Issue 14, April 7, 2011

Union

El Camino College

April 7, 2011

Torrance, Calif

Hands Across California

Can this event designed to benefit community colleges really do anything for our campus?

Joshua Sherman Staff Writer

Helping California community colleges and their students, Hands Across California (HAC) is raising money by creating a human line stretching down the state April 17, according to the HAC website.

The money raised will go to the California Community College Scholarship Endowment, which is a permanent fund that provides scholarships for community college students.

“Sometimes you simply have to do something amazing to get

Facts about California and the event • • •

• •

112 community colleges are currently planned to take part.

The route is going to stretch to more than 1,000 miles long.

Over 1 million people may be involved, including faculty and students from community colleges, friends and alumni, and even celebrities.

Three out of 10 adults aged 18-24 are currently enrolled in community college.

California holds one quarter of all community college students nationwide in it’s community colleges.

According to handsacrosscalifornia.org

people’s attention and get them to take action for a particular project or cause,” Ken Kragen, executive producer of HAC, said in an article about the event.

Hands Across America, a 1986 event created to help the homeless which was also orchestrated by Kragen, was the inspiration for HAC. “I think that Hands Across California will help raise awareness about community colleges not only in the state of California, but in the nation,” Katie Gleason, executive director of the EC Foundation, said. “Also it will continue to help raise money for scholarships for EC and other colleges.”

HAC is expecting more than one million people to participate including students, celebrities, and elected officials in the human line that is expected to span close to 1,500 miles long.

Celebrities such as Ryan Seacrest and George Lopez are serving as spokespersons while former president Bill Clinton and Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa are endorsing HAC. “In the past, people thought ‘Well, I don’t have to give to community colleges because they’re funded by the state,” Gleason said. “But we all know that’s not going to continue, we’re never going back to being completely publicly funded.”

The Scholarship Endowment was created in May of 2008 when The Bernard Osher Foundation donated $25 million for the cause and challenged colleges to raise an additional $50 million, of which the Osher foundation will match 50 Jose Flores /Union

percent.

“We are starting to see philanthropy emerge in community colleges and there will be longterm benefits because of it,” Gleason said.

As of last year, the organization has accumulated a total of $54.3 million and is determined to reach their goal of $100 million by June.

EC’s fund raising goal of $977,000 was surpassed and the current amount raised is approximately $1.2 million Gleason said.

“Although we are already at our goal, we are not going to stop because we want to keep raising money and submitting as much as we can,” Gleason said.

HAC starts at 2 p.m. and the route is supposed to reach from Sacramento to San Diego.

EC is one of approximately 112 California community colleges involved in the event.

“We’re doing the Hands Across El Camino version of it because it’s so hard to get support to reach another campus,” Rebekka Asher, 20, ASO senator of natural sciences, said.

ASO is helping spread the word about the event by handing out fliers and setting up a stand in front of the Schauerman Library Lawn.

“Part of the challenge from this is a lot of the information came very late to us from the statewide organization,” Rebecca Cobb, director of student development, said.

Students seem split, questioning whether the event is the right way to benefit EC. “It’s a good concept uniting students but I’m not interested in participating,” Damian Castro, 19, psychology major said. “I’m not sure if that’s really the best way to help community colleges.”

Meanwhile Patrice Jones, 31, child development major who plans to donate said that it’s “really important to get the word out to represent because not a lot of students know how important community colleges are.”

For more information interested persons may visit www.handsacrosscalifornia.org.

Studying and learning abroad Japan still in need Jessica Mendoza Staff Writer

Imagine yourself traveling through the jungles of Africa, going on a safari and feeding primates that you read about in your anthropology textbooks.

Or you’re visiting Omaha Beach in France, an important World War II landmark that you learned about in your history classes. Or you’re at the Great Wall of China, a place you never thought you would see with your own eyes.

With the study abroad programs offered at EC, students have been able to make these dreams a reality.

EC offers the opportunity for students to travel to different countries and partake in the academic experience that this program offers.

Some of the recent trips have included studies in France, Australia, Italy, Spain, and Africa.

This summer, EC is offering trips to Madrid, Spain, Florence, Italy, and Dublin, Ireland.

“You gain personal enrichment. You see the culture in the field. Museums, history, sociology, architecture, tasting the foods, observing the behavior, all at once,” Rosella Pescatori, Italian professor, said. “It is the experience of a life time.”

Pescatori will be the instructor for the two courses offered during the Florence trip this summer, Italian culture and Italian conversation.

NEWS LINE College Budget Forum on campus today Dr. Tom Fallo, president of El Camino College, is holding an open discussion today at 1 p.m. in the Marsee Auditorium to talk about state budget cuts and their impacts on EC.

Melissa Van Brunt, 22, communications major, was a part of the Paris trip offered last summer and is partaking in the Florence trip this summer.

“Going to Paris was the summer that changed me,” Van Brunt said. “I hope to gain the same experience I had in France, if not more.”

Studying abroad offers students the opportunity to break away from academic routine and gain personal growth.

“I think everyone should go abroad, it should be mandatory,” Chris Valencia, 22, political science major, said.

Valencia traveled abroad to China summer 2009, France summer 2010 and is also traveling to Italy this summer.

“I am now more confident with myself,” Valencia said. “Before this, I was close-minded, but when I went to china I realized there is a whole new world out there and now I just want to see it all.”

“Our goal and mission is to show students what the world is about outside of our borders,” Gloria Miranda, dean of study abroad, said. “Many of our students come back with the motivation to continue and complete their education.”

Due to the upcoming budget cuts, the college wants to focus on cutting classes that are not core curriculum classes, Miranda said.

“Over the last six years we have been cutting back. We used to offer semesterlong programs, but now we only offer summer and winter programs,” Miranda said.

“There is a high possibility that we won’t be offering any abroad programs next year, but we are very fortunate to have three this summer filled and successfully ready to go,” Miranda said.

The program, mainly funded by the students, averages $5,000 for the month long trip.

This fee covers room and board, tuition, books, airfare, and other expenses that may be needed. 45 students on average enroll, making it a high impacted program.

Students who have been a part of past programs are sad to see the news that this program may face.

“I would definitely go on another trip if I had the money to do it again.

I wouldn’t even think about it twice,” Ariana Acevedo 21, English major, said.

“People don’t really understand that this experience really changes you for the better,” Acevedo, who traveled with EC this past summer to France, said.

“If they do cut this program it’s going to cut the opportunity that every student should have. That was a summer I will never forget,” Acevedo said.

With a tuition increase already in place and looming budget cuts, advisers are hoping that the program will continue on despite California’s economic crisis.

“We really hope that we can have this opportunity again, but with the cuts it’s difficult to know if we will,” Pescatori said.

“I’m very happy with what we have done so far, the students have been really supportive toward the cause,” Lori In support of Japan, the Japanese Cul- Suekawa, co-faculty adviser of the Japtural Club raised an estimated $3,000 anese Cultural club, said.

The Japanese club started to take doto aid the victim of the earthquake and ensuing tsunami which devastated the nations last Monday and has since then raised an estimated $3,000 to be sent out country last month.

The 9.0 earthquake that struck the to Japan for relief.

“We will be sending whatever we can coast of Japan and created a tsunami that washed away thousands of homes get for relief; we don’t have a particular goal,” Suekawa said. and took thousands of lives.

Besides the Japanese Cultural club According to a recent New York taking donations, Times article, more other clubs and than 15,000 people “It has been a good effort; campus neighbors remain missing and we’re happy with all the participa- have been getting the death toll is tion” involved. more than 12,000 “The Political people in the coun—Lori Suekawa Science Club protry leaving many in Co-faculty adviser of the vided us with pins the thousands callthat we have been ing shelters their Japanese Cultural Club handing to those new home. who have donatThe New York ed and Wasabi, a Times article also restaurant from stated that although many of the workers at Fukushima Dai- across the street has provided us with ichi nuclear plant have made progress in coupons to give to students who donate recovering after the earthquake, disturb- as well,” Ashley Arikawa, Japanese ing high radiation readings continue to Cultural Club president, said.The Japanese Cultural club will also bring fear that Japan’s crisis is far from be providing T-shirts for students to over.

Many of EC’s students and faculty purchase with the proceeds going tohave come together to send hope to Ja- ward the relief fund.

“It has been a good effort; we’re happan by collecting donations and having students send messages out to the coun- py with all the participation,” Suekawa said. try.

MariaCristina Gonzalez Online Editor-in-Chief

Career expo and majors fair coming up

Black College Fair coming up in two weeks

Nursing program information session tonight

Native American Pow Wow this weekend

Get information about various career possibilities at EC’s Annual Career Expo and Majors Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Schauerman Library Lawn.

Meet with representatives from various historically black colleges and universities at the Black College Fair, Thursday April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the East Lounge of the Student Activities Center.

Need information about nursing?

There will be a nursing information session this evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. held in the Alondra Room on campus. Interested persons may call (310) 660-3281.

Saturday and Sunday the Native American Club will be hosting their annual Pow Wow including dancing, food and vendors. The event will take place on the track field from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

-Tayani Davis

2

NEWS

POLICE BEAT Student cited for drug use in Auto Shop March 29, 7:15 p.m. – Police responded to a call from the Auto Shop regarding possible drug activity. A male student was huffing compressed air from a can of cleaner and when they arrived he tried to evade the officers. He was taken into custody and searched at the police station where the huffing material was found.

The student was cited and is scheduled to meet with the student dean of development for his misconduct.

Hit-and-run reported in parking Lot H March 29, 9:40 a.m. – A female student filed a police report after being involved in a hit-and-run accident. Her vehicle was struck into on the third level of Parking Lot H. There was minor damage to the driver’s side rear panel and bumper. No suspect information was available.

Student files theft report for missing mirror March 29, 1 p.m. – A male student parked his vehicle in Parking Lot L and upon his return the passenger door’s rear view mirror was missing. He filed a theft report at the police station and the damage was assessed at $40.

Female student has hit-and-run in Lot F March 28, noon – A female student reported a hit-and-run accident on the upper level of Parking Lot F. While studying in her vehicle, she felt a jolt and witnessed the suspect hit her vehicle. She honked the horn to make him aware of the accident but the suspect sped off. There was minor damage done to her vehicle and the case is under investigation.

Police respond to injured student March 26, 11:24 a.m. – An officer responded to a medical aid call in the North Physical Education Building. A female non-student was participating in a volleyball tournament and injured her back during a game. Paramedics were called to the scene and the female was transported to the hospital where she was treated.

—Ashley Curtin

April 7, 2011 / El Camino College Union

Students cut locks for charity Tayani Davis Staff Writer

Bags of hair did not go unnoticed in the Technical Arts Building as the Associated Student Organization along with the Cosmetology Department hosted hair donations Monday and Tuesday.

It was only 10:30 a.m. and more than 30 people got hair cuts.

One student felt good about donating her hair to help someone else.

“I feel good about cutting off my hair. I donated 2 inches towards the oil spill,” Stephanie Sesma, 21, cosmetology student, said.

The hair donations served two different causes. The person getting their hair cut can either donate eight inches of their hair to cancer patients for Pantene Beautiful Lengths or they can donate two inches of their hair to help absorb the oil in the ocean for Matter of Trust.

“We know that some guys don’t have eight inches of hair so we gave people a choice of two inches so guys could get involved too,” Jasmine Hormati, Region 7 Representative of ASO said.

ASO wanted to get all groups involved; faculty members, friends and families.

This event was open to the public as well and donators did not have to be an EC student in order to donate their hair.

“It feels different cutting off eight inches of my hair, but I’ve wanted to cut my hair for a while now,”Lisa Brown, 23, English major said. “I’ve waited for this event and it is a great idea.”

The hair that is donated to Pantene Beautiful Lengths will be made into wigs for cancer patients and the hair donated to Matter of Trust will be made into hair mats that will float in the ocean and help absorb oil for oil spills.

All the hair was collected and separated into bags for each cause. Every cut was done by the Cosmetology Department. Also the person who received a hair cut did not have to worry about money. Everything was free.

The individual receiving a hair cut was given a free cut, a new hairstyle and received a voucher for a free manicure any time that will also be done by the Cosmetology Department.

Jose Flores /Union Cindy Navarret, 27, cosmetology major, cuts Nayeli Gasca’s hair.

The idea of hair donations came from a former ASO member who was very “green and environmental friendly” and had planned this event last semester but now ASO are following through with the idea this semester.

Jasmine Hormati and ASO board of trustees Johanna Zamora were both in charge of the event and were pleased with the outcome.

“I’m excited because it was an easy event you get to sit down and be pampered and give back to the community. It feels really good to have been planning since fall semester and now seeing it actually happen,” Hormati said.

“This is a really good cause. It was an event that not only brought our campus together but our community as well,” Zamora, said.

Looking over past events and new ideas from its recent Advocacy Conference for Community College Student Leaders, students can look forward to more events by ASO this semester along with the fall.

ASO members smiled in the conference room as they discussed what they learned from the conference and how they plan to apply those ideas to the school.

Some of these ideas include: help for students who need to pay off their student loans, not cutting Pell Grants, limiting the amount of books bought, so students can sell back their books.

These are just a few ideas they gained from the conference and will fight on the behalf of the students.

Additionally since many students are familiar with the latest technology and Internet, ASO has considered using Facebook and other social media to reach out to the students.

“We learned a lot of things that can be very useful to EC and we are going to apply what we learned,” Nicole Reinertsen, Public Relations Officer, said.

Besides the new ideas gained from the conference, ASO wants to have more fundraising. Selling Pinkberry proved to be a very successful event last semester, so they plan to bring it back at end of April leading into beginning of May. Meanwhile the “A Toast to El Camino” event garnered 60 students with over 90 tickets sold, Rebekka Asher, senator of natural sciences and chair of fundraising, said.

“I thought this event was successful and great. Sixty students is a big turnout for a school event, but I would love if more students attended,” Asher said.

ASO will also be participating in Hands Across California which is an event to raise money so more students can attend and get a good education.

Also with their busy schedules they have to remain focused on the general elections coming up.

ASO members will be campaigning when spring break is over.

The voting will begin at the beginning of May. It will be an open election for students to vote as well.

Auxiliary Student Benefits give discounts for all students Tayani Davis Staff Writer

Quite often overlooked, students are missing the benefits Auxiliary Student Benefits (ASB) provides.

“Purchasing an ASB sticker is pointless,” Krystina Cross, 19, business major said. “I had one in high school and I spent money on something that I hardly used, so why should I spend money on it now?”

Every semester students spend so much money on books, food and classes. After just one semester of school things add up pretty quickly, students’ budgets are tight.

This is where ASB kicks in. ASB is only

$10 and it is designed to save students money while attending college. Students can receive discounts through school athletic events, EC music concerts, some Associated Student Organization events and also things such as: movie tickets, amusement parks, hotels, motels, hairstylist, florist, some restaurants, medical services and many others.

ASB offers plenty more than just discounts. Clubs and club events are funded through ASB. ASB not only gives students discounts, but raises money to give out to keep programs open.

ASB distributes about $60,000 a year

for the student newspaper and about $200,000 for the sports department.

“Clubs are designed for student growth and development of who they are that is why we fund these programs to keep them open,” Lawrence Moreno, the Coordinator of ASB, said.

The ASB sticker is not just for students but also open for faculty members and staff to purchase as well.

When a student purchases an ASB discount sticker they are not only benefiting themselves but also benefiting the school.

Also it is considered a donation to the school.

“Every student who purchases an ASB sticker that money goes right back into the school,” Moreno said. “What students don’t realize is there’s a lot more to this school than receiving your education and then going home.”

If a student utilizes his ASB sticker he would have gotten his money’s worth. But since students are unaware of the service that ASB provides “Sales are down because students are not aware of ASB. Sales are not where I would like them to be,” Moreno said.

“Next month there will be an ASB awareness about what deals ASB provides.”

Native American Club 13th annual Pow Wow comes to campus Jorge Camarillo Staff Writer

This weekend, from Saturday to Sunday, the Native American Club will hold the 13th annual Pow Wow on the Track Field.

The times are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and the purpose of the Pow Wow is “to bring culture awareness to the community,” Azere Wilson, Native American club president, said.

The Pow Wow has one important ceremony during this event.

“We’re having a gore dance. The gore dance is the main ceremonies event and it actually precedes the Pow Wow because the Pow Wow is more dancing for the people and socializing with each other,” Emily Ryder, Native American club adviser, said. “The gore dance is a very important spiritual dance, that carries on tradition and was developed by tribes in the 1800s.”

The clubs that are involved in the Pow Wow are The History Club, The Honors Society Club and Tailor Made.

The Pow Wow has a different kind of regalia that is used.

“A regalia is a special clothing that is worn for a particular event,” Ryder said.

“It’s usually from the tribes or region your from, that’s who you will represent and it will vary in every different kind of Pow Wow depending on who participates,” Farrah Ferris, ICC representative, said. “A regalia isn’t used everyday.”

Visitors can enjoy several activities at the Pow Wow. “You can observe the singing, drumming, dancing, arts and crafts, food vendors and their different booths,” Ferris said.

“There’s also social dancing, where everybody is invited to join in the dance and sometimes music is performed, just for listening,” Ryder said.

According to a flier around campus, many types of foods, including frybread, Indian tacos and desserts will be at the event.

“There will be food there and that is the key element,”

Timothy Whitfield, Native American Club member, said.

The reason the first Pow Wow was held was because “there was a Native American student in EC, who wanted to have a Pow Wow at EC. This was approximately 15 years ago,” Ryder said.

The first Pow Wow was held back in 1995 at EC .

“This is the 13th annual Pow Wow, but we missed a couple of years,” Ryder said.

“It’s the largest gathering on campus and it’s the 13th annual Pow Wow this year,” Wilson said.

There will be many fun things to do and everybody will have a good time at the Pow Wow. “It’s on the EC campus, so it’s good to show student support for your own college and it’s good to understand native cultures and be part of something that exists today and that was from the past,” Ferris said.

There are two main reasons to go down to the Pow Wow Wilson said.

“We want to bring awareness to the community and bring the tribes together to celebrate,” Wilson said.

l

FEATURES 3

April 7, 2011 / El Camino College Union

Spring break on a budget Ashley Curtin Staff Writer

Unusual Events for Students to Attend During Spring Bring for Under $10 Sing-A-Long Wizard of Oz 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., April 9 at the Alex Theatre 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale 818-243-ALEX, ext. 2539 General Admission: $13.50 Students: $9.50 Dorothy is back and fully restored, ready for her fans to warm up their chops and sing along with her on the big screen. Audience members are encouraged to dress as their favorite characters from the classic film and belt out their favorite songs.

Bike Night 7 p.m., April 17 at the Hammer Museum 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles Free Admission with Student ID The third annual Bike Night at the Hammer Museum is any cyclist’s dream come true. Bike lovers can look forward to screenings of the 1986 BMX cult classic “Rad,” portraits of stylish bikes and their riders and free snacks and a cash bar. Bicycle parking is available but riders need to bring their own locks.

The Realest Real Housewives 9:30 p.m., April 14 at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre 5919 Franklin Ave., Hollywood 323-908-8702 General Admission: $5 All of the big spending, temper tantrums and family drama of Bravo’s The Real Housewives is now on the big stage for fans to enjoy. With special guests Whitney Cummings, David Wain and Mary Elizabeth Ellis, all of the best scenes from the successful franchise will be performed. Their only request, “Don’t be tardy for the party!”

Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear March 11 through April 24 at the California Science Center 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles 323-724-3623 Free Admission Fears of creepy crawlers, electric shocks and falling from great heights are explored at the Goose Bumps! exhibit at the California Science Center. With fear challenge courses and live demonstrations on fear conditioning and fear response, students may leave a little less scared.

After weeks of homework, studying for midterms, preparing for presentations and writing the longest research paper ever, a break is near. It is time to escape the daily grind, put studying aside and forget about deadlines. Alarm clocks will be switched off as students go on spring break.

Money is tight and that dream vacation may be out of reach, but spring break shouldn’t be spent doing nothing. Living in sunny California, home to beautiful beaches and warm weather, adventure awaits with fun activities to fit any budget.

“I need a break,” Kyle Munson, 19, business major said. “I want to have fun on little money.”

As many students plan for spring break, money is on their mind, but Auxiliary Service Benefits (ASB) is there to provide discounts to some major attractions through out southern California.

If you are looking to spend a day at a theme park, ASB has discounted tickets to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios Hollywood and many others in southern California.

ASB also has movie tickets at half price. It is time to hit the theater and catch up on all the box office hits you missed throughout the semester, including the new summer blockbusters.

Become a member of ASB for only $10 and students, faculty and alumni immediately start saving on tickets along with other activities. Sign up and purchase tickets at Marsee Auditorium or in the student development office of the Student Activities Building.

“These tickets are sold year round and save students a lot of money,” Lawrence Moreno, ASB coordinator said.

“As an ASB member, you can buy as

many tickets as you want at the discounted price.”

While many students want to spend the day on an amusement ride or at the movies, others are interested in getting some exercise.

The Strand starts at Torrance County Beach, continuing for miles through Hermosa Beach and ends in Will Rogers State Beach. The paved trail follows along the coast and is a place to bike, rollerblade or skateboard.

Another form of exercise is beach volleyball. Join the amateurs in a pickup game of beach volleyball on one of the sand courts in Hermosa Beach.

“We are playing volleyball at the same court on Tuesdays and always looking for more people to join our game,” Jaime Carroll, Hermosa Beach resident and amateur volleyball player, said.

Some students on the other hand are looking for an outdoor adventure. Matthew Amberg, 19, undecided major, is gearing up to hike through the mountains.

There are many hiking trails throughout all of southern California. There are plenty of day hikes with shorter trails in Griffith Park while longer trails are found in Angeles National Forest.

“Some friends and I plan to go on a hiking trip for a few days,” Amberg said. “It’s something fun and free to do.”

Another popular outdoor activity among students is camping. While most state parks currently charge off season site prices, this is an economical way to get away.

During the day, take advantage of the free park amenities and at night relax around the campfire. Fanny Turcios, 30, business major is looking forward to “a break” while camping in Kern Valley.

“We pack lots of food to grill and my

family and I relax,” Turcios said. “It is very low budget.”

Not only do outdoor activities fit anyone’s budget, so do the art museums around Los Angeles. While The Getty Museum is always free admission, the Museum of Contemporary Arts, Los Angeles (MOCA) and Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) both offer a student discount. Experience all the museums have to offer including new projects on exhibit throughout the month.

Another popular and inexpensive activity is catching a comedy act. The Comedy and Magic Club located in Hermosa Beach offers a list of famous comedians for a night of entertainment.

Tickets range between $10 and $20.

Even though school is out of session, many transfer students use spring break to visit their top choice universities. It is a chance to tour the campus, explore a new area and meet new people.

“I am excited to check out the University of California, San Francisco and do a little sightseeing,” Edlin Burciaga, 18, nursing major said. “I am staying with family so it is very economical.”

Volunteering is also a popular spring break activity. Some students are trading in their time to give back to the community and help people in need.

The Volunteer Center located in Torrance provides a database of volunteer opportunities throughout the South Bay and programs to get involved. For more information visit volcenter.org.

No matter what activity students choose, spring break can be fun and memorable even on a budget. So students can explore their options and make this week a highlight of the spring semester.

“It’s a vacation and time to have some fun,” Munson said.

Sudoku Fill every row across, every column down, and every 3x3 box with the digits 1 through 9.

Each digit must appear only once in each row across, each column down and each 3x3 box.

For the solution to the puzzle, visit the Union website, www.eccunion.com

4 EDITORIALS

April 7, 2011 / El Camino College Union

Campuses join together for an important cause It seems like the floodgates have opened and California community colleges continue to get pummeled by nonstop budget cuts and class cancellations.

For one day, more than 1 million people and 112 colleges will participate in an event that will directly benefit community colleges.

Enter “Hands Across California,” which aims to raise money for community colleges and demonstrate the scope of community colleges in California.

Students need a wake-up call and must realize that they are directly being harmed by the many cuts California is undergoing.

Most recently, tuition at EC was raised to $36 per unit from the previous $26 per unit, beginning fall 2011.

Students need to take the initiative to act when events such as the “Hands Across California” come along to directly help them as community colleges take some of the hardest hits from these social economic woes.

Each hand that joins together for this event will directly benefit the California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment (CCSE). The CCSE is a scholarship that offers long-term relief to the rising costs that keep many students from completing their education.

The more students join together, the more the CCSE gets closer to its goal of raising $100 million by June. As the scholarship grows, so will the number of students who will be able to graduate due to this funding.

Illustration by Haipha Simon

The issue:

Community college tuition will increase by $10 beginning Fall 2011.

Our stand:

Students should participate in events that can benefit their education.

1 million people, 112 community colleges, and a line of people stretching over 1,000 miles is a pretty lofty goal given that our college has just barely found out about it. But skepticism shouldn’t be an excuse for not taking action at all.

With the three possible scenarios the college has outlined to deal with the state’s budget cuts, EC is going to be hit hard with tuition increases, enrollment drops, and class sections being cut.

That means even more students are going to be unable to afford their classes, so scholarships become even more important.

Again, enter “Hands Across California.”

If the California Community College Scholarship Endowment can get an upgrade so more students can get scholarships, then, again, students should take advantage.

It’s simple: if students make their voice heard, maybe somebody in power will actually listen.

—See related article on Page 1

Japanese Club sets standard for student organizing New campus club conducts fundraiser in an effort to provide support to the citizens of Japan after the March earthquake and tsunami.

With the death toll climbing to more than 12,000 and more than 15,000 bodies still missing, EC must do its part to help the cataclysmic devastation looming over Japan.

While most students on campus are making plans for their spring break, making a minimal monetary donation would make a world of difference.

Within the last two weeks of fund raising and spreading awareness, the Japanese Cultural Club with help from other clubs has raised $3,000 to date.

A newly active club on campus, beginning in the fall, with no more than 30 members, has demonstrated the power of organizing to make a difference.

Applause and congratulations are in order for the student-run organization. Community colleges, especially, are common to have lower student involvement because of the high turn over rate of students entering and transferring out every semester.

A solid student government, for instance, is even difficult to maintain for this reason. So the fact that a relatively new club has already accomplished so much is commendable.

The club has been effective in gaining support from other clubs as well. The El Camino Society of Music, for example, will be donating a portion of profits from it’s biannual student recital for Japan relief. Members of Mecha, Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan, presented a collective donation for the club as well.

The Red Cross Club on campus sold wrist bands with funds also contributing to Japanese victims. Other clubs collaborating with the Japanese Cultural Club such as the Political Science Club and the Gay Straight Alliance all

have dedicated time at booths stationed on the Library Lawn and helped pass out fliers.

Although it is unfortunate that such a tragic event is affecting so many people, through the turmoil, a group of students have risen from the stereo typically apathetic stance.

Putting aside the pressures that come with student life, students have rallied together crossing cultural, social and economic boundaries to unite for a cause that is greater than themselves.

If every one of the roughly 20,000 students that come through our campus were willing to donate $1, imagine how many people in Japan who have been stripped of everything they have known or owned could benefit.

Stand for something! This club has set the example of breaking the mold of youth of the ‘2000s being branded as the “me” generation. This can be the beginning of collaborative student involvement that produces tangible results.

—See related article on Page 1

Perseverance is key to college success Students need to stick with the program The road I took to university was long and at times, harrowing. With stumbled beginnings, I was thrust into EC after a lackluster high school career.

Being the second youngest in a family full of smart people, my living room was littered with diplomas, and I knew mine was expected to go up sometime. I enrolled at EC in the fall of 2006.

If you look at my transcripts from fall 2006 to spring 2007, it is clear that my favorite grade was “W.” So, in spring 2007 I only enrolled in two online courses. Although I received good grades in both classes, I decided not to pursue traditional education. Instead, in a move I simultaneously regret and love: I enrolled at Musician’s Institute in Hollywood.

I learned to build guitars in a six month intensive certificate program. It fell awkwardly on top of both fall and spring semester at EC, causing me to not enroll for the 2007-2008 school year. I rode the Metro Rails for a total of 15 hours a week. I found the somber noise of the train soothing enough to get some serious reading done, and read more books than ever.

As the program neared its end, the school showed its true colors and didn’t net me anything other than a piece of paper and two custom guitars.

I figured that educational shortcuts were not generally fruitful, and decided to use my time off asking friends and family how they transferred out of community college.

Summer of 2008 rolled around and I was on a warpath. I found the IGETC papers and the Business Administration transfer requirements available in the counseling office, a fact I was previously ignorant of. Taking no breaks, and a staggering amount

Union

El Camino College

Vol. 64, No. 14 April 7, 2011

E-mail: elcaminounion@ yahoo.com Newsroom: (310) 660-3328 Advertising: (310) 660-3329

CAMPUS INSIGHT

of units I began successfully trekking my way through the community college experience. Thanks to inspirational professors like Chuck Herzig, Arthur Verge, and Randy Firestone, who presented interesting material in an exciting and engaging way, I was enjoying Richard Weikel, 22, school more than ever. business major In fall of 2010 in the midst of a set of 15 units, the transfer process was upon me. With a 3.2 GPA I applied to 5 UC campuses. I had previously been advised by a counselor that my GPA probably wasn’t satisfactory, to which I disagreed.

Still, the tedious wait for transfer acceptance letters was getting to me. What if I didn’t get accepted anywhere?

My first admission decision came from UC Riverside, my top choice. I was so excited I ran out of the music library to call my mother. I gave her the news while shedding a few stress relieving tears. Since then I have also been accepted to UCSC, and I am awaiting others, scheduled to be revealed in late April.

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 adviser.

This column is available to students and faculty. All articles may be submitted to Eccunion@gmail.com. Please note that articles may

Driving around in circles while scanning for a parking spot is typical when it comes to looking for available parking on campus. One sees a student walking towards their car, approaches with speed, rolls down the window then creeps quietly next to the student and politely asks, “Are you leaving?”

Looking around campus, the first couple of weeks of the semester seems to be one of the busiest times at EC. Making your way through the grounds is near impossible as there are people everywhere.

Classes were crowded with students wall to wall, some standing due to limited seating and lines long enough to compare to those of amusement park’s.

As with parking, it is ridiculous having to wake up hours before your first class begins just to try and get a good parking spot or any parking spot for that matter.

However, now in the sixth week of classes, where have all those students gone?

What happened to those eager students that were willing to stand for the duration of that first class just to guarantee themselves a seat?

Why is it every semester those that really need the class are the ones who don’t get it and the ones who don’t care, do get in the class but eventually end up dropping?

Let us not forget those students who took the last available “used” textbook, making you spend full price for your required text.

While it may be possible for some of life’s obstacles to be the reason for why a student is dropping classes; financial troubles, having children or not enough time, it is still unfortunate for those

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COMMENTARY students who were not able to add that last class they needed to graduate or transfer.

According to an article by the Chronicle of Higher Education website, about 35 percent of students who drop out Viridiana Vaca-Rios of college said they had to drop Co-Opinion Editor due to the stress of trying to balance work and college.

Wouldn’t it be best for everyone to figure out work schedules and class schedules before the first day of classes to prevent themselves from dropping?

After all, not only does students dropping classes affect other students, it affects those students who are dropping themselves.

Dropping classes prior to the 60 percent point in a term means that the Financial Aid Office can ask a student to return part of all of the financial aid payment.

Not only can it affect the financial aid a student currently receives, but it may affect the financial aid a student can possibly receive next semester.

But just as those students who were hoping to add classes in the beginning, find themselves getting upset when they notice fewer students attending classes each week, there is a positive side to all of this. There is no longer a need to get to up at the crack of dawn to guarantee a parking spot, or stand in line for 45 minutes to purchase a textbook.

Students let’s keep this in mind for next semester.

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OPINION

April 7, 2011 / El Camino College Union

UP FOR DEBATE

Is Japan’s radiation a threat to America?

Any amount of radiation can be harmful.

The radiation that was released after the disaster in Japan is real and dangerous.

According to the article, “Health Effect of Radiation Poisoning: Questions and Answers” on the Bloomberg Business week website, the first symptoms of radiation are exposure nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The person will also experience a loss of appetite, fatigue, fever possible seizures and coma.

Gov. Jerry Brown has said that the nuclear Japan crisis will not affect people in the U.S., but that is a bit hard to believe.

Recently it has been brought to our attention that the source was a crack in concrete of radioactive water leaking into the sea, which is now in the Pacific Ocean.

It has been said that they don’t know how the radiation was getting into the sump, which is a pit in which liquid collects.

Therefore, how do Americans know we cannot be affected by the Japan radiation?

That alone raises a few questions.

What about the fish imported from Japan?

Will the fish be OK after some exposure to radiation?

At least one place doesn’t think so.

According to an article on the CBS news website, a Los Angeles fish market that imports fish from Japan is having its samples sent to an Arizona lab to test for radiation.

However, the U.S. is a half a globe away from Japan.

But there are always possibilities that a small amount of radiation can become a huge amount in a matter of time.

According to the Seattle Times website, the radiation that is traveling from Japan to the U.S., shouldn’t be a concern.

The article states that we encounter radiation from cellphones, but weren’t we also warned that those too can be harmful?

One can never be too careful and just like we prepare disasters that occur in our own country we should prepare for others.

Japan actually placed thousands of people in evacuation centers where they can stay away from the radiation.

One way to protect ourselves from this radiation exposure is to stockpile on potassium iodide pills.

Andrew Lim Co-Sports Editor

Alma Zazueta Staff Writer

According to Manny Alvarez, a doctor from the Fox News website, potassium iodide protects the thyroid from the exposure.

It also cannot undo damage that has already been done to the thyroid and therefore the person who may be exposed needs to get treatment as quickly as possible.

To be on the safe side, if you see any of those radiation exposure symptoms, a trip to the doctors might not be such a bad idea.

Although small amounts of radiation have been found in the U.S., students have nothing to worry about.

When the earthquake and tsunami struck the country of Japan on March 11, million’s were killed and monetary loses were huge.

Beyond that, what caught people’s attention was the speculation of a nuclear disaster after Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi

Illustration by Dan Baldonado

Japan’s radiation shouldn’t be a concern. nuclear plant was damaged during the tragedy.

Soon the country began to look for ways to stop that from happening and luckily experts were able to stop the plant from creating an even bigger disaster.

And yes, it’s true that small amounts of radiation leaked from the plant and have reached a number of countries or states.

However, it’s been proven that the amounts found in California and other parts of the U.S. are too small to cause any harm.

According to an article by BBC news, levels of radiation at the Japanese plant are of about 400 millisieverts, that is the common unit for measuring radiation exposure.

The same article said that a single dose of 1,000 mSv can cause symptoms such as nausea or a decrease in white blood cells but it doesn’t kill anyone.

While exposure to a single dose of 5,000 mSv can kill a person within a month.

Japan citizens should be worried but not people in California because radiation here is of about 19 mSv. Even though this number is higher than normal, it is just far too small to have any consequences on the American people.

The Japanese seem to be doing what is best for its people and they ordered anyone who lived within 12 miles of the plant to evacuate.

They also advised citizens to leave their homes or stay indoors if they live within 18 miles of the plant.

If not, both groups could face some level of danger from the radiation.

But California is more than 7,000 miles away from the nuclear plant.

Isn’t that enough to say that we shouldn’t worry?

Americans in general should be concerned with possible local disasters and not about nuclear radiation from the Japanese plant.

California might be the scenario for a similar earthquake and a possible tsunami at any time.

Fee increase might put some students education on hold “The school is the last expenditure upon which America should be willing to economize,” Franklin D. Roosevelt once said.

However, due to continuous budget cuts, education is becoming a privilege that many students can no longer afford.

As we all know, our economy as a state or even as a country is not very good. Many times students pay the consequences when colleges and universities begin to face budget reductions.

According to the proposed budget reduction by Gov. Jerry Brown, community colleges could face budget cuts of at least $400 million.

One thing that’s for sure is that starting next semester, all community colleges in California will have a $10 fee increase in tuition.

For many students, this amount doesn’t seem like a lot, but to students like me, without any financial aid, it could really make a difference.

Reasons why students don’t qualify for financial aid are many, from students who still live with their parents, those with property under their name or are simply not well informed.

But regardless of the reasons why, we are all forced to

for our classes with our COLUMN pay own money.

Increasing tuition will not only limit the amount of classes we take, but also the amount of time we put into them, and that’s because many of us will be forced to find a job, or get a second job. What scares me the most is to know that fees will Alma Zazueta continue to go up.

Staff writer Many years ago, when community colleges started, they offered free education, then it went up to $5 per unit. In spring 2003, students used to pay only $11 per unit, and now in fall 2011 they will be paying $36.

We currently live in a world where a high school diploma isn’t enough to get a well paying job, because more jobs are asking for a bachelor’s degree.

Since I was in middle school, I was told how important it is to attend college and that we are supposed to follow our dreams and stay in school.

But how, if paying for an education is harder than ever.

If $36 per unit wasn’t enough, we are told that tuition could raise up to $66, and even when students receive

CAMPUS VIEWPOINTS

Rojelio Pelayo, 27, paralegal major

“No, does will will

because by the time it hit the human body, it be a low level which have a small reaction.”

financial aid, it seems unfair that tuition keeps going up while financial aid doesn’t.

Yes, there is always the option of a part-time job, but that only makes it harder to focus on college.

Education has always been a priority to me, and hopefully next year I will be going to transfer to Cal State Fullerton.

I’ve managed to keep a 3.5 transfer GPA mainly because I didn’t have to worry about a job while attending college.

I’m lucky enough to have my parents help me and I only work during summer and winter break, but not everyone can do this.

This is why education should not be at the top of the list when it comes to financial cuts.

Although the $10 fee increase doesn’t apply to Cal States or UCs, they’ll be facing their own budget cuts.

Brown’s proposed budget cut could have both systems facing a $500 million budget cut for next year, while tuition keeps rising.

What will happen when students are ready to transfer?

Some won’t. Why? Because they can’t pay for it.

Now that I plan to transfer, I’m not only worried about the process itself but about how I’m going to afford it.

5

CAMPUS CORNER

Misael Valle Vice Chair Anthropology Club

Misael Valle, is the vice chair for the Anthropology Club. With 27 active members, the club meets in the Art Building in Room 334 at 1p.m. every Thursday.

What is the main goal of the Anthropology club?

To bring people awareness of the beauty of the diversity of cultures around the world.

Through that, an understanding of who and what we are. In some cases, looking at different cultures gives us a better understanding of where we came from.

What are some of your duties as vice chair of the club?

My duties as a vice chair are to help set up the club activities, help with the paperwork for workshops or events and support the president with anything he needs.

What inspired you to be vice chair?

My inspiration was the idea that I could bring the same experience I had when I first joined the club, in terms of doing all that I can to help the new members feel welcome and happy to be in the club. It’s fun helping to shape the club and having a hand in making the events.

Can anyone join?

Yes, anyone can join. Our meetings are not mandatory in any way, so if you can’t make it, we just send you an e-mail about what the meeting was about and the upcoming events. Without members there are no clubs.

What are some events that the club sponsors?

Past events were bon fires, hikes and trips to museum’s.

Current events are joining in with other clubs for their events or vice versa. For example, we are teaming up with the Science Club to go camping for spring break. The most important event that is coming up is The Symposium, that the Anthropology Club sponsors, where students can present a paper that shows the culture in some way that they feel is of interest, and if you win first place, then you get a certain amount of money.

What do you like most about the club?

I like that all our members are very diverse. Most clubs have most of their members where they are all majoring in the same subject as the clubs title, but with us we have all sorts of majors. We have psychology, astronomy, physical therapist, nurse and art majors.

—Samuel Barke

Is Japan’s radiation a threat to America?

By Jessica Mendoza and Anna Ashkinadze

Zarah Rebio, 18, undecided major

Aziz Wzun, 23, business major

Dania Jaradat, 19, biology major

Kevin Kong, 28, business major

Janith Saparamadu, 22, nursing major

“No, because we haven’t really heard much about it here.

The media is making it a bigger deal than what it is.”

“Yes. We should prepare, maybe something to cover ourselves or wear a face mask to protect ourselves.”

“It’s going to be a problem if something happens. It’s going to affect the world not just Japan.

We should take precautions.”

“Yes. Anything with radiation can’t be fully controlled; it can become a worldwide problem.

It can affect our ecosystem.”

“No. The Japanese government is doing what they can to control this, we can take precautions but don’t need to worry.”

6 ARTS ON THE SCENE

April 7, 2011 / El Camino College Union

Exhibition celebrates poetry month

Dance / Music

Native American Club presents Pow Wow The 13th annual Native American Cultural Festival Pow Wow will take place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

American Indian arts and crafts and traditional frybread will be on sale. The familyfriendly event is free and open to everyone. Interested persons may contact Emily Rader at 310-660-3593, ext. 3757 for more information.

Art

‘Uncommon Threads’ featured at Art Gallery Ceramic armor and dresses made of plastic bags are just a few garment pieces featured in the Art Gallery’s latest art exhibition. Work from 12 Southern California artists including Joyce Dallal and Robin Valle are on display until April 29.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. Interested persons may call the Art Gallery at 310660-3010 for more information.

Art

IDEAS Art Club Henna fund raiser today Today is the last day for Henna tattoos in the Art Quad. Beginning at 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., those interested may choose from the club’s book of designs or bring in a design to be applied.

Interested persons may contact the club at ideasartclub@yahoo. com —Joshua Sherman

Kurt Weston’s “Under the Dwarf Maple” is one of more than 70 photographs included in the photo exhibition, “Ithaka,” currently on display at the Schauerman Library in April.

“Ithaka” comes to life through student’s photos Joshua Sherman Staff Writer

Violent reds and yellows move with the wind like a fierce wildfire. The flames are caught in mid-air by the twisted limbs of a maple tree. Icy, blue branches lurk above while a sea of green shrubbery surrounds the fiery leaves.

A scene so surreal, it’s color so vivid, “Under the Dwarf Maple” comes to life at first glance.

It is one of approximately 70 photographs that are being featured in the Schauerman Library lobby.

“The image I submitted shows a kind of mystical envi-

Joshua Sherman /Union The photographer’s reception, last Friday, for the exhibition received a good turn out.

ronment landscape that exists at Lithia Park in Ashland, Oregon,” Kurt Weston, photographic advisory board member, said.

As a tribute to National Poetry Month, the photography department based its annual Student Photography Exhibition around a poem titled “Ithaka” by C.P. Cavafy.

“I selected the poem because it talks about the experience of the physical and cultural world,” Darilyn Rowan, photography professor, said.

“It’s perfect for students who are beginning to explore their own lives and the rich possibilities it might hold,” she said.

The 44 beginning to advanced students participating in the show were allowed to submit black and white or color photographs. The exhibit also displays a wide range of media from digital images to Holga prints.

“I was focusing more on the positive aspect of the poem and that you have to try and enjoy the journey of life,” Jason Riney, 29, photography major said.

Among the advanced students who had the choice of displaying two photos in the show, Riney’s first photo, “Madrona Reflections,” captures the subtlety of the trees at the Madrona Marsh.

His second, “Evening Stroll in Palos Verdes,” features a woman and her dog on a winding path.

“There are a lot of things that are beautiful along the road in life,” Riney said.

Last Friday night’s opening reception was filled with a mixture of music, poetry and photography.

Rowan read Cavafy’s poem to start off the reception.

Music professor Ann Patterson’s student jazz combo performed various jazz compositions including a piece inspired by the featured poem.

“The arts sustain people intellectually and emotionally, and they are an important part of a student’s education,” Rowan said.

The next exhibition will take place at Paul’s Photo in November and the photography department is considering the topic of “injustice” for the theme of the show.

“What the exhibitions reflect is the learning that we have created in the photo department,” Rowan said.

The exhibit, Rowan said, was made possible by the help and support of curator Lyn Watanabe, Ed Martinez, public access librarian, Barbara Jaffe associate humanities dean, Albert Romero, periodicals and reserve staff, Ann Patterson, applied music faculty, and the students involved.

“During difficult financial times, I think the arts play a very special role by giving people hope and inspiration,” Rowan said.

Beyond the computer screen

Teddy Fletcher /Union Jorge Mostacero, 29, graphic design major, finds inspiration from music.

Viridiana Vaca-Rios Co-Opinion Editor

Sitting near his computer looking at the graphics on his screen, he reaches for his iPod, puts on his headphones and starts walking toward the door.

With the breeze in his hair, he walks aimlessly outside listening to his favorite songs hoping to rid of his creative block.

Jorge Mostacero, 29, graphic design major, said music is a great inspiration to getting his creative ideas flowing from an idea to an actual design.

“Music is my inspiration. It’s impossible to work without music,” Mostacero said. “It gives me a lot of ideas.”

Having worked in the fashion industry with True Religion, as well as with Whole Foods as a graphic designer for a T-shirt line,

Mostacero started college with a different major in mind.

“I was a computer science major at first; I was taking classes for engineering and got tired of taking math classes and then decided to take an art class which opened a different world for me,” Mostacero said.

RISING

STAR Enjoying the sense of adventure that graphic design gives him, Mostacero said he likes being able to explore the different aspects of designing.

“One day I can draw illustrations, the next day I can be producing movies. I can do different things and it’s very appealing to

me,” Mostacero said.

Mostacero is presently working with The Graduation Initiative (Title V) Project at EC. The program is designed to help student’s graduate and complete degrees, certificates and transfer requirements.

“They came to the graphic design department to ask for our help in designing posters for them and I was chosen to be the creative director,” Mostacero said.

Mostacero said he learns a lot from the people who surround him on a daily basis.

“A lot of the learning you get is from others, you learn from the people you work with and it helps you grow,” Mostacero said.

“I used to be a supplemental instructor and I had to lecture about graphic designing and I was learning so much from teaching that it was amazing how people think so differently and you get inspired from them.”

Andrea Micallef, professor of design and visual communications, fine arts, said Mostecero is a pleasure to work with.

“He’s exactly the kind of student you’d expect in graphic design programs. He comes with a rich foundation,” Micallef said.

“He is an above average student, he does a great deal of research in his visual solutions.”

Although Mostacero is pursuing a career in graphic design, he has found a way to incorporate his interest in film.

His latest project has been working in post production, marketing and designing posters for a zombie drama titled “Pretty Dead.” The project, he said, has been getting good reviews from investors.

As to where the future will take him, Mostacero said he plans on getting as much education as he can.

“I will be one of those old grandpas still going to college taking random classes for fun,” Mostacero said. “I love learning and it is something you should keep at your whole life. You should never stop learning.”

PHOTO ESSAY 7

April 7, 2011 / El Camino College Union

Schauerman Library Field Trip

Shiggy Ichinomiya /Union Teacher Toni Newman, with 3-year-old Angelica Almandrez, leads a group of preschoolers, parents and volunteers on a walking field trip March 18 across the campus. The event was filled with activities, arts & crafts, bubble table and an obstacle course.

The Child Development Center takes young students for a stroll around campus in a field trip to the Schauerman Library.

Haipha Simon Co-Editor-in-Chief

At the southeast corner of the campus, tiny voices giggled and asked, “When are we going to get there?”

“Soon,” came the answer.

The children, 42 preschoolers from the Child Development Center, had gathered for a much anticipated walking field trip.

They were accompanied on this March morning by six teachers, five parents, a handful of volunteers, as well as children from nearby Lincoln Elementary School.

Before forming a line, preschoolers held hands with a partner.

Teacher Toni Newman, who stood at the head of the line with a hand-held stop sign, nodded and led the way.

More than a hundred tiny feet were suddenly in motion behind her.

“A walking we may go, a walking we may go, hi-ho the merry-o, a walking we may go,” the children sang.

The occasion was the semi-annual sojourn by the preschoolers to the “big school,” for the “Children’s Story and Activity Hour.” The program was sponsored by the Childhood Education Department.

An example of one of the many drawings created by the children during the field trip.

“I think the walking field trips are a great way for the children to get reinforcement of the safety rules we teach,” Angela Wilson, lead teacher of the Development Center, said. “They also get the experience of sharing, taking turns, paring up and looking out for each other.”

The line of children and adults trooped around the south parking lot, marching by Marsee Auditorium, past the South Gym and pool and near the Student Activities Center. Their destination: Schauerman Library.

The preschoolers arrived at 9:30 a.m. with smiles. They piled into the library and down to the West Basement. Each child sat cross-legged on carpet to hear the Child Development teachers, Susan Baxter and Michelle Moen, read books and tell stories.

Moen used a hand puppet to assist her in the story telling.

The preschoolers flashed a variety of expressions.

“I like reading the book,” Victoria Hernandez, 4, said.

“I like the book ‘Mean Soup.’ It makes me smile.”

At a little past 10 a.m., the children were escorted outside to the Library Lawn for activities.

Among the play stations were an obstacle course, a fishing boat, plunger painting, arts and crafts and a bubbleblowing table.

“A lot of the activities are the same the children do at the Development Center. But there is something different and exciting to the children to do it in a new environment,” Wilson said.

As the day wound down, the preschoolers again partnered up before forming a line. They marched back the way they came.

“They get excited about their art work and about taking it back to the Development Center and putting it in their cubby,” Wilson said.

Next up for the children is the April 30 Children’s Day, also sponsored by the Childhood Education Department.

Michael Williams/Union Burrowing through the tunnel crawl is Omar Reese, 5, during the activities on the Schauerman Library Lawn.

Jose Flores/Union Little anglers from left are Pearce Perez, 4, and Nicholas Ton, 4, both of Gardena. The object of the fishing game was to hook paper fish, an exercise that required patience and hand-eye coordination.

Anna Ashkinadze /Union

Michael Williams /Union

Left, Pouesi Smith, 5, takes part in a painting activity. At right, Victoria Hernandez, 4, blows colorful bubbles in a pan. The students of the Childhood Education Department helped set up the arts and crafts table.

8 SPORTS

April 7, 2011 / El Camino College Union

Pre-game rituals Rituals are one of many ways that athletes use to go into game-mode.

Ashley Curtin Staff Writer

After walking off the field from pitching the top of the first inning, Turk Wendell, a former Chicago Cubs pitcher, sprints towards the bathroom with only one thing in mind. He reaches for his toothbrush and quickly brushes his teeth before the next inning begins.

EC’s Hunter Hovland, outside hitter for the men’s volleyball team, rotates the same Nike socks and pairs them with his Nike game-day sneakers because he will never mix brands when playing a volleyball game.

Filling up his tank with some extra electrolytes, David Cardona, sprinter for the track and field team, imagines himself leader of the pack, running as fast as light on the track.

Superstitions, rituals or routines, call it what you want, but many athletes have one. Starting out as a habit, athletes say it quickly becomes a routine and then turns into a superstition.

In the world of sports, such behavior has become an important part of the game.

“I always triple knot my laces,” Brice Savage, second baseman for the men’s baseball team, said. “Since three is my favorite number, it’s my good luck charm.”

Many student athletes consciously carry their superstition wherever they go. With built up anxiety and anticipation for game time, athletes use these routines to mentally prepare and get in the zone.

Athletes say superstitions “pump them up” and make them excited to play each and every game, like Kay Hurd, forward for the women’s basketball team, who says that superstition puts her in game mode.

Illustration by Dan Baldonado

“I always have to wear the same sports bra, spandex shorts and socks,” Hurd said. While she does loads of laundry to keep up with this superstition, she will never stop as it might throw her off her game. Dressed in her

lucky undergarments, she has her game face on.

Adhering to his routine, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers never deviates from his regiment of eating a piece of red meat before each game.

The Boston Celtics also have a habit of eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches exactly 55 minutes before every game.

Like the Celtics, Hovland is also superstitious about his pre-game meal.

“I always eat 2 bananas and drink a glass of apple juice,” Hovland said.

While the fruit gives Hovland physical preparation, Jonathan Pettit, libero for the men’s volleyball team, uses music to prep his mind. As Pettit busts out to classic ‘80s metal coming from his iPod, the music from the electric guitar sends a burst of adrenaline through his body.

“Animal by Def Leppard pumps me up,” Pettit said. The loud music makes him determined to win.

Many baseball players are superstitious of stepping on the baseline when walking on or off the field, but Savage believes in the reverse.

“I step on the baseline before each game,” Savage said. “After warm-ups, I run off the field and make it a point to step on the white line.”

He says it’s merely a superstition that gets him ready to play each and every game.

Throughout sports, many teams have its own set of rituals to prepare as a whole. The women’s basketball team is superstitious when it comes to its uniforms. Depending on a win, the team must wear the same color uniform to the following game to continue the streak of luck.

“If our team played well wearing a certain color, then we need to wear the same color to the next game,” Kristen Dresser, forward for the women’s basketball team, said.

From good omens to pregame meals and lucky undergarments, superstitions and athletes go way back.

Preparing for a competition can be a daunting task for athletes but superstitions provide pre-game confidence and an edge over opponents.

Athletes say confidence fires up their physical talent and improve their overall performance so no matter how strange a superstition may be the belief is both powerful and proven to work.

“My pregame ritual fires me up,” Hurd said. “I put my game face on and am ready to play.”

SPORTS 9

April 7, 2011 / El Camino College Union

ON DECK BADMINTON

Mistuloff pitches Warriors to a victory

Tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Compton College.

Andrew Lim Co-Sports Editor

BASEBALL Today at 7 p.m. vs.

East L.A. College at Cal State L.A. Saturday at noon vs.

East L.A. College.

Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. vs.

Pasadena City College.

GOLF Monday at 1 p.m. at Palos Verdes Golf Course.

Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Desert Island Country Club.

SOFTBALL Today at 3 p.m. at Cerritos College.

Tuesday at 3 p.m. at Long Beach City College.

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS Today and tomorrow TBD at Long Beach for South Coast Conference Tournament.

Mike Williams /Union Starting pitcher Alex Mistuloff delivers a strong outing against Mt. San Antonio College in the Warriors’ 6-3 victory Saturday.

TRACK AND FIELD Saturday at Mt. San Antonio College for the Mt. SAC Relays Tuesday and Wednesday at Antelope Valley College for the Southern California Hepathlon/Decathlon.

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL Friday at 6 p.m. vs.

Long Beach City College.

Wednesday at 6 p.m. vs.

Moorpark College.

—Andrew Lim

For the Record Last issue,we reported that swimmers Brandon Gregory and Amanda Atkins finished first place in the men and women 100-yard freestyle swims.

However, they actually finished first in their respective 1,000-yard freestyle swims.

With the Warriors up by a score of 2-1, shortstop Peter Ives came up to bat in the bottom of the fourth inning.

The bases were loaded with two outs.

Ives patiently waited for his pitch and BOOM! He hit a double in the gap that allowed two runs to score.

First baseman Garrett Cooper followed up the double by hitting a single of his own and driving in two more runs.

All together, the Warriors scored four runs in that vital fourth inning, and went on to beat the Mt. San Antonio College Mounties by a final score of 6-3, last Saturday.

The baseball team’s record stands at 9-17 and 3-10 in conference play.

The Warriors will be on the road today, as they will play East L.A. College at 7 p.m. at Cal State L.A. “We played real well,” Cooper said.

“Our pitchers threw strikes and we got some big hits when we needed some runs with runners in scoring position. Sometimes things just don’t fall your way but we just have to come out and get big hits and get some good pitching.”

Starting pitcher Alex Mistuloff, made

his second start of the season and pitched into the ninth inning but was pulled after allowing a single and a double that resulted into a run for the Mounties.

At times, Mistuloff was dominant, pitching four perfect innings out of the eight innings pitched. However, he had some control issues in the first inning.

He allowed a single, walk and another single to the first three batters as that left the bases loaded with no outs; catcher Marvin Flores visited the mound after bases were left jammed to try to settle

“(Alex Mistuloff) was probably a little anxious, but once he got into a groove, he was fine.”

—Nate Fernley, EC baseball coach down his pitcher. “(Flores) said to just relax, throw strikes, and go get them,” Mistuloff said.

“I was a little nervous in the beginning because it was only my second start (of the season) but after that inning, I was locked in.”

Mistuloff eventually got out of the

jam by only allowing one run in that first inning. “(Mistuloff) was probably a little anxious, but once he got into a groove, he was fine,” coach Nate Fernley said. “He was throwing strikes and he was great.

That happens sometimes. He bared down when he had to though.”

Pitcher Mason Patterson relieved Mistuloff and pitched the ninth and final inning closing the doors to a potential comeback by the Mounties.

The defense was also playing well, highlighted by a diving catch by the centerfielder Anthony Graham in the third inning.

“We were making plays and our approach is getting a lot better at the plate,” Fernley said. “We’re working some counts. We’re getting into counts that we can hit in instead of swinging at the first pitch.”

Starting outfielder Jeff Dorman will not be available after he was declared out for the season by Fernley after breaking his foot in a victory against the Mounties when he was hit by a pitch last Thursday.

“I’m proud of these guys because once you get on a losing streak, you can just say forget it,” Fernley said. “But we keep on working and getting better so I’m proud of what’s going on right now.”

Badminton team suffers 21-0 shutout to the Huskies Rabiya Hussain Staff Writer

Although the scoreboard read 21-0, Venessa Reid still saw improvement in the team’s competitivenes.

“We were all really excited because we worked so hard,” Tanille Barnes said. “It was a tough game.”

However, even with the Warriors’ efforts, the much stronger Huskies won the match, 21-0.

The Warriors lost the season series to the Huskies by being shut out twice; all the losses this year has come from shut-outs.

The team’s record stands at 3-6 and with only three games left until season’s end, the

team hasn’t lost hope, Barnes said.

The team’s next match will be played at Compton College on Friday at 2 p.m.

In spite of the loss, the Warriors were pleased by their performance, Barnes said.

“We did a lot better than we usually do (with East L.A. College), and I think we’re much better now as a team than we were at the beginning of the semester,” Barnes said.

The players are still working on improving their clear shots, which is a shot hit deep to the opponent’s back court.

“There’s always something to work on but that is one thing that the East L.A. and Pasadena teams are much better at than us,” Barnes said. “So we’re still trying to improve.”

First-time badminton player Andrea Flores said the match turned out to be a great learning experience. “(They were) very competitive and you can tell they take the game very seriously,” she said. “So I don’t feel defeated, I feel good that I learned a lot from them.”

Flores added that even the lower ranking players for the Huskies were highly competitive, making it even harder for the Warriors to score any points.

“Our No. 3 player played against their No. 5 player and still had a hard time,” Flores said. “They’re a tough competition.”

While the players’ individual scores are getting better, coach John Britton said, the other teams are just much stronger.

“No one enjoys losing, but the great thing is that the girls aren’t getting disheartened,” he said. “They are enjoying playing and they’re definitely getting better.”

The team’s star player, Kumiko Noguchi said in order to face more experienced teams such as East L.A. College and Pasadena City College, the Warriors need a lot more practice.

“Most of the East L.A. players have been playing for a long time and our team is mostly new players,” Noguchi said. “We’re always hopefully that we will win but it’s very hard.”

“It’s odd but as the season is progressing we’re getting even more pumped about the games,” Barnes said.

Swimmers and divers continue to do well despite adversity Sam Barke Staff Writer

Strange bacteria floated around the Los Angeles Trade Tech College’s pool, the location where the meet was suppossed to take place.

However, that did not stop the meet from still going on. The meet was just moved to EC’s pool.

While the Warriors had no problem beating L.A. Trade Tech College last Friday, they were no match for Long Beach City College.

The men and women beat L.A. Trade Tech College 179 to 70 and lost to Long Beach City College 16 to 97 and 166 to 81.

The Warriors will be heading to Pasadena City College Friday and Saturday for the Pasadena Invitational.

“This past weekend we had 21 new either lifetime or seasonal best times,” coach Corey Stanbury said.

Amanda Atkins took first in the 1000-yard freestyle

with a time of 11 minutes and 36.46 seconds, breaking the pool (not school) record which was 11.38, and smashed her second place opponent who swam a time of 12:46.69.

Brandon Gregory swam his lifetime best in the 1,000yard freestyle, taking first with a time of 10:45.97, swimming past his second place opponent who had a time of 11:13.21.

“I thought my race was awesome,” Gregory said. “I’m really happy that I broke my record time.”

Alison Prizlow improved on her 100-yard breast stroke lifetime best with a time of 1:39.53, and Vince Fiamengo took third in the men’s 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:58.86 in a field of seven swimmers. “(Stanbury) really worked us hard in the workouts leading up to the meet,” Fiamengo said. “The team had a pretty solid performance, but I’m sure most of us were really hurting.”

Swimmer Noah Rubke also did well, swimming his best unshaved 200-yard back stroke and 100-yard back-

stroke with respective times of 2:10.79 and 58.75, taking second and third in his competitions.

“Long Beach’s team is a lot stronger and has more depth and has some really fast sprint freestylers that we just don’t have,” Stanbury said. “But we’ve got the Pasadena Invite coming up this weekend to practice how we’re going to do warm-ups and hone down the various details of what we are doing for conference (regionals).”

While diver Amy Tran was unable to compete due to an injury, diver Michael Colbert dove unopposed on the 1-meter board, improving greatly on his previous score of 153.90 to 175.60. “(Colbert) has a big chance to win a conference title.

There is only one guy ahead of him in our conference.

He has been improving by leaps and bounds and has been learning complicated dives,” Stanbury said. “This weekend, (Colbert) and the other divers have a chance to go against a lot of the other divers in Southern California, so this should be good practice for them.”

10 SPORTS

April 7, 2011 / El Camino College Union

Sprinter breaks 28-year-old record set by Rick Dodson Joshua Sherman Staff Writer

Roger Morris /Union Runner David Cardona sprints during the steeplechase at the Cal State Northridge Invitational.

Seconds away from the crack of the starter’s pistol, nerves kick in and there’s no time to shake them off.

On your mark, get set, GO! Off the starting block, David Cardona tripped and fell to the ground, but without a moment of hesitation, he was back on his feet and in the race again.

He managed to break a 28-year-old EC record in the 5,000-meter, despite the stumble, on March 3 during the Ben Brown Invitational.

Cardona’s 14 minutes and 21.27 seconds trumped 14:28.36, a record set by Rick Dodson in 1983.

“You can coach a person to be fit, you can coach a person to be in shape, but you can’t coach them to dig in that little extra bit,” coach Dean Lofgren said.

Cardona, 19, sociology major, started his running career in junior year of high school where he joined cross-country at North Torrance High School.

“Running is relaxing and is something that doesn’t take too much effort for me,” Cardona said. “It’s an escape from all the drama in life where I get to forget about

everything and say it’s a nice day.”

Growing up he, looked up to basketball superstar Kobe Bryant; however, he later idolized the late great running legend Steve Prefontaine.

“In high school, I’d be more of a sit and kick kind of person, where at the last 200 meters I’d go all out,” Cardona said.

“Now I run more like (prefontaine) and go

“Running is relaxing and is something that doesn’t take too much effort for me.”

—David Cardona, Sprinter guts out the whole race.”

With Cardona imitating his running to Prefonatine, he has always been running all out on the track. while also going through a lot of adversity.

“One of the unique things about David is that he can reach in and give you more than you actually expected from him or knew he was capable of, “ Lofgren said.

Cardona recently signed a letter of in-

tent to Cal Polytechnic University, where many EC runners have previously transferred.

“I still want to run after college, no matter if it goes all the way to the Olympics or if it’s just recreational,” Cardona said.

Cardona works part-time at an athletic store called Village Runner and runs with a club affiliated with them.

“He’s pretty smart about running, knows what pace to go, but he’s also a really outgoing and funny person,” Jose Lezama, track and field teammate, said.

“He’s a guy I could talk to about anything.”

He is humble, mild mannered, has a good personality and has a good sense of humor, Lofgren said.

“Last year, when coaches would walk up to me and ask: ‘Hey, which one’s Cardona?’ and they’d point to five of our guys,” Lofgren said. “And I would say ‘not them. Him.’” “They would say- ‘That guy?’ because they expected someone that was walking around with a big ego, thumping their chest, sticking their number one finger in the air. That’s just not the way he is,” he said.

Warriors lose second straight to Santa Barbara City College Ashley Curtin Staff Writer

Revenge didn’t happen for the men’s volleyball on Friday night as they were defeated at home.

Trailing throughout the match, the men’s volleyball team sat in silence while the Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Vaqueros stormed the court celebrating a victory.

Within an hour and a half, the match was complete and the gym left empty as the Warriors couldn’t turn things around.

“We played poorly,” coach Richard Blount said.

“They had more momentum, they were more excited and we seemed flat all night. And [the Vasqueros] were dinged up and we still couldn’t exploit anything.”

The Warriors play Pierce College on the road Wednesday at 6 p.m.

“This is a big game for us,” Hunter Hovland, outside hitter, said. “We are tied with (Pierce College) for third place in our conference so this game decides our season.”

Blount said the team has a chance to make the

playoffs, but the team needs to focus on the next four matches to keep its hope alive.

“Santa Barbara came to win,” Kyle Burgoyne, outside hitter said. “They didn’t play well against us the first time and we thought it would be easier than expected but they stepped up a lot.”

The Warriors were down 6-3 in the first game, but a string of serves from David Estes, libero, got them within a point. But eventually they lost 25-19.

In the second game, the Warriors came back from a deficit with back-to-back blocks from Joseph Tanuvasa, setter, who recorded four blocks on the

game. The game went point for point but the Warriors missed serves and gave their opponents an advantage, losing 25-19.

The Warriors trailed by nine points in the third game and the crowd got quiet. As they continued to miss serves, the game ended with a loss, 25-16.

“It was a bad game; no one played well and we lost very fast,” Hovland said.

With key players back from injury, the team is preparing for post-season, now more than ever.

“We need to change our mentality,” Hovland said. “Our minds need to be right to win.”

Shorthanded softball team continues its slump, falling to L.A. Harbor College Joshua Sherman Staff Writer

In the bottom of the sixth inning, outfielder Ellen Omoto stepped up to the plate under the blazing hot sun.

Two wasted swings left the Warriors on the verge of another loss.

It was the last chance to turn the game around as the L.A. Harbor College pitcher Shawnae Campbell looked on from the mound.

Then there was the step, the windup and the pitch.

Omoto made contact with the ball, sending it into right field where it landed right into the outfielder’s glove.

The out ended the Warriors’ hope as they lost to the L.A. Harbor Seahawks, 11-1.

“I felt like I made the best contact I could with that pitch,” Omoto said. “My goal was to make solid contact and I tried my best.”

The Warriors’ next game is at Cerritos College today at 3 p.m.

“It’s unfortunate that we started off so poorly,” coach Su-

sie Calderon said. “We’ve faced some good, tough teams this season.”

Compared to the last time the Warriors played the Seahawks, the errors dropped considerably and the team improved a lot, Calderon said.

“When you make a lot of errors you can’t really compete against anybody doing that,” Calderon said. “That makes the difference in the game.”

The Warriors made eight errors the first time they played the Seahawks this season, but in their recent rematch, only two errors were made.

“What I like about these guys is that their improving progressively and it’s nice to see that,” Calderon said. “( Sara Gazzaniga) pitches a lot of games for us and she puts forth the effort and that’s all we could ask,” Starting pitcher Gazzaniga allowed 10 hits including three doubles, six singles and walked one batter.

“Once she gets in her groove, she might not get many strikeouts but she can get them to hit

those deep fly balls,” Calderon said.

“Our whole pitching situation has been a disaster this year.

You can’t foresee injuries, but they happen,” she said.

Pitcher Mea Flores, who currently holds the lowest earned run average in the conference, injured her throwing arm halfway through the season. In addition, Gazzaniga injured her finger and sat out a few games this season.

After Gazzaniga pitched five innings, relief pitcher Vivian Santacruz came in for the sixth and final inning “But with (Santacruz), honest to goodness, I don’t know what it is when I put her in, they just can’t hit against her,” Calderon said.

The Warriors dominated Compton college last Tuesday shutting out the Tartars 15-0, where Santacruz almost pitched a no hitter.

“Overall I think we started out really rough this year, but we’re building and getting better,” Omoto said.

Mike Williams /Union Pitcher Vivian Santacruz winds up and throws a pitch during the Warriors’ 11-1 loss against the L.A. Harbor College Seahawks.

Illustration by Mike Williams

Trainers keep door open for athletes Ashley Curtin Staff Writer

While an athlete waits for their ankle to be taped, another athlete finishes physical therapy just as another walks in to discuss a doctor’s note with a trainer.

No matter the medical condition, trainers at EC take athletes’ health very seriously, Kari Brody, senior athletic trainer, said.

With recent incidents of sudden student athlete deaths, EC mandates, “a thorough medical history from every athlete” and proper “medical clearance” to protect athletes from this risk. Also, athletes must go through a full physical examination including an electrocardiogram, Brody said.

“All of this information will help ensure the athlete is reducing their risk when they get to this level,” she said.

Even though there has been no case of a medical condition tragically taking an athlete’s life while Brody has been at EC, trainers have been able to detect medical issues early on to protect athletes.

Any suspicions surrounding their health and trainers immediately refer an athlete to the proper doctor or specialist for a thorough check. Once an athlete has been treated for a medical condition, they must follow strict guidelinese to resume play, Brody said.

“Athletes will not be cleared by us to participate until they come back with the medical documentation stating what they can do, what they can’t do, what their diagnosis was and what testing was done,” she said.

While some athletes’ medical conditions are monitored closely, other health conditions that might put an athlete at risk for sudden death will prohibit them from playing, Brody said.

“Depending on the condition, there are some medical conditions that we won’t clear an athlete to play or the doctors won’t clear such as an enlarged heart that might put an athlete at risk,” Brody said.

Any athlete with a medical condition must have proper clearance from their doctor as well as the team physician before returning to their sport, she said.

“The trainers are really cautious and want to protect us from further injury,” Jonathon Pettit, libero for the men’s volleyball team said. “They are that shoulder to lean on.”

Athletes with cleared medical conditions such as diabetes are closely monitored and under strict supervision, Brody said.

“We make sure athletes are practicing and performing activities within certain guidelines,” Brody said.

Since most medical conditions that put an athlete at risk are hereditary, Brody encourages athletes to know their family medical history.

“This will inform you of any medical conditions early,” Brody said. “Things such as heart disease runs in the family, as well as high blood pressure and diabetes so just be really aware of what your family history is,” Brody said.

A few added tips for athletes Brody provides is to play the sport correctly and not put their bodies in danger. She also said proper nutrition is beneficial to athletes’ health.

With strict athletic policies in place at EC, trainers keep an “open door” policy for all eathletes to feel comfortable discussing any health issues or concerns with them, Petit said.

“For the most part, I feel like our athletes are very open with us,” Brody said, “and they understand that we are there to protect them.”