El Camino College The Union, Nov. 17, 2016 issue 11 by El Camino College The Union

EL CAMINO COLLEGE

Eugene Engle retires from EC football, P. 8

NOVEMBER 17, 2016

THE UNION eccunion.com

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Campus clubs attempt to garner money and support on Library Lawn Victor Liptzin

Staff Writer @ECCUnionVictor

Alba Mejia/ Union The members of the Society of Music club are raising funds during the Fund Fair on the week of Nov. 14 - Nov. 17. - Facebook Page: facebook.com/societyofmusicECC. Sabels, 21, chemistry major and President of EC Science Club wanted to get the word out the club exists and to raise awareness of his club which known for its trips to the American west, like to Arizona, Utah, and parts of California and Nevada. “I really want my club to be interacting a lot more with my students, and we have pictures of our club trips on display so we are hoping that it gets people to join us,” Sabels said. The clubs that the EC students were supporting and benefitting includes the Inter-Club Council, (ICC), the EC Science Club and the ECC Broadcasting Club, the EC Film Club, the EC Society of Music and the Honors Transfer Club (HTP Program). The price for the tickets of this fair to play games range from one ticket for $1, four tickets for $3 and eight tickets for $5.

Alba Mejia/ Union One of the games featured at the “Fund Fair” was “Presidential Election Simulator.” The point was to throw objects at “Clilary Hinton” and “Tronald Dump.”

Campus named a top 25 community college Christina Lyon

Copy Editor @ECCUnionLyon

El Camino made the top 25 list of the best community colleges in California, according to the Niche 2017 Best Community Colleges in California. EC outranked local colleges Santa Monica College and Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. Niche is a research website that helps people find schools best suited to their needs or location, and calculated the results using “rigorous analysis of academic, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education,” along with millions of reviews, according to the website. Here’s how El Camino fared in several areas including student experience and overall value: Receiving 3.9 out of five stars for overall quality,

• • • •

A Value Grade of C+, A Diversity Grade of A-, A Safety Grade of B+, And an A for Local Area Grade. President Dena Maloney said she is “thrilled to be president of such a great school,” and added that EC is implementing strategies in order to “move the needle on student success.” Both the Student Experience Grade and the Professors Grade received a B-, and some students on campus have supported that grade based on their personal experiences. Regarding academics, Italiannative Michele Tesauro, 20, undecided major, said that EC deserves a higher ranking than No. 25, especially in comparison to the Italian schooling system. “I’ve been to schools (in Italy) where I didn’t learn or have incentive,” he said. “(Here) they teach and motivate you to study.”

EC received a B+ for safety, and in light of the rise in crime this semester, including five robberies and two “peeping tom” incidents, Maloney said the school is formulating initiatives and implementing safety procedures to assure that students feel safe on campus. “We’re updating emergency planning (and) putting greater emphasis on ensuring students have access to information,” she said. “It’s a priority to me that we remain vigilant about safety.” There will be two safety forums on Dec. 6 in which EC Police Chief Michael Trevis, along with local safety agencies and police departments will come together to talk to students and employees about safety in the area and on campus, Maloney said. She added that faculty members are being equipped with safety folders entailing strategies to address campus safety.

“We’re ramping up our efforts to ensure there is communication about safety.” Though safety is a relevant issue, students like Julio Rodriguez, 29, communications major, aren’t letting it deter them from their schooling. Aside from the consistent campus advisories, Rodriguez agrees with the ranking of No. 25 because of resources like computer labs and the Extended Opportunity and Program Services (EOPS), which are instrumental in aiding students to success. “(The resources offered) make the community college experience much more comfortable,” Rodriguez said. Maloney said the ranking is important, but that the school is always looking for ways to improve in order to uphold its set standards. “This external ranking validates what we already know, which is that El Camino is a great school,”

70th

Anniversary TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA

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El Camino hosts annual ‘Fund Fair’

l Camino hosted it’s annual Fund Fair on Monday on the Library Lawn, providing a variety of food, drinks and games to benefit various clubs on campus. “I bought a muffin for $2 at the Inter-Club Council and I ate the muffin and felt good about supporting the clubs on campus,” Kameron Squalls, 19, arts design graphics major said. Squalls favorite clubs to support at El Camino were the HTC and the EC Film Club because the HTC is used to help students to a higher college and the EC Film Club need filming because that costs a lot of money. There weren’t many game booths at the fair but the EC Broadcasting Club had a Presidential Simulation booth which looked very popular were you can throw three different politically symbolic items at the mock candidates of the 2016 Presidential election. Diego Perdomo, 18, journalism major and member of the ECC Broadcasting Club participated in the Presidential Election 2016 simulation game. “I’ve only participated in the game because you get to throw props and items at Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton (Impersonators), like a piece of the wall from Mexico, the email server and the shoe thrown at former President George W. Bush,” Perdomo said. Another student at the fair who was trying to raise money, Shira Basa, 19, music major and Vice President of the EC Society of Music felt that people there were helpful friendly and welcoming. “I’m mostly interested in the EC Society of Music which is the club that I’m here for,” Basa said. A booth staff member Josh

1946-2016

Student threatens to shoot another student Keith Francis

Staff Writer @ECCUnionKeith

A 19-year-old female student was arrested for allegedly threatening to shoot another student on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 7:50 a.m., according to the police beat. The victim, a 39-year-old women and El Camino student, reported to the police officers the day after the incident occurred, according to police beat. ECPD responded and went to the cosmetology class, where the accused student was at, in the ITECH building. ECPD interviewed witnesses and the suspect, and following the questioning the suspect was arrested for criminal threats, according to police beat. The suspect was transported to Torrance PD for booking. This is not the first time that someone has been threatened. In fall 2014, 36-year-old James Lemus, a former El Camino student, threatened to “create a massacre on campus.” He was in jail for almost one and a half years, before his case reached a conlusion. The result: Lemus was sentenced to five years of formal probation. The most recent indicent occured when 28-year-old Dash Porter used Facebook Messenger to send 13 messages threatening to kill former English professor Cynthia Somin. He was arrested after Somin reported finding the messages. One of his messages said that he was coming to school and that his “(gun’s loaded).” He is currently out on bail and his next court date is Nov. 28. A Union reporter called Torrance PD for more information, but the officer on the phone said he would return the call at a later time. When the officer called back, he told the reporter not to call TPD and to refer all questions to ECPD. The officer hung up the phone before the reporter could get a contact name. ECPD did get back to The Union by deadline. For more on this and other news stories, go to eccunion.com

Ripped jeans are the new black, P. 4-5

Women’s soccer loses final game, P. 8

2 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION

POLICE BEAT By Phil Sidavong

Dude, where’s my tent? Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 11:33 p.m. A male staff member reported to officers that an E-Z UP Tent has been stolen from the Student Activities Center. The staff member told officers that the tent has been left out overnight on the southside patio area. The staff did not desire prosecution but wanted to report the incident to the ECPD.

He’s going the wrong way Friday, Nov. 11 at 12:42 p.m. A male, who is not a student of EC, was stopped by officers for driving on the wrong side of a one way road near lot L. The driver had a $30,000 warrant against him issued out of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department for driving a suspended license. The officer issued him a citation for the warrant and released him.

Thief breaks into faculty car and steals wallet Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7:50 a.m. A male faculty member reported that someone broke into his vehicle which was parked in lot H. The suspect allegedly broke the front passenger seat door lock and stolen the victims wallet. It is stated in the police beat that the suspect used the victims credit card. The case has been forward to detectives and under investigation.

NEWS

Campus crime and news Safety concerns at Academic Senate Winter session registration begins Grant Hermanns

Staff Writer @ECCUnionVictor

Safety concerns on campus were addressed during the Academic Senate Meeting on Tuesday. Academic Senate President Kristie Daniel-DiGregorio asked professors, who attended the meeting, if the “emergency drills” are an effective way to teach students how to act if there was an active shooter on campus. “Students suggested training in order to prepare themselves for real emergencies that might happen,” DiGregorio said. Jennifer Gallagher, English professor felt that there should be more emergency drills, due to “successful feedback.” “The student’s response to these drills were successful,” Gallagher said. “There should be more of these drills in the future.” Gallagher suggested that the Nixle alerts should also have a followup to what’s happening after because student’s “don’t know what’s going on after.” Career Counselor Yamonte

In the October 13 issue of “The Union,” sophomore tight end Erik Henneman was listed as Chad Henneman in the People of El Camino section. During last week’s power outage on Nov. 7, The Union incorrectly used Dean of Health Sciences and Athletics Rory Natividad’s name in a tweet. The Union regrets these errors.

Victor Liptzin

Staff Writer @ECCUnionVictor

El Camino’s winter session is returning for students for the first time in three years. Some students plan on taking advantage of that to get ahead in school, while others plan to relax. “I will take my Math 80 course. It reduces our time on campus and allows us to transfer quicker,” Justin Anaya, 19, business administration major, said. On the other hand Anaya also said that he would only take one class due to the short time frame of the winter session. “I feel that it is too compressed to take more than one class and it is a requirement to transfer to a four year university,” Anaya said. “It’s a prerequisite to move up in the math scale because I have to get up to Math 150.” The classes offered during the winter session at EC are usually four to five days a week and can be helpful to students who have the time to take those classes.

“It’s really good, because it provides a faster route for students to complete their units and any courses they need to take,” Kevin Delcid, 20, physics major, said. There are other benefits to taking the winter session as well. “It’s very worth it because it’s a bigger window of applications for students to come in and it’s financially better for El Camino,” Delcid said. He added that he had planned on taking a winter session at another nearby college, and was “surprised” to find out it was returning to EC. Some students, despite the winter session returning, may prefer to wait until spring semester to take their classes. “I’d probably prefer the spring (semester), because, you know, the weather and all that, and you can sleep more and be more comfortable and the teachers are more relaxed and helpful, but while in the winter it is ‘get things done quickly,’” Nathan Arroyo, 19, computer engineering major, said.

El Camino reacts to ‘#Calexit’ and ‘Yes California’ Phil Sidavong

Editor-in-Chief @ECCUnionPhil

Donald Trump is the country’s president elect and protests all around the country have been popping up, in opposition of his win over Hillary Clinton. Protests that have featured posters and signs ranging from “#Calexit” to “F--k Donald Trump” can be seen in videos and news coverage. But there’s more to the #Calexit than Twitter trend. This idea also seems to stem from the fact that Californians are in opposition of Trump.

Here’s how the votes played out in California: • Hillary Clinton (Dem) 6,229,624 - 61.6% • Donald Trump (GOP) 3,329,627 - 32.9% “Yes California” has created a reality for those who, not only, disapprove of Trump being the president elect, but for those who wish for California to actually secede from the United States. “In the Spring of 2019, Californians will go to the polls in a historic vote to decide by referendum if California should exit the Union, a #Calexit vote.”

Thoughts from El Camino:

Alleged peeping tom goes to trial Special board meetings galore Phil Sidavong

Editor-in-Chief @ECCUnionPhil

Corrections

Cooper, suggested that classrooms should have a panic button due to students or professors not being able to remember extension numbers during shock. “When a student or professor is in shock, they don’t think about extension numbers,” Cooper said. “They only think about getting help as quick as possible.” Cooper also mentioned that the way to Lot F can get “dangerous” at night due to limited lighting. Gallagher also said that walking at night can be dangerous for students who are currently taking night classes at El Camino College. “Students feel unsafe walking alone at night,” she said. “I suggested to my night class students to walk in pairs or to take a shuttle to their cars.” El Camino student Kevin Nguyen, 21, physics major said he feels unsafe at times due to limited security at night. “Whenever I’m walking back to my car after my night class, I rarely see any campus police around “ he said. “There should be more campus police stationed around where students are taking classes.”

NOVEMBER 17, 2016

The defense attorney for the man arrested for allegedly recording women in the bathroom made a counter offer, in court Tuesday, that is being considered by the district attorney’s office. Moises Chavez, 33, was arrested on Oct. 12 on the suspicion of secretly recording women with a pen camera attached to his shoe in the Schauerman Library bathroom. His bail is still set at $25,000 and he will remain in custody. Chavez has had prior arrests in Santa Monica and San Diego, district attorney Courtney Wire said during court. Before his court date officially

began, his defense attorney, Torrance judge Amy N. Carter and the DA on the case met in a sidebar. A sidebar is when the attorneys of opposing sides meet with the judge presiding on the case in front of the judge’s bench to speak, off the record, about the case, according to legal-dictionary.com. Carter put it on record officially that the DA’s office made an offer to Chavez, which his attorney made a counter offer on. Wire will be considering the offer and Chavez was given a new date to appear on Dec. 12. Chavez was the first of three peeping tom reports this semester. He was also the only reported person to be arrested. There are no updates on the other incident, Trevis said in an email.

Grant Hermanns

Staff Writer @ECCUnionVictor

El Camino’s board of trustees held a special meeting on Monday, Nov. 14, but the details of what was discussed during their closed session remains unknown. The meeting was announced a four days prior, with a short agenda entailing the public to address the board with any questions before adjourning for their closed session. Due to the absence of anyone from the public, the board went into their closed session pretty quickly. “We had it open for like 30 seconds and closed it up,” EC board of trustees John Vargas said. “Let me correct that, it was more like two or three minutes and because

no one was here, we went ahead with our closed session.” The board has recently had to deal with the threat of a lawsuit by El Camino Village suing the college over the construction of parking Lot C. The board has recently had to deal with the threat of a lawsuit by El Camino Village suing the college over the construction of parking Lot C. This is the fourth special board of trustees meeting of the semester. There were no special meetings last semester and fall 2015 had two, due to the process of hiring, now president, Dena Maloney. The board of trustees will hold their next regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 21 at 4 p.m. in the Board Room.

Nikka Navarro, 29, undecided major, says that the referendum is just a scapegoat for people to run away from a problem, which many goers of Yes California and Calexit believe the rest of the U.S. and Trump are. “People who are interested in creating change should just donate or dedicate their time in organizations,” she said. While the Calexit decision will affect every Californian, it shouldn’t be passed or even put up for voting, Andrew Enge, 20, English major, said. “We’re not too diverse, like other countries,” he said. “Even if other states voted for Trump, we should still stand together as a united nation.” Laurie Houske, political science professor, said that #Calexit and the “Yes California” referendum is basically a joke. “It sounds interesting, but it’s not that easy,” she said.

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EDITORIAL

NOVEMBER 17, 2016

We should be united, not divided Californians are petitioning to secede from the United States in a misguided attempt to rid themselves of Trump. Let’s unite our country, not divide it. California is attempting to secede from the United States of America with the 2019 CalExit Independence Referendum which, if passed, would end a longstanding union due to conflicting values. CalExit is idealist and unlikely to pass as it requires a two-thirds approval from the House and Senate, as well as the backing of at least 38 state legislatures, according to International Business Times. Secession is a drastic retaliation pitched by a small amount of Californians out of their disapproval of Donald Trump becoming the President Elect. CalExit is a personal incentive motivated by an emotional response; a dangerous cocktail to drown rising tensions, not heal them. While 61 percent of voters in California cast their votes Hillary Clinton on Nov. 8, her loss to Trump was not an invitation to secede from the U.S., despite what supporters of the referendum might suggest. With secession on the table for 2019, its important to acknowledge what’s at stake if California separates from the U.S. and the effect it would have on not only national issues but foreign affairs. The U.S. is a “Superpower” among the world’s nations, chopping our country into independent republics sacrifices our ability to retain that power, and subjects us to a weakened military which could potentially open the gates to foreign threats. Regarding the economy, we have to consider not only the welfare of California, but the impact that

becoming independent could have on the rest of the nation. California currently contributes 13.3 percent to the U.S. economy, more than any other state, according to a chart from Business Insider. While “Yes California” argues that we should invest that money into our own state, this selfish thinking could be to the detriment of the overall U.S. economy. It’s no secret that the West Coast is comprised of predominantly leftwing liberal communities. Oregon and California have cast blue votes consecutively over the last eight presidential elections, however, our diehard blue is a relatively new trend and as we all know, trends change. The CalExit petition argues that secession would provide many benefits, including environmental initiatives, peace and security, and a strengthened economy. While California is the sixth largest economy in the world, according to the 2015 Global Gross Domestic Product, the U.S. is No. 1, so why would we compete with ourselves? In June Great Britain left the European Union with Brexit, and although “the UK economy appears to have weathered the initial shock of the Brexit vote,” according to BBC, who’s to say ours will do the same? As of now, it’s too radical to remove ourselves from a country that, no matter who our President Elect may be, we should be proud to be a part of. The main motive for CalExit is fueled by the belief that the rest of the U.S. is bogging California down with debt, threatened state security and a burdensome trade system, while facets of these

THE UNION Vol. 70, No. 11 Nov. 17, 2016

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Campus Viewpoints

Do you think Trump will be a good president and why? By: Selvin Rodas Staff Writer @ECCUnionSelvin Photos By: Alba Mejia Photographer @ECCUnionAlba

Christina Bailey, 20, film/ video major I don’t think (Trump will be a good president) because I don’t agree with his beliefs. Most Americans are minorities and how (is he) going to be against most of America. Especially because he doesn’t have any political experience and he’s old, he’s 70.

claims may hold merit, we should remain loyal to the Union in order to see the return on our investment into the success of our country. The U.S. is still recovering from falling face-first into recession, we are on the incline, instead of investing ourselves into perpetuating the divide, let’s fight for reparation by first trying to strengthen the bond.

Illustration by Eugene Chang

The Issue: Californians petitioning to secede from the U.S. Our Stance: Americans need to unite against Donald Trump, not divide.

Warriors Pulse: What’s your favorite Thanksgiving entree? It’s the age-old debate: Which goes better with Thanksgiving dinner, turkey or ham? With more meats, like chicken or duck, the options for a Thanksgiving entree have grown over the years. The Union went out on campus to ask students what their favorite entree item is for Thanksgiving, and in the 338 students we interviewed, we found that: • 174 people would prefer to keep everything classic and eat turkey for Thanksgiving. • 116 people choose to eat ham for Thanksgiving. • 25 people choose not to eat meat on Thanksgiving, either due to being a vegetarian or not enjoying meat on Thanksgiving. • 24 people eat other meats on Thanksgiving, ranging from chicken to fish.

EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION 3

Don’t Eat Meat: 7.4%

Erik Jensen, 21, astrophysics major

I think Trump could be a good president because not only because of the economic issues and his policies will help bring the economic standpoint of the U.S more into civility. Also, I believe he should try and deport, I think stopping them from coming in will help. Also, immigrants work for low wage jobs and if Americans start taking over those jobs they will demand a higher pay. Immigrants sometimes work in very bad conditions for fear of being deported and Americans taking over, will increase the working conditions.

Other: 7.1%

Ham: 34.3%

Editor-in-Chief �� Phil Sidavong News Editor �� Phil Sidavong Opinion/Editorial Editor �� Grant Hermanns Assistant Opinion/Editorial Editor....................................................Alex Torres Arts Editor................................................................................... Grant Hermanns Sports Editor ��Eric Ramos Photo Editor �� Shontel Leake Copy Editor.....................................................................................Christina Lyon Features Editor �� Phil Sidavong Advertising Manager �� Jack Mulkey Adviser ��Kate McLaughlin Adviser �� Stefanie Frith Photo Adviser...................................................................................Gary Kohatsu

Turkey: 51.5%

Vanessa Arredondo, 18, business major I don’t think Trump will be a good president because his whole campaign is based on spreading hate and excluding minorities.

Michael Donatucci, 20, sociology major

I think he is going to be a good president because he’s going to lower the taxes and get all the illegals out.

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.

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4 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION

PHOTO ESSAY

NOVEMBER 17, 2016

LET IT R-I-P-P-P

Jessica Boldt, 18, undecided major wears these ripped jeans because it is something e kind of hard to find jeans in my size so these fit me,” Boldt said.

(Above) Andy Huynh, 20 criminalogy major, “I fell off my skateboard the street and ripped my jeans.” - Photo by Alain Miranda/ Union (Below) Phoebe Malonzo, 25, nursing major, said she bought her jeans at Abercrombie and Fitch and she likes them because they’re soft. “I like wearing them when it’s hot, I like to get breeze ibnstead of wearing shorts.” Photo by Alba Mejia/ Union

(Left) Yanis Felds, 18 years old, major undecided, rocks her jeans with giant holes. Photo by Satomi Nagashima/ Union (Below) Mary Alcalá, 20, undecided major said these happen to be her favorite jeans. She bought them at Pac-Sun. She has two to three more pairs of ripped jeans. Photo by Alba Mejia/ Union

PHOTO ESSAY

NOVEMBER 17, 2016

EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION 5

in Style (Left) Marco Sosa, 24, business major, said he feels good in the jeans and feels fashionable. He’s big on fashion.

(Below) Alexa Mancilla, 18, Journalism major, says, "Ripped jeans are cool and I look cute in them."

Photos by: Shontel Leake/ Union

Alba Mejia/ Union everyone else wears. She bought these stylish jeans at Nordstrom. “It’s

Elijah Hicks/ Union Liberal studies major Leslie Horta says most of her jeans are ripped and she enjoys it like that. Alba Mejia

Staff Writer/Photographer @ECCUnionAlba

Ripped jeans at El Camino has been a recent fashion trend that appeals to many students. Everywhere you walk on campus you are bound to find someone wearing this kind of fashion. Some people wear it because they like it, others because they want to make a fashion statement. Alexandra Gonzalez, 23, Psychology said that she wears them because it is the style. She said she mostly wears them when she knows it is going to

be “nice and breezy.” Although most people wear it purposely, some wear it because of accidental mishaps. For example, Andy Hyunh, 20, criminology major, said his jeans ripped due to a skateboarding accident. Although the trend has been growing over the past few years, in reality it all started around 30 years ago. “It all started with the ripped jeans that became popular in the late 1980s during the hard rock/ heavy metal era and in the 1990s and 2000s during the grunge era,” according to an article by the Convergence Makeovers website.

6 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION

Despite being hired just before school began, Aaron Giesel brings alot to the table

Hired late

ARTS

NOVEMBER 17, 2016

Grant Hermanns

Arts Editor @ECCUnionGrantH

nother semester has come and nearly gone, and there have been a slew of new professors across El Camino’s campus in every department, from the Humanities all the way to the Arts departments. One of the new adjunct professors for the Arts Department is photography teacher Aaron Giesel, who helms from Cal State Long Beach (CSULB) and has taught at five different campuses as an adjunct professor. Giesel began his teaching career shortly after graduating with a master’s degree in fine arts in 2012 from CSULB, officially teaching in the fall 2013 semester with a class at Long Beach City College and spreading out to Cal State Northridge, CSULB and now El Camino. Even with having to drive from campus to campus during the week to teach, Giesel thinks it’s “great,” joking that he’s “making enough money” thanks to both CSULB and EC. Giesel has also found working with EC students to be very rewarding, thanks to the students’ interest in the class. “The students are really invested into the program,” Giesel said. “They’re bringing in good work, which makes it fun as a teacher.” When it came time for hiring Giesel, he was actually hired at the last minute by former Dean of Fine Arts Constance Fitzsimons before her retirement on the Friday before the semester started. “I’m still acclimating (to EC),” Giesel said. “I was ready to go on

Nohemy Barrera/Union

Kyle Katano plays his guitar in the Music Building quad on Tuesday, Sept. 20.

Artists of El Camino Kyle Katano, 21, music major Nohemy Barrera

Staff Writer @ECCUnionNohemy

Shontel Leake/Union

Aaron Giesel, photography professor, graduated from Cal State Long Beach in 2012 with a master’s degree in fine arts and has taught at five campuses as an adjunct professor, including El Camino. that first night (of the class).” Upon arriving at EC, Giesel was taken under the wing of longtime EC photography professor Darilyn Rowan, who has helped Giesel get accustomed to the campus, and who he says he worked with in “bringing a unique vision” to teaching students. “The Photography Department

is very happy to have Aaron,” Rowan said. “He joins us with a very strong technical and creative background in photography.” Rowan also believes that professors who have worked on a campus for a long time should mentor new professors. “I’ve tried to introduce various facets of campus, along with

‘Monster’ delivers heartbreak and creativity Grant Hermanns

‘My Heart’ blends powerful stories with lively music Nohemy Barrera

Arts Editor @ECCUnionGrantH

Staff Writer @ECCUnionNohemy

he reality of dealing with death before becoming an adult is never an easy story to tell, but it has been done successfully in the past with films including “Bridge to Terabithia” and “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.” Not only does “A Monster Calls” follow suit with this subject, but it surpasses these past films in its creativity and its vibrant storytelling, delivering a truly heartbreaking and powerful tale of grief, maturity and growth. 13-year-old Conor O’Malley (Lewis MacDougall) meets a large yew tree monster (Liam Neeson) who tells him three tales with very important messages relating to his struggles with bullies and his mother (Felicity Jones), who is dying from a terminal illness. While the story has certainly been told before, it’s never been done so with such emotion and creativity as with “Monster.” O’Malley’s imagination leaps from scene to scene in his artwork alone, but the film’s visual brilliance soars with each tale The Monster tells. In telling young Conor each story, The Monster covers the boy’s eyes with branches, instructing him to use his imagination to envision the world around him before sharing with him the tales. Each tale is told with an animation style blending hand drawings and computer-generated imagery that is so well executed and colorfully designed, it captures audience’s sense of imagination and adventure. In addition to the imaginative storytelling, the performances in the film elevate its emotional punch, especially the young MacDougall in his second career acting role, his first starring role. MacDougall shows an incredible strength and fire in his perfor-

introducing (Giesel) to colleagues,” Rowan said. “(I also gave) him an effective introduction to our digital and wet lab facilities.” Giesel also had his work featured in the “Mas Attack” exhibition in the Torrance Art Museum on Saturday, Nov. 12, according to Rowan.

El Camino’s campus is bristling with a variety of artists, ranging from musicians to photographers to painters. “The Union” went out and interviewed some of the artists around campus to find out how they chose their art and what drives them in it. Our first featured artist is 21-year-old music major, Kyle Katano. “I started out playing the guitar at church when I was nine and I would play with my dad every weekend and that’s pretty much what got me started with playing and singing. I was partly influenced by my dad and partly because I really wanted to learn and be immersed in music. What motivates me is my mom, she always takes care of me and we support each other, even though we’re kind of

low on money she definitely motivates me to keep pursuing going to college and my major. My guitar teacher [motivates me] too, [his name is] Professor Jon Minei. I try to illustrate my emotions, what I’m feeling at the moment. Unless it’s a paid job or assignment then I have to write what they tell me to write about. I’ve been paid to write for a professional singer who was in a band named ‘Sixx: A.M.’ She just hired me to do her own album. It’s not out yet. [When I write] the melody and chords are spontaneous, but the subject is always lingering. I think about what I’m going to write about first and then the music part comes out right then and there. It’s kind of funny because I actually write music when I’m feeling depressed or sad. I like to write when I just had a good experience meeting someone or the other way around. The reason I write is different every time.”

“A Piece of My Heart”, a play based off of six women who experienced life during the Vietnam war, was held at the Campus Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 12. The story is mainly focused on five nurses and a singer, which is hired to entertain the soldiers, who traveled to Vietnam and shared their experiences together all throughout their stay in Vietnam. While the audience members waited for the show to begin, each saw a placard in the seat in front of them with a name and a title as they were seated. It wasn’t until the director, Matthew Singleton, came out and explained that each seat was saved and named “in honor for each soldier who fought in the Vietnam war who was from the Los Angeles areas” such as Gardena, Haw-

thorne, etc. The play began with the silhouette of five soldiers marching up to the center of the stage with the American flag “waving” waving behind them. The spotlight then focused on six women, including a country singer, and each began to talk about how they felt about traveling to Vietnam. Some nurses spoke about their exposure to overwhelming and first time experiences. “I liked the part where [one of the nurses] spoke about it being her first experience giving a penicillin shot,” Karen Santos, 27, business major said. “It felt real, she and the soldier looked pretty scared.” As the story developed, the scenes began to show more warlike action. The red and white strobe lights began to go off which represented blood and gunfire and the injured troops began to need more medical attention. “I feel like this makes us think more about what our troops go

through,” Jason Lee, 17, undecided major, said. Although many scenes where focused on the war itself, a couple scenes contained live “cheery” music and other scenes made almost the entire audience laugh out loud. “The dancing scene, where all of them were dancing together was hilarious. The guy all the way in the corner (a soldier) had his back facing us and we could see everything,” Alex Aleman, 20, biology major said. Some characters even spoke about the sexist remarks made to them because they were being too “womanly” by wearing a ribbon and wearing perfume; even a story of a rape. Toward the end, the nurses and the remaining soldiers gathered together as they sang “Amazing Grace” in remembrance of the fallen troops who never made it back to their homes.

Documentary promises view of ‘panoramic’ destinations in Brazil Selvin Rodas

Staff Writer @ECCUnionSelvin

The Marsee Auditorium will be hosting the “Brazil Documentary,” which is a movie that took a 59 day journey to show the “most beautiful and panoramic destinamance at such a young age Photo Courtesy of Focus Features (14), and helps audiences connect to Conor and sympathize ing mother. with him from the opening frame Overall, “A Monster Calls” to the tearjerking final moments. delivers one of the most vibrant, Jones, who has been making colorful, imaginative and heartan impact on the film world with breaking journeys of a young her recent roles in “The Theory boy’s experience with grief in a of Everything” and her upcoming long time. role in “Rogue One: A Star Wars “A Monster Calls” hits theaters Story,” continues to show her on Friday, Dec. 23. strength as the ailing, but everlast-

On The Scene

tions,” according to a flier. This event is part of the “Discovery World Travel Series” and will take place on Nov. 21. The first presentation will be at 3 p.m. and the second one is at 7:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and the tickets have different

prices. for General Admission is $9 and for seniors and students is $8, according to the Center for the Arts website. Tickets can be ordered on the Center for the Arts website, or by calling 310-329-5345.

ECC Concert Band

ECC Studio Jazz Band

Director Dane Teter presents the latest performance by the ECC Concert Band, with performers ranging from highschool students to retirees in the Marsee Auditorium on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on the Center for the Arts’ website.

El Camino’s Studio Jazz Band returns to perform for the fall semester in the Haag Recital Hall on Monday, Nov. 28 at 8 p.m., directed by David Sills Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on the Center for the Arts’ website, or by calling 310-329-5345.

SPORTS

NOVEMBER 17, 2016

EL CAMINO COLLEGE 7

3-0

Five takeaways from the men’s basketball team’s undefeated start to the new season Eric Ramos

Sports Editor @ECCUnionEricR

he El Camino College men’s basketball team is off to a 3-0 start after a 10296 victory over Santa Barbara City College last Friday. Here are five takeaways from the Warriors fast start: 1) The Warriors lead the South Coast Conference-South, averaging 97.7 points per game through three games while shooting 48.2 percent from the field. “I’m proud of the guys for getting off to a 3-0 (record) start this year and taking pride in defending our home court,” EC coach Robert Uphoff said. 2) EC has only two returners from last season. The newcomers have added much depth and versatility. Freshman guard Jamal Heckard is averaging 19.3 points per game while shooting 53.8 percent from three-point range. Sophomore guard Martyre Demarco is averaging 10.3 points per game off the bench while shooting 54.5 percent from the field. “I have been genuinely impressed with the number of guys who’ve stepped up at various times throughout our first three games,” Uphoff said. 3) With many scoring options, the Warriors have players who can score from anywhere on the floor. Against Southwestern College, EC had five players score in double figures. Freshman small forward Che Madrid finished with 13 points while sophomore forward Keywhon Powns added 10 points off the bench.

Elijah Hicks/ Union

El Camino point guard Tarron Wiley steals the ball to start a fast break, resulting in free throws for the Warriors against Cypress College. 4) EC has the luxury of playing its first six games at home, including the El Camino tournament which begins today in the North Gym. “With our first six games being at home, we want to capitalize on that and start the season strong,” Madrid said. “We want to continue to get better as the season goes on.”

5) While the Warriors have won three-straight to start the season, there’s room for improvement. EC shot a dreadful 52.8 percent from the free-throw line against Santa Barbara and were out rebounded, 40-26. “We need to play better on the defensive end of the floor,” Uphoff said. “Our free throw shoot-

ing must also improve if we hope to compete with the elite teams on our schedule.” Heckard scored a season-high 25 points in the win over Santa Barbara. He was 10-for-15 shooting from the field. El Camino will be hosting a tournment which begins today and runs until Saturday.

Results through three games:

El Camino 83, Cypress College 79, Jamal Heckard 18 points; Munachiso Nwodili 15 points, 8 rebounds El Camino 110, Southwestern College 94, Jamal Heckard 15 points, 5 steals, 4 assist; Martyre Demarco 14 points El Camino 102, Santa Barbara 96, Jamal Heckard 25 points; Brandon Harris 18 points, 4 assist

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SPORTS

8 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION

Once a Warrior, always a Warrior Coach Gene Engle retires after 35 years with the football program; Engle is in the El Camino Hall of Fame as a coach and player Eric Ramos

Sports Editor @ECCUnionEricR

oaching football can be a tough business. Wins, losses and dealing with different personalities every year can take a toll on coaches. For El Camino coach Gene Engle, coaching is a way to teach and build players’ character on and off the field. After a 35-year career, Engle coached in his final game last Saturday with family, friends and former players in attendance. “It’s time for me to spend more time with my grandkids,” Engle said. “I’ll continue to teach at El Camino but I’m done as a full time coach.” While Engle began his career as a player at EC, coaching was something he never thought about doing after his playing days. “I never wanted to get into coaching,” Engle said. “I prayed on it. I said ‘God, I don’t want to do this but I’m open to doing it if this is what you want me to do.’” Through his faith and commitment, Engle has been more than a coach to his players. During his career at EC, Engle has helped over 500 players earn college scholarships. In addition, Engle has helped countless other players become better men, fathers and members of the community. “He’s more than a coach,” former Pro Bowl San Fransisco 49ers offensive lineman Derrick Deese said. “He’s like a second father. The things he has taught me, I try to carry in everyday life.” Deese said it hurts to see him go but understands Engle wants to spend more time with his family and enjoy life. “He knew how to get the best out of players,” Deese said. “I credit my successful career to him.” Engle played offensive tackle at EC and earned All-Conference honors in 1975 and 1976. He went on to play at Stanford under legendary Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh in 1977 and 1978. At Stanford, Engle was a member of the 1977 Sun Bowl and 1978 Bluebonnett Bowl teams. At halftime of Engle’s final game, EC honored the coach with the inaugural Character and Commitment award for his character as a coach and his commitment to EC. To thank Engle for his legendary

Jorge Villa/ Union

EC coach Gene Engle served as offensive coordinator, offensive line coach and assistant coach during his tenure. career, EC established the award from here on out as the Gene Engle award. Renaming the award in his honor and it will be given annually to a football player who demonstrates both character and commitment. For EC running backs coach Ryan Winkler, it has come full

circle as he played for Engle in 1994 and 1995. Winkler said he learned a lot from Engle, including how character defines a man and there’s only one way to do things, with integrity. “Engle and Featherstone created a family atmosphere at a two-year program which is not easy to do

and will be difficult to duplicate,” Winkler said. “They built a foundation that has made “Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior,” not just a slogan but a reality.” Meanwhile, Engle continued to be the competitive coach as his final game ended. His first thought after the game, “It sucked that we

lost, I thought we had a chance.” Engle said he wants to win like any coach but ultimately it was about the relationships with the players. “The day-to-day building a relationship with the kids is what I’ll miss,” Engle said. “That means the world to me.”

Women’s soccer ends the season with a loss to loss to Cerritos College El Camino finished second place in conference but fell short of a playoff berth Alex Torres

Staff Writer @ECCUnionAlex

The El Camino College women’s soccer teams’ 2016 season came to an end after 5-0 shutout conference loss to Cerritos College last Friday. Three of those goals came in a 20 minute span in the second half. Falcons’ forward Carolina Jaramil-

lo earned a hat trick and sealed the game with her back-to-back goals against the Warriors. John Britton said a tired Warriors’ team came out to play while injuries played a huge roll late in the season. “I’m disappointed we did not make playoffs,” Britton said. “Unfortunately injuries and a lack of match fitness took it’s toll on us. For the last month, we did not have the same team that we had in the beginning of the season.” The Warriors got off to a fast start

but lost five of their last 10 games and were without leading goal scorer Kalyn Kaemerle who suffered a season-ending knee injury. In additon, the Warriors lost freshman forward Kayla Sanches to a hamstring injury and freshman defender Tiffany Azad to a knee injury. Kaemerle had 11 goals before her injury. The Warriors ended the season with 37 goals overall while averaging 10.2 shots per game. EC finishes the season 11-6-4 overall and 4-2-2 in conference.

WARRIORS SCHEDULE CROSS-COUNTRY Saturday State Championships

MEN’S BASKETBALL Thurs-Sat El Camino Tournament WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Playoffs TBD

NOVEMBER 17, 2016

El Camino men’s crosscountry team advances to State Championships Eric Ramos

Sports Editor @ECCUnionEricR

The El Camino men’s crosscountry team will be competing in its 27th consecutive State Championships on Saturday. “We have an outstanding group of men that have advanced,” EC cross-country coach Dean Lofgren said. “Sadly, this season breaks my 27-year streak of women’s teams qualifying.” For the women, freshman Brianna Harmon was the only individual qualifier. “Brianna is fit and coming off two solid championship races (South Coast Conference and So Cal),” Lofgren said. “She looks ready to race come Saturday.” The men’s group is led by six sophomores and one freshman which have all been in the State Championships before (here at EC and high school) and have worked hard together since July logging anywhere from eight to 12 miles a day with high-intensity interval training. In last week’s Southern California Regional, Solomon Kanehailua led EC in 44th (21:36) followed by Israel Cardona 47th (21:39), David Hodges 68th (22:05), Jacob Helfgott 81st (22:19), and Alex Moody 82nd (22:20); rounding out the scoring top 5. EC placed a qualifying 10th in the large field, just two points behind Saddleback College while San Bernardino Valley College won. South Conference rival Mt. SAC finished 3rd. Lofgren said as the race progressed, they slowly slipped back and - although still grouped well - were a bit too far back to have a realistic shot at one of their lofty goals of a top 5-7 finish. “A top 10 spot is respectable in this quality field,” Lofgren said. “We will prepare for an optimal performance in the State Championships.” The California Community College Athletic Association State Championships will be held at Woordward Park in Fresno on Saturday. “If we maintain our composure and run to our potential, we should place well,” Lofgren said. “These guys have been such a nice, dedicated and academicallyfocused group to work with. I couldn’t ask for anything else as their coach and I am tremendously proud of what they have done and for what they are about to do.” Lofgren has been awarded six California Community College Coach of the Year awards and he is a 26-time South Coast Conference Coach of the Year, including both cross-country and track and field. Career highlights in cross country coaching include state championship titles for the women in 1990 and the men in 1992; runner-up positions for the men in 1995 and the women in 1994, 1998, 1999, and 2003. Track and field teams have also placed high, with the women winning state in 1991 and 2011 and the men earned their highest place in school history with third place in 2002, acoording to the EC website.

Jo Rankin/ Union

Sophomore defender Miranda Ramirez gains position.

WARRIORS SCOREBOARD

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MEN’S SOCCER Warriors 2, Cerritos College 3

@ECCUnionPhil @ECCUnionAlex @ECCUnionEricR

WOMEN’S SOCCER Warriors 0, Cerritos College 5

FOOTBALL L.B. City College 48, Warriors 36

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