EL CAMINO COLLEGE MAY 4, 2017 Follow us at /ECCUnion
THE UNION eccunion.com
Like us at /ElCaminoUnion
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA
Send us an email at /eccunion@gmail.com
G
Celebrando a los chicanos EC celebrates Chicano Culture month with wide array of events
El Camino celebra el mes de la cultura chicana
Selvin Rodas
Selvin Rodas
Staff Writer @ECCUnionSelvin
Reportero @ECCUnionSelvin
El Camino is hosting a monthlong “Celebration of Chicano Culture” which started on April 25, a Spanish professor said. To celebrate, the Office of Staff and Student Diversity, Behavioral & Social Sciences division, Humanities division and Student Equity program are coming together to sponsor several events featuring Chicano history, culture, and social progress. Some professors have come together to make these events possible. Argelia Andrade, Spanish professor, will contribute to month by dancing Folklorico, a typical Mexican dance because she feels so in tune with the Chicano culture. “What makes (Chicano culture) interesting to people is that they think it’s an extension of Mexican culture only, and although that may be the case to some extent, it’s really its own thing,” she said. Xocoyotzin Herrera, ethnic studies professor, is part of Conjunto Hueyapan which is a grammy nominated group and considers Chicanos to be an important part of American society. “Culturally speaking, it’s found everywhere in music, food, language, and history and this is something that shouldn’t be overlooked,” he said. The third lecture took place on May 2 and it was about how Chicanas are making their way into literature. This lecture was presented by assistant Spanish professor from West Los Angeles College, Sandra Ruiz, who said she is proud to be part of this culture. All events are free and open to the public, however, a monthly parking permit or a $3 daily permit is required to park on campus.
El camino es anfitrión de la “Celebración a la cultura chicana” que comenzó el martes, 25 de abril, dijo Argelia Andrade, profesora de español. The Office of Staff and Student Diversity, Behavioral & Social Sciences division, Humanities division and Student Equity program se unieron para patrocinar varios eventos históricos, culturales y de interés social chicano. Algunos profesores se unieron para hacer estos eventos posible. Andrade es directora del grupo que bailará durante la celebración. Bailará danzas folclóricas, un baile típico mexicano. “Lo que hace que la cultura chicana sea interesante para la gente es que piensa que es una extensión de la cultura mexicana solamente, y aunque eso puede ser el caso hasta cierto punto, es realmente su propia cultura”, Andrade dijo. Xocoyotzin Herrera, profesor de estudios étnicos, forma parte del Conjunto Hueyapan, un grupo nominado al Grammy quien considera a los chicanos como una parte importante de la sociedad estadounidense. “Culturalmente hablando, los chicanos nos encontramos en todas partes, como en la música, la comida, el idioma y la historia”, dijo Herrera. “Es algo que no se debe pasar por alto”. aseveró. La tercera conferencia tuvo lugar el martes, 2 de mayo y enfatizó la importancia de las mujeres chicanas en la literatura de ciencia ficción. Todos los eventos son gratuitos y están abiertos al público, sin embargo, se requiere un permiso de estacionamiento mensual o del día de $3 para estacionarse en de la escuela.
Selvin Rodas/ Union Sandra Ruiz, assistant Spanish professor at West Los Angeles College (on the right) answers questions from Hyatte Allagoa, 23, communication major after her lecture on Chicano feminism on Tuesday, May 2.
Upcoming ‘Celebration of Chicano Culture’ events Events in English • CSUN professor Fermín Herrera will be presenting the lecture, “The Nahuatl Language and Mesoamerican Codices” on Thursday, May 11 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the Distance Education Room 166. • Learn about “Son Jarocho Music and Dance” with Conjunto Hueyapan and Nuestras Raíces on Thursday, May 11 from 1 to 1:45 p.m. in the Haag Recital Hall.
• The celebration continues with a Mariachi and Folklórico dance concert in charge of the Mariachi Estrella de Jalisco and Nuestras Raíces in the Haag Recital Hall from 1 to 1:45 p.m. All events are free to and open the public. Daily parking permits are $3.
Eventos en español
• A lecture about “Today and Tomorrow’s Indigenous Kichwa Women” will be presented by Luz María De la Torre on Thursday, May 18 from 9 to 10:15 a.m. in the Humanities Building Room 114.
• Fermín Herrera, profesor de la Universidad de Northridge estará presentando una conferencia sobre “La lengua náhuatl y los códices mesoamericanos” el jueves, 11 de mayo de 11:15 a.m. a 12:15 p.m. en Distance Education Building 166.
• EC professor, Xocoyotzin Herrera will be presenting “The Mariachi Musical Tradition” lecture on May 18 in the Distance Education Room 166 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Descubre “La música y la danza del Son Jarocho” con el Conjunto Hueyapan y Nuestras Raíces el 11 de mayo comenzando a la una de la tarde en el Haag Recital Hall.
• Luz María De la Torre, profesora de la Universidad de California, Los Ángeles, presentará una conferencia en español sobre las “Mujeres indígenas kichwas de hoy y de siempre” el día jueves, 18 de mayo desde las 9:00 a 10:15 de la mañana en el Humanities Building 114. • El 18 de mayo también habrá una conferencia sobre “La tradición musical del mariachi” presentado por el profesor de EC, Xocoyotzin Herrera en Distance Education Building 166 de 11:15 a.m. a 12:15 p.m. • La celebración continuará con un concierto de mariachi y danza folclórica presentado por el Mariachi Estrella de Jalisco y Nuestras Raíces en el Haag Recital Hall de 1 a 1:45 de la tarde. Todos los eventos son gratuitos y abren al público. Los permisos diarios de estacionamiento son $ 3.
Men’s volleyball falls in State Finals match, P. 7
Hiking Club goes on a ‘Color Run,’ P. 3
Israel Cardona is back on the track after a two-year trip to Chile, P. 8
NEWS
2 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION
Forensics and Debate team makes history El Camino’s speech team etches its name in the books as the only group to win four national awards in a single season
Alex Torres
T
Staff Writer @ECCUnionAlex
he El Camino forensics team finished their season with four national awards. No other team in its history has accomplished anything like it.
The National Parliamentary Debate Association awards two national titles, one for season-long sweepstakes and the other for the team that finishes the highest in the tournament. “Its unheard of for a community college to even be ranked,” El Camino speech coach Francesca Bishop said.
The other two awards include the “National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence” and the “Phi Rho Pi” which they earned last month in Washington D.C. The teams top performers Zara Andrabi and Curtis Wang finished the season ranked No. 8 in the country amongst all four year schools.
Andrabi and Wang are both sophomores competing with top ranked seniors. “No two-year school has been ranked place before,” Bishop said. “We have always had a really great time and we usually win one or two national titles every year because we are consistent. We just have not been this dominant.”
Non-student man is arrested after harassing female students on campus
Student employee loses envelope with pay near Campus Deli
Officers arrested a male subject that was harassing female students on Tuesday, April 25, according to the police report. Officers responded to the walkway between the P.E. North Building and Student Activities Center and located the subject near the Communications Building, before detaining him, according to the police report.
A female student employee said that she lost her envolope containing her payon Wednesday, April 26, according to the police report. Officers responded to take her report, in which she said that she originally put the envelope in her right rear pant’s pocket. Approx. 30 minutes later she
The man was not a student and was found in possession of a small knife. The blade was longer than two-and-a-half inches, which is against college campus policy. Officers transported the man to El Camino PD Jail, where he was booked and released after signing a notice to appear in court.
realized she lost her envolope. Officers reviewed surveillance cameras, which revealed a possible suspect who was in the area and the case was forwarded. According to CA Penal Code 485, anyone in possession of lost property without the intention of returning it can be subjected to jail or a prison sentencing.
The Speech and Debate Team will be hosting tryouts in Music Building Room 132 on Monday and Wednesday May 29 and 31 from 1 to 3 p.m. and Tuesday, May 30 from 1 to 2 p.m.
MAY 4, 2017
Corrections In the March 23 issue, The Union said that El Camino Foundation Director Andrea Sala was “Executive Director of El Camino.” On an online story, El Camino adjunct professor Susan St. Marie had her name misspelled in the story. The error has been fixed online. In the April 20 issue of The Union, Julietta Ortiz was quoted in the Jazz Dancer profile. She was actually quoted in the March 2 issue for a an Arts story. The Union regrets these errors.
Man claims he is from Ohio and can’t find out why or how he came to California A man was transported to a hospital for a pyshocological evaluation after El Camino police took him into custody on Wednesday, April 26, according to the police report. Officers responded to Lot L regarding a man who was looking into parked vehicles. The non-student man, who looked disoriented, said that he was from Ohio and had no idea
how he got to California and was looking for a way back, according to the police report. He added that he didn’t remember when the last time he ate was, according to the report. After officers determined he was disabled they took him into protective custody. The man was transported to Exodus MLK Hospital for a psychological evaluation.
Police cite man and woman for riding bikes past stop sign
Former student faces theft charges after allegedly stealing award from porfessor A former El Camino student is facing theft charges after allegedly stealing an award plaque from a music professor’s office on Wednesday, April 26, according to the police report. Officers went to the Music Building Room 132 regarding a report on what happened and after questioning the professor, it was determined that the suspect was a former student. Officers went to the house of the former student, who said that he and the professor had a “falling out,” according to the police report. The former student returned the plaque to the officers who then put it away in evidence, according to the police report.. Th former student is now facing theft charges pending a review by the District Attorney’s office.
All stories written by Phil Sidavong
Illustration of Campus Map from El Camino website
Officers stopped two subjects for riding their bikes past a stop sign on Thursday, April 27, according to the police report. The subjects, one man and one woman, were not students. The male subject was found in possession of a knife and threewhite prescription pills that officers identified as a “controlled substance,” according to the report. Controlled substances are defined as an alcoholic beverage or an intoxicant of any kinds, according to California Health and Safety Code Sections 11053. The man was arrested for possession of a dagger on school grounds and for possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. he was transported to ECPD Jail, where he was booked and later released after signing a notice to appear in court, according to the police logs. The female subject was issued a citation for failing to stop at a stop sign, according to the report.
Say congratulations! To your favorite El Camino College graduate(s) this spring
S SEELV L VI N IN RODAS Y OUNG CO N G R AT U L AT I O N S C L A S S O F 2 0 1 7 ! CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2016!
EL CAMINO COLLEGE
CONGRATS SELVIN!
Show your pride in the graduate with an ad at an exceptionally special price in our June 1 edition Look for the sizes, prices and deadlines under the GRAD tab on our website, eccunion.com
MAY 4, 2017
PHOTO ESSAY
EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION 3
Story and photos by: Jorge Villa Blue. Green. Yellow. Pink. Oncoming runners wearing white t-shirts are impacted on sight with the corn starch based color dye powder. The 1.6 mile run across the Irwindale track was just one out many other activites available like dancing to house kick drum bass music near the main stage, bouncy houses and raffles to win merchandise. The color themed event was hosted by the non-profit organization “Just Care More” foundation using actvities to engage and uplift children from inner-cities. This was the first year the El Camino College hiking club attended the event making it their second trip.Past hiking trip was the Griffith Park. Late fall 2016 Freshmen Hillary Rodriguez and Sofia Groba wanted to get more involved on campus, thus creating the hiking club and have since recruited 10 more members to the club. Next hiking trip will take place at the Solistice Canyon on May 21st.
Jorge Villa/ Union Alex Vu, 21, mechanical engineer points out the colored powder on his face after finishing his laps at the Color Run in the Irwindale event center on Saturday, April 27.
Jorge Villa/ Union Sofia Groba, 19, psychology major raises her hands up showing the aftermath of throwing powder packets.
Jorge Villa/ Union Runners on completion are greeted with color powder thrown at them by events staff. The runners have the option to run one lap, which is 1.6 miles or two laps equalling to 5k.
Jorge Villa/ Union The hiking club celebrates as they finish their first year particapating in the Color Fun Fest 5k in Irwindale, California. The color run is an event hosted by the non-profit organization “Just Care More” foundation, centered in engaging inner-city kids with actvities to build self confidence as their misssion statment.
EDITORIAL
4 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION
El Camino police are keeping an eye out
MAY 4, 2017
CAMPUS VIEWPOINTS By: Victor Liptzin @ECCUnionVictor
Photos By: John Lopez
May 4 also known as “May the 4th be with you” is a fan service day. What is your favorite line from the movie and why?
John Burton, 21, graphic design major “I’ve liked ‘Star Wars’ since I was six years old. The force is with me whenever I take a test, its almost like may the good luck be with you. My favorite line is ‘You seemed trouble young one’ by Yoda.”don’t think it will be an issue in the future.”
Illustration by Mason Hardison/Union
This semester has been relatively in the quits in the crime department compared to the fall semester where there were a total of five armed robberies on and near campus.. After the fifth student was robbed on Manhattan boulevard, El Camino College Police Department beefed up efforts to make the campus a safer place for students and faculty. ECPD is regularly on patrols, new portable lights were placed in parking Lot B. They also have a patrol car parked on Manhattan boulevard.
The increased police presence in and around campus has worked thus far. The most series crime committed this semester happened when a female student claimed that her ex-boyfriend, who also attends El Camino, sent her a series of threatening text the night before, according to the ECPD crime logs. One of the text messages he sent was a picture of a black handgun and in another, he mentions a body bag. Officers went to the suspect’s residence and questioned him about the activities
After officers conducted the interview, which resulted in arresting him on suspicion of criminal threats and later served him a temporary restraining order stating that he will not come in contact contact the victim. A black airsoft handgun was located inside of the residence and officers concluded that it was the same handgun that was in the picture he sent to the female student. Officers transported him to Torrance PD for booking.. There hasn’t been any major crimes that was reported this
semester besides a “peeping tom” incident. The man who was doing the act was never caught. EC’s campus feels a lot safer than last semester thanks to the efforts of the ECPD.
The issue: Are campus police doing their job on campus? Our stand: They are doing their job by keeping an eye out on campus.
Michelle Villa Ortiz, 19, psychology major “I’ve liked ‘Star Wars’ ever since I was in middle school for about five or six years. I guess I feel the force when I could do anything I set my mind to. I think my favorite line is the classic ‘May the force be with you.’”
Warriors Pulse: Do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Every year, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated among people of Mexican heritage. It’s celebrated on May 5 and it’s considered to be one of the most important days. It’s the day that honors the date of when the Mexican army’s victory over the French. This day however can be a misconception of being seen as a day of drinking and partying. ‘The Union,’ went out and asked 200 students on Cinco de Mayo. 37 students said they celebrated the holiday, 134 students said they do not celebrate it, 26 students said they generally celebrate it in order to party and drink alcohol and four students said they have never heard of the holiday.
THE UNION Vol. 71, No. 4 May 4, 2017
Email: eccunion@gmail.com Newsroom: (310) 660-3328 Advertising: (310) 660-3329
4 ts d u st en e hav never heard 26 students of celebrate it to it
drink
Francisco Magdanelo, 19, biology major “I’ve actually liked ‘Star Wars’ since I was a little kid. I would probably say 10 years. I could feel the force all around me and I could feel it through all the living beings. My favorite line is Chewbacca’s line always rrgh rrgh (Chewbacca’s growl).”
36 students celebrate it
134 students do not celebrate it
Poll was done by J1, J11, J12, and J14 students. 200 students were asked whether they celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Editor-in-Chief �������������������������������������������������������������������������� Phil Sidavong News Editor ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Phil Sidavong Opinion/Editorial Editor ��������������������������������������������������������� Jimmy Nguyen Assistant Opinion/Editorial Editor....................................................Alex Torres Arts Editor......................................................................................Jimmy Nguyen Sports Editor ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������Eric Ramos Photo Editor ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Shontel Leake Features Editor �������������������������������������������������������������������������� Phil Sidavong Social Media Manager........................................................................Eric Ramos Multimedia Manager.......................................................................Phil Sidavong Advertising Manager ������������������������������������������������������������������� Jack Mulkey Adviser ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������Kate McLaughlin Adviser ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Stefanie Frith Photo Adviser...................................................................................Gary Kohatsu
The Union is published Thursdays by Journalism 11 and 14 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.
Loreal Thompson, 20, undecided major “I’ve liked ‘Star wars for like two years. I can say I feel the force on tests because I’m doing pretty well in school. My favorite line is ‘Luke, I am your Father,’ by Darth Vader.”
College Media Association Newspaper of the Year Award 2015 Associated Collegiate Press Regional Pacemaker Award 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2012 California Newspaper Publishers Association General Excellence Award 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005 Journalism Association of Community Colleges General Excellence Award 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014
OPINION
MAY 4, 2017
EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION 5
UP FOR DEBATE
Should international students pay the same tuition as local in state students?
Alba Mejia
Sierra Robles
Features Editor @ECCUnionAlba
Staff Writer @ECCUnionSierra
International students should be able to International students should be paying have the same tuition as local students more tuition than residential students International students work just as hard or even harder than most national students and deserve to pay the same amount of tuition cost. People tend to ignore the obstacles international students go through in order to attend college in the U.S. If international students are demonstrating greater struggles than national students then there isn’t a reason to charge them more. Most international students pay up to three times more than in-state students at public universities, according to an article from the Business Insider. Paying three times the cost for tuition is a price not many students can afford. These international students are spending all of their funds just to get a higher education, which proves that they are more committed. As of 2015, the U.S. public
universities gained more than $9 billion in tuition and fees from foreign students, according to an article from the Business Insider. About 72 percent of the funding provided for international students comes from personal and family funds, as well as home country government or university assistance, according to an article from the Business Insider. The process of getting a F-1 visa approved takes months to get completed in order for international students to receive legal permission to study in a different country. Not to mention, the amount of money that has to be paid to get this process done. Not only are these students putting their financial stability at risk, but they also are exposed to a different way of life which can potentially cause culture shock to some
students. The understanding of coursework is not the biggest issue for new international students. However, sometimes foreigners come across language barriers which restrict them from communicating to others about their academic standing. In U.S. classrooms, there could be a more hands-on and interactive approach that most international students have not been exposed to. It could sometimes come as a shock to them and time for some adjustment. Foreign students put all the hardships aside and would rather face the consequences in order to receive the education that is best for them. They demonstrate the strongest work ethic and dedication that deserves to be recognized as allowing equal cost of tuition.
International and out-ofstate students at El Camino get charged more than those who are residents of California and that is acceptable. Students who choose to attend EC will have to pay $50 for an application to enroll, as well as $288 per unit per semester and an $803 fee for health insurance on campus per semester. I think that international students should have to pay more than residential students. There are currently 600+ international students attending El Camino, the director of the International Student Program said. The health insurance fee only applies to international students with a Visa, according to the El Camino website. Although these fees are extremely high, they are
reasonable due to the fact that we as California residents pay taxes. These non-resident fees apply to those who have been living in California for less than one year prior to attending EC, according to the El Camino website. Although EC’s fees are fairly high for non-resident students, Santa Monica College charges non-resident students $331 per unit every semester on top of other fees. International students at SMC have to pay $600 for health insurance every semester plus an additional $200 their first semester. This is similar to EC’s fees. I believe that is the right way to go about it, because charging non-residents and international students more is OK, due to the fact that California residents have bills to pay at high rates and rent is at sky high prices.
The price for being a resident can sometimes be greater due to bills already established by the State of California such as electricity, gas, rent, among other expenses. Even though California community colleges charge an out-of-state fee to non residents and it seems unfair, other U.S. states do it as well. International students could pay up to $16,000 only because of the added fees and the health insurance they purchase through the school. In all fairness, the out-ofstate and international fees seem reasonable because of the added protection that the schools offer these students. A possible solution for international students to not get charged the health insurance fee is for them to go out and get their own health insurance.
People need to learn to celebrate Cince de Mayo with a purpose
Eric Ramos
Sports Editor @ECCUnionEricR
While celebrations include throwing back tequila shots and eating Mexican food, Cinco de Mayo is not a holiday where you’re supposed to get drunk and eat tacos until the salsa runs out. Cinco de Mayo is a holiday celebrated in many U.S. cities with a large MexicanAmerican population but how many people actually know what they are celebrating? I’ve seen people at restaurants on Cinco de Mayo thinking that they are celebrating Mexican Independence Day while others suck down margaritas and yell,
“Happy Cinco de Drinko.” By all means, drink up and celebrate the beautiful Mexican culture but be mindful of what is being celebrated. Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that honors the date of the Mexican army’s 1962 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the FrenchMexican war, according to the History website. Similar to a broke college student, Mexico fell into default on debt payments to European governments. Britain and Spain negotiated with Mexico and withdrew their forces but France, ruled by Napoleon III, decid-
ed to establish and empire in Mexican territory, according to the History website. Led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, the underdog Mexican army defeated the bigger and stronger French army. The victory was symbolic for the Mexican government. Mexico won the Battle of Puebla but eventually lost the war. Although its, widely celebrated in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo is not a national holiday in Mexico. It’s an official holiday in the state of Puebla and the state of Veracruz, according to the History website.
Mexico actually celebrates independence day on Sept. 16, which is the day Mexico gained independence from the Spanish colonial government in 1810, according to the History website. Over the years, Cinco de Mayo parties in the U.S. have become bigger, flashier and with a lot of alcohol consumption. Los Angeles is the host to the largest Cinco de Mayo festival in the country according to the Fairs and Festivals website. The celebration is held in Downtown Los Angeles along Broadway and around
the streets of City Hall and draws thousands of people to the event. The Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2015 is 56.6 million according to the Census Government website. This makes the people of Hispanic origin the nation’s largest ethnic or racial minority. While you listen to mariachi music, eat delicious Mexican food and drink cervezas (beer) on Cinco de Mayo, remember that you are celebrating a hard-fought battle, which was won by underestimated Mexican troops
Editor’s Thoughts: Thumbs up, Thumbs Down
We like the idea of practice drills and lockdowns. It helps students be prepared with any dangers that might happen.
We dislike the broken parking permit dispensers on campus. It’s an inconvenience to students who do not have a parking permit
ARTS
6 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION
MAY 4, 2017
Hairspray musical comes to the EC Theatre Alexis Causey Staff Writer @ECCUnionAlexis
A
musical about a pleasantlyplump teen who achieves her dream of dancing on a hit show then strives to integrate the cast during the 1960s, civil rights era, is going to debut at El Camino. The broadway musical “Hairspray” directed by Luke Yankee, is a comedic musical that will also hit on the topic of racism. Yankee is an author, producer, and director who has also directed the play ‘Noises Off’ at EC about five years ago. He discusses about the preparation of the cast and the mindset they had in performing the show. “We have been been working for a month and a half now, and we talked about the style of the 60s, the fact that it was a simpler time,” Yankee said. “Yet not that much has changed unfortunately, in terms of race relations.” Yankee also mentions that they wanted to stress the racial tensions in the 60s and make the show a “rainbow experience” for the audience. The musical is set in 1962 in Baltimore, in the midst of musical revolution as well as a social revolution. Not only does it focus on racial tensions but also on societal norms as the character Tracy Turnbland is a plus-sized teen. Taylor Cajka, 23, general studies major who is the stage manager for the play talks about what the main character faces. “They are certain social norms, like that whole ‘you don’t fit our cookie cutter shape of what we want’ and she is trying to break the barrier of that,” Cajka said. Denzel Roseboro, 21, theater major says it took time a dedication to understand his character. “He is essentially the cream of the crop in terms of his community but, he has a deep seeded depression regarding that era his only form of compensation for that is to dance
Cast members of Hairspray getting ready for rehearsals backstage before the performance opens up on May 6.
Johnysha Vercher/Union
his heart out,” Roseboro said. Roseboro plays Seaweed, an African American dancer on the Corny Collins show. Roseboro also adds that he didn’t expect to get the role of Seaweed, but once they showed interest he went for it and got the part. He also was in EC’s previous play of “Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie.” El Camino student Yolanda Pearson, 49, undeclared major said she wants to see how the school interprets Hairspray. “I watched Hairspray when it first came out and it is such a classic,” Pearson said. “Now everyone is doing a rendition of the play and it’s going to be interesting to see how El Camino is going to do it.”
Showtimes for Hairspray at the Campus Theatre • Saturday, May 6 at 8 p.m.
• Sunday, May 14 at 3 p.m.
• Sunday, May 7 at 3 p.m.
• Friday, May 19 at 8 p.m.
• Friday, May at 8 p.m.
• Saturday, May 20 at 8 p.m.
• Saturday, May 13 at 8 p.m.
• Sunday, May 21 at 3 p.m.
Johnysha Vercher/Union
Denzel Roseboro, 21, Theater major, rehearses before he actually has to perform his part in the play. He plays a character called Seaweed. He is among other students who are also part of this production. The play will be performed Saturday, May 6 at the Campus Theatre.
Get a free copy of The Union at any of the following locations Northeast side of campus
- First floor of the Humanities Building - Humanities division office - Cafe Camino - Crenshaw door of the Humanities Building - Natural Sciences Courtyard - Library Reading Room - Natural Sciences division office - Switchboard Desk - Outside the front and back doors of the library
South side of campus
- Social Sciences division office - Campus Deli - Music division office - Music library - Art and Behavioral Science division office - El Camino Police Department - Marsee Auditorium - Student Health Center
Center and northwest side of campus - Student Activities Center - P.E. Courtyard - Student Services Center - Outside the front doors of the Bookstore
Follow us on Twitter: @ECCUnion and check out our website: ECCUnion.com to stay up to date with everything sports, news, arts and more.
SPORTS
MAY 4, 2017
EL CAMINO COLLEGE 7
Faltering in the State Finals
El Camino men’s volleyball team lost to Orange Coast College in the state championship in three sets Phil Sidavong
Editor-In-Chief @ECCUnionPhil
I
n a Cinderella-esque season, the El Camino men’s volleyball team overcame struggles of consistency and teamwork. When it all was said and done, the Warriors finished ranked No. 4 in the state. Although a lackluster 10-7 record wasn’t going to surprise anyone, the team still finished second in the Western State Conference. Unfortunately for the Warriors, the committee for the California Community College men’s volleyball coaches association changed the way seeding would be done for the 2017 playoffs, sophomore setter Pedro Campos said. All of a sudden the high-flying Warriors were dropped to No. 7 in the eight-team state tournament and were considered underdogs throughout the tournament. That wasn’t right for them, so they proved again and again that they are a top team. They beat the No. 2 Irvine Valley College Lasers, then they beat the 2016 defending state champion Long Beach City College Vikings (No. 3) and finally they were tasked with a State Finals match against the No. 1 team in the state. “I feel like we took (the seeding) as disrespect,” freshman middle blocker/opposite Jaden Misaalefua said. “We had decided to show
Jorge Villa/ Union After the game Cesar Medina and Victor Villarreal sat on the bench with their heads hung low. This is the second time that Cesar has brought his team to the State Finals, only to lose to their opponent. The Warriors lost to Orange Coast College in the state final on Saturday, April 29 at Pierce College. them what’s the truth.” All that effort to get to the title (El Camino’s fourth appearance in school history) was all for naught at the hands of Orange Coast College’s Jordan Hoppe. Hoppe went off for the Pirates as he led all players with 16 kills in a dominant three-set sweep over EC on Saturday, April 29 and that per-
formance led him to being named the 2017 State MVP. Despite 17 digs from the Warriors over three sets, OCCs Justin Kam had 12 kills to help Hoppe on the night and between six players the Pirates’ offense totaled 50 kills. The 2017 State Champions had 21 digs on the night, where El Camino could not really put the
ball away. The Warriors tallied 82 total attack attempts, but had 12 errors and only 40 kills. The Pirates hit .615 in the third set, while EC hit .485. “We played well and the numbers showed that,” sophomore outside hitter and co-captain Chris Phanngam said. “But you can’t win if
(they) hit (.615) it’s impossible.” The Warriors had three players in double digits: sophomore outside hitters PJ Tulikihihifo notched 13, Cesar Medina added 12 and Phanngam tacked on 10. EC ended the season with a 12-8 overall record and came up as the state runner-up for the second time since 2015.
The Warriors struggled, but it wasn’t a blowout by any means. They had strong runs throughout the loss, but mid-sets were dominated by the Pirates who grabbed leads and kept them. “They were good,” EC coach Dick Blount said. “They finished, we didn’t.”
EL CAMINO COLLEGE
Commencement 2017
Osvaldo Deras/ Union
Place your graduation ad today and say congrats to a loved one, friend or group for a very special price of
$30
Freshman utility player Karla Calderon swings at a pitch against L.A. Harbor College on Tuesday, March 28 at the El Camino softball field.
Warriors are playoff bound El Camino’s softball team will host first round of playoffs Karla Henry
Staff Writer @ECCUnionKarla
After finishing South Coast Conference-South play undefeated and ending the season as conference champions, the El Camino softball team earned the No. 3 seed in the California Community College Athletic Association Southern California Regional playoffs. EC will host No. 14 Riverside City College on Friday, May 5 in game one of a best-of-three series. Game two will be on Saturday at noon, followed by game three if necessary. EC coach Jessica Rapoza said the team is really happy and she thinks that No. 3 is the seed they deserved. “It wasn’t a surprising seed but I think it was something that we earned from having a great year,”
Rapoza said. “I am excited about our chances.” Freshman third baseman Julianne Adamos said they are ready for all the other teams to come out and play hard. “They have seen us play hard against every other team,” Adamos said. “Obviously they have looked at our stats.” Rapoza, who was named SCCSouth Coach of the Year, said once you get to the playoffs, its a whole new ballgame. “Nobody’s record matter,” Rapoza said. “How they did against teams during the regular season doesn’t matter. All that matters is this game coming up.” The Warriors finished the season 34-6, including 24-game winning streak and 12-0 in conference. “It doesn’t really matter who we play because all the teams at this point are really talented,” Rapoza said. “We just have to make sure that we do all the things that we know we have do to in order to win.”
Sophomore first baseman Kamryn Fisher said they have really high expectations. Fisher earned Honorable Mention in the SCCSouth this season. “I think we can take it all,” Fisher said. “With this group of girls, I think we have the drive and the ability to do it.” Cypress is seeded No.1 with an overall record of 40-0 in the tournament, while Mt. San Antonio is seeded No. 2 with an overall of 353. EC lost both games against Cypress this season. “In order to win the whole thing, you basically have to beat everybody,” Rapoza said. “We would be very excited to pay Cypress again or Mt. Sac.”
Follow the Union on social media for playoff coverage. Instagram: @eccunion Snapchat: ECC_Union
3 columns by 3 inches A (5.92” wide x 3” high)
$45 B
OTHER SIZES AVAILABLE
3 col by 5” (5.92” w x 5” h)
$300
$150
C
One-Fourth page (5.92” w x 10.75” h)
D
Half page (12” w x 10.75” h)
See additional information on our website for color charges.
Ads will be published in the June 1 edition of
eccunion.com
For more details and to place your ad, go to www.eccunion.com -- click on the GRAD link. Absolute deadline to submit ads: May 10
SPORTS
8 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION
MAY 4, 2017
John Lopez/ Union
Israel Cardona, 21, business major crosses his legs and focuses before competeing in the South Coast Conference preliminaries on Tuesday, April 25 at Murdock Stadium.
Returning to the track after a Mormon Mission
Long distance runner leads the conference heading into SoCal Regional preliminaries Victor R. Liptzin
Staff Writer @ECCUnionVictorL
A
s he prepares by stretching for his event, he draws undying determination and commitment to the sport of track and field. El Camino long distance runner Israel Cardona, 21, business major started as a freshmen and showed great promise. Although his religious calling led him on a two-year mission to Santiago, Chile with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “I’m a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” Cardona said. “As a member of my church we go for two years on a mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ out in Chile.”
Cardona grew up with religion and it’s important because it gives me peace and it gives him direction in his life. Cardona said he takes it seriously and lives every day knowing he’s perfect and so the heart and core of everything he does. Cardona finished the 1500 meter run in 4:05.21 to come in first at the South Coast Conference Finals on Friday, April 28. “I’m hoping to improve on those marks but right now, those are my highlights,” Cardona said. Cardona said he started running back in high school. He attended North Torrance High School and continued with the sport when he entered college. “My brother ran so I kind of followed in his footsteps and just went from there,” Cardona said. “I like the racing mindset and every-
thing that it came with and it was actually fun to compete and actually get good at something.” His older brother is former El Camino and Cal Poly alumni David Cardona who is now coaching track and field at El Camino. “I’m very proud of my brother,” David said. “I’m very excited for what he has to offer. There is a lot more that is untapped that he can achieve.” David was the best distance runner to ever set foot on EC campus, shattering two 30-year-old school records (1500m and 5,000m) while winning four state titles in cross country and track and setting five course records from 2009 to 2011. Track and field coach Dean Lofgren said Israel is one of the distance team crew leaders. “He came in as a freshman and competed in cross country,” Lof-
gren said. “When he returned (from Chile) he had a very mature outlook on what he wanted to accomplish on the field and in his academics.” Lofgren said Cardona came in and was very serious about what he was doing. The other younger athletes look up to him and follow his lead and he is very talented,” Cardona’s drive to succeed is an inspiration to others on the team and those around him. Cardona said he hopes to be accepted at four-year-university after finishing at EC and is looking to either attend a school in California or Utah. He will decide by the end of the semester. “For distance, I’m one the top runners for El Camino,” Cardona said. “I want to keep on running and hopefully continue my career.”
John Lopez/ Union Long distance runner Israel Cardona finished first at the South Coast Conference Finals on Friday, April 28 at Murdock Stadium.
Baseball playoff action opens at Warrior Field Alexis Causey
Staff Writer @ECCUnionAlexis
After winning 25 straight games and earning a share of the South Coast Conference-South title, the No. 5 El Camino baseball team will open the playoffs against No. 12 Glendale College on Friday at Warrior Field. The first round of the California Community College Athletic Association Baseball Southern Regional playoffs begin this week with the Warriors hosting a best-of-three series. EC (33-7, 17-5) finished the season with a tough 5-game losing
WARRIORS SCHEDULE
streak but the Warriors aren’t worried about how they ended the season. Their focus is on a new season, the playoffs. “It’s is important that we come out with a lot of energy and put up some runs early,” sophomore pitcher Taylor Rashi said. “We are very excited about getting back out on the field.” Rashi was named SCC-South Pitcher of the Year after finishing the season 9-3 with a 1.99 ERA and was second in the state with 108 strikeouts. Rashi said he feels very honored and humbled to receive this award and credits his teammates for a successful season.
“It all comes down to my catcher (Trevor Casanova), the defense that backs me up everyday, and the offense,” Rashi said. “There isn’t any way that any of this could have happened if it wasn’t for them and the coaches.” Ahead of Rashi in strikeouts is sophomore pitcher Cassius Hamm, who leads the state with 109. Hamm said the Warriors are absolutely prepared for postseason play. “This is the hardest working group of guys I have been around’” Hamm said. “There’s not a doubt in my mind that when we step on the field, we are the most prepared team out there.” Hamm was named to his second
consecutive SCC-South All-Conference first team with a record of 10-2, which tied for the second most victories in the state, according to the EC athletic website. Offensively, there is a powerhouse combination featuring the potent bats of sophomore catcher Trevor Casanova and sophomore outfielder Ryan Eastburn. Eastburn has been very productive with runners on base, racking up 41 RBIs with an impressive .338 batting average. “I keep a positive approach to every situation and also am very patient,” Eastburn said. “I look for the pitch that I know I can drive to help my team win.”
Casanova on the other hand, has proven to be a five-tool player, hitting .373 with seven home runs, 36 RBIs, and six stolen bases. “I’m blessed for the season I am having this year,” Casanova said. “All we have to do on (Friday) is show up and play Warrior baseball like we have all season. The best-of-three series against Glendale (32-8) will begin Friday at 2 pm. Game two will be on Saturday at 11 a.m. followed by game three if necessary. “It’s been unreal and it’s not over yet,” Hamm said. “I’m confident there will be more success this year.”
BASEBALL Friday, May 5 vs. Glendale College 2 p.m.
M/W TRACK AND FIELD Saturday, May 6 at Cerritos College 9 a.m.
WARRIORS SCOREBOARD
MEN’S VOLLEYBALL Warriors 0, Orange Coast College 3
Osvaldo Deras/ Union
Sophomore first baseman Angel Mora gets the out during El Camino’s game against Long Beach City College on Tuesday, April 25.
BASEBALL Warriors 14, Long Beach City College 20