Issue 16, May 2, 2013

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EL CAMINO COLLEGE

Cuts for a cause help save

Campus survey measures accreditation status of EC Kayla Maaytah Staff Writer

Betty Rene Norman/ Union Yadira Polanco, 19, social work major, has her hair cut by Gene Rock, EC instructor, for the ASO Hair Donation Drive. Students donated a minimum of 8 inches of their hair to help support cancer patients.

Torrance, California

EC’s Department of Research and Planning will be releasing a survey this week on the current state of campus climate and condition in preparation for the next accreditation board meeting.

The survey covers several aspects of campus life and climate including satisfaction of police services, library/learning resources, technology and administrative services.

“We have two versions of the campus climate survey that are coming out. One for the employees of the college and one for the students,” Joshua Rosales, research analyst for EC’s Department of Research said. “The employee one should be coming out next week.

And the student one, we’re sending it out this coming fall. We will covers things like our college mission, interactions with student services, classroom instruction, use of multiple learning styles, safety and more.”

While many of us hear consistent talk on the topic of accreditation, many aren’t even aware of what that even means for EC or any

higher education institution.

Irene Graff, Director of Planning and Research says accreditation is the way that the federal government can assure that educational institutions are meeting certain standards and are of a certain quality.

“The process the U.S. government uses is to have independent bodies, nonprofit organizations, to monitor quality at higher education institutions. Other countries are monitored by the government directly, but we have accrediting bodies. The process we use is peer review, so other college representatives visit to determine the quality of the institution,” Graff said.

There have been a variety of surveys that have been offered cyclically in the past, Graff said.

“We come back and ask students every few years some of the same questions. Many of the aspects of these surveys assess institutional quality, student satisfaction and student learning,” Graff said.

Graff said of the many questions in these surveys, some include: Are we fulfilling our mission as college? How are we communicating?

Are we getting the word out? How’s our website? How’s interaction with the faculty?

This upcoming survey will be

the fourth survey ever in preparation for maintaining the school’s accreditation and each survey holds consistent results.

The survey selects a random sample of students to which they have a response rate of anywhere between 10 and 20 percent; the last survey alone garnered the responses of anywhere between 250 and 400 students, Graff said.

“In every case, what we do is take the survey results and discuss them campus wide so the student government will look at them,” Graff said. “We have bodies across campus that look at college policy and see if they need to change.

Those groups review and we’ll see if there’s something we can do.”

EC has never come close to losing its accreditation; although in recent years we have received a warning which is a list of things we recommend we address.

Student learning outcomes are amongst the biggest issues that need to be addressed.

The next accreditation board visit will be in the fall of 2014; making the survey process about every 2 years.

“We’re trying to come together to have a consistent practice of reporting,” Graff said.

New task force focuses on campus security and communication Celene West

Union Intern

In order to maintain a safe environment on campus, the EC Police Department uses a number of safety methods which includes encouraging students to remain aware and to never hesitate in communicating their concerns.

“People are little more on edge.

They want more information and we understand that, so we’re more than happy to help them out,” Sgt. Dal Toruno said.

EC has recently launched a threat assessment group called the AIMS Team (Assessment Intervention Management for Safety).

The AIMS Team consists of Chief Mike Trevis, two faculty members, the clinical psycholo-

gist, the dean of students and a number of other people with disciplinary backgrounds, Trevis said.

“The purpose of the team is not punitive or disciplinary, but to see what we can do to help everyone at EC succeed with their goals,” Trevis said. “We’re in the middle of developing a website for the AIMS Team right now.”

“We just try to keep the line of communication open between students, the staff and ourselves,” Toruno said.

“We truly believe that everyone should come here and learn, work, teach, play, visit and be safe,” Trevis said.

Students can freely walk around campus without worrying about their safety.

“I feel pretty safe. Although

I would like to see more officers on campus,” Amanda Corona, 18, sign language major, said.

Trevis said there are also quarterly meetings with staff at the various divisions on campus that students can attend.

Suggestions are also offered on how to improve safety; it could be something as simple as training sessions or tips on arranging furniture right in order to be prepared in the event of an emergency.

“Like many colleges and universities, this is an open campus.

Our services are open to the public. It’s perfectly fine for people to be here as long as they are not disruptive,” Trevis said.

If students have questions about crimes on campus they could look up the Clery Act, Dr. Juli Soden,

professor of human development, said.

“The Cleary Act Legislation mandates that colleges report crimes that occur on campus so that students can decide what they think and make an informed decision,” Soden said.

There are also more challenges now with technology. People often walk around with earphones on and they’re texting, but they should look around and be aware.

“Suspects are really on to this.

They’re looking for easy prey,” Toruno said.

If a student sees something suspicious on campus then they should alert authorities right away.

“Follow your gut feeling,” Toruno said, “If it doesn’t look right, give us a call.”

Kyle Borden/ Union Paul Saldana, 24, architecture major, is a Community Service Officer who is part of a team that drives the Toyota truck. He is pictured above patrolling the El Camino College campus which are part of his duties.

EC planning to give out a record $1.4 million in scholarships for the upcoming school year Karen Garcia

Online Managing Editor

NEWS LINE

Being a recipient of an EC scholarship is as simple as answering a few questions.

EC is planning to award a record breaking $1.4 million in scholarships for the Fall 2013 2014 semester.

Katie Gleason, executive director of the EC foundation, said that the college awarded half a million dollars in scholarships to students for the 2012-2013 academic year.

Due to the recent sequester there is the question as to wheth-

By Eric Hsieh

er budget cuts will reduce the amount of scholarships awarded but Gleason does not believe this is the case.

“Because of the budget cuts I think that will bring more scholarships, donors will want to give back because they understand how difficult it is,” Gleason said.

Gleason wants to point out that many students believe that scholarships are only given to those who achieve academic excellence, but this is not the case; many scholarships are given according to major and personal interests as well as academic ability.

“The perception of scholarships is all the same, that all scholarships are tied to academic achievement,” Gleason said.

There is now a scholarship program for incoming high school students that wish to attend EC for the fall semester; the program selects 30-34 students and awards them $1,000 for two years.

“I believe that this will appeal to many students that want to apply and attend EC,” Gleason said.

There are many scholarships that students are unaware of but they are more than welcome to visit the scholarship foundation

office or log on to their MyECC account and look under the scholarship tab.

Saiyada Haroon, 19, biology major, was awarded an Osher Foundation scholarship in the amount of $1,000.

“This will definitely benefit me and my academic goals because I will be able to pay for certain materials such as my books,” Haroon said. “Books are so expensive, its ridiculous.”

The simplicity of applying for her scholarship was a main factor that drew Nausheen Merchant, 19, nursing major, to applying for one.

Do you struggle with a disability?

Feeling the pressure of picking a major?

Take a tour of your future Headed to a CSU this campus fall?

Have concerns about your financial aid?

Dr. Jan Schaeffer will be hosting a workshop on setting up a support system today from 1-2 p.m. in the Communications Building, Room 307. Contact the SRC front desk at 310-660-3295 for more information.

The career center is holding an undecided major workshop today in SSC 207 from 1-3 p.m. Call 310-660-3593 ext. 6137 for information on this event.

The transfer center will be heading a tour to CSU Northridge on May 3 for prospective students.

Inquiries about this event can be made at 310-660-3593 ext. 6137.

The Financial Aid Office will be hosting a workshop on May 8 in SSC 204-G from 2-4 p.m. Register or find out more about this event by calling 310-660-3493 or by emailing eccfaid@elcamino.edu

Merchant was the recipient of the Scholars Foundation Award in the amount of $1,000.

“Applying for the scholarship was extremely simple. I logged on to MyECC and applied via the scholarship tab. It was a few general questions and two 300 word statements,” Merchant said.

There are many different scholarships that are being awarded throughout the year by EC and by other foundations that students are unaware of.

Jorge Matsumura, 26, economics major, received an invitation through the mail for the EC Presi-

Don’t leave unprepared. Come to a CSU basics workshop May 7 from 1-2 p.m. in Social Science 213.

Contact the Transfer Center at 310-660-3593 ext. 3408 for more information.

dential Award Scholarship from the Behavioral and Social Science Department.

The letter stated that “I was nominated and I have to write a brief statement of how EC influenced me,” Matsumura said. “I applied and received an EC scholarship last year in the amount of $500.”

According to the EC Foundation office, there are websites that students may visit to receive more information about scholarships that are being awarded such as mach25.collegenet.com, which is a electronic scholarship database.

2 El Camino College Union POLICE BEat

By Karen Garcia

Vandal(s) smash car window, take nothing inside April 20, 4:05 p.m.– Officers responded to the station regarding a vandalism report. At approximately 2 p.m. a female parked her vehicle in parking Lot L and walked to the Roadium swap meet. When the female returned two hours later the driver side window of her vehicle was smashed. Nothing was taken from inside her vehicle.

Female driver cited for driving without a license April 24, 6 p.m.– Officers performed a traffic stop on a vehicle that made an illegal turn near Manhattan Beach Boulevard.

The driver, female non student, was driving with a suspended license. The female was cited for the violation. Her passenger had a valid license and was able to take control of the vehicle.

Bicyclist with warrants for $60,000 arrested April 24, 1 p.m.– Officers conducted a bicycle stop on Manhattan Beach Boulevard. The bicyclist, a male non student, had two warrants with a grand total of $60,000 out of the Inglewood Police Department. The male was arrested and turned in for booking.

Non-student cited for drinking in public April 25, 3 p.m.– Officers received a call in regards to a male subject, non student, on a bicycle on campus. The subject was publicly drinking malt liquor near the Art & Behavioral Science Building. Officers contacted the subject and found that he did in fact have in his possession a bottle of Old English. The subject was given a citation for drinking alcohol in public and was released into the field.

Male non-student was found sleeping in elevators after-hours April 26, 4 a.m.– Officers responded to a suspicious person call in the Communications Building. A custodian observed a male subject loitering near the building. It was discovered that the subject, non student, was sleeping in the elevator. The subject was escorted off campus.

news

May 2, 2013

Students are seeking campus counseling in higher numbers Eric Hsieh

Staff Writer

In the wake of national tragedies like the Columbine, Aurora, and Newtown shootings, conversation often shifts to the ubiquity of mental illness and the efforts made to support those with illnesses.

A report last month by the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors confirmed that the number of college students with severe psychological problems is increasing.

While that may seem like very grim news, experts view the trend in a positive light.

According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, Victor Barr of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and David Reetz of Aurora Univeristy, coordinators of the published report, said they believed the elevated numbers

suggest a generation of college students who are more accustomed to seeking help.

That optimism is shared by members working locally in student health services.

“It [seeking counseling] is becoming more acceptable,” Debbie Conover, Director of EC’s Student Health Center, said. “It’s more visible, part of a new culture.”

Doctor Sally Emery, a clinical psychologist at the Student Health Center, believes that this shift toward acknowledgement comes from more than awareness campaigns and education.

“I think the wars: Iraq and Afghanistan, have put it in our laps.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and a suicide a day by veterans coming home,” she said. “It’s affecting society at large. I’m glad we’re waking up from a dream state. It’s become much more real.”

Students also agree that the increased number of peers who

are reporting their psychological problems is encouraging.

“It shows that a lot more issues are coming up. It’s good in that we’re more aware of it,” David Kim, 20, undecided, said. “It can prevent things like suicide, a lot of

kids who commit suicide don’t tell people about it. Counseling could be an outlet. The increasing number can feel overwhelming, but it’s good.”

Other students have even seen

firsthand the benefits of counseling.

“I’m a student athlete, and I’ve noticed that if I keep things in, if I don’t find help, I’ll just plummet on my own,” Jakob Perkov, 22, kinesiology major, said. “They [Perkov’s counselors] make me a better person, understand the things I’m going through, and help me understand why those things happen.”

Still, the work of the campus’s psychological support system is far from over.

“Thursdays I’m here form 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Because I generally don’t have cancellations or no shows. I go back to back for nine hours,” Emery said. “The first couple of weeks, as many as four or five [of my patients] would be suicidal.”

In fact, demand for these services on EC’s campus has actually outstripped the health center’s ability to provide them.

“Especially for psychological services, we’re turning students away,” Conover said. “We had to cut back services around seven or eight years ago, and we’re just recently starting to re-establish some programs.”

“We’re only supported by the student health fee. That includes everyone’s salaries,” she added.

“We don’t get any money from the district, any foundations or grants.

When you have more and more students who waive that fee, it really impacts us.”

Regardless, Emery and Conover want students who might otherwise be ambivalent about seeking help for their issues, to seriously consider the health center.

“It takes a lot more courage to walk in here than it does to stay out,” Conover said. “If you come in it doesn’t mean you’re crazy or nuts. It means you’re struggling like everyone else.”

risk too with their education.

“I still hand write notes if I’m at an event or lecture,” Thompson said. “It’s just what’s most comfortable for me.”

There are many students that still continue to traditionally hand write their notes versus trying to keep up with their professor verbally giving his lecture notes.

“I’m not a fast typer and I think that it works for people that can type their notes pretty quickly,” Lanie Shive, 19, child development major, said.

Shive believes that students should use their computers to take notes if they are able to keep

up with the professor’s notes and are able to keep focus on their classwork.

“I prefer writing out my notes in a notebook because if I did use my computer I might want to look on other sites like Facebook and then I won’t pay attention so I don’t do it,” Shive said. “I think it’s only annoying if someone is sitting next to me looking at things that don’t have to do with class, it’s distracting.”

“It varies depending on the person and how they feel taking notes helps them,” Mary Phan, 19, computer science major said. ”Some students learn better when they take notes by hand, others

learn better when they just hear the lecture.”

One benefit from using computers or iPads in class is the use of ebooks. For example “Making America” by Carol Berkin can be bought in a print version from the library as a new version for $187.35 or a used version for $140.55. According to Chegg. com the same book can be found as an e-book for $64.49 plus shipping and handling.

Using an e-book via tablet or computer can potentially save a student a lot of money but it just depends on how the student uses the tablet and computer.

“If you come in it doesn’t mean you’re crazy or nuts.

It means you’re struggling like everyone else”

—Debbie Conover, EC Student Health Center director

Professors starting to allow electronics in the classroom for learning purposes Karen Garcia

Online Associate Editor

With talks of textbooks being replaced by e-readers and the Web having about every possible piece of information available at the tips of one’s fingertips, many professors are now allowing students to utilize their computers in classrooms to assist in their learning.

Darrell Thompson, English instructor, said that he allows students to use computers to take notes in his class and finds that it is helpful for certain students who know how to stay focused on their classwork.

“It mostly depends on the student who has the availability and the option to use electronics when taking notes, it can benefit them if they have sloppy handwriting and are able to type fast enough,” Thompson said.

Although some students use their electronics for classwork purposes, many manage to get off topic and search the web.

“I roam around the classroom and have caught a few people on Facebook, but they’re only hurting themselves,” Thompson said.

Thompson adds that he may be taking a risk letting his students use their electronics during class time but they’re taking a

Classified Employee Week to feature Creative Hobby Showcase Joh’nysha Vercher Staff Writer

In honor of classified employee week a Creative Hobby Showcase will take place on May 16 at 2 p.m., which is exclusively for classified employees that would like to display their creative work.

During Classified Employee Week, which takes place May 13-17, classified employees will have the opportunity to show any creative hobbies that they may have. These specific employees may be noticed but are not often recognized or even looked at as more than just someone who answers telephones. The general purpose of the showcase is to give the

entire campus an insight of who these employees really are.

“We want people to see us as a whole person, that we’re not just the person sitting behind the desk answering the phone or typing,” Debbie Turano, EC classified representative, said. “We do other things, we have other creative outlets.”

With this showcase, students and faculty alike will be able to view these creative works and see a different side to these employees.

“It gives them an opportunity to show what they do and share it with other employees, faculty, staff and students,” Turano said.

“Maybe answer their questions and get other people involved in the hobby that they enjoy.”

Some students on campus like Crystal Rodriguez, 19, photography major, are interested in seeing what these employees will decide to share with the campus.

“It would kind of cool to see what they do other than being the people we pass by on the way to classes.” Rodriguez said. “It’s nice that they’re being recognized because people really don’t know them.”

In the past there has been crochet, photography, jewelry and other creative hobbies.

“It’s a hobby showcase to highlight some of our classified staff have, so they can display the things that they create and the things that they do,” Turano said.

Students also see this show-

can do,” Irene Silva, 23, art major, said. “We should have one of these for students and teachers as well, it would nice to see all the creativity on campus.”

“It gives them an opThe showcase will take place in the Student Activities Center portunity to show in the East Lounge. This showwhat they do and case will give classified employshare it with other em- ees the ability to display a part of themselves that might otherwise ployees, faculty, staff not be seen by students, faculty and students” or other staff members.

“I think it’s a good opportu—Debbie Turano, nity to see the talent that we have EC classified representative on campus and share it with others,” Turano said. different hobbies and the employees.

“I’m all for anything creative so it would be a good way to learn new things and see what the staff case as an opportunity for them to learn a few new things about

features

May 2, 2013

El Camino College Union 3

SUMMER

Employment

Preparing for the FUTURE Kyle Mounce Multimedia Editor

Summer is almost here along with a multitude of employment opportunities that can helps students make connections and gather valuable experience for their future careers.

Internships and volunteer positions can give students a feel for their desired field and what working in that field entails.

“I would recommend an internship because it gives students exposure to various career fields and occupations,” Yamonte Cooper, lead EC career counselor, “it’s one thing to read about a career occupation but it’s another thing to actually be in that environment and see what that’s about.”

Students need to be prepared and have an updated resume and a business card because there is a chance that a prospective employer may ask for them, and websites like LinkedIn can help drastically improve their chances of being noticed by employers, Cooper said.

Aidan Jolliff, 23, mathematics major, said he had participated in an internship as a clerical worker for Raytheon.“It gave me a respect for the process and work I’m going to do,” Jolliff said, “It has given me an idea of what is expected of me.”

Cooper said that the main thing that employers look for is adaptability, dependability, critical thinking skills and the ability to work well with others.

Making a first impression

“Working on a team is big now, collaborating with teams and being able to work within a team environment and to be able to contribute as a member of a team; that’s important,” Cooper said.

The opportunity to network and get good employment references is another benefit to participating in summer employment opportunities.

According to collegetocareers.com, internships can open up employment opportunities for students “You can establish relationships with people and build connections,” Cooper said, “When the student graduates they may have some opportunities available to them that they might not have had if they had not done an internship.”

Cooper added that the career center is planning on providing interview and resume workshops and that anyone who is seeking any internship or volunteer opportunity at a specific company should contact the company’s human resources department.

James Bell Staff writer

For students, the beginning of summer means no more homework, beach days, tans, and of course, the dreadful summer job.

The process of looking for a job can be a rough one, especially for the first-timers.

Finding places that are hiring and filling out countless applications can be almost painful.

But for some, the interview is the painful experience of their lives.

Wouldn’t it help if someone who conducted interviews gave some advice to you going into the “summer job season?”

Of course it would.

“First thing when showing up for an interview is dressing appropriately for the job,” Gillian Studwell, Torrance Deputy City Attorney said. “No one judges the person who walked in with a suit, but they do judge the

Internships, volunteering and apprenticeship websited 1.) cp.disneycareers.com/en/default 2.) idealist.org 3.) internqueen.com 4.) volunteermatch.org 5.) internshipprogras.com 6.) internships.com 7.) interweb.com 8.) opm.cov/careerintern 9.) calapprenticeship.org 10.) bright.com

One HELL of an interview Javier Zepeda Contributing writer

We’ve all had times when we look back at an interview and wish we could have said or done something different to improve the outcome.

Sometimes it is not entirely up to us and nerves end up getting the best of us.

Unfortunately, some people had much more embarrassing experiences than others.

As for Juan Guillen, 22, undeclared major, the end of his interview could not come soon enough.

“As soon as I walked in I felt my palms begin to get sweaty before I even had to shake the interviewer’s hand,” Guillen said, “I could tell right away that I was not off to a good start, making me even more nervous.”

Guillen said he spent time before the interview to prepare as best as he could to show he was the “perfect man for the job,” but the interview just kept getting worse.

“I wasn’t able to focus on the questions because I was sweating profusely, and it showed,” Guillen said. The shirt was able to “show the places where I was sweating.”

Some embarrassing moments are not as noticeable until someone has to bring it to our attention. Jorge Guzman, 24, Communications major, had the interviewer actually “stop me from talking” because he had been giving “more information than he needed to hear.”

“I realized after the interview that I had been talking way too much; after yes or no questions I would give an elaborate reason why I chose yes or no,” Guzman said. “I thought I was doing so

well until he told me ‘please we are going to move on to the next question,’ I knew he was getting tired of me.”

“I was told that you were supposed to sell yourself during the interview and telling him all about me was my way of selling myself,” Guzman said.

Alexander Torres, 22, communications major, walked into the interview room confidently but not realizing that he walked in with stains on his shirt.

“Ketchup stains to be exact, it was scattered across the side of my shirt,” Torres said, “I was eating a pizza after my first interview of the day and I must not have realized I accidentally got some on my shirt.”

Nerves will get the best of us at times but we must learn to persevere and perhaps skip the messy lunch until we are completely done with all our interviews.

person that walked in with a sparkly tank top, a bikini, and high heels.”

Although the interviewer doesn’t make their decision based on the interviewee’s attire, first impressions do last a long time, and are hard to get passed, especially if it is a bad one.

Just showing up in professional attire and being on time isn’t enough for most employers.

“Always take a pen, always take a copy of your resume,” Peter Eliopulos, owner of Eliopulos Jewelers in Torrance said.

There’s still more.

“Go online and find out as much information as you can about the company and use the information in the interview,” Eliopulos added.

This was definitely something that was stressed throughout the gathering of these tips: know the description of the job.

When employers are looking for someone to hire, whether it be for an internship or a permanent position, knowing what the job entails can go a long way to impress the employer conducting the interview.

Want more tips? Focus on your strengths.

“Never represent that you can’t do something because it will come back to hurt you one way or the other,” Studwell said.

Because a resume is the first thing an employer sees; make sure it’s open and honest.

One of the worst things a job-seeker can do is lie on his or her resume because, as Studwell said, “They’ll (employers) catch it right away, if not it will come back very quickly reputation is everything.”

Chances of getting noticed

-Social media tools (Linkedin.com) 38.9% -Refferals 27.5% -Online job boards 24.9% -Career websites 18.5%

Stats from onlinecareertips.com

EDITORIAL

4 El Camino College Union

May 2, 2013

Technology in the classroom increases learning

Illustration by Eugene Chang

In today’s day and age, technology has changed our lives in more ways then we thought possible.

In the 21st century, electronics have become an integral part of our day to day lives; they keep us connected with the world and make our lives easier and more efficient.

Little by little, technology has become a necessity in every aspect of our lives, yet school systems continue to fight this trend and remain stuck in an out-dated system.

Professors do not normally allow any type of electronics in their classrooms, but there are some professors who have started to allow students to use these items during lecture.

Devices such as tablets and laptops can be extremely useful in the classroom at the college level.

Students have an abundance of information at their fingertips now that they can get online in seconds to use the internet as a resource to help them in class.

Many smart-phones come equipped with both regular and scientific calculators to help those in math classes.

This is a much cheaper al-

ternative to buying an expensive namebrand model.

Voice recorders are also an excellent way to take notes and use information from lectures, and even the strictest of professors allow them as an exception.

The biggest benefit of using

The Issue • Technology in the classroom is currently frowned upon.

Our Stand • Technology should be viewed as a benefit in the classroom. electronics in the classroom would be the opportunity to eliminate textbooks.

Textbooks continue to be a problem at colleges, whether it be paying for them, finding the right ones, or simply having too many to carry around.

The use of tablets and e-readers would greatly reduce the need for

textbooks and be a more efficient alternative.

Students could save multiple books onto one device and save themselves the hassle of having to carry their books all of the time.

Buying a digital copy of a book is also cheaper than buying a hard copy, and almost all textbooks are available as a digital download.

With the way society is headed these days, technology and electronics will only become more popular and heavily utilized in our everyday lives.

It seems only fitting that colleges should take notice of this and adapt to our rapidly changing lifestyles by using technology to the fullest.

Electronics in the classroom do not have to be viewed as distractions.

They are a means of gaining information and making our learning experience easier.

In the end, the focus should be on improving our learning experience as much as possible.

With the accreditation on the line, how is EC doing as a college?

Even with all the good, there is always room for improvement.

In light of EC’s accreditation possibly being revoked, professors have been asking their classes for their thoughts on how the college is doing.

A common problem is counseling. There aren’t enough counselors with the constant spike in enrollment every semester. Students have to wait days, and sometimes even weeks, to talk to a counselor about their time at EC. Supplemental Instruction is something the college offers and it’s a great thing to take advantage of. Right now, SI is only offered in select courses but there are plans to be a part of other subjects.

Another issue is the difficulty of getting classes. Budget cuts have caused many sections to be

cut, resulting in students staying at EC longer than they originally planned to.

Semester after semester, students complain that they can’t get the classes they need because there’s next to nothing being offered in the first place.

These students can be found at the start of each semester trying to crash already full classes, with a student or ten standing in the back of the room, or even trying to get into some at other community colleges.

Something the college has done well is respond to student’s feedback. They are willing to take suggestions to try to improve students’ experiences. Most recently, after a complaint of a lack of bike

racks was brought up, a number of new racks have been spotted around campus.

A lack of online classes has proven to be a problem for students and fulfilling necessary courses would be easier if more were offered. Since these classes don’t involve students taking any physical space, more spots should be offered than they would be in a regular class.

Students can complain about a lack of parking, especially during the first two weeks of each semester, but the parking situation has been handled very well.

Someone looking for parking has to get to campus early, and if they don’t, parking will be harder to find. It’s as simple as that.

When your educational plan changes campus insight To My Fellow Peers, What was the plan?

Was it to come here to EC for two years, fulfill all of the requirements for your English, Tathiana Franco 19, sociology Biology or maybe your Business major then transfer to your most desired university, whether it be USC, UCLA or Stanford?

My congratulations to those who have achieved just that.

However, what if that was the ‘plan,’ but a little thing called life, a variable to which plans succumb to uncertainty, occurred?

To the people who change their majors like they do their socks, perhaps your love of philosophy ended as fictitiously as “Twilight” or the “Walking Dead,” but your love of astrophysics turned into ecstasy.

Perhaps your attraction to any major is nonexistent altogether.

People - as in your mother, your father, siblings, relatives or closest friends - begin to ask you questions such as “Weren’t you suppose to transfer in two years” or “Where are you transferring to this year?”

So what is my point?

Well I guess it is that you are not alone.

At the risk of disappointing family, friends, peers and teachers this is our truth.

U N NIO EL CAMINO COLLEGE

Vol. 66, No. 16 May 2, 2013

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

We have not yet decided that which may feasibly affect the rest of our mundane lives.

Perhaps our best method here is the very bullet proof ‘Innie Minnie Miny Moe’.

As we watch our peers leave us behind, let us come to the conclusion that maybe, just maybe the world will end in 2013, either by zombie apocalypse or natural disasters.

Perhaps the Mayans were off by a year; hardly ever does anyone get things right the first time.

My useless efforts to add humor aside, may we discern that prosperity does not come from indulging in the expectations of others but by fulfilling our own.

Even when we seem to have reached the line of failure, may we keep in mind that appearances may be deceiving.

Yours Truly, Tathiana Franco 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 Online Editor-in-Chief.........................................................Viridiana Vaca-Rios Multimedia Editor.............................................................................Kyle Mounce Online Managing Editor.............................................................Elizabeth Aviles Online Associate Editor...................................................................Karen Garcia Adviser ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Lori Medigovich Adviser ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������Kate McLaughlin Technical Support ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� Don Treat

The truth of the matter is that there is always parking available on campus. It may not be where a student wants, whether that’s in the parking structure or right outside one’s classroom, but there are always parking spots available.

There is a wide variety of food offered in the eateries around campus, guaranteeing some will satisfy each and every student.

The Common Grounds has crepes and breakfast burritos, Cafe Camino has burgers and fries, and The Manhattan has sandwiches and chips.

In this day and age, WiFi should be in all buildings on campus to allow students to work in between their classes. Parts of the Art Building and Humanities

Building have been known to discourage students from doing their potential work, simply because it’s not possible to get any cell phone service.

The fine arts department does a great job with the plays, exhibits, and galleries they show. These events allow students to see productions or displays they may never see otherwise, but it’s convenient because so many are done at EC. There needs to be recycle bins on campus, as they are not any right now. Some students and professors go so far as to even take their empty bottles home and recycle them there, rather than throwing them in trash cans along with every other kind of garbage.

The athletics department is as strong as ever, as the men’s swim team recently won the conference title and both the swim team and the tennis team went to the state championship this past weekend.

This only allows us to have greater school pride.

Smoking proves to be a problem. Many students have complained about having to inhale secondhand smoke as they walk through quads and building entrances. If smokers were confined to a few select areas, students and faculty would have a more pleasant experience on campus.

EC has strengths and weakness, but remains a great college full of opportunities and programs for any and all students.

LA sports are like a playful sibling rivalry Commentary

Rigo Bonilla Co-Opinion Editor

Frustration bubbles. The wrath of a thousand suns is bottled loosely about to uncork. Everyone leave him alone before… too late. “The Clippers suck!”

It’s a magical time of year for sports fans in Southern Califor-

nia.

The Lakers and Clippers made the playoffs; the Kings and Ducks are about to do the same in the NHL, and the Dodgers and Angels have just started a season where both have championship expectations.

Southern California has two teams for all major sports except football, which creates a unique atmosphere of rivalry that can really only be found here.

The guy sitting next to you in Trig is a Ducks fan: no test peeking for him. That girl that always sits on the library lawn is wearing a Dodgers shirt: instant conversation.

Many sports fans have to go a state over to find their rivals, but here, everyone is clumped together in the mixing pot that is L.A. Best friends and neighbors could disagree on every single team. That boss you hate could be your soulmate in sport.

You don’t really get to find out whose alliances lay where until times like these when sports are in full swing. The jerseys and flags come out and things get interesting.

The Union is published Thursdays by Journalism 11 students at El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90506, and is free to the student body and staff.

Unsigned editorials and cartoons are the opinion of the editorial board and do not reflect the views of the student body, staff or administration. Letters to the editor must be signed and must be received one week prior to publication in the Union office, Humanities Building Room 113.

Letters are subject to editing for space, libel, obscenity and disruption of the educational process. Single copies of the Union are free; multiple copies can be requested through the Union.

Sure, every year there’s always one knucklehead that wants to get physical because his team got humiliated. Violence because of sports has always been a problem but for the most part, it’s something that unites people.

The taunts and trash talk are all a part of the fun.

When it all plays out, you could be coming together with a complete stranger at a bar to hiss and holler at your own family members because they just don’t agree that the Kings are the team to root for.

The truth is, despite the jabs we take at our rivals, it’s a great time for sports in our slice of the nation.

It doesn’t happen every year that all of our teams are something worth hollering about. Upon looking back, we might find that this is a golden era in Southern California sports.

A world series between the Dodgers and Angels would be the event of a lifetime, especially for a sport that once only stretched as far west as Saint Louis.

It has been a revolution to have each the Kings and Ducks win the Stanley Cup in the last five years in a sport that is classically dominated by Canada and the east coast.

So, when you see the guy with the Clippers jersey, ask him how long he’s really been a fan, and don’t get too mad when he pulls out the numbers proving the Lakers were horrible. You can both have a good laugh when the jerk with the Miami Heat snap-back strolls into class.

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Opinion

May 2, 2013

El Camino College Union 5

UP FOR DEBATE

Is there still a stigma about mental health problems?

It’s still hard for people to understand

By Karen Garcia

Mental health has come a long way

Karen Garcia Staff writer

Thomas Schmit Editor-in-Chief

Mental illnesses and disorders are commonly misunderstood within our society and because we don’t understand, we subsequently ignore the seriousness of these illness.

There are many common mental health disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder.

As the people suffering from these mental health issues are misread no one really takes the time to find out why a person acts in such a way, why that person feels melancholy for so long, or why that person feels they can never be accepted within their own skin.

No one really wants to touch the subject because people don’t have the education or knowledge to see that a person who feels enclosed in their own bubble, unable to express their feelings and unable to communicate with others is actually depressed with their current situation, not just acting weird.

There are many within society that are still not accepting of these illnesses. Take for instance a traditional family that has passed on and continued to practice their traditional beliefs. They may not be as accepting of an immediate family member that is suffering from bipolar disorder.

Families may see this outburst as a attempt to receive a room full of attention instead of a mere cry for help.

Young adults are under high stakes of pressure with all aspects of beginning their independent lives. How to juggle work, school, personal relationships, and pressure to succeed in an environment where academic excellence is valued. Because of all this, a student can reach a state of depression or experience anxiety attacks if they cannot fulfill the requirements they feel they need to succeed.

If someone were to have an accident

campus corner

and break their arm, it is acceptable for that person to seek medical attention. It is acceptable for that person to have a cast and have it signed by friends and family.

It’s just as important to seek help for and accept mental disorders. They do occur and they can be treated.

There was once a time in human history when anyone who suffered from schizophrenia, depression, bi-polar disorder, or even just had the misfortune of eating some toomoldy bread would have a hole drilled into their head to help “release the demons living in them”.

Illustration by Eugene Chang

Then, after hundreds of years, civilization progressed to a more enlightened age where those deemed “crazy” were only locked in a frigid hole in the wall for the rest of their lives and occasionally electrocuted into a zombified state.

Despite an impressive track-record of abuse heaped upon the mentally ill and unstable, society finally seems to be on the road toward doing away with the stigma against the mentally ill.

While celebrities like Mel Gibson, Gary Busey, and Britney Spears have been publicly acknowledging their illnesses for years, more and more average people are coming forward and seeking treatment for their problems. While the article on page two of this week’s issue only talks about students on campus, it can be seen in all levels of our society today.

For instance, the popular sitcom “The Big Bang Theory” stars one character, Sheldon Cooper, who lives with Aspergers syndrome.

While depicted as neurotic and occasionally obnoxious, he’s portrayed as ultimately lovable. Likewise, the protagonist of USA’s “Monk” was a successful private investigator who lived with O.C.D. (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), while the titular character of the acclaimed “House M.D.” probably had more mental disorders than could be counted.

While it’s true that many of the more serious conditions out there are still woefully misunderstood by the majority of the public, most people today seem almost blase about admitting to some level of A.D.D. (Attention Deficit Disorder) or clinical depression.

Even more serious disorders like P.T.S.D. (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) or forms of Autism are gaining sympathy and understanding from our society. Proposition 63, also known as the California Mental Health Services act, has been one of only 13 tax affecting initiatives to have passed in the state.

Hopefully, this new acceptance of mental illness will only continue to grow.

Summer will be sweeter if students can resist the urge to slack

John Burton President of Science Club

Burton, 46, astronomy major, talks about the experiences and knowledge that comes from the many discoveries that are conducted throughout the club’s journeys.

The Science Club meets Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the Natural Science Building in Room 206. Keep in touch and check on updates with the club’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ECCScienceClub

What is the Science Club?

The Science Club is for all people regardless of their major. It’s about introducing people to the natural world and creating friendships with like minded people.

What does the club do to explore the many aspects of the natural world?

We try to do a weekly basis of hiking once or twice in Los Angeles. There are many people that go on these hikes that are interested and take notice of the insects, or I should say biology. We like to talk about what we’re seeing and it’s good exercise.

Are there any other trips that the club goes on?

Every two months we go on a camping trip. The last trip we took we went to three states California, Utah and Arizona. On these trips we visit national parks, monuments and museums that are about geology, biology, astronomy and sometimes anthropology.

Are there are any upcoming trips the club will take?

In May actually. We’ve rented a giant telescope at Mount Wilson. It was the biggest telescope in 1917. We’ve invited the Astronomy Club and it’ll be a massive allnight-long event of sight seeing.

Column

Monique Judge Co-opinion editor

Can you believe Monday marks the beginning of the 12th week of classes?

If you have made it this far without pulling your hair out or dropping more than 1/3rd of your schedule, you should be patting yourself on the back.

For me, spring fever has fully set in. I’ve gone to the beach the last two weekends, and I can already taste summer break and all of its barbecued goodness.

The temptation to completely slack off and coast through the rest of the semester is irresistible,

but I won’t let it catch me in its trap.

With five weeks left to go, now is the time to turn it up a notch or two and put forth the maximum effort in order to finish the semester on a high note.

For me that means making sure my contribution to the last issues of the Union are not just good, but great.

Writing a column and being a page editor has been a challenge, but it’s one I feel I’ve risen to, and I want to end the semester with a bang.

It has also made me forget many times that I have two other non-journalism classes to work on.

With apologies to both my English and psychology professors, I have to admit that the work required in those classes, both of which are online, is frequently done at the last minute with just hours to spare before the deadline.

You’d think that as a journalism student I’d be better about making the deadline, but you’d be wrong. The truth is, I’ve struggled with being late on everything for as long as I can remember.

This semester, my focus tends to be stuck on putting out a quality news product, and this means that most days of the week, I am spending most of my time working on projects related to my journalistic endeavors.

It’s usually not until late Sunday evening when I remember the paper that’s due in a day for English or the discussion board I was supposed to complete for psychology.

Surprisingly, I am maintaining high marks in both classes, despite the last minute assignment completions, but this doesn’t mean I want to finish out the semester continuing the trend of being a last-minute Mary.

It is never too late to set new academic goals for yourself because as students we should always be looking to improve ourselves.

In these last five weeks, I would like to make sure I hit every single deadline not just on time, but before time.

I would like to make sure that I maintain high marks in all of my classes, not just journalism.

Although journalism is my major, the core classes required by the college are just as important as the journalism classes required of my major, and I should treat them as such.

Although five weeks still seems like a long time, the weeks will pass by very quickly, and before I know it, the semester will be over; I don’t want to look back on this time and be filled with regrets and what ifs.

For anyone who is going through the same struggle as me,

Campus viewpoints

chin up.

In these last five weeks, putting forth an extra amount of effort can make the difference between a mediocre grade and a good grade.

It can mean the difference between simply doing ok on your final and acing it.

If spending a little extra time on the work that comes due in these next five weeks can help toward improving or securing your grade, that makes it all worth it right?

How can you explain the experience that a student can receive from this club?

Please connect with me by email at eccunionmonique@gmail.com

There have been students in the community who have not been able to afford to travel. We had member who couldn’t travel and a year ago the Science Club took a trip to Arizona and Utah.

We saw the Grand Canyon and a meteor crater. For him, he did more traveling than he ever did in one week. It’s just good exposure of the world.

Follow me on Twitter @eccunionmonique Join the conversation online at www.eccunion.com

Well we’ve had a student not able to decide on a major and our advisor Professor Holiday is really good at explaining the geology aspect of what we see. That student got really inspired and decided to major in science.

Are there any other experiences you can share from this club?

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.

Is there still a stigma about mental health problems?

By Christopher Lee

Rafael Salinas, 21, English

Josh Delucia, 19, Mechanical Engineering

Maria Vera, 22, Sociology

Gualberto Rabanales, 20, Philosophy

Melissa Fuentes, 20, Nursing

Mawusineferti Yamada, 19, Music

“Yes. Those with mental diseases need to be treated because they have the potential to be a danger to themselves and those around them.”

“Yes. People are usually afraid of people that have it and I think they’re afraid of the idea of getting it themselves.”

“Yes. Society gives people with an illness a title and defines a person by an illness. I think it gives the illness more power over the individual.”

“No, I don’t think so, it’s just a mental thing.”

“No, I think mental illnesses are just imbalances in your brain.”

“No, I think all that matters is you, when you define a person with a mental illness it gives the illness more power”

6 El Camino College Union

On the scene

By Kayla Maaytah

arts

May 2, 2013

Chorale sings at Carnegie Hall Joh’nysha Vercher

Art ‘Recover’ comes to James Armstrong Theatre The Torrance Cultural Arts Center is presenting “Recover” by Randy Klinenberg of Performing Arts Studio West this Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the James Armstrong Theatre at 3300 Civic Center Dr. Admission is $25 and open to all.

For more information, call 310781-7171.

Artful Days After Monet The Torrance Cultural Arts Center and the Torrance Cultural Services Division are presenting “Post-impressionism: After Monet” as part of their Artful Days series this Tuesday from 12:10 to 1 p.m. in the George Nakano Theatre. Admission is free and open to all. For more information, call 310-781-7150.

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 through the examination of the relationship between art and social politics. It is free of charge for the public and on view 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 Okinawan performance The Torrance Cultural Arts Center and the Okinawa Association of America are presenting “18th Utayabira Wuduyabira (Let’s Sing, Let’s Dance)” this Sunday at 2 p.m. in the James Armstrong Theatre for $20. For more information, call the ticket office at 310-781-7171.

West High School show The Torrance Cultural Arts Center is presenting “Do What Moves You” by the West High Dance Department this Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the James Armstrong Theatre. Admission is $10 for all. For more information, call 310-781-7171.

Music ‘Come Rain or Come Shine’ performance The Torrance Cultural Arts Center is presenting “As Long as we’re singing: Come rain or come shine” by the L.A. South Towns Show Chorus today at 7:30 p.m. in the James Armstrong Theatre at 3300 Civic Center Dr. For more information, call 310-781-7171.

Blues, samba, and ballet The ECC Center for the Arts is presenting a performance ranging from blues to samba to ballads by Grant Geissman and the Cool Man Band this Friday at 8 p.m. in the Marsee Auditorium.

Admission is $24 and open to all. For more information, call the box office at 310-329-5345.

Performance honoring Spanish tenor The ECC Center for the Arts is honoring the legacy of distinguished Spanish tenor, Alfredo Kraus, with “Homenaje Al Gran Tenor: Raul Hernandez” this Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Marsee Auditorium. Admission is $18 and open to all. For more information, call the box office at 310-329-5345.

Staff Writer

Stepping into the Isaac Stern Auditorium, the largest hall at Carnegie Hall, was an awe-inspiring experience for Gabriella Chea who couldn’t help but be drawn into the elegant furnishings of the hall.

“I know it’s going to sound silly but I was most impressed by the red velvet seats,” Chea, 18, music major, said. “I was like these were awesome seats.”

It was a once in a lifetime experience for music students of the concert choir, chorale and women’s chorus as they performed Fauré’s “Requiem” at Carnegie Hall on April 7 in New York City.

The performance was conducted by Joanna Medawar Nachef and this was her eighth time being invited to Carnegie Hall as a conductor.

The New England Symphonic Ensemble as well as soloists Amy Shoremount-Obra, a soprano, and Toufic Maatouk, a baritone, performed with Nachef.

“I received the invitation as a conductor to appear for the fourth time and present a concert on that date,” Joanna Medawar Nachef, director of chorale activities, said.

“I decided to invite my students and we did tons of fundraising so we could get them there.”

Nachef has taken students in the past many times, but was excited to go again as a conductor.

“I’ve taken students before over the past 17 years I’ve been here, yet the past eight years have been with me conducting my own singers,” Nachef said.

For the students who were able to go to Carnegie Hall, it was an experience that was not only an

Photo courtesy of Group Photos Dr. Joanna Medawar Nachef conducts students from the concert choir, chorale, and women’s chorus as they perform “Requiem” at Carnegie Hall in New York City April 7.

honor but nearly unbelievable.

“There were really no words to describe it when I first got there because I was just in awe of where I was,” Luis Salazar, 23, music composition major, said. “It was just one of those moments where you really don’t know what to say.

You walk in and you’re in awe of where you are and that you’ve made it that far.”

The students rehearsed a few days prior to their performance in their hotel and on the day of the performance they rehearsed again in the hall.

“We got organized, lined up and walked on stage. Before the performance, we rehearsed and

came back and gave the performance, which was spectacular,” Salazar said.

While performing in such a musically historic venue can be intimidating, the end result is what leaves a lasting impression.

“It was a nice performance. Our sound was a lot more enhanced because of how the hall was built,” Chea said. “I don’t think anyone can actually have a perfect performance at Carnegie Hall, but for what it was it was really good.

It was moving and that’s what I think counts the most.”

Not only was performing or conducting at Carnegie Hall a wonderful musical experience

but there were also historical moments as well. There were student musicians from around the world.

“They performed a concert of Fauré’s ‘Requiem’ at the Isaac Stern auditorium,” Nachef said.

“This was with singers from all around the world that included Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates.”

“It’s definitely a place that if you’re looking for inspiration, you’re going to find it without a doubt,” Salazar said.

It was a chance to bond and discover more about the students musically and they would encourage others who are in pursuit of a musical career to find a way to get

to Carnegie Hall and have their own experiences.

“Not many people can say that they’ve sung at Carnegie Hall or even been to Carnegie Hall,” Chea said. “So, to be able to say that, I would recommend to every musician that I know who is serious about what they do to try their best to get there.”

The Chorale, a mix of chorus, concert choir and women’s choir, will be performing the same performance of Fauré’s ‘Requiem’ along with other musical works at Marsee Auditorium on June 1 at 8 p.m. and tickets will be available for purchase at the EC ticket office.

Aspiring music composer plans to teach his major.

“In high school, math and physics were pretty easy, but when I got here at EC, I found that physics was kind of hard,” Salazar said. “The first music class I took was music fundamentals, where, basically, I learned how to read music, and music was already my hobby, so I thought to do my hobby as my major.”

Salazar already has an associate’s degree from EC and he is looking forward to transferring to universities such as Fullerton, UCLA, Long Beach, or USC to get his master’s degree, Salazar said.

“I plan to go and get Tracy Kumono/ Union my bachelor’s degree in Luis Salazar, 23, music composition major, plays his original composition “O Vow Omnes” in his rehearsal room at El Camino. music and my master’s degree in music or music composition, and hopeLorenzo Gutierrez notebooks from his singing class as well as Staff Writer fully as far my doctor’s degree in music, so copies of the songs he’s studying.

Salazar has been at EC since 2007 and I can teach it and also I can compose for Luis Salazar, 23, music composition ma- started as an aerospace engineering major films,” Salazar said.

Salazar took a music theory class at EC jor, regularly carries a backpack full of his but after he took a music class, he changed

with Dr. Patrick Schulz and really enjoyed it. He likes to talk with Schulz because he has a degree in music composition and talking with him helps Salazar learn more about music theory and techniques.

Schulz’s advice inspired Salazar and persuaded him to go into the music field.

Other inspirations of Salazar’s include “song tracks like Howard Short from ‘The Lord of the Rings.’”

Salazar’s family also inspired him as a music composer; his dad plays the guitar, base and he sings. His mother and aunt are in the choir at their church, so Salazar is always surrounded by music.

“My family really supports me. My mom is always happy to hear new things I write,” Salazar said.

His dad always wanted to see Salazar accomplish what he couldn’t, Salazar said.

With the help of his professors, Salazar has already been very successful.

Salazar recalls a time when he realized he’s in the right field.

“I remember I was leaving my house. I was going to my class and I see a packet and it was from the publishers. I don’t have any words, I opened and I see an official copy of my music with the copyrights,” Salazar said. “I am glad I chose the right major.”

Phoenix keeps their music edgy with ‘Bankrupt!’

The alternative rock band released their fifth album April 22 and has already sold many CDs. Karen Garcia

Online Associate Editor

Back with their electrical beats and melodies enough to keep the audience pumped is Phoenix with their debut album “Bankrupt!”

A fresh alternative band from Versailles, France, Phoenix has come a long way from the release of their first album, “United,” in 2000. Band mates Thomas Mars, vocalist; Deck d’Arcy, bassist; and Christian Mazzalai, guitarist, began as a small band performing from home and now approach a stage of hundreds to perform their

hits.

Phoenix became well known over the radio air waves in 2009 with their album “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.” This album won the band a Grammy in the category of best alternative album.

“Liztomania” and “1901” were favorites and constantly played on alternative radio stations.

To start off “Bankrupt!,” chimes and the beat of drums give off a different cultural feel with “Entertainment.” With the same type of vibe from their “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix” album, Phoenix holds true to their original

style with this first single.

“The Real Thing” can only be explained within the the vibrations of the melody and Mars’ voice repeating the lyrics “follow me” throughout the chorus.

Hitting close to Southern California, Phoenix seems to describe a popular setting with “S.O.S. In Bel Air” as Mars belts out, “When idols are boredom to everyone, when every piece of every costume is stolen, missing.”

With an air of retro style, “Trying to Be Cool” has a 80s disco feel as the band uses different types of synthesizers and hand

claps to keep the audience in the beat.

Beginning with a slow tempo and moving on up with an electric beat, “Bankrupt!” first sounds like just an instrumental but then picks up with Mars’ voice and fades out as the song finishes.

“Jingle jungle” are just a few of the rhyming words that comprise “Drakkar Noir.” The flow of these lyrics and the sounds of the electric keyboard can give the image of flashing colorful lights surrounding a slow dancing crowd.

Synthesizing chimes takes you back to the times when Molly

Ringwald walked the halls of her high school wearing her black Ray Bands and her pink and black blazar. This is the memory that “Don’t” provides you with as Mars’ voice harmonizes with the sounds of yesterday.

Phoenix never fails with the use of different types of sounds such as the old organ tune in the beginning of “Oblique City.”

Full of melodies for all occasions, especially if bringing back a flash of the 80s, is in order. Follow Phoenix in their time machine as Mars sings “Buckle up, we’ll chase each other.”

sports

May 2, 2013

On deck

By Jessica Martinez

BADMINTON South Coast Conference Championship tomorrow all day

BASEBALL Regional playoffs tomorrow and Saturday

GOLF Southern California Regionals Monday at Costa Mesa Country Club

SOFTBALL Regional playoffs Saturday and Sunday

TRACK AND FIELD Southern California Regional Prelims Saturday at Antelope Valley

El Camino College Union 7

Swimmers break records at final meet Brian Camacho

Co-News Editor

Records came crashing down this past weekend and El Camino swimmers certainly helped play a role in a historic day which saw several state records broken.

Several members of the EC men’s swim team represented the college at the 2013 state championship at East Los Angeles College; EC swimmers finished 7th overall in the state out of 35 colleges that competed.

“That’s the highest we’ve placed in state since 1993,” coach Corey Stanbury said. “They were probably one of the two or three best teams I’ve had ever. They set some goals for themselves and worked hard to get them, most of which they achieved.”

Out of the 12 individual events that EC swimmers competed in, only two were not lifetime bests.

EC swimmers may have placed seventh overall but combined to break five school records by good margins.

“Our confidence is through the roof right now,” Hogan Inscore, freshman, said. “Coming in as defending conference champs and with state under our belts, I know we can do a lot better.”

Inscore and Mario Espinos, freshman, placed fourth and fifth,

Photo courtesy of Richard Quinton Team captain Jonathan Diaz tosses his swim cap in the air in celebration after winning the state 400 yard individual medley on Friday.

respectively, in the 200 individual medley with Inscore setting a school record of 154.3 seconds; freshman Ivan Urueta also placed tenth while beating his lifetime best.

“By the end of the season, we were surpassing our goals by seconds in races,” Inscore said.

“We worked hard all season and

showed ourselves we can never set a goal too high.”

The team also broke a school record for the 800 freestyle relay by placing seventh and finishing under seven minutes with a time of 6:58.

Once again, the highlight of the day came from the team captain, Jonathan Diaz, freshman, who

placed first overall in the state for the 400 individual medley with a time of 3:58; this is the best time for the 400 IM for community colleges in the entire country.

Diaz was four seconds behind first place at the halfway mark and managed to pull off a miraculous comeback with two giant strokes and a strong finish to the end.

“Once I started catching up, I realized, ‘I think I can do this,’” Diaz said. “Not many people can go fast at the end and I knew that, so I just finished really fast and thankfully all my training paid off.”

Diaz’s win was so close that he was awarded Performance of the Meet by all the coaches for his effort and record setting time across the nation.

Espinosa and Urueta also finished third and fourth respectively in the 400 IM with both of their times also setting a school record.

The state championship went as well as anyone could have hoped and only sparks enthusiasm for next year with many of the swimmers returning.

“Quite a few are coming back and we have some pretty talented ones coming in,” Stanbury said.

“Hopefully we’ll be at least as good if not better.”

The team has grown close throughout this year and will be hoping to defend its conference title and improve upon one of the most successful years in recent memory.

“There’s still some records that need to be broken and I’m 100 percent sure they will be broken next season,” Diaz said.

State championship in Ojai shows tennis team no love Steven Tran Staff Writer

Despite a defaulted loss due to dehydration, Chung Young Shin climbed to the semi-finals in the state tennis tournament in Ojai, Calif. from April 25-28.

“This [women’s tennis] team has been one of the best in 10 years,” coach Steven Van Kanegan said. “We had a great team in 2003, but this team is among the elite.”

El Camino’s men’s and women’s tennis team traveled to Ojai to compete in a state tournament where northern and southern California community colleges converged to compete, Krysti Rosario, assistant coach, said.

According to the United States Tennis Association (UTSA) website, the tournament featured men’s and women’s singles

Similarly, Karin Endo, 21, business and doubles brackets with 128 of the top College on April 27 with her partner Kia major, lost 7-5 against Palomar Colperforming athletes from California’s Choi, 20, astrophysics major. community colleges.

Shin’s dehydration was bordering on lege on April 25 for women’s singles.

For EC’s women’s singles, Chung “low-level heat stroke” that affected her For women’s doubles, Endo and Heather Young Shin, 26, film major, was awarded physical and mental performance; “It was Shambrey, 19, psychology major, lost 10-5 California’s Best Player of the Year; in a tie-breaker against Santa Monica Shin is also the South Coast ConferCollege on April 26, according to the ence Athlete of the Year, Rosario said. “This team has been one of the UTSA website.

“Chie [Shin] has performed well all best in 10 years. This team is Furthermore, for women’s doubles, season: Her attitude was exceptional, EC’s Donya Assef and Jessica Castile she gained some confidence, and con- among the elite.” lost 7-5, 6-0 in the first round against — Steven Van Kanegan Bakersfield College on April 25, actinued to show pride in her team,” Van Kanegan said. coach cording to the UTSA website.

Although Shin was awarded for “We are losing five of our stronger her performance throughout the tenplayers, but I am looking for some nis season, Shin defaulted a match in the getting dangerous,” Van Kanegan added. high school players to rebuild our team,” semi-finals against Diablo Valley ColFor women’s singles, Choi lost 7-6, 6-2 Van Kanegan said. “We will try to put tolege on April 27 due to dehydration, Van against Santa Barbara City College on gether a team to replicate the current one, Kanegan said. Shin also defaulted a dou- April 26 and did not make it into the quar- but it’s too early to tell how we will do bles match against Riverside Community ter finals, according to the UTSA website. next year.”

For men’s singles, Anthony Ya, 18, predentistry lost 6-1, 7-5 in the first round on April 25 against American River College. For men’s doubles, Ya and Sergio Guerra, 26, business major, lost 11-9 in a tie-breaker against Palomar College in the second round on April 25, according to the UTSA website.

EC’s men’s doubles partners Calvin Hoo and Collin Matthews lost 6-0, 6-1 against Santa Barbara City College in the second round on April 25, according to the UTSA website.

EC’s Alan Tong and Eric Sanders also competed for men’s doubles, but they lost 6-3, 6-3 against Riverside Community College in the first round on April 25, according to the UTSA website.

Track team runs to the finish line at South Coast Conference Finals Lorenzo Gutierrez Staff Writer

The track and field team had a great showing at the South Coast Conference Finals at Los Angeles Trade Tech on April 26.

Lofgren said overall, the coaches felt upset because some athletes they thought would qualify didn’t, but they’re glad such a large number of athletes still advanced to the next competition.

Lofgren said the EC track and field team belongs to the strongest conference in the state in teams and individual runs, so this tournament is very competitive.

“Both the EC men’s and women’s teams placed a respectable fourth place in our strong eight team conference,” Lofgren said.

Some of the impressive women track and field individuals were sophomore Brittany Householder, as she won the 800m, sophomore Araya Dixon who got second place in the 200m and sixth in the long jump, and freshman Crystal Lizaola placed third place in the 400m hurdles, Lofgren said.

“I came in third place in the 800m,” Courtney Morning, 20, kinesiology major, said. “I am in the top three who qualified to the Southern California Regional Championship prelims, so I am so happy to go there.”

Ruby Davis, 19, sociology major, said she is “more focused than ever.” Davis placed fifth in the 100m relay and she placed third in triple jump.

Davis added she was excited to hear her score and can’t wait to compete against athletes from several community colleges.

“In all, we had 13 individual qualifiers to the next week’s regional along with the 400m and the 1600m relays,” Lofgren said.

Also, the men’s team had good results. Some highlights for men were freshman Chris Street who won the shot put. Freshman Matt Larson got third place in javelin and third place in the 400m relay and sophomore Michael Gonzalez got fourth place in discus,

Lofgren said.

For men, Lofgren said the men’s team had eight individual qualifiers to next week’s regional competition along with the 400m and 1600m relays.

On May 4, the track and field team will compete in the Southern California Championship. The competition will take place at Antelope Valley Community College. Lofgren said the weather there varies and can complicate the tournament.

Lofgren said the team is focusing on resting and they are getting ready for upcoming competitions.

sports

8 El Camino College Union

May 2, 2013

Volleyball coach proud of hard fought season Steven Tran Staff Writer

Charles Ryder/ Union

Matthew Pimblett, 20, business major, spiking the ball, lead the Western State conference with 3.33 in kills per set. The Warriors lost in the first round of the playoffs to the eventual state champion Golden West 3-2 .

On the Monday of spring break, the men’s volleyball team was punished for a recent loss by running and diving to their chests to slide across the South Gymnasium.

With three teams competing for a conference title, the Warriors were eliminated from the playoffs in the Southern California Regionals against Golden West CC, the eventual State Champion.

“Our expectations are high; I knew that we would make the playoffs,” coach Dick Blount said.

The Warriors aimed to maintain their standing for a conference title against L.A. Pierce community college on April 10 in an away game and came away with a loss.

“This year, with all the teams that we’ve seen, it’s anyone’s game,” Kurt Peters, assistant coach, said. “We just have to get hot at the right time.”

On April 5, EC lost against Long Beach Community College 3-2, but Blount said that five other teams had their “noses bloodied” during that week.

“It kind of wakes us up a lit-

tle; those things are telling us that we are not as good as we think we are,” Frank Flanagan, 21, kinesiology major, said. “We can’t ever settle.”

Flanagan said that he lead the Western State conference 9.85 in assists per set in the, but attributes his succes to team dynamics.

“We want to be on the same page every play,” Flanagan said.

“We want to work like a machine out here.”

“In volleyball, no man stands out; it’s a team effort.”

—Mathew Pimblet, 20, buisness major

Similarly, Errol Basconcillo, 20, undecided major, said he leads the Western State conference 3.16 in digs per set and 174 digs in and also emphasizes team cohesion.

“It’s my blockers that are doing a great job.” Basconcillo said. “If it weren’t for them, I would not have the digs that I have right now.”

Also, Matthew Pimblett, 20, business major, lead the Western State conference 3.33 in kills per set and has 173 kills in.

“In volleyball, no one man

stands out; it’s a team effort,” Pimblett said.

The Warriors emphasis on teamwork has improved in comparison to the beginning of the season, Pimblett said.

“We had a few kinks in the preseason,” Pimblett added. “Now, everybody connects with at least somebody on the court.”

Blount said the current team displays the evolution of the EC’s men’s volleyball program.

“We were third in the conference two years ago, and last year we were second in conference,” Blount said.

Blount added that his personal goal for the Warriors is to have them graduate and play at a more competitive level.

“The last three years I’ve sent twelve kids onto the next level to play,” Blount added. “We only have five sophomores this year and I expect them to all move on and play and contribute.”

Blount said there are difficulties in coaching young athletes but, Blount enjoys watching the players turn become “young men and productive adults.”

“I tell them their priorities need to be their family, their school, and volleyball; we are pretty successful on that,” Blount added. “They dedicate a lot of time and energy to us.”

Golf team finishes 2nd in conference finals, advances to So Cal Regionals Emerson Keenan

Co-Sports Editor

Coming into the Conference Finals tournament at Yucaipa Community College on April 22, the Warrior men’s golf team felt they knew what to expect.

In the tournament, the top two finishers would advance to the Southern California Regionals.

The biggest obstacle the team had to overcome was the fact that they had to play two rounds of golf. This is a total of a daunting 36 holes over the course of one day starting at 7 a.m.

“We really had to keep our energy levels up because we knew coming in that it was going to be a full 36 holes,” Kyle Alexander, sophomore psychology major, said.

Luckily for the Warriors, they came prepared, had all cylinders on the same beat, and placed second in the tournament which means they will attend the So Cal Regionals on May 6.

Having everyone play well with scores in the 70’s was surprising because, for most of the season, the team has had difficulty getting everyone to play well on the same day, Alexander said.

“We really had to keep our energy levels up because we knew coming in that it was going to be a full 36 holes.”

—Kyle Alexander sophomore, psychology major

Alexander added that on Monday everyone had their final scores in the 70’s, which was the first time all season.

Riley Evans, freshman business major, said that “keeping the mindset as just another tournament” helps them not succumb to the pressure.

At regionals, there are going to be 48 college athletes competing for a chance in the state championship.

“None of us played great, but we managed to have good days from everyone who participated, which was really positive,” captain James Harper, sophomore business administration major, said.

The golf team will have practice rounds in preparation for the regionals tournament, as it will be another 36 holes

and a full day of golf, Harper said.

The five players that are going to compete in the regional on May 6 will be Alexander, Harper, Michael D’Angelo, freshman, Alex Shepard, freshman and Erwyn Lam, sophomore.

In a season filled with many good performances and two tournament wins, the team is happy with the accomplishments it has made, but feels there is unfinished business.

“Seems like when we are putting and chipping well we play great,” Harper said.

“But that’s just golf and we just got to play the best we can.”

Tough end to long season for baseball team, losing last game, failing to make playoffs Brian Camacho

Co-News Editor

stepping up,” sophomore third baseman, Rex Calkins said.

Despite winning the series, the Warriors had to win the final game of the series but came up short in the 11th inning with a heart-breaking 11-8 loss.

EC was trailing 6-8 heading into the bottom of the eighth inning but tied it up with a two RBI single up the left side from sophomore centerfielder Daniel Timmerman.

The game would remain scoreless until the top of the 11th inning when Harbor would put together a string

of timely hits as EC’s pitching began to lose control of the game.

The team will now have to wait until next season to extract revenge and will face a long offseason of what-ifs and missed opportunities.

The Warriors finished with an overall record of 19-17 and will be ready to improve upon this year with several key players returning.

“Next season is a long way away but we have a lot of guys coming back and that’s huge,” Miera said.

“We’re excited and we’re confident heading into next year.”

Close but no cigar; the Warriors will not be headed to the postseason this year after losing a must-win game against the Seahawks as well as dropping seven of their last 12 games of the season.

A season of high hopes ended Friday as El Camino (19-17) lost its season finale against crosstown rival L.A. Harbor (11-24) 11-8 in a game that went to 11 innings.

“We had to win our end of it in order for us to have any chance of making playoffs,” Jeff Miera assistant coach, said. “We had to come out ready to play or our season would end early.”

The Warriors dug themselves a hole after the sweep

by EC Compton College which they were never able to pull themselves out of.

They would go on to lose several close games with certain plays just not going their way.

“Sometimes when you play good teams that just happens,” coach Nate Fernley said.

“That’s just baseball.”

The Warriors needed to sweep their last series of the season against the Seahawks in order to have a chance at making the playoffs but was only able to come up with two out of three.

“We were fighting for our lives,” Miera said.

The first game of the series came easily with an 8-3 win but the Seahawks would refuse to roll over and came out swinging the last two games.

Game two was the wildest of the series with both teams putting on a hitting clinic in game that had a combined total of 40 hits and a final score of 19-17 EC. “I don’t want to say it was Stinnett/ Union because of their below-average Sophomore, Rafael Ramierez throws a pitch during a game with Cerritos Trayvon on April 18. He has been pitching, but everyone has an ace for the Warriors this year starting 13 games, while recording a league high 8 wins with a 3.52 been finding a rhythm and ERA, 78 strikeouts and three complete games.