Writer After dominating Compton College, the women’s badminton team approached their matches against East L.A. and Pasadena City last week. East L.A., 16-5, defeated the Warriors at home on Wednesday. Pasadena City College defeated the Warriors, 9-2, on Friday. “They’re taking what they need, learning from it and having a good time doing it,” Jay-
Michael Williams Union Corrine Belandres prepares to serve the birdie over the net in her doubles match with Kumiko Noguchi, splitting the match 1-1
mie Baquero, coach, said.“They want to be here and get better. They like hanging out with each other and they really truly are having fun.” No. 1 ranked player for EC, Corinne Belandres, won both her singles matches and one doubles match. “It shows every time that we’re improving,” Belandres said. In the second doubles match, Belandres and second ranked, Kumiko Noguchi, took the top two players from East L.A. to
a third game in a best-of-three series but lost amid an out call on a play. “A lot of our girls were taking their opponents to three games and that really shows their desire to win,” Belandres, said. EC’s record is now 2-4 overall, placing them at third in the conference. “Each day, practice, and match we play, this team gets better,” Baquero said. “The fact that we’ve won these many games, I couldn’t ask for more.”
SPORTS
6 El Camino College Union
Warriors place against Rio Hondo Mayu Kataoka Staff Writer Although there were a few key swimmers missing due to illnesses, the Warriors were still able to beat Rio Hondo on March 30. They also competed against Cerritos College, whom they lost to. Corey Stanbury, coach, said that some of the best swims came from Brandon Gregory, who swam the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:09.84 and came in second place. Sean Bartlett came in third place, after Gregory, with a time of 5:28.09 and Steven Sorbom placed first in the 200yard freestyle with a time of 1:51.26. “The best times are yet to come at the conference after cutting down yardage and resting,” Erica Bender said. Bender came in second place in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 2:06:41. The women’s team was able to set one of the best times of the season in the 400-yard free relay by taking first by almost a whole lap but were disqualified due to a starting time issue.
April 5, 2012
Men’s tennis team win conference championship Edwin Arredondo Staff Writer
Brittny Peterson/ Union Alexis Solaro (third from the right) and Erica Bender (far left) participate in the women’s 200 freestyle. Erica placed second.
However, Stanbury said he is confident in the team and believes that they are at a good spot for the championships that will be held this month. “The teams we’ve lost to in the past meets, we’ll beat them
at the conference championships,” Stanbury said. Shanese Douglas placed first in the 50-yard butterfly with a time of 32.90. Bender who placed first in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 26.78 and
Arlene Alvarado also placed first in the 50-yard breaststroke with a time of 36.74. The Warriors have been setting good times are continuing to train together as a team to reach their goal.
The men’s tennis team sealed the conference championship. The Warriors obtained a victory on March 27 against Mt. San Antonio. The Warriors won, making the final scores 7-2. With this victory, the Warriors sealed the conference championship, but they did not settle down and played their last game of the season against Cerritos College and beat them. For singles, the Warriors won 4 out of 6 games, (4-2). The doubles got the final scores of 6-3. “We never gave up any point,” Britton Henriccson, sophomore, said. This is Andrew Sarawasi and Attilla Lassu, sophomores,last season with the team, so it was really important for them. “We did an excellent job during all the season,” Lassu said. “I’m really happy that my victory contributed to reach our goal,” Sarawasi said.
Steve Van Kanegan, coach, said that their “mental game” was the key to the success of this season. He added that he is really happy with his team and that they deserved this championship because of their hard work. The women’s tennis team had a hard time on March 27, but they took an important victory against Mt. San Antonio. The final score for this match was 5-4. On March 29, the story was slightly different, because the team did a great job and took the victory against Cerritos College. For singles, the Warriors won 5 out their 6 games (5-1) On Doubles, they ended with a final score (8-1) Even though the team reached their sixth victory in a row, they couldn’t reach the conference championship due to the losses against Mt. San Antonio. The team finished the regular season with a positive record 7-2, which they will try to improve for the next season.
Softball team shows good defensive skills during its six game week Eva Ziss-Patton Staff Writer The Warriors prepared for six games last week. The Warriors lost to Mt. San Antonio College on March 27, 14-4 and then lost at Cerritos, 10-0, on March 29. “Those teams were really good—top four throughout the state,” Faafili Taamilo, catcher, said, During the March 29 game against San Antonio, Alia Williams, center fielder, batted three for four, scoring two runs during the game. She also had two runs batted in, including Marissa Merced, pitch, and Aisha Salami, des-
ignated player. “Alia’s been doing a good job at bat,” Vivian Santacruz, first baseman, said. “She’s so quick so she always gets runs.” Williams, starting batter, also played “outstanding out-fielding” during the games, Taamilo said. Faafili Taamilo, center fielder and infielder, got a total of four putouts during the Mt. San Antonio game. Although they lost both games, the Warriors did show good defensive skills. Jacklyn Peyrefitte, third baseman, dove for a hard shot between third and shortstop. She threw the ball to first in time to get Cerritos out. “It really got us going,” Taamilo said.
Over the weekend, El Camino was scheduled to play four games. On March 31, they won against L.A. Pierce, 4-3, and lost to Golden West, 2-7. The games against Saddleback and Fullerton on April 1 were canceled due to rain. The game against L.A. Pierce went into the eighth inning. The Golden West game was cut short in the sixth inning due to rain. Peyrefitte, who usually plays third base, pitched during the games. Merced contributed to the scoreboard witha total of five runs and three homeruns. Although they won the game against L.A. Pierce, the Warriors are still looking to make
improvements in order to strengthen their game to ensure more wins, Santacruz said. In order to step up their game, they will focus on bad throwing, batting, and communication skills within the team, Santacruz said. “We are trying to minimize bad throws, and communicate more,” she said. “And our batting hasn’t been so good—we’re trying to work on it.” They are also going to continue to work on getting ahead at the start of the game. “We’re going to come strong during the first inning, and keep momentum during the game— not wait until the end of the game to catch up,” Taamilo said. Their next game is scheduled for Tuesday against East L.A.