Issue 15, April 25, 2013

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE:

Video: Inside the EC Salseros club

NIO U N

FEATURES: Fighting back against sexual assault

EL CAMINO COLLEGE

April 25, 2013

Torrance, California

Activists gather to fight for California’s higher education

Synchronized friendship

Eric Hsieh

Staff Writer

During last Saturday’s Student Organizer Summit, opening speaker Dr. Melina Abdullah, a professor of Pan-African studies at CSULA, made the case that California’s higher education students have every right to be angry.

Held in a nondescript hall of Los Angeles Trade Technical College, the summit aimed to network politically-conscious students from across the UC, CSU and community college systems.

“The purpose of today’s conference is to give tools to community organizers who are angry about what’s going on but don’t find themselves capable of developing,” Yesenia Ramirez, a student at Cal State University, Los Angeles, said.

As it turned out, the issue of privatization was a major concern for many of the summit’s organizers and attendees.

“So many student problems branch from the privatization of higher education,” Vanessa Lopez, a student at Cal State University, Dominguez Hills, and a member of Student for Quality Education, said. “Tuition is going up because

Tracy Kumono/ Union Best friends Rachel Ayala, 18, photography major and Cynthia Ramos, 20, dance major, perform a traditional Khmer classical dance from Cambodia during the Inter-Club Council’s World Tour Festival April 18 at the library lawn.

the state is not funding education, so our campus presidents are finding funding through private means.”

“Student debt is also rising because the price of school is rising,” she added. “We have no means of paying for it because Pell Grants are being cut so students have to take out loans from private companies.”

Still, the heads behind the summit wanted to do more than simply vent their frustrations. Instead, they envisioned a long-term student movement to bring change to California’s higher education system.

“Our basic idea was that we wanted to bring together activist students, from each sector of higher education in Southern California, to talk about the commonalities we have in our struggles we have for higher education,” Samie Blasingame, a student at Cal State University, Long Beach and a member of the summit’s planning committee, said.

To them, developing meant networking not only between students with similar grievances, but also between students and teachers. To that end, members of the American Federation of Teachers backed the summit..

“A lot of the issues that faculty are facing, students are facing. So

we have that connection,” Ramirez said. “It’s a collaboration to understand each other as well as create change.”

That change would mitigate the steady stream of cuts higher education has endured.

“Our school boards and the state do things by increments. They only raise fees by a bit. 9 percent here, 5 percent there. They only cut Pell Grants by a bit. 500 here, 1,000 there. Before you know it, that has accumulated,” Lopez said. “Within the CSUs, in the last 6 years, tuition has gone up 283%. That’s insane.”

“Imagine if they tried to do that all at one time. Students would react,” she added. “But because they do it in increments, it’s easier to swallow.”

The summit’s organizers encouraged students at community colleges like EC to be just as invested in the policies set forth on CSU and UC campuses.

“As a community college transfer, I wasn’t aware that whatever happens at the Cal State or UC systems would go on to affect me,” Ramirez said. “But you’re transferring into those systems. Whatever decisions are made will affect you in your future. So pay attention.”

Geography professor avoids bomb blasts at the Boston Marathon Philip Prins

Staff Writer

Despite the swirling currents of confusion and uncertainty left in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing, EC geography professor Matt Ebiner, who competed in the marathon, returned safely to Los Angeles last week with his wife and daughter.

Ebiner was kind enough to share his marathon experience and his perspective on the bombing with the Union.

“It’s so sad that such a positive day, which is such an uplifting day for so many people and for many participants a once-in-a-life time experience, is ruined and tainted

by this event that turned a beautiful day into a horrific day,” he said.

For Ebiner, race day started out with an air of excitement, and since the Marathon is the biggest annual event that takes place in Boston, it had drawn a huge gathering of spectators, he said.

“Those last two miles (of the race course) especially, it’s absolutely packed on both sides of the street,” Ebiner said. “It’s just such a positive kind of energy; it’s really very inspirational for runners during a time when runners are usually pretty dead. It’s great to have that kind of support.”

Ebiner finished the 26-mile marathon with a time of 2:32.53, finishing in 98th place overall

and winning first place in the men’s-50–years-old-and-up age group, then left the area soon after, he said.

the blast area, text and Facebook messages containing congratulations from friends began to shift to inquiries and expressions of relief

“It’s so sad that such a positive day... is ruined and tainted by this event that turned a beautiful day into a horrific day”

—Matt Ebiner Geography Professor

Two hours later, two homemade explosive devices detonated near the Marathon’s finish line.

While having dinner with his wife and daughter at a restaurant approximately three miles from

about his safety, Ebiner said.

Ebiner said it was shortly after that when he began seeing ambulances and police helicopters rushing in the direction of the race.

“Still, we hadn’t really seen

any images about anything and so when you don’t see the images it doesn’t seem quite as serious but later on we did see videos of it,” Ebiner said. “It actually seemed so horrendous and horrific that it’s understandable why people would think we were some of the unlucky ones.”

Ebiner and his family swiftly made their way to the airport in hopes of avoiding security measures complicating their return trip, he said.

He said that despite a delay ofseveral hours, they were able to board a flight back to Los Angeles that evening.

Ebiner considers running an integral part of his life, and although

the bombing has cast a shadow over his marathon experience, he said he wasn’t going to let the tragedy darken it completely.

“I still kind of keep it separate in my mind,” he said. “On the one hand I’m still very pleased with how I did, and it’s one of the best marathons I’ve ever run, and in that way I won’t let the events erase that feeling of accomplishment, but on the other hand it’s so very sad for so many people.”

Ebiner said he doesn’t think the bombing will put an end to the Boston Marathon, but it had left its mark.

“The Boston Marathon will go on next year but it won’t ever be quite the same,” he said.

Honesty between partners is a necessity when it comes to STDs and relationships Karen Garcia

Associate Editor

NEWS LINE

Contracting an STD can have not only physical effects on a person, but also have emotional effects on both the STD sufferer and their partner as well.

“There’s nothing casual about casual sex,” Deborah Herzik, family nurse practitioner, said. “It can have an emotional toll on someone.”

There are many challenges that males and females must face if they are infected with an STD from a partner in either a long-term or casual relationship.

“There are physical consequences such as infertility from chronic or untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea,” Herzik said.

In other cases Herzik said that it is possible for an STD such as HIV, hepatitis or gonorrhea to be transferred from a mother to her baby.

“Consider a newborn that doesn’t have the ability

By Eric Hsieh

to fight off infections as we do,” Herzik adds.”This can potentially be very devastating to the mother, as the baby can get an infection in their eyes.”

Not only must an STD sufferer overcome physical consequences that arise from these infections, but he or she must overcome the emotional aspect of dealing and coming to terms with having an STD. Debbie Conover, student health services coordinator, said,”because there was a lack of education on STDs in the past there was a lot of blaming on someone else. Now it’s much more accepted because people are educated and there are a lot of treatment options.”

As more and more people are aware

Students and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Part 3 of a 3 part series

of STDs, it can be emotionally difficult to let their partner know that they could have potentially contracted an STD. According to the California Family Health Council (CFHC), a person infected with an STD must let their partner know.

“It can be hard to say something, but it is very important that they can get treated and won’t give it back to you or to anyone else,” CFHC added.

The CFHC goes on to say that a person infected with an STD must not have sex until that person and their partner have finished treatment.

This may have an impact on the

relationship between both partners, but Jane Schaeffer, clinical psychologist, said how a person or a couple reacts to this infection depends on the person or what type of relationship the couple has.

“It depends on the quality of the relationship. It depends on whether the relationship is functional, long-term, or secure,” Schaeffer said. “If this was a one night stand, that’s a completely different scenario and much more difficult.”

Schaeffer added that if someone has contracted an STD they must be honest with their partner and let them know.

“There is a sense of shame involved with someone who contracts an STD,” she said.

That is why Schaeffer said that although this infection is very upsetting there is always help and always someone to speak with.

Department of Rehabilitation Workshop

Anger Management Workshop

Loyola Marymount University Campus Tour

University of California, Los Angeles Tour

Choosing a University Workshop

Are you seeking a job with a disability? Come and attend a workshop by the Department of Rehabilitation today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Special Resource Center. Sign up for an appointment at 310-660-3295 or visit the SRC front desk.

Come learn healthy ways to deal with your anger. EC’s Dr. Emery will be holding an anger management workshop today from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Health Center. Students can sign up 15 minutes before the workshop and should call 310-660-3643 for information.

Interested in Transferring to Loyola Marymount University?

See the campus first. The Transfer Center will be hosting a tour tomorrow, April 26. Call 310-6603593 ext. 6137 for information about the tour.

Ever thought about transferring to the University of California, Los Angeles? Take the Transfer Center’s campus tour of UCLA tomorrow, April 26. Call 310-660-3593 ext. 6137 for more information and to sign up.

Having trouble deciding where to transfer? Attend the Transfer Center’s Choosing a University Workshop April 30 from 1 to 2 p.m. in Chemistry 108. Call 310660-3593 ext. 3408 for more information.

2 El Camino College Union POLICE BEat

By Karen Garcia

Suspicious vehicle turns out stolen April 5, 8:30 a.m.–An officer observed a suspicious vehicle in parking lot L. The officer ran the license plate and it returned stolen out of the LAPD Olympic Division. The officer notified LAPD. The vehicle was towed for safe keeping.

Student returns to computer to find phone stolen April 9, 1:15 p.m.–Officers responded to the second floor of the Student Services Center regarding a theft report. A male student stated that he had been using a computer and left his phone unattended for a few minutes. When he returned to the computer the phone was missing.

Man dislocates knee during dance competition April 11, 2:30 p.m.–Officers responded to the second floor of the South Gymnasium regarding a medical aid call. A nonstudent male was participating in a regional dance competition when he dislocated his left knee.

According to the male this had been a ongoing problem for him. The male popped his knee back into its socket, given an ice pack and wanted to seek his own medical attention.

Student detained for arguing with officer April 15, 5:45 p.m.–Officers responded to parking lot D after a vehicle was cited for expired registration of over six months.

As the officer was completing the citation for the vehicle, the registered driver, a female, approached and became upset.

The female attempted to get in her car and drive away but officers detained her and she was taken to the Torrance Police Department for booking. During the booking process a pill was located in her pant pocket. The female was charged for the possession of a substance and delaying an officer in completion of his duty.

Student charged with possession of marijuana April 15, 9:15 p.m.–Officers conducted a traffic stop near Crenshaw Boulevard and smelled a strong odor of marijuana in a car.

The subject, a non-student male, admitted to having marijuana in the vehicle. The male was issued a citation for possession and was released.

Man’s vehicle impounded for suspended license April 16, 8:30 a.m.–Officers stopped a vehicle in parking lot A for expired registration. The driver was a non-student male and it was found that he was driving on a suspended license. The male was cited, given a violation and the vehicle was impounded.

Student pulled over at traffic stop April 16, 10 p.m.–An officer conducted a traffic stop on Manhattan Beach Boulevard near the Facilities Department. The driver had made an illegal left turn off campus and was driving with a suspended license. The female was given a citation and a friend showed up on scene to take control of the vehicle.

news

April 25, 2013

No need to waste a good building Steven Tran Staff Writer

Priced at approximately $34 million, the Math and Computer Science (MCS) building is planned to be renovated into the Industry and Technology building by spring 2015.

“We are going to be giving a building back that is going to be cutting edge. It’s going to have the latest technology,” Director of Facilities, Tom Brown, said.

“It’s going to be a good learning environment for the students.”

Planned to be completed by spring 2015, the new Industry and Technology building houses several divisions: administrative

justice, cosmetology, fashion, industry and technology, information technology services and machine technology, Brown said.

“It will have all the current features: wifi, new furniture, the latest teaching technologies, architectual and computing programs will be upgraded,” Brown said.

The upgrades will help both students and faculty, Dean of Industry and Technology, Stephanie Rodriguez, said.

“The new environment will allow students to perform at their best,” Rodriguez said. “For the faculty, we are looking forward to an up-to-date infrastructure.”

The current Industrial Arts building lacks air conditioning,

adequate lighting, wi-fi, proper seating and seems “unfinished and uncomfortable,” Rodriguez added.

Aside from out-dated features in the current Industrial Arts building, Rodriguez said the building is not connected with the campus.

“We are looking forward to being in the center of campus,” Rodriguez said. “Students who feel connected tend to complete their goals; They need to feel that they belong.”

Brown said the relocation of the Industrial Arts building mirrors the MBA building; multiple divisions will be centralized in order to fufill the Facilities Master Plan.

“The plan utilizes campus spac-

es in a way that best serves the students,” According to the 2012 Facilities Master Plan update. “From establishing academic buildings in a unified grouping to landscaped pathways connecting the various departments and services, all features of the future campus have students’ requirements at the forefront.”

Along with the construction of the Industry and Technology building, Brown said EC plans to rebuild the Shops building on the football and soccer practice field; EC will demolish the current Student Services building and rebuild on the current Shops building.

“To stay current with what’s going on, we need to make changes.

Often, buildings have to be renovated and rebuilt,” Brown said.

“The student services center has been renovated a couple of times but it’s inefficient. It’s more cost effective just to build a new building.”

Brown said the renovation of buildings takes into consideration the reusable parts; for example, the information technology division in the MCS building will be renovated and reused.

“When we look at how to modernize the different departments, it’s going to be much more conducive to the new learning environment,” Brown said. “It’s a good time for the students.”

The 150 percent maximum timeframe requires a certificate program to be completed at a specified unit cap; a transfer student must complete 60 units but cannot exceed 90 units or they are not eligible for financial aid, Garcia said.

“In the federal student aid program, if we want to offer federal aid, we have to abide by the rules,” Garcia said. “The rules are that is the minimum, so we are adhering to the minimum to be in compliance with federal regulations.”

Along with the 150 percent maximum timeframe, the SAP policy requires a student to maintain a 2.0 GPA and complete 67

percent of the units they attempt, according to an email sent to financial aid recipients.

“It will definitely help some students realize that they need to get on with it. They need to have a plan; get in, get out and get on with their lives,” auto collision repair and painting instructor, Pati Fairchildsaid, said. “This isn’t just for tourists; this is a school with goals.”

Eligible and inelligible certificate programs are listed on EC’s financial aid website; Garcia said to email, call, or visit the financial aid office if there is any confusion.

Aside from certificate pro-

grams, students planning to complete an associate degree or intend on transferring are still affected by the SAP Policy, Garcia said.

“Having a cap is the state/ schools way of saying, look if you want to stay, we’d love to have you, but we are not paying any more,” Fairchild said. “It’s fair.”

Along with changes in the SAP policy, checks will no longer be used as a form of disbursement; the two options will either be the Sallie Mae debit card, or direct deposits into an existing bank account, Garcia said.

A student must apply through the Free Application for Federal

Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine elligibility for financial aid, Garcia said.

Garcia added that a student can recieve the Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver, which wipes the registration unit fee, or the Chafee grant which applies to foster youth, federal work study programs, institutional scholarships and student loans.

“These students are adults and they are expected to make use of every possible resource while they are here, and then move on to make room for the next bunch,” Fairchild said.

“We got general excellence for online and that is really huge because we didn’t get general excellence in the Southern California conference, but we got it statewide,” Editor-in-Chief of the Union Online and Warrior Life Magazine, Viridiana Vaca-Rios, said.

The Union staff spent half of their spring break at the annual JACC convention, a three-day event, winning awards in two major categories: the mail–in com-

petitions and on-the-spot competitions, Union adviser, Kate McLaughlin, said.

First time attendee, Brian Camacho, co-news editor, won first place in the sports story and said to have been ”ecstatic” about placing first.

Other on-the-spot wins went to Philip Prins, staff writer, who won second place for a sports photo and fourth place for a features photo.

James Bell, staff writer, placed third place for critical review, and

Thomas Schmit, editor-in-chief of Union newspaper, placed third for the news writing competition; while Vaca-Rios received an honorable mention for the feature writing competition.

The Union staffers said throughout their time at the convention, they were unaware of where and what they would be writing on or photographing.

“Once we got on the bus they told us where we were going, which was to a roller derby prac-

tice. I‘ve never shot roller derby before. Prins said. “It put us all on a leveled playing field.”

Lori Medigovich, journalism professor said her job is to be there to encourage the journalism students.

“My role is really to support them and encourage them, be a cheerleader for them,” Medigovich said. “ Our job is tell them yes you can do this, you’re going to be great!”

Unit cap will encourage students to get in and get out Steven Tran Staff Writer

Next fall, students receiving financial aid while pursuing a certificate must complete their program within a 150 percent unit cap due to changes in the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.

“The federal and state government is saying we want to invest in you and your education,” dean of the Enrollment Services Division, William Garcia, said.

“However, If you don’t do your part as a student, then we will not do our part.”

Union staff comes away with good haul from JACC Elizabeth Aviles

Online Managing Editor

The Union online and Warrior Life Magazine were awarded the General Excellence Award at the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC) State Convention last week in Sacramento.

Additionally, Union staff writers attained individual awards, placing in competitions consisting of up to sixty participants.

features

April 25, 2013

El Camino College Union 3

When The Victim fights back Jorge Maldonado Staff Writer Karly Daquila Contributing Writer

She was 18-years-old when she came upon the bridge that would change her life. It was her first semester of college at California State University, Humboldt and for years she blamed herself for the incident that occurred that cold dark night.

“I remember telling him, ‘no, get off’ as he was holding me down,” Julie Smith*, 23, now an EC undecided major, said.

Smith, as most victims who had been drinking at the time of the assault, has intense feelings of self-blame. She didn’t really remember what had happened to her when the incident occurred; partly because of the trauma and partly because she had been drinking.

“When I got back to my dorms I started crying,” she said. “I immediately told my roommate and I started saying, ‘I cheated on my boyfriend’.”

After consoling Smith and reinforcing her it wasn’t her fault, her roommate persuaded her to tell the police. Her roommate also confronted Smith’s attacker as he had followed her home and was waiting outside of her dormitory.

“She went over to him and told him he needed to leave right now,” she said. “She then told my (resident) adviser.

Unfortunately Smith is not alone and her story is not an uncommon one in the types of conversations heard by college students.

In the Rape in America study, over 80 percent of the women who reported being raped were under 25 years old, according to the Rape Treatment Center in Santa Monica.

Even though the trauma was hard to bear, Smith knew she needed to report the violent crime to the authorities. In reporting the crime, the Humboldt campus police were able to capture her offender and he was placed in jail for his crime.

As a victim of sexual assault, whether it is rape or unwanted sexual touching, the victim is never responsible for the assault.

“Nothing you do is ever permission for someone to put their hands on you,” Brenda Clubine, domestic violence speaker and survivor, said.

The victim of sexual assault will usually always blame themselves for the cause of the traumatic event. As did Smith, the night she was raped.

The National Institute of Justice indicated that between 14 and 30 percent of college students experience some type of sexual violence during their

college careers.

In 2008 the EC campus was on high alert as a 19-year-old female student was a victim of assault.

She was walking to her car when the offender approached her from behind, placed his left hand across her mouth and began to touch her inner thigh, according to an article in the Los Angeles Sentinel. The victim bravely elbowed the offender, scaring him away.

Since 2009 there have been no reported sex offenses on file at EC, according to the Office of Postsecondary Education’s Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool’s website.

In 2009 the Office of Education Postsecondary Education listed six reported sex offenses from EC. The OPE has no reported crimes in 2010 or 2011, and contains the last three years of safety-and-security-related statistical data.

Reporting the crime allowed Smith to move on with her life.

“It’s not just the victim it’s the repercussions for the guys,” she said.

When Smith arrived at the hospital, scared and escorted by a female police officer, she was given a goodie bag. Inside the bag it contained items to comfort her while she waited to be examined.

“They did take the clothes I was wearing but the bag had socks, pajamas, and a teddy bear,” she said. “Kind of random, but it made me happy (at the time).”

Helped by her resources from her resident adviser, Smith immediately notified the authorities, recounted the attack and was examined at the hospital.

The sooner you report the crime the greater the chances the attacker will be caught, according to the Crime and Violence Prevention Center.

It took Smith five years to be able to walk alone and feel confident being out in the world. She also believes it prolonged her adulthood, in being able to be independent and growing into the women she is today.

“Everybody knows rape happens,” she said.

“There are resources and the more you speak out, the more these guys are reprimanded.” *name has been changed to protect the identity of the victim

Photo Illustration by Karly Daquila

EDITORIAL

4 El Camino College Union

April 25, 2013

Don’t just get angry, do something about it

Illustration by Eugene Chang

A student organizer summit took place recently in Los Angeles with the goal of networking politically-conscious students from across the UC, CSU and community college systems.

The summit’s focus was taking back California’s higher education system and making it for and about the people of this state again.

The opportunity is now for all students to get involved, speak out and let their voices be heard.

Over the last few years, students in the state higher education system have witnessed a decline in the services available to at the college level.

Tuition has gone up while class offerings and availability have gone down.

Pell Grants have been cut, forcing students to go further into debt by taking out loans to cover expenses that grants should be covering.

It’s time for students to do more than just complain; it’s time to fight back.

Public education was put in place for one reason: to educate the public.

When that system fails to do

what it promised, it sets up a domino effect, and the end result is a failing state.

California is in a fiscal crisis right now.

The economy in the state can be improved as long as the state workforce continues to be educated at public institutions.

The Issue • Public education in California is on a decline

Our Stand • Students and faculty need to reclaim education for the people

Students and faculty are facing the same issues in this public education crisis, and the summit was backed by members of the American Federation of Teachers.

This is the perfect opportunity for students and faculty to stand together and demand that the system work with them and not against them.

Without students or teachers, there would be no public education system.

This is a fact that everyone needs to keep in mind.

This is more than a rally for students to walk out of classes.

Faculty members need to walk out of classes as well.

Right here at EC, the SLO situation has put our college in a precarious position where we stand to lose our accreditation as a college.

This should make every student at EC fighting mad.

What is the point in having all these committees and subcommittees and people supposedly handling the issue if nothing is going to get accomplished?

Why is the administration at our college failing us?

These are the questions students need to be asking and demanding answers to.

In the end, your education is in your hands.

You should be angry.

You should be ready to fight.

Stand up. Be heard.

Do something.

[See related article Page 1]

Sexual assault awareness workshops are necessary for everyone With reports of crimes of this type on the rise, it is important to arm the public with facts and preventative measures.

Rape is an act of violence that no one wants or should be the victim of.

There are long-lasting effects long after the act is over, and many victims remained traumatized their entire lives.

Classes that raise awareness of sexual assault and provide guidelines that help highlight how not to become a victim are a step in the right direction in the fight against this intolerable act.

EC has recently announced a workshop of this type that will inform interested parties on a topic that has had much coverage in the news lately, especially among high school and college students.

The workshop is just the first step in what could potentially be

an entire educational series not just for women but for women as well on the dangers and societal effects of rape.

This is not just about the act of rape itself; it is about the wellbeing of women.

According to the National Institute of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 out of 6 American women are victims of attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.

This statistic is staggering; a woman is more likely to be raped in her lifetime than she is to pick just the Powerball number in the lottery.

Women who want to avoid falling into this statistic should consider attending these workshops

According to the Justice Department, 54 percent of rape or sexual assault cases never get reported to the police.

These workshops could encourage women to step up and prosecute people who have comitted sexual assault crimes.

Perpetrators of sexual crimes are often repeat offenders, and making everyone aware of the statistics could help prevent someone else from becoming the next victim.

The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) has many resources for victims including hotlines and care centers.

According to their website www.rainn.org, there is no way to completely protect yourself from

rape, but you can take steps that will reduce your risk.

Among these are suggestions for social situations including attending social gatherings with a group of friends as opposed to going alone; never accept drinks from someone you don’t know, and don’t ever leave your drink unattended.

According to the Oregon Law Center, date rape accounts for almost 70 percent of sexual assaults reported by adolescent and college age women.

Thirty-eight percent of those women are between the ages of 14 and 17 years old.

Recently, in Steubenville, Ohio, a 16-year-old girl was raped by two 17-year-old high school.

The girl left separately from her friends after a party ended, and she was raped soon after.

A large part of the evidence in the court case was tweets and Facebook video posted by observers who witnessed the incident but did nothing to stop it. There were Facebook posts that described the night and the rape in great detail.

While posting these things to Twitter or Facebook seems dumb enough, posting about a rape and doing nothing to stop it is absolutely wrong.

Adding to this the fact that certain media outlets mishandled the reporting on the case by saying it was the girl’s own fault that she was raped, and the football players had had their promising careers

ended because of the case.

A workshop like this needs to happen, and it needs to be attended by everyone - both male and female.

Women and men need to be made aware of the possibility of sexual assault, and everyone needs to be educated on what to do when it happens, whether it happens to them or someone they know.

Standing by and doing nothing is not acceptable; everyone needs to learn what the proper response and course of action is.

Anyone who has been raped or been a victim of attempted sexual assault is encouraged to visit www.rainn.org for help. [ See related article Page 3,]

Reporting to you live from inside my dreams Eat at the Bookstore and support our school campus insight Pursuing my dream to become a well-known and respected journalist is a scary road.

I am going to be transferring from El Camino soon, and Coree Heard 21, journalism every single day of my life I am constantly thinking about which school would be best for me.

Since I was a preteen I’ve had to make adult decisions, but deciding on where to continue my education is the most confusing of all.

Unfortunately, I don’t have the resources to visit every college I’m interested in.

I decided that I would put money aside to go on at least one out-of-state college visit to the University of Maryland at College Park. UMD has a great broadcast journalism school and a great atmosphere.

After speaking with several advisers and a director, I was told that about two semesters of credits I earned at El Camino may not be transferrable to UMD. That was devastating to hear, because I worked hard in those classes.

Initially, I was upset and scared. What if other other universities told me the same thing?

It wasn’t that I would not be accepted; it is feeling like I wasted my time.

In the midst of my pity I realized that it’s not the

U N NIO EL CAMINO COLLEGE

Vol. 66, No. 15 April 25, 2013

E -mail: eccunion@gmail.com Newsroom: (310) 660-3328 Advertising: (310) 660-3329

end of the world.

Instead of transferring in the spring of ’14, I could stay at EC an extra semester and transfer in the fall.

I was informed that a way to waive retaking lower level classes is to obtain my associate degree, and I realized I only needed a handful of classes to obtain it.

Instead of looking at this as a mountain to climb or a bump in the road, I am deciding to take this as a positive. I believe the way to beat disappointments is to shift my perspective. I believe that everything happens for a reason.

The path that God has chosen for me is clear to him, even if it isn’t to me. Every night I go to sleep thinking about my dreams, and each morning I wake up, I get closer.

I am willing to sacrifice everything, and I won’t give up.

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 ����������������������������������������������������������������������� Thomas Schmit Co-News Editor ���������������������������������������������������������������������� Brian Camacho Co-News Editor ���������������������������������������������������������������������� Thomas Schmit Co-Opinion Editor �������������������������������������������������������������������Monique Judge Co-Opinion Editor �����������������������������������������������������������������������Rigo Bonilla Features Editor ����������������������������������������������������������������������� Thomas Schmit Arts Editor �����������������������������������������������������������������������������Jessica Martinez Co-Sports Editor �������������������������������������������������������������������Emerson Keenan Co-Sports Editor ��������������������������������������������������������������������Jessica Martinez Photo Editor ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Kyle Borden Advertising Manager ����������������������������������������������������������������� JJ Maldonado Adviser ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Lori Medigovich Adviser ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������Kate McLaughlin Technical Support ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� Don Treat

Commentary Every semester, students hand over their hard earned money to one of the eateries on campus in exchange for what is usually less than stellar food.

Jessica Martinez Arts Editor We are all guilty of this, but we do it because it’s simple.

There are eateries next to nearly every major department building on campus, and it is often easier to walk to these than across the street to McDonald’s, Subway, or Del Taco.

These eateries are not EC owned and can charge whatever prices they desire, yet students continue to fork over their cash every day for things they can get cheaper at most fast food places or even better, at the El Camino Bookstore.

We think of the Bookstore as the place to buy a book, a Scantron, or maybe even some pencils, but the truth is it’s much more than that.

At the Bookstore, students can purchase many of the same foods that are at these pricey eateries, and the money will go back into the school’s funds.

It simply doesn’t make sense to take your business elsewhere on campus.

It’s true that other places provide a variety of foods that the Bookstore does not have, but there should not be a question when it comes to helping your college or giving your money to a third party for food that

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still doesn’t satisfy you.

When you walk into Cafe Camino, you will see prices posted, but this doesn’t necessarily mean those are the prices you’ll pay. The popular eatery has been known to alter their prices for the same things day to day.

Prices at the Bookstore are consistent.

A small bag of chips at the Bookstore is 69 cents, but an identical bag of chips is $1.00 at Cafe Camino, and if you purchase the latter, your money will go to the company contracted out and not the college.

Additionally, as you’re at the Bookstore buying chips or soda, you’ll conveniently notice that Scantron you absolutely need for your next class or that sweatshirt you’ve wanted for weeks now, and that money, too, will go right back into the school.

At Cafe Camino, The Common Ground, or The Manhattan, there are no supplies available, and your money goes to the owners of these eateries.

Service at the Bookstore has also been known to be better than anywhere else on campus.

The employees are friendlier and always seem to be ready to help you with anything you may need.

Next time you’re hungry, go to the Bookstore.

You will get a warm feeling as you pay for your food there instead of your usual go-to spot on campus.

You will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping out your school too.

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Opinion

April 25, 2012

El Camino College Union 5

UP FOR DEBATE

Has the media covered the Boston bombings responsibly?

The truth isn’t always pretty

Brian Camacho News editor

they can get it, and the news media is no different.

When it comes to shocking tragedies such as the bombings, its important that even the graphic details are released to the public.

With the recent bombing at the Boston Marathon, social media has been in overdrive this last week.

Thanks to social media, the world is connected like never before; information is viewed and exchanged within seconds, but this is not necessarily a good thing.

Illustration by Eugene Chang

Of course it is extremely helpful to be connected with the world because we all want to know what is going on around us, but there must be a line where too much is too much.

Media outlets have crossed that line by showing images of the Boston bombings that were too gruesome.

Showing images of blood, panic and limbs being blown off is going too far. Not only are these images unsettling, but it is downright unprofessional on the media’s behalf.

Just imagine waking up to have a nice cup of coffee while you read the paper, when all of a sudden you see a man with his leg blown off on the front page.

It could very well start your day off on the wrong foot or even worse, make you lose your breakfast.

Sure, people wanted to know what was going on and some wanted to see the horrific pictures; curiosity is simply human nature, but people needed a warning about their gory nature.

Every picture needed to have a specific warning stating that it should only be opened at the viewers expense.

Media outlets handled the situation very poorly by posting up pictures with no warning whatsoever.

Sites such as Twitter have made us accustomed to getting the news fast, but they have also made us lose our mental filters.

People no longer worry about what is being shown so long as it is shown fast and often.

These images are not only disturbing, but they also have an affect on those in the photo, as well as their family members.

The victims of this awful event simply want to move on and not see the aftermath every time they go online.

It is the job of online or print publications to uphold high ethical standards instead of just trying get as many hits as possible with disturbing images.

Fighting back against the disease that shows sympathy to none Column

Monique Judge Co-opinion editor

F*@$ cancer.

You may have seen this slogan being shared across social media as both a phrase and a hash tag.

Used in support of those fighting against this terrible disease in its many forms, it sums up perfectly how I feel right now.

F*ck cancer.

As I prepare to begin treatment for the second lump I have found in my breast in the last year, the only thing I can think to say about it is f*ck cancer.

When the Union did articles about the rise in breast cancer cas-

es among young women, I didn’t speak up. At the time, I felt that my experience was still too personal to share. I remained silent about something that has affected me and my family multiple times over the last 20 years.

F*@$ cancer.

My mother had breast cancer twice. She lost both breasts and developed lymphedema shortly after her first bout with it. She has to wear a sleeve on her arm to keep the swelling down, because even after the cancer is gone, it leaves a memory you cannot erase in your body.

F*@$ cancer.

My aunt died 20 years ago from cancer that spread from her breast to her brain and lungs.

F*@& cancer.

My cousin Shaun discovered he had testicular cancer when he was 31 years old. His children, a set of twins named Shaun and Reese, are a huge middle finger to a disease that would have made it

By Karen Garcia

We don’t have to see every detail

Johnysha Vercher Staff writer

In the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings the media has continuously covered the story as responsible as possible.

Images and videos flooded the internet within minutes of the bombings and media outlets were exercising their responsibility to inform the public.

While some images may have been graphic, it is a reality that must be shown because hiding the facts or even cropping a photo to hide the truth is simply irresponsible.

In the instance of showing these videos and photos to the public, the media has upheld its responsibilities.

Besides informing the public, the media could act as an aid to police and any investigations. The photos and videos that are taken and shown by the media helps to not only find suspects, but exclude anyone who is innocent.

When different media outlets publish photos or videos it may encourage suspects to turn themselves in or encourage family and friends to speak out.

The speed in which the media can publish on the internet also helps citizens to be able to help with the investigation as well. It helps citizen stay aware and alert and able to give tips that might lead to an arrest.

Without media outlets publishing what they do, it could temporarily delay any apprehension of possible suspects. Suspects in the bombing investigation were shown on video and various images, which informed the public.

While we expect the media to be our window into the latest news, the public has to understand certain things: even though things may fall through the cracks, the media does their best to get the information the public wants and needs out and as quickly as they can.

In today’s society everyone wants the latest information on anything as soon as

campus corner

impossible for him to enjoy all the dance recitals, little league games and Pop Warner football he goes to now.

F*@$ cancer.

Shaun’s mother, my aunt Debbie, had a lump in her breast 10 years ago. She went through radiation treatment and a lumpectomy, and because the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, She now has lymphedema in both arms and wears sleeves on both to keep the swelling down. She has since developed fibromyalgia, so in addition to the swelling of lymphedema, she has to endure constant pain too.

F*#$ cancer.

My stepmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was treated with radiation and a lumpectomy. The cancer resurfaced five years later.

F*$% cancer.

A woman in my breast cancer support group has less than six months to live. She was diag-

nosed with breast cancer, and it has spread throughout her body, ensuring that her two young children, 8 and 6 years old, will see their mother die before they reach the horrible tween and teen stages of life that mothers love to complain about so much.

I am sure she would give anything to be able to be here and voice those complaints.

F*%# cancer.

At the end of the month, I will begin the radiation treatments the doctors use to attempt to shrink the tumor down. I will then have a lumpectomy, a breast-preserving surgery in which they will remove the lump and surrounding tissue from my without me losing the breast itself.

Following the lumpectomy, I will have another round of radiation treatments to make sure the cancer is all gone.

All of this will be happening as I finish out my semester at EC, take finals, continue to edit and

produce on the student newspaper and try to live something of a normal life because my friends and family are depending on me to do so.

I could get upset, be mad at the world, scream, cry and ask why me, but I won’t.

Instead, I will continue to recite the mantra that has become a constant refrain in my head since I got the news a few weeks ago: F*%$ cancer.

Please connect with me by email at eccunionmonique@gmail.com Follow me on Twitter @eccunionmonique Join the conversation online at www.eccunion.com The views expressed in this column are those of the author. They do not represent the views or opinions of the Union, its staff, editorial board or advisers.

Brandon Marshall President of Robotics club

Marshall, 29, music major, encourages students to find out about robotics. The club meets every first and third Saturday of the month at 4 p.m. in the Communications building in Room 101. Every Monday after the first and third Saturday the club meets at 1 p.m. in the technical arts building in Room 106. Reach out to EC Robotics club: Facebook.com/ElCaminoRoboticsClub elcaminoroboticsclub@gmail.com twitter.com/elcaminorobotic

What is the Robotics Club about?

It’s about taking math and theory and putting it to good use to create certain things or functions for a robot. So hey, you won’t ever be too bored.

Has the club hosted any events this semester?

Yes we’ve hosted two Vex competitions, one Jan. 12, and the other Feb. 13. We’re hoping to to host another at the end of the semester. At these events, a team of four gets together and competes against another team and their robot. The task is to see which robot can knock down the other while scoring the most points.

Have individual club members or the club as a whole created any interesting robots from scratch before?

Due to limited funding, we haven’t been able to create anything of our own yet.

Karen Latuner, Career and Technical Education, donated a few starter kits to the club, which was very helpful.

When people think about robots they think about what they see in the movies. What are robots really like?

Hollywood always shows something differently from reality, but robots are everywhere and doing all kinds of things. There probably is one right in front of us right now.

Does the robotics club collaborate with any other clubs on campus?

We work with the Women in Technology (WIT) Club, since a good number of our members are from that club as well.

What is the club’s opinion of a robot apocalypse?

Sorry, can’t comment top secret. Well it is possible, I mean they’re everywhere and once they can make decisions for you there it goes. According to Issac Asimov there are three laws of robotics and they can be interpreted differently.

Campus viewpoints

Has the media covered the Boston bombings responsibly?

By Brian Camacho

Isaac Orozco, 19, Music

Lila Rosito, 18, Meteorology

Jasmine Banuelos, 20, Meteorology

Angelo Malvar, 19, Undeclared

Joseph Whited, 19, Art

Haleigh Smith, 19, Pre-psychology

“They did a pretty decent job of getting the basic overview.”

“It’s a good way for people to realize what is really going on.”

“It was good they chose to show how bad it was. It gets people aware of how much bombs hurt people.”

“It’s okay if they take a picture of the scene but not the victim itself.”

“It was trying to scare people into getting more coverage.”

“If someone is injured and they don’t give permission to be photographed then absolutely not.”

arts

6 El Camino College Union

On the scene

By Kayla Maaytah

April 25, 2013

‘Ruthless’ humor spoofs Broadway

Art Last day of exhibit ‘An Anatomical Poem’ in the art gallery Today is the last day to see EC’s current art exhibit, “An Anatomical Poem: from cellular to visceral,” in the Art Gallery located in the Arts and Behavioral Science Building. The gallery is open from noon to 8 p.m. and is open to all students.

Exhibit examines social potential through politics and art The Torrance Art Museum’s current exhibition on display, “In Case We Don’t Die,” explores the potential found in shared creative processes. It is on display until May 16 at 3320 Civic Center Dr. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 310-328-5310.

Dance Palos Verdes High School presents Spring Choreo Dance Concert The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation is presenting the Palos Verdes High School Spring Choreo Dance Concert in the James Armstrong Theatre tonight at 7 p.m. Admission is $12 for all ages and open to the public. For more information please call the box office at 310-781-7171.

Music Show maintains the mania and music of ABBA The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation is presenting “Abbamania,” a show woven together with the songs of the classic musical group ABBA, as part of their Guest Artist Series. It will be in the James Armstrong Theater at 3330 Civic Center Dr., this Saturday at 8 p.m. Admission is $35 for all ages and open to the public.

For more information call the box office at 310-781-7171.

Performance The Sisters Ministry presents gospel and stage play on sisterhood The Torrance Cultural Arts Center and The Sisters Ministry are presenting their gospel and stage play, “Am I My Sisters Keeper,” Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the James Armstrong Theater. Tickets are $20 for all age groups. For more information call the box office at 310-781-7171.

Photo courtesy of Brad La Verne Lacey Keane and Makenna Butcher perform in Ruthless! The Musical, a show being done by the Torrance Theatre Company running through May 18.

Joh’nysha Vercher Staff Writer

Proof that a little goes a long way is evident in the production

for “Ruthless! The Musical,” put on by the Torrance Theatre Company, as it sold out its opening weekend.

“Ruthless” is filled with fun,

goofy and sarcastic themes and was chosen by the director, Jim Hormel, because of its qualities and the enjoyment the audience would receive.

“It’s a funny, goofy, and overthe-top musical and everyone goes to the theatre to be entertained and this definitely is an entertaining musical,” Daina Baker Bowler, cast member, said.

The musical itself lured in cast members because they wanted to be a part of something that was not only entertaining but gave them a sense of indulging in their own creativity.

“That’s one of the reasons I auditioned for the show,” Bowler said.

The production process for the musical is filled with many people and aspects that cohesively come together until opening night. From the lighting designer to the makeup consultants and every crew and cast member, each person is essential in making the show a success.

“The costumer is great working with all these different costumes and we had a great musician and we used all piano,” Gia Jordahl, artistic director, said. “We were really lucky to have all of these wonderful people.”

While the theater itself is on the smaller side with only 48 seats, the production was not hindered by the size but instead flourished by it.

“With the music that we’re doing and the small space in making the set look so beautiful, the crew, it made everything so wonderful and so professional in such a small theatre,” Lacey Keane, cast member, said.

The cast members are able to express their creativity through the work by the production team.

“It was a lot of fun. The whole production team allows you to be really creative and bring your own take to the character,” Bowler said. “The director still has a vision for the production and that’s how it all comes together.”

Another important part of production and the cast is the overall sense of camaraderie.

“You’re working as a team member,” Bowler said. “Knowing that you’re working with a group of people towards a common goal is really rewarding.”

Baseball film knocks competition out of park

James Bell

Staff Writer

Focused on Jackie Robinson breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier, “42” hits its mark in every aspect.

In 1945, Branch Rickey (played by Harrison Ford), an executive for the Brooklyn Dodgers, shocked the entire country by signing Jackie Robinson (played by Chadwick Boseman) to their International League affiliate, Montreal Royals, for the 1946 season.

Only covering a portion of the ‘46 season with the Royals and the ‘47 season with the Dodgers, “42” doesn’t waste any time in getting to the point of the movie or straying from its central subject.

The film highlights major events in Robinson’s life such as marrying his longtime girlfriend, Rachel (played by Nicole Beharie), and the birth of his first son, Jackie Jr., while also staying true to its baseball core.

Rarely does the movie stray too far from baseball which was great as many hardcore baseball fans were drawn to the theater.

The film doesn’t make an attempt at a biographical film, but rather a film highlighting one of, if not the, most important times in baseball history.

Having Robinson played by Boseman, a relatively low-profile actor, lets the audience focus on Jackie Robinson, rather than the actor playing him for two hours.

By casting Boseman, it gives the feeling of going back in time and watching Robin-

son play instead of watching a more notice- cial discrimination Robinson and the Dodgable face pretending to be him. ers faced in the ‘40s, the n-word is used exThe film really only focuses around tensively. it’s four main characters: Jackie Robinson, The use came to a pinnacle during a Branch Rickey, writer Wendell Smith and game against the Philadelphia Phillies Rachel Robinson. when their manager stood outside the dugThe movie also lightly touches on the out and heckled Robinson every time he relationship between Robinson and star went up to bat. shortstop, Pee Wee Reese, who most people Needless to say, parents of small chilthought would have been the most outspo- dren should be advised of the overwhelmken about Robinson’s entrance to the Major ing use of the racial slur before taking their Leagues, considering they played the same children to see this film. position.

All in all, if you like baseball, or inspirAs it turned out, Reese was one of only a ing sports stories in general, “42” is sure to few players who supported Robinson join- be a hit for you. ing the team saying if Robinson could help the Dodgers win, he should be there.

With the movie centered around the ra-

Painter strokes out her future

Rigo Bonilla

Co-Opinion Editor

As the colors mix to a perfect pitch, the brush strokes harmonize perfectly with the canvas and a woman manifests.

Karla Marmolejo, 20, illustration major, believes that like every other subject, visual arts are their own language.

Her paint speaks like the words of a song.

“Art is expression. It’s a language like every other subject is a language. It’s a way to explain things like English, math, or science,” Marmolejo said.

The former English major is now also adding the business side of the language to her arsenal with the help of her EC advisers.

“The hardest part of the business is making the client happy,” Marmolejo said. “When you’re making art for yourself, if it’s good enough for you, it’s OK, but the teachers are trying to train us to see the client’s perspective.”

Although the passion for art is spiritual, the need to pay bills is an every day struggle.

“If I want to make art in the real world, I’m probably not going to make it for myself, unless I’m a studio artist

or have my own gallery,” Marmolejo said. “I’m going to be working for other people, so I have to make sure they’re happy with my work.”

“It doesn’t feel like work,” Marmolejo said. “Even when I’m in class, it just feels like I’m doing what I want to do.”

After learning the language of art, Marmolejo is now fine-tuning.

“It’s like playing an instrument. If you don’t practice every day, you’re not going to be any good,” Marmolejo said. “You have to draw every day. That’s how you know if it’s a passion. It has to be something you can’t go a day without doing.”

And although Marmolejo is in the stage of fine-tuning, she expects to keep learning new artistic phrases all the time.

Phil Prins/ Union “All of the great artists in history Karla Marmolejo, 20, illustration major, has been part of art shows and plans to continue her work. were students throughout their lives,” Marmolejo said.

While the art field is a hard one to something that I love. If I can get hired for it, why not? I make it in, she draws upon her own strength and poise. think I can make it. It’s all about confidence and how far “I draw and paint every day,” Marmolejo said. “It’s you’re willing to take it.”

sports

April 25, 2013

On deck

By Jessica Martinez

Softball team falls in last home game Eric Hsieh

BADMINTON

Staff Writer

Southern California team play-off on Wednesday

BASEBALL Today at 2:30 p.m. at Harbor College Tomorow at 2:30 p.m. vs. Harbor College

MEN’S TENNIS State championship today through Saturday at Ojai

SWIMMING AND DIVING State championship today through Saturday at East Los Angeles College

TRACK AND FIELD South Coast Conference Finals tomorrow at Los Angeles Trade Tech

WOMEN’S TENNIS State championship today through Saturday at Ojai

El Camino College Union 7

Kyle Borden/ Union Priscilla Cardona makes a hit during a game against East Los Angeles College on Thursday.

The name of the game was catch up for the softball team during the Warriors’ final home match against East Los Angeles College on Thursday.

EC struggled against a quick, three-run opening before a midgame fumble, letting six more fourth-inning runs slip through, giving the Huskies a forceful 9-0 lead.

“They did a good job exposing a weakness we had, which is bunt defense. It was smart on their part,” coach Elaine Martinez said. “Then things fell their way a bit. They had balls that ricocheted funny and got away from us.”

But the Warriors remained optimistic, having come back on numerous occasions in their season.

“We’re a good comeback team so we still had hope in our hitters and our teammates,” Diana Romero, right fielder, said.

“I told them, ‘We can still win this game.’ In some of our past games, we’ve scored five, six, seven runs in an inning,” Martinez said. “Against Pasadena, we scored 12 runs in one inning.

So we felt like we could still do this.”

EC mounted a clean defense, shutting down East Los Angeles College at the top of the fifth inning with three straight outs, then again at the top of the sixth, fielding three more Husky pop flys perfectly.

“We knew we had to hold them,” Aisha Salami, center fielder, said. “Leave them at nine, don’t let them get any more, no matter what it takes.”

The Warriors attempted to follow up offensively as well. A steal home by Salami in the fifth inning and a triple by Rhea Benavente at the bottom of the sixth brought the Warriors up to a 9-4 gap. However, it wasn’t a deficit they would manage to overcome.

“It took us a little while before we found our rhythm and we ran

out of time, Martinez said.”

The game also represented more of the team than their third match against East Los Angeles College. It would be the last game many of the team’s sophomores played here at EC. “It’s our last day at home so there’s pressure,” Romero said.”

Still, the team says the loss has only strengthened their determination going into the final two games of their season.

“We’re going to come out at Fullerton and at Cerritos,” Salami said. “It’s my last season, it’s the last season for a lot of sophomores here, the freshmen are behind us, and we want to do it for our coaches.”

Martinez echoed the team’s resolve to close out the season strong.

“I told them Monday we owe our sophomores a last home game,” she said. “So we’re going to try to walk in and take control of Fullerton’s home field, make it ours, and win one for our sophomores.”

Swim team gets conference title Tennis players swing on to state Brian Camacho

Co-News Editor

History was made last weekend as the El Camino men’s swim team won its first conference championship since 1955.

The Warriors went up against the toughest teams in the conference and came out in first place as well as a fourth place finish by the women’s team.

“It was unbelievable. We knew we could do it and everything just fell into place,” Hogan Inscore, freshman, said.

The men’s team won eight events at the conference finals, including: 200 individual medley, 400 IM, 500 IM, 1650 IM, 100 breaststroke, 200 breaststroke, 200 medley relay and the 800 free relay.

“They were just amazing this weekend.

I’m very proud of both the men and wom-

en,” coach Corey Stanbury said.

Stanbury was recognized for his work by receiving the Coach of the Year Award.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by your peers for an outstanding swim meet,” Stanbury said. “It was fun.”

Freshman Jonathan Diaz was also named Athlete of the Year after another outstanding meet.

“I was surprised. It’s an amazing feeling and an honor,” Diaz said.

The season is now over but several of the men will compete in the state championship.

Freshman Shane Guerrero was also invited to state due to his exceptional diving scores at conference.

“It looks like we’re going to have just as strong of a team [next season],” Inscore said. “If not better.”

Steven Tran Staff Writer

The tennis season concluded at the South Coast Conference Tournament at Cerritos College, but Chung Young Shin, Kia Choi, and Anthony Ya will go on to the state tournament in Ojai.

In the tournament, the Warriors competed in single and double matches against Cerritos, Long Beach City College, and Mt. San Antonio College.

“The women continue to improve their skills,” coach Steven Van Kanegan said.

“They were already a strong team coming into the season.”

Shin, 26, film major, played against Choi, 20, astophysics major, in the women’s singles final to win 6-4 in the first set, and 6-2 in the second set.

“Any good result I get makes El Camino look good,” Shin said.

Shin and Choi played against Mt. SAC for the women’s doubles final. Shin and Choi lost the first set 4-6, tied the second set 6-6, but lost the tie-breaker 7-9.

Despite that loss, both have qualified to compete at the state level.

“You just want to represent yourself well because the coach is great, so you want to make sure that his reputation is not tainted,” Choi said.

Along with Shin and Choi, Ya, 18, predentistry major, also qualified for Ojai.

“Being No. 1 is a privilege,” Ya said.

“It’s something I didn’t think I was going to get.”

Although Ya qualified for Ojai, the men’s tennis team was eliminated from the tournament in the second round.

“We were an inexperienced team and most of them played well, but we were not at the level of the other participants,” Van Kanegan said.

sports

8 El Camino College Union

April 25, 2013

Badminton team improving Volleyball team is

defeated in playoffs

Lorenzo Guttierrez Staff Writer

Even though the Warriors have been improving, the EC women’s badminton team lost 19-2 against Pasadena City College, the No. 1 team of the conference on April 17 at EC. “I am a little bit of disappointed Corinne wasn’t able to pull off the win against the No. 1 player of Pasadena; Corinne played very well, but the Pasadena girl turned the game,” coach John Britton said. “The rest of

Co-Sports Editor

“The rest of the girls, their scores improved the whole season, so I can’t complain”

—coach John Britton

the girls, their scores improved the whole season, so I can’t complain, this is positive.”

Corinne Belandres, 20, nursing major felt proud of her results obtained in this game against Angie Ortiz, the No. 1 player of Pasadena.

Belandres described her matches with Ortiz this season to be “very difficult.” Despite the loss she felt great about her play.

“So far on my singles games, this was one of my best games even though I lost,” Belandres said.

Bryar Cochran, 19, undecided major feels as a team they are improving a lot, and playing against the No. 1 team of the conference makes her feel more exiting, even though they lost.

“We lost but again we did good against the No. 1 team, so it is a struggle,” Cochran said.

Callie Rodela, 19 nursing major said she feels very frustrated because she didn’t play well in

3-3 in the fourth set because both teams had a slow start as their energy seemed to quickly diminish.

Pimblett was able to perform the Thirty miles from their home court, the men’s volleyball team lost same move later in the set and again to the Golden West Rustlers 3-2 in tied the game at 13-13 as each team the conference quarterfinals April struggled to get ahead.

“It was a tough game. They are 16.

“We should have beat them in a good team,” Samusu Semo, freshfour (sets),” coach Dick Blount said. man outside hitter, said. “Some“We didn’t play well enough for it to times, we outplayed them.”

The Warriors were able to pull go that way.”

Trevor Butler, sophomore out- ahead for the first time in the fourth side hitter, added that the game was set at 17-15 while the crowd went wild. “definitely a heartbreaker.”

A spike by EC gave them the Matthew Pimblett, sophomore outside hitter, led the team in kills point they needed to win the set, alwith 19. Ryan Olson, sophomore though fans of both teams reacted outside hitter, and Butler both had as soon as the ball hit the ground.

Fans of the Warriors jumped 10 kills and Frank Flanagan, sophoout of their seats out of excitement. more setter, contributed 41 assists.

In the first set, Roy Powell, There would be a deciding fifth set. Fans of the freshman midRustlers, out of dle blocker, shock. They were provided sev- “Our emotions ran too sure the ball went eral spikes that high and we out of bounds. But brought the the Warriors’ fans Warriors ahead succumbed to the were deemed corof the Rustlers pressure.” at 24-23. Gold—Roy Powell, freshman rect, and they won the set 25-23. en West was The nail-biting sloppy with a fifth set started off with a point pass and caused them the first set.

The second set brought drama for EC but Golden West was able as referees were being booed af- to score three points in a row and ter each call they made against the was ahead 9-2 at a timeout called Warriors. These numerous ill-re- by Blount.

The Rustlers won the set 15-6 ceived calls allowed Golden West and caused the Warriors to be elimto win the second set 25-23.

“Our emotions ran too high and inated in the first round of the state we succumbed to the pressure,” Roy finals for the third season in a row.

“We had chances to win but we Powell, freshman middle blocker, didn’t quite make the cut,” Butler said.

The displeasing calls were con- said. “There were a few key plays tinued into the third set as the War- we didn’t make the transition on riors’ fans questioned every call and it made a difference.”

Still, coach Blount looks forward against the team. This gave Golden West the edge they needed as they to next season and is proud of his won 25-15 and it seemed EC had team.

“These are great young lost their momentum.

Pimblett provided a hard spike to men to work with,” he said.

Golden West and tied the game at “Counting the red shirts.”

Jessica Martinez

Adrian Agudelo/ Union Sophomore Corinne Belandres, and the No. 1 player on El Camino’s Badminton team, gets down low for a return backhand swing during her match against Pasadena City College, April 17th at the North Gym.

her singles game, but felt she improved since the last time she played Pasadena.

“I feel scared and very intimidated by Pasadena players, and this makes me not have the enough confidence against them,”

Rodela said.

The team feels like just knowing they are playing with the No. 1 team of the conference motivates the team to work an extra step to play at the same level as their opponents.

“When I play with someone better than me, it just makes me play to their level, and it’s a lot of fun to play better teams,” Belandres said. “ At the same time, it is a learning experience playing with better teams like Pasadena.”

Warriors baseball team wins series 2-1 Brian Camacho

Co-News Editor

Things don’t look so good for the Warriors as they will now need some outside help in order for them to sneak into the back door of the playoffs.

Despite winning the series against Cerritos College, losing the last game of the series 3-1 severely hurt the the Warriors’ postseason chances.

“We’re looking to make playoffs. At this point, every game is extremely crucial,” coach Nate Fernley said. “We really needed to sweep these guys (Cerritos) to give ourselves a chance.”

Cerritos got off to a strong start with two runs in the bottom of the first thanks to a wild pitch and an RBI single.

The Warriors would score their only run of the game in the top of the fourth with an RBI single up the middle from Jaysen Delgado, freshman left-fielder.

“We just didn’t have any clutch hits,” Rex Calkins, sophomore third baseman said.

Cerritos would score once more in the bottom of the seventh with an RBI double into center

field which gave the Falcons a decisive 3-1 lead.

Alex Navarrete freshman pitcher went four innings while giving up four hits and striking out three batters in the loss.

“I was shaky. It wasn’t what I was expecting,” Navarrete said.

“We just have to win every game and hope.”

With this loss, EC (17-16) currently ranks fifth in the conference behind Long Beach City College

(18-15); they have the same conference record at 9-9 but LBCC gets the tiebreaker due to a better overall record.

“Things have to go extremely well for us,” Fernley said. “We have to get some teams to lose and we’re going to have to win the rest of ‘em.”

EC must now sweep the last series of the season against L.A.

Harbor College and hope that LBCC loses its last series in order to make the playoffs.

The Warriors have dug themselves a hole that all started with the series against EC Compton College.

The first two games were hardfought and came down to the wire but the Warriors couldn’t pull through as Compton swept the series.

Things became worse once EC dropped its second straight series against East L.A. College; they won the first game but would lose the next two.

“I thought we played two good games but really struggled in that second game,” Fernley said.

The Warriors will play their final series of the season against L.A. Harbor, April 23-26, and hope to sweep the Seahawks in order to keep their foot in the door of the postseason.

If they can manage to win out then they will have to do some scoreboard watching.

“The three-game sweep of Compton is really going to be the one we look back on and think we should have done better,” Fernley said.

with COD again, the Warriors placed second behind them.

“It’s been a tight competition with COD and ourselves,” Erwyn Lam, sophmore, business major, said. “We beat them a few times, they beat us a few times, so we’re in the top two.”

Though the Warriors have made regionals with a second place finish this past Monday, they haven’t accomplished what they envisioned for their tournament outcomes.

“We wanted to win every tournament but we didn’t do that, we’ve only won two,” James Harper, sophmore, business administration major, said.

Having an on and off game in golf isn’t unusual but it’s become somewhat of a trend for the Warriors.

“We definietly would’ve liked

to have beat COD a few more times but I guess golf is something where you have your on and off days,” Lam said. “We didn’t all play well at the same time, a few guys would struggle.”

Along with having a subpar day, the Warriors specifically struggled a bit with putting.

“We could’ve shaved off a couple of strokes from putting,” Evans said.

Besides overall personal performances with the team, a key point in this match was playing on the course itself.

“Getting to know the course a little better would definitely help your game,” Lam said.

The Warriors took second in the conference finals on April 22 and will now compete in the Southern California Regionals at Costa Mesa on May 6.

“We have to get some teams to lose and we’re going to have to win the rest of em’”

—coach Nate Fernley

Golf team places second in lone home match Joh’nysha Vercher Staff Writer

Even with individual players struggling with “on and off” performances in the tournament, the Warriors gave a solid effort in their lone home match at Palos Verdes Country Club on April 15.

The Warriors tried to maintain a rhythm in hopes of coming out on top in their lone home match of the season but they fell short of their goals and placed second against College of the Desert.

“We started all right, we could’ve played better,” Riley Evans, freshman, business major said. “We lost by five strokes so we took second.”

The Warriors have won against COD and have lost against them as well.

In Monday April 22’s match