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ARTS, PAGE 6: Faculty display passion through artwork
EL CAMINO COLLEGE
October 18, 2012
Serenade to serenity
Torrance, California
Voter reg. creates controversy Thomas Schmit Staff Writer
Michael Stone/ Union
Psychology/Music major Angel Velazco finds a quiet area near the library to practice the guitar. The 24 year old hopes to use music as a form of therapy. Music helps relieve the stress of a busy student life.
Despite repeated complaints of alleged coercion and possible voter registry fraud over several weeks, the majority of independent voter registration solicitors are still being allowed on campus, school officials said last Monday. One such complaint is from Stephanie Schwartz, English professor. Schwartz said that Ahande Femi, who is, according to his badge, an independent contractor hired by the Republican affiliated AAV group (Femi refused to identify what AAV stood for in a later interview), attempted to pull forms from her hands to prevent her from marking her affiliation as a Democrat. “He held up a badge that said Republican on it, and said ‘I’m working for these guys,’ and then added, ‘I gotta get paid!’” Schwartz said. Femi said that no such event happened, showing the bottoms of two registration forms that had been marked as Democratic in the affiliation section. “I sign up Democrats, Independents and Republicans. I do them all. I get paid for
them all,” Femi said. Many of these solicitors are from completely unrelated groups, and while the complaints regarding the handling of voter registation are widespread, only single individuals can be held accountable for each complaint, Rebecca Cobb, director of student development, said. “I’ve even witnessed it (coercion) myself, and I made that person leave campus,” Cobb said. However, while complaints have been numerous, many of them have been vague and came long after the incident happened, preventing the Student Development office from identifying any transgressors, Cobb said. “I only have a staff of six people to handle everything,” Cobb said. “There’s nobody to sit out there and monitor solicitors, so we really need people to come in and tell us who is doing this and where they are.” While school rules require all solicitors to register, some solicitors are showing up on campus completely unauthorized, with absolutely no accountability to the school, Cobb said. “Part of the issue is that
there are authorized people and unauthorized people on campus, and even the ones who come in to fill out the forms for authorization aren’t always the ones actually taking down people’s information on campus,” Cobb said. Authorized solicitors are required by the college to wear a badge clearly identifying their name, party and group affiliations, Cobb said. Students need to be wary of any attempts to coerce or alter their registration forms, such as being asked to leave portions of the form incomplete, Schwartz said. “These guys could just be filling out blank registration forms after a student leaves, getting legitimate names and addresses and then registering them for their party,” Schwartz said. Students won’t have to worry long about registration solicitors, Femi said. “After this week I will not be here anymore. After this we will all be going door to door instead,” Femi said. The last day to register for the Nov. 6 election was yesterday. -Rigo Bonilla contributed to this story.
Faculty discussing campus skateboarding and consequences Coree Heard Staff Writer
Before this semester began, police, faculty and students met to discuss ways to enforce skateboarding regulations, Sgt Jonathan Ott said. The district’s mission is to provide the entire student body with safe access, including the impaired students and faculty, Sgt. Ott added. “Last spring Chief Mike Trevis spoke to Associated Students (Organization) to inform students about skateboarding on campus,” Rebecca Cobb, director of student development said. “There are consequences. It’s a violation of student conduct codes.”
If students are cited multiple times for skateboarding on campus, the campus police will then inform Cobb. “If it’s excessive (and citations are unpaid) then they will end up going to court,” Cobb said. In the past, faculty members have discussed designing signs with a slogan that will be displayed around campus, Cobb added. “If it’s a problem, then we all need to start saying something,” Cobb said. “We (will start to) make the practice and the behavior uncomfortable.” Police are noticing that certain semesters generate more of the illegal skateboarding traffic on campus. The fall semester most likely gener-
ates the most skateboarding because of all the new students, Ott said. Every semester police and faculty warn students about skateboarding on campus. “It’s simply a risk management issue,” Ott said. “With (approximately) 18,000 students, we have a lot of pedestrian traffic.” In the first two weeks of each semester, the police only advise students to not ride their skateboards on campus, Ott said. “They (skateboarders) mistake it for permission to do it,” Ott said. “The congestion alone just makes it dangerous.” Although new measures are continuing to be discussed, not everyone on
campus agrees. “I’m not messing up the concrete,” Josh Alvarado, 20, communication major said. “I’m not hurting anyone. I had a knee problem last spring. I was sitting on my skateboard and rolled over to a bush and they (police) gave me a ticket. I got a $140 ticket.” The dollar amount of the citations is determined by Torrance courthouse, Sgt. Ott said. If prices do rise on citations, it is the law makers who make those decisions, Ott said. “I think that’s stupid,” Ric House, 21, psychology major said. “Why would you charge someone for skating on campus? It’s not like we’re going to do something
crazy.” There are plenty of disabled and impaired people on campus and “they may (accidentally) step into the skateboards way,” Ott added. “I hear them zoom by,” Marietta Scott, 51, business major said. “I am legally blind. Regulations are regulations (and) they should get a citation.” In the past, people have been injured because of skateboarding on campus, Ott said. “Over the many years that I’ve been here, we’ve had several senior citizens ran into,” Sgt. Ott added The college spends money to help the students not get cited, Ott said. The signs are not an “extended April fool’s joke.”
Great ShakeOut earthquake drill today Medieval weapons hands-on display today Victor Liptzin Staff Writer
NEWS LINE
In preparation for a possible earthquake, EC and other schools and businesses around the world will be participating the Great ShakeOut today at 10:18 a.m. The ShakeOut is an emergency drill where student must find a place to cover up, follow an escape route, meet up in a safe location and form an overall emergency plan, according to a newsletter on Elcamino.edu. “I think that students are going to feel satisfied and confident that by practicing, they’ll know what to do if we experience an actual earthquake.” Rocky Bonura, director of business services, said. The first step of the drill will be an imagined earthquake.
By Monique Judge
“At 10:18 am, all faculty, students and staff will drop, cover and hold on,” according to Elcamino.edu. The second step will be evacuation. Students will have to “identify emergency personnel,” who will then lead students to a safe spot, Banura said. “They will wear bright-colored vests that will identify them as building captains or floor leaders,” added Banura. Once evacuated, students will have a chance to gather in their designated areas to perhaps discuss their emergency plans. However, some students would prefer to continue working on their schoolwork. “I kinda wish it wasn’t in the middle of my class,” Edgar Diaz, 23, music major, said. Some students, on the other hand,
welcome the idea of the 30 to 45 minute respite from class. “Honestly, I think it’s a good idea,” Lance Fujimoto, 22, auto technology major, said. “We are in earthquake zone. Earthquakes, they just happen. I don’t mind the 40 minutes.” The ShakeOut has been such a success in the past four years, that the once California based program, is now spreading worldwide, Bonura said. According to shakeout.org/california, other states and countries will also participate like, Alaska, Arizona, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Canada and Southern Italy. Students can visit shakout.org/ California for more information. Bonura says that although “we haven’t seen a real disaster,” it is important to be prepared.
Workshop for admission appilications to CSUs
Distinguished alumni awards
Cal Poly Pomona Bus Tour scheduled
Undeclared students workshop
USC Bus Tour scheduled by transfer services
Students planning to apply for admission to the California State University system may want to attend the informative CSU Application Workshop taking place Thursday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Social Science, Room 213. For more information, call 310660-3593, ext. 3408.
The EC Foundation will be honoring past EC college students during the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Awards, taking place Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in the East Dining Room. For more information, contact Nancy Tonner at 310-6603593, ext. 6039.
Transfer Services has organized a trip to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona on Saturday. Payment of a $5 refundable deposit is required. Sign up in the Transfer Center located in the Student Services Building, 1st Floor.
For students who are undecided about their major and career goals, Career Services has planned a workshop for Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in SSC 106. Interested parties must sign up with Career Services at 310660-3593, ext. 6137.
The University of Southern California will be having its fall transfer day on Friday, Oct. 26. Transfer Services has arranged a bus tour to USC on that day, and interested students are encouraged to register early by signing up in the Transfer Center and paying the refundable $5 deposit.
Angela Songco Staff Writer
Students will be given a chance to have a hands-on experience on historical armaments during a medieval weaponry presentation at Social Sciences, Room 205, today at 1 p.m. Edgar Pacas, adjunct history professor, said the presentation on weaponry will focus more on on the early British history like the Vikings, Romans and among others with the use of his personal collections of replicated artifacts from the era. “It is a unique opportunity for students to feel, see and experience how heavy the weapons are,” Florence Baker, history professor, said. “In a museum or elsewhere, you will never get the chance to lift a sword,” Baker added.
Pacas said that the presentation will not only showcase the weapons and armors, but also the factors that influenced their development and refinement. “Aside from the armor and weapons, we will also discuss how they were made, the historical importance of these weapons, the military technology behind them and their political implications and significance,” Pacas said. Baker said that Pacas is knowledgeable of the evolution of weaponry and had done a number of presentations about it in the past. Paul Hiraoka, 42, psychology major, said that these presentations had been very popular and well received. “Usually, all the seats are filled and it is almost standing room only,” Hiraoka said. “In his (Pacas) presentations,
there is room for everyone. He does it in way that affects general interest, not only for historians.” The event is free and open to everyone. It is sponsored by Baker and the History Club. “In order to be a good historian, in order to understand history, it is important to have a good historical imagination,” Baker said. “It is one thing to be able to say ‘a battle occurred’ and this is the outcome on such a date,’ but to be able to imagine it through the mind and seeing it, it will help them bring the facts to life.” Baker encouraged students to attend. “It will give them better understanding. The enthusiasm and knowledge of Mr. Pacas will bring an opportunity for everyone to experience and appreciate history,” Baker added.
EDITORIAL
2 El Camino College Union
October 18, 2012
Debunking earthquake myths can help students
Illustration by Viridiana Vaca-Rios
The big one is coming! With disastrous earthquakes happening all over the world, there has been plenty of talk about when the big earthquake will happen in Southern California. While there is no way to know exactly when, and if, it will happen, it’s safe to say that it is best to be as prepared as possible. It is also important to know what not to do because many people follow safety precautions that are simply myths. Myth No.1; Doorways were believed to be the safest place to be during an earthquake. According to the Earthquake Country website, the only way this can be true is if ones’ home is made out of adobe. In today’s homes, doorways are no stronger than any other part of the house. Myth No.2: Dogs and other animals can “sense” when an earthquake is going to strike. While most dog-lovers think that their pets can do just about anything, dogs can’t actually sense an earthquake. According to the State of California’s Department of Conservation website, while changes in animal behavior have been observed prior to earthquakes, their
behavior shows no consistency and sometimes no perceptible behavior change. Myth No.3: Earthquakes happen during earthquake weather: It’s pretty much a guarantee you have overheard someone talk about it “feeling like earthquake weather.” While someone’s grand-
The Issue • Earthquake preparedness involves debunking myths.
Our Stand • Students would be better informed if earthquake myths were explained.
mother can guarantee that this extreme high rise in temperature in the month of October is a sign of what is to come, the truth is that an earthquake can happen at anytime. According to the same website, this belief comes from the earthquakes that would happen during hot and dry weather in ancient Greece.
Myth No.4: California could fall into the sea if a big earthquake happens. Admit it. If one hasn’t heard about this from friends and family, they might have Google’d it themselves to see if they needed to get their floaties out and learn how to swim in case of an emergency. While that would make for a good movie, the truth is that the movement of California is horizontal, so while L.A. is moving toward San Francisco, California won’t sink. Myth No.5: Earthquakes are likely to happen in the morning. How did this one come about? Well, if earthquakes can’t happen because of the type of weather, chances are that they won’t happen because they favor the morning or afternoon. If those that believe this myth would look at some of the biggest earthquakes ever recorded, they could easily see that it happens at anytime. So there it is. Instead of giving advice on what to do in case of an earthquake, this suggests what not to do in order to stay safe and avoid any tragedies. —See related article on Page 1
Voting is about more than just showing up at the polling place Using the Internet will keep voters informed thoughout the voting process Voting to some is as sensitive as religion. Some people are able to talk about it and some prefer to stay quiet, mostly to avoid a debate or awkward conversation. As sensitive as it is to talk about, it shouldn’t be taken lightly or avoided. Voting should be an educated action that is taken seriously by all who eligible to vote. On Nov. 6, voters will be asked to pick a president who will represent voters for the next four years. Voters will also be asked to vote on propositions that could change everything in this state from how education is funded to how food is labeled.
Before heading out to vote, students should ask themselves the following questions: What political parties will represent my viewpoints best and why do they deserve my support? What measures on the ballot do you support and why? And with the presidential election looming ahead, which candidate will represent the U.S. best for the next four years? These are all questions that can be answered by doing some research.With the Internet so readily accessible through our smart phones and computers available for every student on campus, it’s easy to research and stay informed. Making excuses
to not vote is commonly a cause of not being informed. If citizens were informed about issues related to them they might feel more passionately about voting and making a choice. The U.S. government’s website, www.usa.gov, is a great first place to start searching around for information about how to vote and what measures or elections are coming up. In America, the legal age is 18 years old and the voter must be registered prior to arriving at the polls.In addition to the listed criteria, registration to vote here in California is 15 days before the date of election; each state has different deadlines, according
ASO urges everyone to go out and vote CAMPUS INSIGHT Hands are quivering, a drop of sweat comes down the forehead and one waits in anticipation for the fate of his or her academic endeavor. Tiffany Tran 19, public health We have all experienced it: the major agonizing task of registering for classes. It is safe to say that the biggest pitfall of attending a community college is the class registration. Many students are frustrated and disenchanted by the dire fight to register for needed classes. There are just not enough classes for the growing amount of students to accommodate. Therefore, what is the solution to the problem? In a perfect world, all students would not be turned away from a college education. However, everyone knows this is not the case. It has been estimated that the California Community Colleges have turned away about 670,000 students. I, a member of the Associated Students Organization at EC, and other ASO members are working tirelessly to advocate for community college students, especially for this growing issue. ASO members are speaking to legislators to help increase exposure to this pervasive problem. The budget cuts that pour down from Sacramento
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Vol. 66, No. 06 October 18, 2012
E -mail: eccunion@gmail.com Newsroom: (310) 660-3328 Advertising: (310) 660-3329
account for some of this issue. Thus, the upcoming election Nov. 6 will decide whether this issue will continue. Proposition 30 will appear on the voting ballot and it is imperative for college students to be aware of it. Proposition 30 would generate revenue for both K-12 and college school systems by increasing the state sales tax by 0.25 percent for the next four years. Vice Chancellor Troy, has estimated that 20,000 new seats could open up to incoming students if it passes. Now the fate of our college career is in our hands in the upcoming election by voting yes on Proposition 30.
The views expressed here are the author’s and do not represent those 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 articles may be edited for content, length, and style.
Editor-in-Chief ���������������������������������������� Viridiana Vaca-Rios News Editor ................................................................Rigo Bonilla Co-Opinion Editor ��������������������������������������� Jorge Maldonado Co-Opinion Editor ������������������������������������������ Zachary Weber Arts Editor ��������������������������������������������������������������� Phil Prins Sports Editor ������������������������������������������������������Mary Alvarez Photo Editor ����������������������������������������������������������Philip Prins Advertising Manager ������������������������������������Stephanie Alcorn Adviser ����������������������������������������������������������Lori Medigovich Adviser ���������������������������������������������������������Kate McLaughlin Technical Support ����������������������������������������������������Don Treat
the U.S. government’s website. Becoming a poll worker through the Election Assistance Commission allows first hand experience through the voting process and allows the opportunity to stay politically informed. The EAC’s website also carries resources and tips for voters with a “tips card” detailing voting information and voter guides. The California Secretary of State’s website, www.sos.ca.gov, provides voting resources with information for new voters, locating your polling place and detailed information on ballot measures such as Proposition 30. Voting coercion has been an
ongoing issue that the government is aware of and is researching ways to stop this concern. Through their research they have coined the term “election crimes” to scale down the broad term of “voting fraud.” As citizens of this country who may have ancestors who fought for voting rights, it’s important to continue to vote and keep our freedom of voting without coercion. This voting season is especially important to college students as it directly effects them with the ballot measure, Proposition 30. Educational funding has been a hot topic for the past few years
as budget cuts continue to happen. Students can voice their opinion on these cuts by voting in elections, but they will not do so if not well informed before hand. Taking advantage of these resources now will help for future elections as voting is a revolving door. Presidential elections and proposed ballot measures will continue to occur as well as people persuading votes or party affiliations. To take a stand against this or from avoiding this type of situation, a well-informed voter is the only defense. —See related article on Page 1
Halloween costumes remain seductive COMMENTARY For a holiday taking place in the chilly nights of October, it is amazing how revealing and provocative Halloween costumes have become over the years. Brooke Buckaway Staff Writer Trendy “sexy” Halloween costumes are nothing new to the public, but over the years, the trend has started to take a drastic turn and is sending a very provocative message. Walking into a costume store, all there is to purchase are scandalous nurse costumes or promiscuous fairy dresses that cost much more than the tiny bit of fabric used to construct the costume. It is rare to find a costume in stores that is not revealing some part of the body or have some beautiful woman posing in a seductive manner on the cover of the costume box. What has happened to the innocent horror and childish fun of dressing up for Halloween? The 2004 movie “Mean Girls” came up with a reasonable explanation for the trend—“Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it.” The difference between wearing a costume and wearing what’s in the closet is a costume makes a statement, a departure from ones normal behavior, according to an article in “Adolescence” by Kimberly
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.
Miller and Cynthia Jasper. Halloween advertises promiscuity more than any other holiday and no one seems to have an answer as to why this has become such a popular trend. Miller and Jasper state that dressing in costume allows a person to step out of their normal characteristics and be comfortable with social settings outside of the norm. It seems today that costumes are getting shorter and neck-lines are plunging lower. The greater issue to this trend is the message that it is promoting to both men and women. For women, the sexy Halloween costume promotes promiscuity and sex appeal and allows women to dress in a way that is far from what they wear on a consistent basis. Men are then encouraged to promote the sexy Halloween trend, which in turn removes childish fun from the holiday and turns it into a sexual soirée instead of a friendly social gathering. While some are hoping for this to simply be a generational trend, with the way Halloween fashions are evolving, costumes are likely to become more scandalous and revealing in the years to come. And with mainstreams stores such as Wal-Mart and Target selling form-fitting costumes for teen girls and women the trend has yet to show evidence of slowing down any time soon.
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OPINION
October 18, 2012
El Camino College Union
UP FOR DEBATE
Election Day is coming, who are you voting for?
Why students should vote for Barack Obama
cy and cooperation between peoples. So there it is. A president who will come in and set back this country in a time where Americans need change and progress? Or a president who is for change, growth, education, health care, civil rights and most importantly, is a president for the people.
Karly Daquila Staff Writer
Election day is less than one month away and the question on almost every American’s mind is “Who will the next President be?” A heated debate on Oct. 3 between President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney, which was won by Romney, proved that Americans are reconsidering
Illustration by Karla Marmolejo
their Presidential choice, according to a recent poll conducted by Gallup (objective collector of public opinion.) While in office as governor of Massachusetts from 2003-2007, “Romney added tens of thousands of new jobs lowered the state’s unemployment rate, and balanced the state budget every year without borrowing or raising taxes,” Ryan Williams, Romney Spokesman said. “Romney’s effective management skills have brought awareness that his capabilities of saving Massachusetts’ economy can rescue the nation from its current recession,” Paul Watanabe, political science professor, at the University of Massachusetts, said. However, one of the factions under scrutiny, which hits close to home with college students during the presidential election, is the increased eligibility for federal school loans and Pell Grant. Pell Grants are subsidies the federal government gives to college students primarily low-income families, although middle-class families are also eligible, according to Investors.com. Paul Ryan, Romney’s running mate, has been criticized for his remarks of wanting to reduce funding for Pell Grants, remarks of which Romney has backed away from. Romney’s educational plan hopes to “refocus Pell Grant dollars on the students that need them most and place the program on a responsible, long-term path that avoids future funding cliffs and lastminute funding patches,” according to USNews.com. By refocusing Pell Grant dollars, those who receive Pell Grants and any form of student loan will have a much lower debt to repay in the long term. Romney’s goals of creating millions of new jobs over the next four years and lifting our nation out of debt if elected, this is a positive light for those who are hoping to graduate within the near future.
October is a month for schools to bring awareness against bullying COLUMN
Karly Daquila Staff Writer
When I was a little girl, I remember being taught to talk through agression in solving problems. Rather than giving the little girl who took my crayons a swift kick in the shin; though sometimes I may have attempted a punt or two. Looking back, I really appreciate the non-violent and nonjudgmental approach to solving differences that was imprinted on me from such a young age. However, the more news I read, the more I see a backlash of
CAMPUS CORNER By Zachary Weber
Why students should vote for Mitt Romney
Viridiana Vaca-Rios Editor-in-Chief
There is no need to ask who the next president of the U.S. should be. The answer is simple: President Barack Obama. Obama is up for re-election, and he is the best choice for the U.S., as he has already implemented many changes and improved Americans’ way of life. When he isn’t advocating for civil rights, education and health care, Obama is working hard to keep the country moving forward. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about? Moving forward? Another reason that Obama should be re-elected is because he is focusing on getting this country back on track. According to the Huffington Post, under president Obama, there has been “thirty straight months of job growth, creating 4.6 million new private sector jobs.” Then there is Obama Care. With so many Americans in need of medical attention and without health care, Obama has made sure to help those in need. According to an article by the Huffington Post, Obama’s health plan has “allowed uninsured Americans to reap the benefits of a universal health care system.” His health plan also allows women to be in charge of their own health, it makes sure that women no longer have to pay more than men do for the same type of services. Republican candidate Mitt Romney has made it clear that if elected, on day one, he would get rid of such a thing. And then there is the funding of the Violence against Women Act. This act addresses the criminality of sexual assault and domestic violence and gives women the services needed in order to overcome them. Obama is also for peace. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for strengthening international diploma-
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violence within the U.S., a lot of which is based off of judgment, control and personal relationships. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, according to pacer.org (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights). In 2006, what started as one day of unity, evolved into a month of awareness. Often overlooked and thought of as a right of passage into adulthood, thousands of teens are bullied every day at school. According to pacer.org, 16,000 students stay home from school because they are afraid of being bullied. Less than 20 percent of schools offer comprehensive protections for students being bullied, especially those within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. Tomorrow is Spirit Day, organized by GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defa-
CAMPUS VIEWPOINTS By Zachary Weber and Rigo Bonilla
mation) to take a stand against bullying. Spirit Day came to be in 2010 in the wake of multiple suicides from LGBT individuals who were bullied within their school and work communities. Supporters are encouraged to wear purple to stand in solidarity with those who are victims of anti-gay bullying. A staggering 85 percent of students report being harassed in school because of their real or perceived sexual orientation, 64 percent of students report being harassed for being too masculine of feminine, according to GLSEN.org (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network). The notion that someone can physically or emotionally harass another based on what they “should” look like or do is disheartening. Even though we are living in the 21st Century, there is still division, even something so primitive as picking on the
“lesser being.” “Everyone has a right to peaceful coexistence, the basic personal freedoms, the alleviation of suffering, and the opportunity to live a productive life,” President Jimmy Carter said. As humans, everyone has a right to live their life as fully and healthily as possible. However, when another controls someone’s life, basic rights are being violated. In a study conducted by the cyberbullying Research Center, 20 percent of respondents reported seriously thinking about attempting suicide while 19 percent reported attempting suicide because of bullying, both cyberand non-cyber. Hurts that are caused by bullying have lasting effects on the victims emotionally and physically with the potential to create a cycle of violence or even result in suicide. Verbal and physical harass-
ment are often overlooked and justified in today’s current society. Brushed off as sarcasm or “joking around” bullying should not be taken lightly and that violent or aggressive behavior one day will affect someone for the rest of his or her life. Speaking out against harassment and showing non-violent conflict resolution can change the face of communication for generations to come. Please connect with me by email at karlydaquila@gmail.com Follow me on Twitter @ECCUnionKarly 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.
Christopher Jocson Co-captain Cheerleading
Christopher Jocson is the cocaptain of the EC cheerleading squad. This is his third year on the team. How many times a week do you practice? About twice a week and Saturdays as well. Competition season is coming up and we are going to add two more practice days. What is the competition like? My first season was amazing, we made it to state nationals. We had a full tumbling squad. Then the year after that, it wasn’t so great. We did one competition, unfortunately we had people drop. Do you have any big events coming up? Right now it’s football season, so we do a lot of football games. We cheer on the sidelines, we do halftime shows. What is your routine? We have various routines, we can do sideline routines, we do have halftime routines. Stunts are incorporated group stunts, partner stunts and with pyramids. What do you want people to know about cheerleading? It’s definitely not as easy as people think. I’ve been cheering since high school and I wasn’t great at. Is cheerleading a sport? I think it’s a sport, but because of women’s rights article 14 it prohibits cheerleading from being a sport. It’s a very controversial issue. Do you enjoy being on the cheerleading team? Yes, of course! My favorite part of cheerleading is the competition season. Being on the spring floor, you have lights on you, there is loud music. Once the music starts, it’s an adrenaline rush. It’s my happy place. Why do you think people recognize cheerleading? Maybe because it’s a small community. We do have high expectations not a lot of people know about us. Our coaches have high standards when we audition someone.
Election Day is coming, who are you voting for?
REPORTED FROM CAFE CAMINO
Katrina Zertuche, 20, International Buisness Major
Andrew Wieland, 18, Envirormental Science Major
Elizabeth Owairu, 17, Nursing Major
Luchia Garvey, 18, Architecture Major
Michael Lopez, 21, Sociology Major
Jacob Merkousky, 18, Art Major
“Obama. I think he’s done a good job so far running this country.”
“Romney. His fiscal policies are better. His Foreign policies are better also.”
“Obama. Having a black president is rare. We might not get financial aid without him.”
“Romney. I don’t see anything Obama did that was good. Taxes and gasoline prices went up.”
“Obama. He seems like he is going to do good things for this country.”
“Romney. Obama hasn’t done enough. I want to see what Romney is going to do.”
ARTS
4 El Camino College Union
October 18, 2012
ON THE SCENE By Monique Judge
Art Alumna one woman photography exhibit Former student Lyn Watanabe, photography alumna, has a onewoman exhibition in the gallery space at Amore Vino in Old Town Torrance from Oct. 2-31 with a reception being held Oct. 18 from 6-9 p.m. Watanabe’s exhibit is influenced by the photography of French photojournalist Henri Cartier-Bresson. Amore Vino is located at 1441 Marcelina Avenue, Torrance. The exhibit is free to the public.
Fine Arts Faculty Show 2012 The annual Faculty Show 2012 runs now through Nov. 1 in the Art Gallery. The exhibit is a showing of work by fine arts faculty and includes photography, jewelry, cast metal concretions, mixed media installations and glass sculpture. The Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, and noon to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. For more information, call 310-6603010.
Film Eastern Canada, the Maritime Province The Discovery Film Series continues with the exploration of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, also known as the Canadian Maritimes. The film documents the local attractions and is a todo list item for any prospective traveler. Showtimes are at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Marsee Auditorium. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the Ticket Office, on the Center for the Arts website, or by calling 1-800832-ARTS.
Philip Prins/ Union
Students, teachers and community members mingle and wander through the Art Gallery during the reception for the 2012 Faculty Exhibit. The art work in the exhibit is by faculty from the art and photography departments and will be on display through Nov. 1
Faculty display passion through their art Sarah Bemme Staff Writer
Faculty from the art and photography departments have brought together a dynamic range of personal artwork for the Faculty Show 2012 in the Art Gallery, which runs through Nov. 1. Each art piece reflects the individual inspirations, experiences and passion of the instructors. One of these artists is Harrison Storms, life drawing instructor. Storms donated two of his works to the Gallery, which he said focus on the theme of transition. The pieces are abstract and use lines and contrasting values to appear as though changing “from one state to another state.” “They represent what I’m interested in talking about in my art that I’ve been working on for ten years,” Storms said. “It’s sort of evolved,” he said. In addition to the more traditional works in the Gallery, like paintings and sculptures, the side room of the Gallery contains an interactive installation by Ali Ahmadpour, associate professor, with a center piece that is a ceiling high statue of a person standing on a bed of nails with the base
draped in American flags. The exhibit is meant to represent the death of America due to corporate influences and allows people to share their thoughts on current political issues on note cards and write slogans on balloons, which then become part of the exhibit. Ahmadpour said that he hopes students will take part in the art piece, both by filling out the provided note cards and balloons and by watching a video that highlights corporate influence in America. “Hopefully, people will come here to listen and watch, and will express themselves,” he said. “The rest (the statue) is a kind of altar to the death of democracy in the United States.” In its own corner of the Gallery is another installation, a bench and chair wrapped in lush plants from Michael Lewis Miller, gallery management instructor. Miller said that spreading the word about California native plants is his current passion. The scented flowers and hand-made bench invite Gallery guests to sit down for a while to enjoy the native plants, while a wood and glass box contains information about the plants to educate visitors, Miller said.
“I have a California native garden myself which I consider an art piece,” he said, “I designed this to go in my yard, to help spread the word about the benefits of native plants.” Similarly motivated by her passion, photography lecturer Susan Ste. Marie’s art works are colorful, textured wooden sticks and a multicolored fabric lamp. They are intimate views into both her life and the lives of those from other cultures, she said. “They’re called assimilation because they’re layers of information from other cultures and both of these (pieces) honor individuals and places I’ve been,” Ste. Marie said. “It’s very personal.” Gallery curator Susanna Meiers also has pieces in the show, which she said spring from nature and occasionally from her dreams. Meiers also helped to organize and arrange the show, inviting faculty members to contribute their work, she said. “I’m inspired by a combination of nature and dreams, and nature is the source of most emotional imagery,” Meiers said. “As for the show, it’s an interesting look for students into what people are doing privately.”
A voice that rises above the rest Brooke Buckaway Staff Writer
As the accompanist vigorously taps on the piano keys, Pauline Tamale, 22, music major, feels the rush of adrenaline as her voice matches the pitch of the piano and her vocal chords rise to the occasion. For Tamale, music is a way of life, but the vocalist started out on a very different path, she said. “I started out studying English and wanted to be an ESL teacher,” Tamale said. “I come from a very musical family and my dad was always pushing me to pursue music.” Tamale, who spent her childhood on the island of Tonga in the Pacific Islands, grew up singing choir music but never imagined that a music career was in her future. She started college majoring in English but was taking two music courses and quickly realized that singing was her true calling in life and decided to change her major. “Those two classes reflected my passion and I remember thinking ‘this is what I want to do,’” Tamale said. Tamale has been studying music for 2 years and in that time has impressed her professors with her passion, drive, and willingness to learn, Vicki Muto, adjunct music lecturer, said. “I was substituting for a professor the first time I heard Tamale sing,” Muto said. “Her voice is beautifully clear and resonate and has a beautiful color quality.” Kenner Bailey, piano accompanist, said that he was also impressed by Tamale’s musical skills. “She is really wonderful as a vocalist,” Baileysaid. “You either have it or you don’t and it’s not something that you can make happen, and Tamale has a beautiful voice.” Along with taking applied music classes, Tamale who was selected to perform in a master class run by Gary Glaze, the head of the University of Southern California’s voice department. Of the 15 students who auditioned to participate in the master class, Tamale was one of only four students selected. “Professor Glaze is very knowledgeable as a professor and performer and Tamale was able to use all the knowledge that he gave her,” Muto said. During the master class, Tamale received vital criticism and was given tips as to how to perform to her full capacity, she said. “That had been my biggest accomplishment to date,” Tamale said. “I can’t thank God enough for that experience. It gave me something to work toward and work beyond.” In the future, Tamale said she hopes to attend USC and be a part of their music program but is also planning to apply to several conservatories as
well. “This is not the start of my musical career but it is not the end,” Tamale said. “I am still studying and am always learning.” Muto said he is confident that Tamale has the necessary characteristics to make it in the competitive field of classical music. “She is very organized and enjoys the process of learning,” Muto said. Muto said that each piece of music must be broken down in order to perform it to the fullest potential and said that Tamale shows an eagerness and desire to go the extra mile during the process. “I honestly love anything to do with music, but singing opera is my favorite,” Tamale said. “I hope to one day reach the level of performance to be able to sing with an orchestra.”
Philip Prins/ Union
Pauline Tamale, 22, music major, sings “Lachen und Weinen” by Franz Shubert. Tamale was recently chosen to participate in a master class taught by Gary Glaze, head of USC’s music department.
October 18, 2012
ON DECK By Mary Alvarez
SPORTS
Saturday at 6 p.m. at College of the Desert Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. at EC vs. Citrus College
MEN’S SOCCER Tomorrow at 4 p.m. at EC vs. Pasadena City College Oct. 23 at 4 p.m. at EC vs. Mt. San Antonio College Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. at Cerritos College
WOMEN’S SOCCER Tomorrow at 2 p.m. at EC vs. Pasadena City College Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. at EC vs. Mt. San Antonio College Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. at Cerritos College
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Tomorrow at 6 p.m. at L.A. Trade Tech Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at East L.A. College Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. at EC vs. L.A. Harbor College Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. at Long Beach City College
MEN’S WATER POLO Oct. 24 at 4:15 p.m. at EC vs. L.A. Trade Tech
WOMEN’S WATER POLO Oct. 24 at 3 p.m. at EC vs. L.A. Trade Tech
5
Men’s soccer team moves up in standings Zachary Weber
FOOTBALL
El Camino College Union
Co-Opinion Editor
Motivated by a bad performance in the previous game, Nolan Dean, goalkeeper, was focused and ready to bounce back strong. Making one incredible save after another, Dean had a dominating performance as he helped his team shutout East L.A. College, 1-0 last Friday. Dean made seven key stops and his third shutout of the season. “I’m just glad we got the shutout; last game was pretty embarrassing,” Dean said. “I was just making sure to keep the ball out of the net.” Teammate Ozzy Rodriguez, midfielder, was giddy about Deans’ performance. “Nolan coming off a bad loss got it together,” Rodriguez said. “It was an incredible performance; his (Dean) reaction time and every time the ball was in the air he was there to catch it.” Andrew Britton, assistant coach, said Nolan stood out in the field and had a dominating performance. “It was a hard fought game, Nolan was outstanding; He made some great saves,” Britton said. The defense was also a key contributor to the Warriors’ winning game. “We tightened up the defense and didn’t give up East Los Angeles too much, but overall a much better performance,” John Britton, coach, said. “Our defense was very good. We got pressure on their shooters,” Andrew Britton, said. In the 35th minute, Jessie Chamberlain, midfielder,
scored the only goal for the Warriors. The Warriors improve their record to 6-4-1, 4-2-0. “It was a free kick that didn’t go directly to me and the ball was deflected off of another player. Instincts carried me, and I blasted it into the net,” Chamberlain said. After a disappointing loss to Harbor College, the Warriors didn’t underestimate the opponent. “East L.A. College can run, and they were a physical team with high intensity from the beginning to the end of the game on our part,” Rodriguez said. Toward the end of the game, the intensity picked up and the game got physical. “It got kind of chippy and it was a good, high intense game from beginning to end,” Rodriguez said He said he believes that now the focus is on winning the conference and hoping to contend for a playoff spot. “The mindset now is conference,” Rodriguez said. On Oct. 9, the Warriors played against Harbor College in a disappointing effort. The Warriors got shut out, 3-0. Chamberlain said he thinks the Warriors didn’t come out with the energy and focus. “We started off sloppy, lazy and mentally we weren’t in the game,” Chamberlain said. The Warriors weren’t playing to their potential and were not going in hard on tackles, Chamberlain added. “I feel like if we would have played the way we wanted to play, we would have beaten Harbor,” Chamberlain added. “If we play the way we want to play we can go pretty far,” Chamberlain said.
Mike Stone/ Union Luis Najera, No. 23, midfield, bumps heads with a player from East L.A. College trying to get in position to score a goal.
Men’s and women’s cross-country teams prepare for SCC Championship Brooke Buckaway Staff Writer
It is every runner’s worst nightmare. At last Friday’s meet, that nightmare came true for Reo Miranda, freshman. “I lost my shoe at the mile mark and it was half way on and half way off,” Miranda said. “I finally decided to just take it off and ran with only one shoe.” Miranda placed fourth for the men’s cross-country team and received minor blisters on his foot. “I was really nervous how it would affect my time, but I did OK,” Miranda said. The Mt. San Antonio course consisted of flat ground in the first
mile, switchbacks and minor hills in the second, and two large hills in the third mile with a repeat of the first mile in the last mile of the race. “It was a great race for me,” Jimi Duffin, sophomore, said. “It’s a very hilly course and I took it out slower in the beginning of the race and slowly started to pass people as they started to fade in the middle when I was feeling fresh.” As the majority of the runners started to fall back on the steep hills, the Warriors powered through and were able to work together as a team. “In cross-country, the teams with the lowest points place higher, so we were trying to work to-
gether to get as few points as possible,” Miranda said. With the next race being two weeks away, the runners are given the opportunity to continue training and working toward being their best. “We practice every day except Sunday to make sure we get as much mileage as possible,” Miranda said. “It’s all about building speed and endurance.” Coach Dean Lofgren said that cross-country is a high-risk sport. Lofgren added that the Warriors are training to keep themselves not only in shape, but in good health, as well. “I am trying to train smarter and not kill myself every practice,” Huffin said. “It’s about being
consistent and not wearing myself down.” The women Warriors did equally as well on Friday’s meet, placing ninth out of 23 colleges. “I think I did pretty well in comparison to my previous races,” Brittany Householder, sophomore, said. “At first, walking through the course I thought it was going to be really hard but it wasn’t as bad as I thought.” Anique Villegas and Nicole Sroczynski ran the three-mile race in under 19:00, with Sroczynski earning her second medal in the last two races. Both, Villegas and Sroczynski, set new personal records. “Everyone’s time was really
good and everyone was happy” Householder said. Although the women’s team is missing their fifth runner and at this time does not qualify for the state championship with five runners, the women are continuing to pursue excellence and are on the right track to make it to the state finals as individual runners, which the women are excited about. “Hopefully our missing woman can come back so we can make it to state as a team, but as a group everyone is getting stronger and gaining more confidence,” Householder said. Next week the Warriors will be preparing for the SouthCoast Conference Championships Oct. 26 at L.A. Pierce College.
SPORTS
6 El Camino College Union
October 18, 2012
Football team’s offense unable to advance the ball Sam Tedla
Staff Writer
Struggling to produce on offense, coach John Featherstone made a change in his five-receiver offense against Riverside City College Saturday in a loss, 63-35. Quarterback Jesse Scroggins finally found out how to connect with his receivers and came out of the game midway through the third quarter with a pinched nerve in his shoulder after a touchdown pass to Luckner Brady, wide receiver. “That was his (Scroggins) best game all year,” Featherstone said. “He went through his progression better, made better decisions; he ran it when he needed to and made some outstanding throws.” Scroggins also converted on the big plays with Brady, who also had his best game, catching seven passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns. “Luckner is one of the best receivers in the nation, and he hasn’t been able to show that because he hasn’t been healthy,” Featherstone said. The defense gave up 733 yards and allowed Riverside to complete nine of its 14 third downs. “For the most part, our defense has played very well this season,” Featherstone said. “We’ve had between 10 to 12 players out to injuries on defense, so we’re pretty much depleted now.”
Riverside ran a no-huddle offense, which wouldn’t allow some defensive players to substitute into their positions and know their responsibilities on that play. “They got their plays in fast and we were actually substituting another defensive package and it took us some time to really get set,” Royshaun Lewis, defensive back, said. “They run a fast offense, so once they call the play, they just snapped the ball and we were still trying to figure out where to line up at,” Lewis added. Warriors’ defensive coordinator Matt Kirk had prepared his defense all week for an up-tempo offense and instructed his players on their alignments and assignments. “There isn’t any formation that coach Kirk hasn’t prepared those guys for,” Featherstone said. “If there’s a problem during a timeout or when the offense is on the field, that’s when the defensive guys make their adjustments.” The Warriors have been preparing for their next game Saturday against College of the Desert and are looking forward to getting their first win. “We’re hoping our offense can continue to play this way and our defense can get a little healthier,” Featherstone said. “Hopefully we can win these last three games so we can get a bowl game.”
Philip Prins/ Union Brandon Lewis, running back, has the ball knocked out of his hands by the helmet of Chris Gonzalez, strong safety for the Riverside City College Tigers, early in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game. The Warriors lost to the Tigers, 63-35.
Women’s volleyball team has its first loss in the South Coast Conference Zachary Weber
Co-Opinion Editor
With a five-game winning streak on the line and the fans yelling and screaming, the women’s volleyball team found itself in a close game against Pasadena College last Friday. “The crowd was pretty rowdy and for every point Pasadena
made, it got louder and louder,” Celeste Tuioti-Mariner, outside hitter, said. The Warriors went on to lose the match in four sets 20-25, 2426, 25-20, 19-25 ending its 32nd game conference. “They had a lot of people at the gym,” Lindsey Colbert, right-side hitter, said. “It was echoing.” Assistant coach Jessica Juarez
said she thinks Pasadena’s crowd affected the teams’ performance. “Pasadena has a good crowd. It was difficult to communicate with our players,” Juarez said. “I think it definitely had to do with how the girls played.” Throughout the game, the Warriors went back-and-forth with Pasadena. “We won the third game, the
whole time we kept going back and forth,” Elise Tizon, outside hitter, said. Sophomore Nigeria Owens, middle blocker, had a balanced game with eight kills, three blocks and one dig. “I was consistent,” Owens said. “My blocking could have been better; I made a few hitter errors.” Le Valley Pattison, coach, said
Pasadena outmuscled the Warriors and they kept the ball in play. “We were in every game and could not close,” Pattison said. Juarez said she thinks players did not execute down the stretch and errors were made toward the end of the game. “It was very disappointing. When we would get a point there was no excitement,” Tizon said.
“The little things cost the Warriors their game and we continued to make a lot of hitting and serving errors,” Pattison said. Despite the loss the team is motivated and ready to compete. The Warriors’ next game is tomorrow against L.A. Trade Tech. “This loss was a wakeup call for us,” Juarez said. “We need to focus on the little things.”