Issue 16, May 3, 2012

Serving the campus community since 1946 May 3, 2012

Features: First date deal breakers Page 3

NIO U N EL CAMINO COLLEGE

Children enjoy a day of fun for Childrens Day

Torrance, California

Latino and hispanic cultures to be discussed Zachary Weber Staff Writer

Cary Majano/ Union Breana Chavis, 2, Daughter of Charles Chavis, 28, History Major. Breana is playing with magnets while learning about how the force of gravity works.

Differences between Latinos and Hispanics will be discussed today in the East Dining Room from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

The Diversity within the Hispanic and Latin Community event is for the faculty and students to learn about Latino heritage.

Vincent Robles, librarian and program coordinator, is in charge of the event and discussed what is going to take place.

“What we’re going to do is have a panel of different Latinos. We are going to have someone from El Salvador, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and someone of Mexican descent,” Robles said.

Robles adds how this event teaches Hispanic and Latinos to interact with each other and how there is diversity within the different Latinos.

“The idea is that we are trying to share with others on the campus whether it be students or faculty the differences and feelings that exist with certain Latinos and some instances it’s the words we use,” Robles said. “We all speak Spanish but the purpose is to understand, to educate us and let the world know, that there is diversity in the Latin world,” Robles said.

Claudia Striepe an instructional librarian who is involved with this event explains how Hispanics aren’t just one group and that there’s something new to learn about each Hispanic culture.

“The mission was to dispel the myth that Hispanics were one group then alert people of the nuances of the various groups and let us learn something that we did not know previously,” Striepe said She also discussed the cohesiveness of the Latino group and how they still have similarities even though they are from different ethnic groups.

“It did seem to be a lot more family oriented there was a lot of cohesiveness among the individual groups as far as knowing a lot about their culture and customs,” Striepe. A cohesiveness that although we are different we still have this common language so they might have been rivalries, but they seem friendly that everyone was hanging together accepting that they were Hispanic.”

One student who will participate in the event talks about his favorite part and why he likes attending the event.

“I would have to say the questions and answer section because we find a set of questions to answer the ones that the public are asking are helpful for them,” Daniel Martinez said a Mexican student.

Fitness challenge promotes health and unity among staff Kenneth Berry Staff Writer Promoting health and fitness, the staff and faculty will be joining together to participate in the Warrior Wellness Challenge.

The Challenge is a fitness challenge created by Athletic Director Tony Barbone and Strength and Conditioning coach Kim Jones that promotes participation, unity, and accountability among faculty and staff from different departments. The challenge started last Wednesday.

“My mindset was to find something on campus that would unify employees so no matter what your participation level is, no matter if your group wins a lovely prize, everybody wins.” Tony Barbone, Athletic Director said. “I wanted to make a statement as a community that wellness is important.”

Individuals from a department will earn half of a point for every 30 minutes spent working out in the fitness center per day. Workouts lasting 10-20 minutes will earn one fourth of a point per visit.

If every member in the department works out for a minimum of 30 minutes a day three times a week then each team member earns an extra point for their team that week. Any team member that works out four times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes will earn the entire team four extra points for the week. Any team member that works out five times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes will earn the entire team five extra points for the week.

“It’s not as though the team who loses the most weight at the end of the month wins,” Kim Jones, strength and conditioning coach said, “The goal is to get people in here as often as possible.”

Team members must sign in at the Fitness Center sign in sheet as well as on a separate Warriors Wellness Challenge check in which will track team member’s points. Team members will then state their name and team name to an available Fitness Center employee, so they can document arrival and departure times.

“The more people use the center, the more it help us out with funding and prove that we need this place.” Jones said, “If we need more equipment it’ll be easier to purchase it because we can prove that there’s a lot of traffic in here.”

There are three teams competing in the Warrior Wellness Challenge: The Facilitators, Health Science Alliance and the LRU/Library team. Health Science Alliance is being pegged as the early favorite.

“It’s more about participation,” Jones said. “It’s literally you get points for showing up whether it be for an hour or 30 minutes.”

The Health Science Alliance team members are as follows: Rory Natividad, Tony Barbone Carolyn Biedler, Kim Jones, Kari Brody, Julie Meredith and Patty Miller.

“Across the board I’m proud that I can personally help people get better because what I do is about injury prevention and performance,” Jones said. “Since it’s just starting we’re going to tweak it as the months go on, but maybe we’ll have to change things up to

keep people excited and motivated.”

The LRU/Library team members are Wilma Hairston, Lisa George, Sheryl Kunisaki, and Jol Valencia.

“I won’t be competing in the challenge but I am the coordinator for the team,” Ed Martinez, Public Access Librarian said.

The Facilitators team members are Ora Bryant, Tom Brown, Luis Bonilla, Donald Rile, Steve Marselle, and Keith Pipkin.

Kyle Borden/Union Jan Hearn, informational technology services; Lisa Wang, instituional research and Carolyn Pineda are using the elliptical machine in the fitness room.

Guitars bring people together

Club on campus focuses on reading

Carina Gomez Staff Writer

Daniela Messarina Staff Writer

NEWS LINE

Campus will be filled with the sounds of stringing guitars tomorrow and Saturday, as guitar enthusiasts attend the third annual ‘Guitar Festival.’

It will be full of activities from concerts to master classes and guitar clinics is free and open to the public.

“The event originated in 2009 as an opportunity for guitar players to get together with people they wouldn’t normally be exposed to from the music industry.” Dr. Chris Mello, director of guitar said.

Students will have a chance to meet with volunteer clinicians, who will give lessons on different guitar styles such as classical, jazz and rock/ metal.

Students interested in participating at the workshops can attend those that will take place at the Music Building in Room 134.

The rock/metal workshop will take place tomorrow with German Schauss from the Los Angeles Music Academy (LAMA).

Those interested in learning about classical guitar can attend Saturday at 10 a.m. with Matt

Eman Elshiyab

Greif, from EC, followed by a workshop featuring Jazz at 1 p.m., with Bruce Foreman, from the University of Southern California.

The guitar festival gives students an opportunity to learn about guitar programs in the music field and offers information on transferring.

Students will also have a chance to meet with other students from different colleges who share their same interests.

“Students interacting with other people who share their same interests is a great feeling.” Mello added.

Concerts and other musical events will also take place during the festival.

Famous guitarist Martha Masters, will perform at the Marsee Auditorium showcasing her “Martha Masters Resident Artists Concert” on tomorrow at 8 p.m.

Students can buy concert tickets at the ticket office for only $15.

Some students are delighted to have an event take place.

“I am excited for the festival, its going to be an interesting experience.” Adam Montana, music major said.

Readers unite as staff and faculty members put together a small group called the El Camino Readers, where so far 15 members are sharing and discussing books they have read through an online web database called GoodReads.com.

Opened to a variety of individuals, members post their ideas through this web database and have the advantage of flexible hours.

Irene Graff of institutional research said she and a few employees started gathering ideas.

“We haven’t advertised it widely yet,” Graff said. “If students want to join, they are welcome to.”

Claudia Striepe, instruction librarian,said her, along with Graff and others, who helped put this group together, have been talking about this for quite some time.

“GoodReaders.com itself is an excellent site,” Striepe said. “You have your own book shelf, set yourself a challenge on how many books to read in a particular time frame, and [keep] track to how many read.”

Striepe said they decided to go via this web-

site, so that members can read what they want, pass on the information and share books of interest, without the hassle of having to meet.

Patricia Shauf, 26, nursing major, said she would need more information about this group in order for her to join and see how it differs from a book club.

“It’s cool to put your opinion out there for a book,” Shauf said. “Maybe it will be the Yelp of book clubs.”

Rebekka Asher, 21, mathematics and chemistry major, said she would be willing to join as long as she isn’t reading any poetry.

“As soon as I hear poetry or deep literature, it sounds like school work,” Asher said.

Bryan Park, 19, political science major, said this event is a great way to promote more students to read.

The next step for the Reader’s group is to have people involved in a community by building contributions to follow-up on the discussions.

“We might include a link of the college library website,” Graff said. “But that would be down the line, if we find that it’s a beneficial way of exchanging ideas.”

University appeals workshop

UC basic workshop on Tuesday

Clothing drive is currently underway

Commencement speech deadline

Now enrolling for swimming lessons

A university appeals workshop will take place today, from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Humanities Building Room 306. Everyone is invited to go, for more information interested persons may visit the transfer center or call 310- 660- 3593, ext. 3408.

A UC basics workshop will take place Tuesday, May 8 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Humanities Building Room 306. Everyone is invited to go, for more information interested persons may visit the transfer center or call 310- 660- 3593, ext. 3408.

The Honors Transfer Club along with the Honors Transfer Program is conducting a clothing drive until tommorrow.

Donations can be made in bins located around campus. Email Joe Holliday at jholliday@elcamino.edu for more info.

Students interested in becoming a commencement speaker must enter a speech to the Student Development Office by Monday, May 7. Visit the EC website for further details.

Registration for swimming lessons begins Monday, May 7.

It will offer a half hour, high quality swimming lesson with a low student-to-instructor ratio with instructors who are Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certified.

NEWS

2 El Camino College Union

POLICE BEAT

By Daniela Messarina

Students writing on ground detained

Campus cleanliness should be responsibility for all Thomas Schmit Staff Writer

With shards of glass crunching underfoot, a student carefully steps over a Doritos Locos box stained with brownish slime. Paper bags adorned with every conceivable fast-food logo blow past his foot like garish tumbleweeds. Scattered cigarette butts and candy wrappers Staff member returns to like autumn leaves breeze down the walkway. This might sound missing car system like the city dump, but it is actuApril 23 6:24 p.m.—A fe- ally the scenery in Parking Lot male staff member arrived to her H. car located on the first level of While EC is currently reparking Lot H and discovered vamping the campus with new her navigation and stereo system buildings and remodeling, for were missing. A stolen report example the Math, Business and was filed.

Health Sciences Building, students here are not taking care of Officers respond to the campus as they should be.

Unfortunately, even a full altercation time staff of custodians and April 27 11:30 a.m. —Offi- groundskeepers can only do so cers responded to a call near the much in the wake of more than Marsee Auditorium regarding a 27,000 students, groundskeeper physical fight. The four subjects Fernando Vincente said.

“A lot of the groundskeepers were detained.

April 17 1:05 p.m.— Officers arrived to Parking Lot H and observed a male subject writing in chalk on ground level. They spoke to the subjects engaging in activity. The subjects were detained.

May 3, 2012

don’t actually get to do much grounds maintenance. Most of the time we just have to deal with the trash,” Vincente said.

“Without exaggeration, I probably spend five or six hours a day just cleaning up after students.”

And while some spots on our campus could be called dirty, others are down right disgusting. Public bathrooms are never really held up as paradigms of cleanliness, but many EC students refuse to even enter some of the restrooms on campus.

“I think I saw something moving in one of the toilets,” Gustavo Aguilera, 18, business major said.

Some students wish others would do their part in keeping the bathrooms clean as they are used by students themselves.

“The Art Building bathrooms are filthy, it’s absolutely disgusting in there. I don’t know if it’s some girl’s idea of artistic expression, but they need to artistically make it less stinky,” Anne Cabalum, 21, History major said.

While some mess has to be expected, the problem only becomes worse when students begin deliberately damaging the campus.

“There’s vandalism everywhere, but it’s really bad in the bathrooms. There’s like entire conversations on the walls,” Veronica Grindle, 20, Graphic Design major said.

While graffiti might be an eye sore for students, to painter Jimmy Macarino it’s a distraction that keeps him from dealing with more important issues.

“Yesterday I spent three hours cleaning up graffiti in the men’s bathroom of the Humanities Building and I still didn’t get all of it,” Macarino said. “I see a frustration. There’s this situation with the campus cutting classes and fiscal issues for everyone and I think this is how students vent that. You can feel it when you look at their vandalism,” Macarino said.

Macarino went on to caution students that with repeated budget cuts and an uncertain fi-

nancial future, they may have to start taking up some of the load themselves.

“Everything we do here is for the students, we really care

about them, but every little thing they can do to help us really does go a long way to make the campus a better place,” he added.

Kyle Borden/Union Tables around campus are often left with food and wrappers and unclean.

Chocolate lovers might be able to reduce heart disease Dianey Vay Staff Writer

Viridiana Vaca-Rios/Union Dark chocolate may be good for one’s health along with diet and exercise, satisfying people’s sweet tooth.

With a chance to lose weight and reduce the risk of heart disease, students might consider eating dark chocolate on a daily basis.

According to an article by usatoday.com, eating dark chocolate in addition to working out regularly can reduce heart disease, and cause weight loss by speeding metabolism, while satisfying chocolate cravings.

“I have heard that dark chocolate has a lot of antioxidants,’ Betsy Rodriguez, 23, french major, said.

“I would try eating dark chocolate daily just to figure out whether or not the theories are true.”

While some may consider eating chocolate to test the theories, others may not be easily persuaded.

“There is no relevance in exercising and eating dark chocolate,” Vin-

cent Steward, 22, sports medicine major, said.

While he has heard that chocolate can reduce the risk of heart disease and cholesterol, he is unsure if these statements are true but would only eat dark chocolate because he enjoys it.

Before purchasing a favorite chocolate bar, students might want to do some research to learn more about how dark chocolate is beneficial for the body.

“There is a lot of misadvertisement out there, for example, there may be a box of cereal that would be considered good for you and turns out to have a lot of sugar,” Chrissie Zartman, 28, fitness center assistant said. “I am not a diet person. I try eating as healthy as I can,” Zartman said. “I would rather be able to have more information to consider whether or not it (eating dark chocolate ev-

eryday) is good for me.”

Katherine Lemus, 19, biology major said she would not try the chocolate diet without doing research on it first.

“If eating dark chocolate and exercising regularly will cut the risk of heart disease, then I would definitely try it,” Lemus said.

Aside from the idea that dark chocolate may reduce certain health risks, some students believe that the effect of a diet would depend on an individual’s lifestyle.

“I don’t believe in diets, but I do know the more you work out, the better it is for whatever diet you choose,” Roddy Lee, 21, chemistry major, said.

FEATURES

May 3, 2012

El Camino College Union 3

First Date Deal Breakers Mayu Kataoka Staff Writer Viridiana Vaca-Rios Editor-in-Chief Lighted candles, good ambiance and a delicious dinner prepared by one of the best chefs in town is where her date took her for the night. The beautiful surroundings, followed by good chatter brought giggles and laughs and allowed them to get better acquainted during their delightful night. As the dinner came to an end, she smiled and though that she’d found a keeper, until the check arrives and he expects her to pay for dinner.

No matter how well a date is going or how much one is attracted to the other person, first date deal breakers can eliminate any chances of a budding romance.

Men “Honestly, fake hair that’s like not theirs,” Austin McCauley, 20, undecided major, said.

“Someone who has a self-absorbed attitude is definitely a

turn off,” Josh Melendez, 20, business economics major, said. “We all know there are obviously beautiful girls everywhere but you don’t need to shove it in my face.”

“I don’t like girls who are so busy texting someone else during a date,” Steve Tran, 22, undecided major, said.

“Not making eye contact with me would be a date deal

breaker,” Gary Samuelian, 21, kinesiology major, said.

“I don’t like awkward silences,” Christian Samia, 18, nursing major, said.

Women “Not opening the door for me would be a huge factor, and someone who smells and looks bad,” Elizabeth Hernandez, 22, nursing major said.

“Someone who smokes and someone who makes

you pay for the date is a turn off,” Yisel Gonzales, 18, design major, said.

“Definitely someone who cuts you off mid-

sentence like they didn’t hear a word you said,” Julianna Burrows, 24, business major, said.

“I think poor manners like burping would be a turn off,” Clarissa Vert, 19, chemistry major, said.

“If they don’t dress well and they’re wearing the wrong

wardrobe would not be good,” Erica Cobos, 20, childhood education major, said.

TIPS FOR MEN FOR A SUCCESSFUL FIRST DATE

TIPS FOR WOMEN FOR A SUCCESSFUL FIRST DATE

(ACCORDING TO THE WEBSITE, FIRST DATE TIPS)

(ACCORDING TO THE WEBSITE, MAG FOR WOMEN)

• Wear something appropriate

• Dress appropriately

• Be polite and give her attention.

• Practice good mannerisms

• Don’t be late

• Listen more and talk less

• Chivalry is not dead: Be a gentleman

• Don’t ask too many personal questions

EDITORIAL

4 El Camino College Union

May 3, 2012

Pre-test substance use may benefit test scores

Illustration by Dennis Norris

Do you ever experience excessive sweating, nausea, or low self-esteem prior to taking a class test? Chances are that you are a victim of test taking anxiety. One thing for sure is that you are from alone. Test taking anxiety has become a burden to many students across the nation.

This anxiety disorder has become a killer to even the most calm and confident students we socialize with daily.

Fortunately there may be a way to hinder some of those symptoms in order to ease the test taking process and possibly improve test scores for you.

All it may take is some help from substances. Yes, substances like alcohol and marijuana can contribute to taming the anxiety that occurs just as you are ready to take your test.

It may seem counterintuitive, but some substances can improve scores.

For instance, the drug Adderall, one of many often referred to as a study or cramming drug, has been shown to assist some students in their studies by helping them to focus, especially those who suffer from Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

People who have ADHD struggle with the ability to focus, control impulses or plan ahead.

In a recent CNN. com article, writer Aaron Cooper cites a 2008 story from the journal Nature in which several scientists said “We should wel-

The Issue • Students are using substances prior to class

Our Stand • Substances prescribed by a doctor can help students

come new methods of improving our brain function. Safe and effective cognitive enhancers will benefit both the individual and society.”

The key to utilizing this and other potentially powerful study aids is to work in conjunction with a medical professional. Self-medicating is dangerous and may make anxi-

ety worse.

In addition, using drugs without a prescription is illegal and should not be done.

If students consult with a doctor and use some drugs proven to be beneficial in certain situations, then it can be beneficial.

However, even if part of a medical program, drug use can get out of control, so students should be careful to use substances as prescribed and stay in contact with their doctor.

Students should also realize that while some prescription drugs can have positive effects on academic performance, those improvements are usually short lived.

According to an opinion piece in The New York Times by psychologist L. Alan Sroufe, after three years the positive effects of medication on academic performance diminished, and after eight years the effects were completely gone.

Although some substances can have positive effects, they often represent a short-term solution to a potentially long-term problem.

Individualism depends on making fine distinctions Please select the ethnicity that best describes you: Asian, Black or African American, Native American, Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, White or Caucasian, Hispanic or Latino.

Every college student has been faced with these discriminatory check boxes at some point.

It makes sense for college applications to want to compartmentalize our ethnicities into simple groupings.

After all, demographics are easier to report when there’s only five or six categories.

However, a person’s identity isn’t something that can (or should) be boiled down to a generalization.

At 1 p.m. today in the East Dining Room, there will be a discussion on diversity in the Hispanic/Latin community.

An important topic is the difference between the Hispanic classification and its Latino counterpart.

Both terms are typically lumped together, or Hispanic is used as a blanket term for all Spanish-speaking ethnicities.

Not only is this inaccurate, it’s also demeaning.

According to Hispanic-Culture-Online.com, “Hispanic” refers to people from countries that Spain colonized, whereas “Latino” refers to people with Latin roots, which could en-

compass any country colonized by the Romans.

Clearly there’s a difference, but most government documents simply use the term Hispanic.

The United States has always been known as a melting pot of cultures.

Usually this is regarded as a positive sentiment, suggesting that people of all ethnicities can find a home here and bring their unique customs into the community.

But perhaps the melting pot has been stirred a few too many times, because now we’re losing our cultural identities.

Hispanics and Latinos aren’t

the only victims. Irish people are White. Samoans are Pacific Islander. Koreans are Asian.

Any smidgen of individuality has been decimated.

How can we maintain our personal identities in a world where we’re so unceremoniously grouped into these broad classifications?

For starters, discussions like the one today. By opening a line of communication and informing people that Hispanic should not be used as a general term for all Spanish-speaking people, we are spreading awareness.

Enlighten people. A person may be German, Scottish,

Middle Eastern or Italian. Is it fair to just call him “White?”

Should we throw out the terms Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Taiwanese in favor of the allencompassing “Asian?”

One of the most important aspects of our identity as Americans is that our culture is made up of all different ethnicities and cultures that blend their traditions together to create an American heritage.

Generalizations offer nothing to the masses. They simply bring minimal information about one’s heritage to light.

Sadly this is not enough to gauge an appreciation of someone’s cultural lineage.

Black, White, Asian, Native American and Hispanic are inept descriptions of race.

In order to establish a proper respresentation of one’s race, there should be more options available on applications.

As a person you are proud of where you came from and deserve the right to fully respresent every nationality that is in your blood.

If we continue to pack ourselves into these general ethnic labels, we lose the finer pieces of what our culture consists of, different ethnicities of the world.

—See related article on Page 2

Work trumps school as top priority Unemployment may increase enrollment CAMPUS INSIGHT

Shirley Munoz Engineering Major

“My class comes first.”

Those are the words heard from professors across the nation. Somehow these professors have seemed to ignore the state of our economy while individually placing themselves as our

prominent priority.

This sense of entitlement seems to be misguided arrogance. Not to say that the professors and their classes are not valuable, but students have other responsibilities that trump some of our classes.

From our jobs, social life, extra curricular activities and scarce time of rest and relaxation, we have consistent stressors that need to be restrained. I am by no means asking for school to come easy, but when we cannot make it to class for a lesson, test or presentation, there should be more options for us to make up the absence.

It’s understood that teachers have hundreds of students, deadlines and their own personal life as well. I’m just asking that they understand that times have changed.

The price of attending school has increased substantially with every passing year, forcing students to place a premium on work in order to get through school.

NIO U N EL CAMINO COLLEGE

Vol. 65, No. 16 May 3, 2012 E-mail: eccunion@gmail.com Newsroom: (310) 660-3328 Advertising: (310) 660-3329

Financial aid is beneficial but does not apply to everyone and can take weeks to receive.

Books are far from cheap and usually must be bought within a week of class.

Classes are up to $36 a unit to go with gas being up to nearly $5 a gallon. Combine that with rent, parking, bills and any other life expenses and stress becomes a way of life.

We’re all trying to adapt to the continuous changes that have been occurring in society.

These things take time to adjust too and in many instances our priorities places our jobs in more short-term importance than school.

Sure school will pay off in the long term but the only way to maintain consistency in school is to rely on your earnings from work to get you through it.

Helping us out with a make-up test or two, understanding our inability to achieve perfect attendance and working with our schedules could only increase our chances of succeeding.

The views expressed in Campus Insight are those of the authors. They do not represent the views or opinions of the Union, its staff, editorial board or advisers. This column is available to students and faculty. All articles may be submitted to eccunion@gmail. com. Please note that articles may be edited for content and length.

Editor-in-Chief ......................................... Viridiana Vaca-Rios News Editor......................................................Viridiana Vaca-Rios Assistant News Editor ....................................Jorge Maldonado Co-Opinion Editor....................................................Carolyn Ayton Co-Opinion Editor....................................................Dennis Norris Features Editor ......................................... Viridiana Vaca-Rios Arts Editor...................................................................Candice Criss Sports Editor...............................................................Candice Criss Photo Editor .......................................................... Kyle Borden Advertising Manager..................................... Stephanie Alcorn Adviser ........................................................... Lori Medigovich Adviser ..........................................................Kate McLaughlin Photo Adviser.............................................................Gary Kohatsu Technical Support ..................................................... Don Treat

COMMENTARY As the economy appears to crumble, workers who have lost their jobs may think of continuing their education in hopes of obDiane Vay taining more or new skills Staff Writer leading toward a different lifestyle.

In a research article by ncsl.org (National Conference of State Legislatures) “The national unemployment rate dropped slightly in March 2012, to 8.2 percent... The number of long-term unemployed remained steady, at approximately 5.3 million workers.”

Out of the approximate 5.3 million workers, only a handful may attempt in admitting themselves into schools to make lost time productive.

The U.S. Census Bureau has projected that over the next decade approximately 20.7 million students will be enrolled in both private and public colleges. That number may increase by 1 million the following year.

In other words, the rate at which students are being admitted into institutions such as community colleges and universities may partially be due to the unemployment rate.

However, one idea that may cross through an individual’s mind is how he or she will get enough money to continue with education.

The Union is published Thursdays by Journalism 11 students at El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, Calif.

90506, and one copy is free to the student body and staff.

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

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

While the unemployed may have little money in their pockets, a solution to their tight budgets may be due to the use of loans and grants.

A CNBC article stated, “Beefed-up revenue and enrollment coincides with relaxed rules on for-profit institutions receiving federal aid, as well as the expansion of the Pell Grant program pushed by President Obama.”

While the unemployed may be supported for educational purposes through federal aid, how much will students receive in federal aid due to admission rates?

As of July 2009, the maximum Federal Pell Grant increased to $5,350, stated an article by educationgrant.com. Nearly 3 years later, that number has increased by $200.

While the number of enrolled students and unemployed workers increases, the timing in which money for students will be less readily available is unpredictable.

Aside from unemployed workers, the whole nation seems to be under budget and in the future may not be so willing to lend or further invest in the future of education.

Could this be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the unemployed to continue their education while using federal aid?

Perhaps the unemployed are taking this opportunity to enroll themselves in an institution before the money disappears.

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OPINION

May 3, 2012

El Camino College Union 5

UP FOR DEBATE

Are strip searches acceptable in any arrest?

Strip searches assure the safety of police and other inmates.

Carina Gomez Staff Writer posed of by the suspect.”

Although some may argue that a strip search may only be used for the means of personal safety for both officials and inmates in prison, others may argue that it is an invasion of privacy.

Strip searching even for minor offenses such as traffic violations is absolutely ridiculous. Laws are supposed to protect the people, not humiliate them.

In an effort to protect jail officials the Supreme Court recently ruled in favor for officials strip searching individuals for “even minor offenses.” People should

not have to be strip searched for a case involving a mere traffic violation that involves a night in jail.

It is wrong that the Supreme Court wants to treat every individual who commits an infraction as a criminal. Cases that should definitely be taken into consideration for strip searching should involve high suspicion of violence, or drug-related cases.

The Supreme Court’s decision to allow strip searches in any arrest is an absolute violation of the Fourth Amendment as it states clearly; “The right of the people to be secure in their own persons.” Clearly this ruling is a violation of civil rights.

Everyone wants to feel safe and law officials are no exception, however it is not necessary to jeopardize people’s dignity, value and self-esteem.

Many of these strip search cases can even lead officials to corruption. Let’s not forget that jail officials commit the same careless acts many people with clean records commit. If for any reason a heated argument sparked between an official and an inmate, that official could abuse this new law and strip search the inmate for the sole purpose of humiliation.

With so many other options to help protect officers, the need to strip search people for minor violations is absurd. The government should keep fighting the most wanted criminals out there, and give the people with clean records and minor offenses a break.

Not every citizen who makes a mistake is a dangerous crimiIllustration by Dan Baldonado

Cultural weddings offer influence to American celebrations COLUMN

Daniela Messarina Staff Writer

Months of sketching and picking out silk fabric, searching through countless crochet patterns and flipping pages in fashion magazines all came to fruition on March 17, when my aunt tied the knot to her Italian lover.

I flew into Lima, Peru for the occasion. It’s one of the most celebrated ceremonies for Peruvians, full of dancing and multiple dishes and drinks to choose from.

The amount of detail my aunt and uncle put into the wedding at a privately-owned ranch made it a memorable one.

There were bleached muslin cloths wrapped around the tent, floral vines and cream rose pedals scattered on the tables.

Most weddings today aren’t as creative. It’s always the same boring flowers, the same cookie-cutter wedding cake and the same droning music.

When you’re celebrating such an important moment of

By Mayu Kataoka

Strip searches violate civil rights and cause embarrassment.

Diane Vay Staff Writer Allowing officials to legally strip search an individual for a minor offense before being admitted to prison may be one step closer to safety.

While being arrested, an individual may be searched briefly to the point where visible items such as weapons and drugs are confiscated. While a strip search may be considered a degrading intrusion on those who are being arrested, the searches assure the safety of police.

During an arrest, an individual may have some of their rights stripped away. However, that individual could be smuggling weapons or other illegal substances into jails, and a strip search would prevent that possibility.

Strip searching inmates prevents assaults on both officials and fellow inmates.

In an article by theacru.org, “Over 13 million people are processed through jails every year in America. There are 10,000 inmate assaults on jail staff each year.”

With 10,000 inmate assaults on officials, the probability of an inmate having a weapon should not be ignored.

Perhaps not all of the inmate assaults involved the use of weapons. However, strip searching for weapons rules out that possibility from the beginning.

According to an article on heinonline.org, “Courts have long recognized the need for police to search an arrested person as a protective measure, both to save the officer from harm and to recover incriminating evidence before it is dis-

CAMPUS CORNER

your life, one that will (hopefully) only happen once, shouldn’t it be tailor-made for you?

My aunt’s wedding was full of personal touches that made the experience an embodiment of her.

I was glad to be part of a traditional ‘happy hour’ celebration during my aunt’s wedding, where two Peruvian guests dressed in Inca outfits came out on the dance floor and introduced cultural and thrilling music and dances.

I have attended weddings where I met fresh faces and socialized most of the time.

But that’s it! Most American weddings lack the cultural and

personal experience of the Peruvian wedding I attended.

American weddings are very predictable. The bride’s wedding gown will be white with a long train as she walks the traditional aisle with her bouquet of roses. There will be the tossing of the bouqet and garter. And finally ending the night with the same “party” songs that have been playing at gatherings since the ‘70s.

How many times have you been forced to dance to “Y.M.C.A.” at a wedding? Too many times.

America is a melting pot of cultures, but unfortunately that often means that cultural traditions are abandoned in favor of more “American” options.

Next time you are at a wedding, think about the traditions and culture behind it. AttendPlease connect with me by email at daniela.messarina@ gmail.com Follow me on Twitter @ECCUnionDaniela Join the conversation online at www.eccunion.com The views expressed in this column are those of the author. They do not represent the views or opinions of the Union, its staff, editorial board or advisers.

Rebekka Asher President Associated Students Organization Rebekka Asher is the president of the Associated Students Organization (ASO).

How did you get involved in ASO? I ran last year in the ASO elections and what inspired me to run for ASO president last year was that I absolutely love El Camino. El Camino means the most to me, it’s my home.

What is your philosophy as president?

My philosophy is that without a good internal relationship you can’t help someone externally.

So we can’t help the students of the school and fulfill what our goals are without first having that structure.

What makes ASO stand out this year?

We have good relationships with everyone in ASO and everyone knows how to work together. We are almost conflict free, which really helps because now we can really work towards the whole budget crisis on campus, winter session and all those things that really matter to the students.

What events is ASO involved in?

We’ve done two movie nights now and currently we’re doing a service drive for the military.

We’re going to have boxes set around campus and you can donate things. We are also doing a hair donation where you can donate a portion of your hair for cancer patients.

How can students join ASO? You can run in the elections, which are in three weeks. You can also just wait for fall semester to come around and you can have an interview and be appointed into the senate, which is how a lot of ASO members actually join. They go through an interview process panel and get appointed.

CAMPUS VIEWPOINTS

Are strip searches acceptable in any arrest?

By Thomas Schmit

Christian Chick, 20, Mechanical Engineering

Connie Nguyen, 26, Geology

Jose Alvarez Avila, 19, Communications

Lindsay Callen, 18, Undecided

Jose Turcios, 30, Architecture

Tram Mai, 22, Accounting

“Yes. You can’t trust anyone going in to jail. It’s supposed to be semi-safe, so they should be searched no matter what.”

“No. People have a certain amount of basic rights that they’re entitled to, like human dignity.”

“Yes. You wouldn’t want them going to jail with anything that could harm another person in jail.”

“No. People have a right to keep their clothes on, even when getting searched. I think it’s going way too far.”

“Yes. They should be allowed to search everyone, but I think they should only use it when they have probable cause.”

“No. It’s not a good thing, it’s a total invasion of privacy, and I think they’d be discriminatory with it.”

ARTS

6 El Camino College Union

ON THE SCENE

May 3, 2012

Students get artistic freedom with bronze casting Mayu Kataoka Staff Writer

By Jorge Maldonado

Nothing beats that final moment. After many long hours creating a sculpture, a mold , “A Midsummer Night’s a wax replica, a ceramic shell, the bronze is heated to 21,500 Dream” degrees and then the fiery molShakespeare with a twist. The ten metal is poued and a bronze Campus Theatre presents “A casting is created.

Midsummer Night’s Dream” First introduced more than directed by Carolyn Almos. 3000 years ago, the traditionof The production will open next bronze castin is carried on toFriday at 8 p.m. in the Marsee day by Russell McMillin in his Auditorium and will continue Art 83 class, where students until May 20. Tickets are $15. participate in a bronze pour.

For more information, contact To McMillin, the process 1-800-832-ARTS or visit the has meaning beyond more acaTicket Office. demia.

“Students should take this Music course because it’s like a test run for life,” McMillin, said.

“All the skills you need in life “On Ensemble/Takio are prominent in the class.”

2.0” Taking the time to set goals for every step is crucial to the Drumming to their own beat, final product so the class is of“On Ensemble/Takio 2.0” ten seen as a metaphor for life. combines Japanese drumming “A lot of gratification, sweat with elements of hip hop, rock, and tears are involved by the and electronica. Performing finalized product,” McMillan next Saturday at 8 p.m. in the said.

Marsee Auditorium tickets Professor McMillin was are $26. For more information, hired in 2002 to bring a concontact 1-800-832-ARTS or temporary art element to the visit the Ticket Office. bronze-casting course and to keep the course going that was “Martha Masters, started back in the ‘70s. guitar” “My favorite part about teaching is the growth the stuMartha Masters stops by EC dents achieve during the class,” to perform works by Vinas, McMillin said.

Scarlatti, Garrido, Piazolla, With practice and choreoPujol, Bach, Dyens, and Tadic graphed routines, students usuat 8 p.m. tomorrow in the ally have to quickly adapt to Marsee Auditorium. Tickets the intense work environment for “Martha Masters, guitar” are $15. For more information, to ensure safety for both themselves and others. contact 1-800-832-ARTS or “It’s really intense and it visit the Ticket Office.

Theater

Robert Long/ Union Jan Davids, 43, undecided major, works on bottle sculptures for Russell McMillin’s bronze casting course

makes students focus,” McMillin said. “They learn to handle in challenging and stressful situations.”

Lily Kurosaki, 21, studio art major, likes the class for giving her “artistic freedom” and the hands on experience.

“It has its challenges but it’s very rewarding,” Kurosaki said.

“I definitely learned something I never thought I could do.”

Kurosaki’s recalls how life changing it was for her when she first saw the pouring of the bronze.

“I could never imagine making something out of bronze at a community college,” Kurosaki said. “It gave me a new per-

Robert Long/ Union The transformation of the ceramics pieces made by the students are out from the kiln and ready to be taken out for processing.

spective on what art really is.”

As students continue to expand their knowledge in class, the art department will showcase their work at the open house held May 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. where they will also be having a demo of the bronze pouring at 7 p.m.

McMillan also added that

anyone is welcome to come Monday and Wednesday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. to check the class out and for bronze pouring Wednesday nights around 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in ARTB 125.

“If you work as hard as you possibly can, then good things are going to happen in your life,” McMillan said.

Singer challenges the status quo “The Five Year Engagement” makes big laughs but not big sales

day after class and told him he was going to drop the class because he felt like his disability was getting in the way of learning.

Fortunately, Nosworthy didn’t allow that to get in Ala’s way of becoming the singer he’s always wanted to be, Ala said.

“When we started working together he could not even match pitch,” Nosworthy said.

“In a short time he was able to do it and has not looked back since.”

After many extra hours of voice lessons during Nosworthy’s office hours, Ala learned to sing classical music in four different languages.

“Everyone told me it was impossible for me to sing classical music because I had CP and speaking in English was difficult enough for me,” Ala said. “But I wanted to prove them wrong and so I learned Amira Petrus/ Union how to sing in English, Italian, Hamid Ala, 32, music major sits in front of EC’s Campus Theater on a cloudy afternoon. Ala is a Tennor opera singer preparing for an upcoming concert.

German and French.”

“I have been here at El Camino for 21 years and have never come across such helped me deal with hardships Eman Elshiyab a person who challenges the that came with having CP; it Staff Writer status quo regularly,” Noswortook my mind off of all my thy said. “Bluntly, I find him frustrations.”

With a part of his lips, he When Ala enrolled in EC, amazing. He has conquered opens his mouth and begins to he became a part of the stu- aspects of vocal performance use his voice as a musical instrument, revealing his perforthat some students only mance skills produced by his dream about.”

14-year experience in music.

Ala also passed Hamid Ala, 32, vocal an audition for performance major, has been Disney, where he sang a piece from studying voice for 14 years “The Hunchback and hopes to get his masters of Notre Dame” and PHD at USC School of Music and dreams of becom- dent learning resource center called “God Bless the Outfor disabled students and took ing an EC voice professor. cast.” college a step at a time.

Recently, he was accepted “People flocked to his stanAla’s instructors all knew as a music major at Cal State dard and realized quite fully how much he loved to sing, so University at Long Beach his uniqueness and potential,” they told him to take a voice where he attends The Bob Nosworthy said. “I’m told that class with Hedley Nosworthy, some of the execs were even Cole Conservatory of Music voice professor.

School. crying.”

“Everyone talked about ProAla has been taking coursSinging, Ala said, has fessor Nosworthy’s voice class es at EC simultaneously. taught him what is important and how he won singing comBorn with cerebral palsy in life. petitions all over the world,” brain damage, Ala had more “When I sing it’s not about to overcome than others. In- Ala said. “At first I was very me,” Ala said. “It’s about stead of dealing with the stress intimidated, and I didn’t be- showing other disabled and and frustration that came lieve I was cut out for his class, not disabled students to live along with his disability, he but I knew it would help me their dreams, have hope, love deal with my CP stress, so I found an alternative way to everyone and not worry about enrolled.” deal with it. silly problems.”

After a couple voice classes, “All my life, I’ve always loved to sing,” Ala said. “It Ala spoke with Nosworthy one

Daniela Messarina Staff Writer Directed by Nicholas Stoller, producer of “Bridesmaids”, “The Five Year Engagement” stars Jason Segel and Emily Blunt in a romantic comedy about the complications that come with some engagements Tom (Jason Segel) questions whether he should continue dreading living in the blizzards of snowy Michigan with his fiancée, Violet (Emily Blunt), or move back to the Bay Area in San Francisco as a sous chef.

The frustrating delayed wedding arrangements start off when Violet receives an acceptance letter into the post-doctorate psychology program at the University of Michigan.

Because Tom is so madly in love with Violet from the day they met at a New Year’s Eve party, he understands how important this oncein-a-lifetime opportunity is to his fiancée and decides to move along with the transition and try something different.

But as weeks pass by, Tom realizes he misses the life he had in San Francisco and begins to experience the difficulty of not finding a job as a chef anywhere in Michigan.

Aside from the misery Tom is going through, Violet becomes so focused in her studies, that she barely has time to realize her fiancée is miserable and that he sacrificed his profession as a chef for Michigan.

As more interruptions begin escalating in their relationship, they realize the engagement is slowly being put on the side and minor arguments are being ignored.

Although the two are experiencing a different lifestyle, the comedy is what keeps the film lively for viewers.

What’s interesting about Tom and Violet is the on-going commotion of planning a set wedding date.

Tom seems to be testing his love for Violet because he continues living in Michigan, while Violet is conducting an unconscious psychological experiment on whether her fiancée truly loves her.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Rrated film struggled at the box office with only $3.5 million last Friday coming in 3rd place.

Positive reports are anticipated at a much higher incentive by the end of this week.

The movie did an awesome job showing the on-going chemistry between the two, aside from the five years of being committed to marrying each other someday.

Overall, the film kept the audience laughing during the moments when Tom and Violet were about to call their engagement off.

This film gives the millions of couples out there another reason why they shouldn’t wait too long for their wedding to happen.

RISING

STAR

Violet (Emily Blunt) and Tom (Jason Segal) share a moment in “The Five-Year Engagement” Photo Courtesy of cdc.sreenrant.com

SPORTS

May 3, 2012

ON DECK

El Camino College Union 7

Warriors end season after loss for state championship

Candice Criss Sports Editor

Mayu Kataoka Staff Writer

Golf Sunday-Monday at 7 a.m. at Glendora for So Cal Regionals

TRACK/FIELD Saturday at 10 a.m. at Saddleback for So Cal Preliminaries

BASEBALL Saturday at 1 p.m. at Southwestern for Regional Playoffs Sunday at 10 a.m. at Southwestern for Regional Playoffs

• For the latest updates on the Warriors, follow us on twitter: @eccunion Steven Sorbom, 19, swimmer, takes his last lap of the season in EC’s Pool on Monday, April 30.

Kyle Borden/ Union

Erica Bender, Brandon Gregory and Stephen Sorbom, competed in the state championships this past weekend at East Los Angeles College.

“I just tried my hardest and focused on everything I worked on so hard this season,” Bender said.

Bender placed 14th out of 53 in the 50- freestyle for the preliminary that gave the team three points.

“We were able to score some points at the championships, which is always a good thing,” Corey Stanbury, coach, said.

Although Bender did not make it to the preliminaries and finals for her 200- freestyle and 100-freestyle, she was still happy with the outcome of the season.

“I had a really good season and I got personal best times in all of my events,” Bender said.

Gregory placed 16th in the 500-freestyle and Sorbom did not place in the championship.

“Sorbom’s swims were very close and nothing short of phenomenal,” Stanbury said. “He’s barely a freshman and has improved so much throughout the season.”

Shanese Douglas favored the last meet as well for she said that watching everyone support each other was “one of the greatest moments.”

The swimmers said that the strong bond between the team was what helped them get through the season.

“The best thing about this season was being part of a team,” Bender said. “Everyone is so nice and funny and we can just be ourselves.”

Men’s and women’s tennis team compete at 112th Annual Ojai tournament Edwin Arredondo Staff Writer After a run at the South Coast Conference tournament by the Warriors, some of the players went to the 112th Annual Ojai Tournament to compete against the best players of Southern California.

During the round of 64 in singles, sophomores Andrew Sarawasi and Atilla Lassu won their games in 2 sets.

Sarawasi reasserted why he is number one on the EC team, winning his first game, (6-2) (6-2).

Lassu shined as well and took home the victory winning, (6-3) (6-1).

For the round of 32, the game took a turn and the sophomores could not win their matches.

“I felt a little bit tired for this game,” Lassu, said.

He added that he lost focus in key plays of the game.

Lassu was defeated in 2 sets, (6-4) (6-2) and Sarawasi lost in 3 sets winning the first one, (63), but losing the next two, (6-3), (6-3).

The Warriors also competed in doubles with Sarawasi and Lassu and sophmores, Kevin Nakasone-Yasuto Miyawaki.

Both of the teams went through the round of 64.

In the round of 32, Nakasone and Miyaki could not take the victory with final, (6-0) (6-4) scores.

Sarawasi and Lassu won their match, (6-0) (6-0).

Badminton team lose chance at South Coast Conference championship Kenneth Berry Staff Writer Battling physical and mental exhaustion in an intense double-header with Pasadena City College at home on Wednesday, the women’s badminton team rallied as a team but lost both games 15-2.

Pasadena is the No. 1 ranked team in the South Coast Conference.

The previous week the Warriors won because El Camino College Compton Center forfeited and lost at East L.A. 18-3.

“Pasadena’s a really good team,” Jaymie Baquero, coach, said. “We battle and we take them to three games and sometimes we don’t come out on top.”

Corrine Belandres, the top ranked player for EC played Pasadena’s first- ranked and secondranked players and won one doubles match and one singles match.

Becca Maier played Pasadena’s fifth and sixth ranked players.

“I improved my serve by trying a new serving technique and it worked out better,” Maier said.

“I want to finish strong and I definitely improved from not knowing how to play to actually staying in the game.”

With the exception of second-year players

Alona Barnes, Kumiko Noguchi, and Vanessa Reid, the bulk of the 16-player roster consists of first-year players.

“I think the whole team has improved,” Maier said. “My lasting memory of this team is just being with all my teammates because they’re just so fun and we always have a good time.”

Alona Barnes played the seventh and eighth ranked players for Pasadena.

“I won both my matches and I’m really happy with my performance,” Barnes said. “I haven’t lost any matches this season.”

Vanessa Reid played Pasadena’s second third and fourth ranked players.

“I could’ve done a lot better but I improved on moving them from side to side,” Reid said.

“From my first year to this year I’ve improved a lot and I moved up more than one rank.

The Warriors last game of the season is at home against East L.A. this Wednesday.

“I’d say that our defining moment was our first game against East L.A. because everyone brought their A-game,” Belandres said. “They wanted to continue playing better and they have.”

The Warriors, as a whole, did not make it to the South Coast Conference Championships that will start on May 4.

“The attitudes of my teammates are very encouraging and very friendly,” Barnes said.

“We’re kind of like a family.”

The story was different for the round of 16.

Sarawasi and Lassi lost their match in 2 sets, (6-0) (6-4).

“They just played better than us,” Sarawasi mentioned.

Even though the Warriors acknowledge that they have lacked on the court, they managed not to get discouraged.

“I’m looking forward to the next competitions,” Sarawasi said.

Lindsay Guardado, sophomore, and Chun Young Shin, freshman, represented the Warriors’ women’s team for this competition.

During the round of 64 in singles, Shin took the victory in 2 sets, (6-1) (6-1).

Guardado couldn’t clinch her game and got a tough loss, (6-2)(6-4).

For the round of 16, Shin won her match, (63) (6-1).

The round of quarterfinals was it for Shin losing her game in 2 sets, (6-1) (6-3) “I’ll try to improve and hopefully take the trophy on the next tournament,” Shin said.

“I expect great things of her (Shin) for the next season,” Steve Van Kanegan, coach, said.

In doubles, Guardado and Shin took the victory in the round of 64 in 2 sets, (6-1) (6-3) and advanced to the round of 32.

The round of 32 was harder but they fought for each point and won their match in 3 sets, (62) (3-6) (10-7).

The round of 16 was the last stop for the Warriors, since they lost their match in 3 sets, (6-4) (4-6), (15-13).

8 El Camino College Union

SPORTS

May 3, 2012

Warriors take home wins in SCC Championship Aryn Hicks Staff Writer The men’s and women’s track and field team looked for wins at the South Coast Conference Championships on April 27 at El Camino College Compton Center.

The Warriors competed in the South Coast Preliminaries on Tuesday, April 24 and the qualifying Warriors came back to on Friday to continue their winning streak.

Rukayah Bent-Mikail who won the triple jump on April 24, came back on Friday to place 3rd with a jump at 18-3 ¾.

Michelle Woodruff won the high jump at 5-6. She also remains undefeated against all JC Competition.

Katrina Wilbanks set a new EC school record for women’s pole vault with a jump of 12-0.

“Katrina has a 12-0 school-record in the pole vault and is the new Southern California leader. Not only is it a solid record, but going over 12 feet is exceptional at any college level,” Dean Lofgren, coach, said. “She has room for further improvement in the next couple of weeks.”

The women’s 400-meter relay team won in a season best 47.00.

Araya Dixon, Ronisha Vallery, Isis Garland, Ruby Dixon will place into the So Cal Preliminaries as the top speed.

Ronisha Vallery placed 2nd in the long jump at 18-4 ½.

She placed 3rd in the 400-meter at 57.85.

Brittany Householder placed 2nd in the 800-meter at 2:20.38 with teammate Courtney Morning placing 3rd at 2:20.67. Salina Ropati placed 2nd in shot put at 40-9 ¾.

Earlier in the tournament, Isis Garland placed 3rd in 100-meter with a time of 12.39 and returned later to place 5th in the 200-meter with a time of 25.34 in the relays.

Ruby Davis placed 4th in the Triple Jump at 35-6.

Anthony Lewis placed 2nd in the 5, 000-meter at 15:19.83.

Alex Villaescusa directly qualified to the So Cal Final in the 10,000-meter and placed 6th in 5,000-meter at 15:51.15.

The men’s 400-meter relay placed 5th with a time of 42.72.

Victor Martin has been progressing all season.

On Friday, Martin became the 7th all time EC performer with his shot-put winning throw of 51-10.

“I like to be alone and just focus on the throw,” Victor Martin, shot-putter, said.

Overall, the EC women placed 3rd and the EC men placed 4th against eight competitive teams in the South Coast Conference.

The Warriors will be competing this Saturday for Southern California Regional Championship in San Diego.

“This Saturday’s Southern California Regional Championships in San Diego brings together the Top 27 in each event in Southern California for the purpose of competing head-to-head in races and field events for next Saturday’s (May 12) Final Championships” Lofgren said.” Lofgren said.

Baseball team gets prepared for regionals Jorge Maldonado Staff Writer In its final games of the season against Pasadena City College, the Warriors added more wins to the record while getting ready to head to regionals this week.

With a series of wins in its last games of the season, regionals and a state championship loom over the Warriors as the team seeks to accomplish its goal of the season with a state championship win.

“The team is playing well, we have to remain consistent and continue to get better by the basic fundamentals,” Tony Asaro, assistant coach, said.

A complete contrast from last week games, the Warriors dominated Pasadena, a team that is last place in the South Coast Conference.

“They had nothing to really lose, if they beat us it means nothing to them (statistically speaking), but if we lose it means everything to us, so we try to imagine if they were the first place team and go out there and beat them,” Sean Isaac, pitcher, said.

On Tuesday, April 24, the first of the three games against Pasadena, the Warriors won by a large margin, 19-7.

“One of the biggest factors, we kind of changed our approach to the plate, hard linedrives through the middle, we all had that mindset, hit the ball straight down the middle, playing offensively,” Cole Trezek, third baseman, said.

Five runs were scored by the Knights in the

fifth inning giving its team a one run advantage until the Warriors scored an additional eight runs in the sixth and five in the eighth.

“Knocked down a couple runs, we didn’t back down to the challenge of over hitting them,” Trezek said. “We stuck to our approach and ended up beating them by a large margin,” Trezek added.

The April 26 game was won with a complete blowout against Pasadena, 11-0.

Pitchers Rafael Ramirez, Grant Wessel, and Sean Isaac threw a complete shutout with 10 total strikeouts and no pitching errors.

“I had faith in my defense to make plays, I just basically wanted to go out there, make strikes, and make those last three outs,” Isaac said.

In the last game of the season on April 27 the Warriors won, 6-3.

Brice Savage, infielder, scored a total of 3 runs.

“We were really happy to win our last game, plus a spot in playoffs,” Trezek said.

The Warriors will go to the regional playoffs tomorrow and Saturday with times and locations to be announced on the El Camino athletics website.

Super Regionals will be played May 11 to May 13 and if the team qualifies, the Final Four State Championship May 18 to May 20.

“How we prepare physically or mentally, we won’t change anything,” Asaro said. “We prepare our guys from the beginning of the season so we don’t have to change.”

Robert Long/ Union Victor Martin takes first place in shot put with 51-10 and advances to the Southern California Regional Championships.

NIO U N EL CAMINO COLLEGE

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Facebook.com/ElCaminoUnion Michael Williams/ Union Prior to the game on the road at Pasadena City Colege, players are seen having some fun as Arley Shwabb, shortstop, Trinidad Loeza, umpire, and Marvin Flores, catcher, wait with excitement.