El Camino College "The Union" Nov. 3 Issue 10 by El Camino College The Union

EL CAMINO COLLEGE

Women’s soccer struggles offensively, P. 8

NOVEMBER 3, 2016

THE UNION eccunion.com

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1946-2016

70th

Anniversary TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA

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Running up the numbers

Elijah Hicks/ Union El Camino women’s volleyball sophomore Taylor Brydon throws a ball up at the Sand Courts on campus. After a strong beach season where Brydon and former partner, Brooke Russell, made it to the state individual tournament, she has a newfound love for the indoor version of the game and is leading the team in kills with 229 and has 456 career kills. To read more about Brydon and her career, go to page 8.

Crime is all the way up No suspect caught in armed robbery case Students react to break in at library ATM Christina Lyon

Staff Writer @ECCUnionChristina

Days after a student reported the fourth armed robbery of the semester, the El Camino Police Department sent out a campus advisory with a photo of the alleged suspect attached. On Monday, Oct. 17 around 2:10 p.m. a student reported that he had been robbed by a tall, thin AfricanAmerican man, aged 30-40, who used a black semi-automatic gun, carried a welding mask and had a black and red duffel bag. This is the fourth armed robbery reported this semester, but the first one to occur on campus. “We will be giving the area (Lot B) extra patrol and we are working with the surrounding police agencies to identify and apprehend the suspect and or suspects,” ECPD Police Chief Michael Trevis said.

The last robbery occurred on Oct. 4 on Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Lemoli Avenue. As of this week, there is still no update on either incident and EC police chief Michael Trevis said that no witnesses have come forward that can identify the suspect. The community and businesses surrounding EC are expressing concern for the students. “People should be able to go to school and not worry about these things,” Mark Roberts, manager of Tilly’s Tacos on Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Crenshaw Boulevard, said. “We need to come together.” Chief Trevis is asking that people do just that and said in an email the is “asking for everyone’s help,” and if anyone sees anything suspicious they should contact police immediately at the Campus Police station at 310-660-3100.

Selvin Rodas

Staff Writer @ECCUnionSelvin

El Camino students shared their thoughts about a robbery that occured on campus on Oct. 23, when a thief broke into one of the library’s ATM Machines. Two African-American males broke into the machine and stole an unknown amount of money, according to police beat. Justin Alexander, 19, criminal justice major, said that he went to withdraw money last Monday morning when he noticed that the police were removing the ATM from the library. “I feel like even though it’s a bad thing (to steal the money), it’s probably a good thing for him because he kept some money,” Alexander said. Irvin Rodriguez, 21, computer science major, is inconvenienced

by the ATM being removed from the library. “I think that this might affect us because I used that ATM all the time and its been a week since the thief took the money,” Rodriguez said. “We don’t have an ATM right there anymore.” On the other hand, Kimberly Newman, 18, psychology major, said that the person who stole the money is a coward and should be found immediately. Connie Miranda, 18, English major, didn’t know about the break in that happened on the library. “I think it’s pretty ignorant that (the suspect) came to a college out of all places,” Miranda said. “This is the wrong place because the school and the police will find the thief.” The detective who was called to the scene is handling the investigation, according to police beat.

NEWS

ARTS

TOBACCO AND VAPOR SALES HAVE TAKEN A HIT WITH CHANGE IN LEGAL AGE, P. 3

JOANNA NACHEF HIRED AS INTERIM DEAN OF FINE ARTS, P. 8

El Camino is an equal opportunity campus “The Union” Staff ECCUnion.com @ECCUnion

A male El Camino faculty member reported that he saw a camera flash while using the men’s restroom on the third floor of the Humanities Building last Wednesday around 4:15 p.m., El Camino’s police chief said. After seeing the flash, the faculty member called out to the suspected peeping tom who ran away, according to the campus advisory sent to all faculty and students. There is no more information on this incident, ECPD police chief Michael Trevis said in an email. The suspect for this incident has yet to be identified, Trevis added. The police are still looking for a witness to identify the potential peeping tom, he added. This was the second reported peeping tom incident in October.

The first of these incidents happened when a female student reported that a man was taking pictures in one of the Schauerman Library restrooms on Oct. 13. The suspect had a pen with a camera attached to his shoe, Sgt. Dal Toruno said. The suspect is currently in jail and Toruno said the suspect already had multiple felony charges prior to this arrest. Trevis said that the suspect’s name is Moises Chavez, a nonstudent, and there is no court date. Three staff members at the library declined to speak with “The Union,” and said that it is an open case and the report on the incident is still being written up. If anyone has any information they should contact Campus Police at 310-660-3100. Phil Sidavong, Selvin Rodas, Nohemy Barrera and Alba Mejia reported on this story

2 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION

POLICE BEAT By Phil Sidavong

Thieves break into ATM Monday, Oct. 24 at 4:32 a.m. Two African-American males broke a window in the north side of Schauerman Librar y and used an unknown tool to break into the ATM on the first floor. Officers responded to the scene to find the ATM destroyed. The case is currently under investigation by the detective on the case.

Volunteering to follow students to their home Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 9:58 a.m. A female student said that the director of a volunteer organization followed her to her home to leave a flier. The director of that organization is a student and was referred to the Office of Staff and Student Diversity. Officers responded to the lobby to take the report.

Volunteering to follow students to their home Thursday, Oct. 27 at 5:51 p.m. Officers responded to the 3400 block of Manhattan Beach Boulevard due to a transient man walking in the middle of the street. Officers formed the opinion that he was a danger to himself and he was taken to Harbor General Medical Center for a psychological evaluation.

School to participate in lockdown drill for safety El Camino is asking staff and faculty to participate in a Nov. 9 lockdown drill, according to a flier on the drill. At 10 a.m and 7 p.m. the school will sound an emergency broadcast to campus telephones and the school asks staff and faculty to do the following: • • • •

Lock all doors and use any furniture to block entrances if necessary. Turn off all lights, cover windows and make sure phones are on silent. Take shelter in place until law enforcement says otherwise. Remain in lockdown until the excercise has ended.

Corrections 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. The Union regrets these errors.

NEWS

NOVEMBER 3, 2016

Retiring after all the banners Women’s volleyball head coach Le Valley Pattison announces retirement Phil Sidavong

Editor-in-chief @ECCUnionPhil

s a player, she was a state champion in 1983, but as a coach, she’s brought multiple banners to the El Camino women’s volleyball team; 18 total, including 16 South Coast Conference championships and back-to-back state championships in 2007-08. With a current overall indoor volleyball record of 470-134 in her 26th season as head coach, Le Valley Pattison currently has threestraight undefeated seasons against South Coast Conference opponents under her belt. On Oct. 19, the long-time volleyball coach announced that she will retire at the end of this season. “I’ve been talking to Dean (Rory) Natividad about it since about April or May,” Pattison said. “I want to focus on the beach (volleyball) team, it’s a young program and I love it. It’ll be beneficial for the indoor team to get new energy (on the sideline).” Despite being just 30 wins away from reaching the 500-win milestone, Pattison thinks it’s a good time to make a switch. “It’s not like I’m (fully) leaving,” she said. “I’ll be around, and there

should be a strong pool of people (for my job).” Pattison thinks the team could benefit from new coaching, but former El Camino volleyball player Brooke Russell had nothing but praise for Pattison and her coaching ability. “(She) was by far the best coach I’ve ever had,” Russell said. “I learned so much from her and grew a lot as a player. She’s constantly pushing each player to be the best and she cares about each one of (them).” It’s not just about how much she cares about the team, it’s about the foundation that Pattison has instilled into each and every player that comes through those doors to play at El Camino, assistant head coach Liz Hazell said. Hazell is a former player and conference MVP from the 2001 season, who Pattison asked to come back and coach about 12 years ago. “(Pattison) is calm,” Hazell said. “She’s not a yeller (a coach who constantly yells), she trusts that she’s instilled her system in the players. (It’s) about good passing and relentless defense.” Pattison’s system seems to be perfectly in place being that the Warriors have been conference championships 16 times since 1997 and state championships twice. “State championships are pretty special,” Pattison said. “But seeing (players) move on and seeing their accomplishments makes me feel proud. I get a big kick out of those ‘remember when’ moments. It’s a valuable experience coming through El Camino.”

Conference championships over the years YEAR

MVP

RECORD

1997 1998 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 (SC) 2008 (SC) 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Rochelle Esparza Dana Coffee

Not available Not available 23-6, 14-0 14-9, 13-1 14-3, 11-1 17-0, 12-0 23-3, 11-1 25-3, 13-1 31-2, 14-0 32-2, 14-0 25-3, 14-0 25-4, 14-0 20-5, 13-1 21-5, 13-1 24-3, 14-0 26-3, 14-0

Elizabeth Hazell Courtney Spainhour Courtney Spainhour

More/Chrisholm Beverly Hazell

Lindsey Spainhour Lauren Simmons Sam Taylor

Ashleigh Gideon

Sarah McFadden Nigeria Owens

SueKalena Tafao Kimberly Haney

Nickeisha Williams

(SC) indicates the team won the state championship, all stats gathered from CCCAAstats.org. Records indicate overall win-loss and then conference win-loss.

Phil Sidavong/ Union (Above) EC women’s volleyball head coach Le Valley Pattison poses before the match against the East Los Angeles College Huskies on Wednesday, Oct. 26. Pattison announced her retirement from the indoor team on Wednesday, Oct. 19 and will coach her final regular-season home game tomorrow against L.A. Harbor College..

Jo Rankin/ Union (Left) El Camino women’s volleyball team head coach Le Valley Pattison gives her team a pep talk after the fourth set vs. Cerritos College on Friday, Sept. 23. The Warriors went on to win that match 3-2 in sets.

NEWS

NOVEMBER 3, 2016

EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION 3

Smokers and businesses struggle

The recent law change in legal smoking age in California has affected students and businesses “The Union” Staff

ECCUnion.com @ECCUnion

alifornia is taking strides in making it increasingly more difficult for people to smoke, enacting new laws like raising the legal smoking age from 18 to 21 last June. As a result, businesses are closing down, brands have gone out of business and sales of cigarettes and tobacco products have declined. Just last spring, former El Camino President Tom Fallo enacted a smoking ban on campus. Some students think these new changes are unfair to those who were already smoking before the law passed. “You don’t have to be 21 to join the military, you have to be 18,” Jason Bunch, 23, said. “Why shouldn’t it be the same?” The change has not only affected students on campus, but businesses located nearby. An employee at Rocky’s LiquorFood Mart on the corner of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Crenshaw Boulevard said the store used to get a lot of students coming in from EC before they started strictly enforcing the new law. “I always ask for I.D.,” Endra Lim, 39, said. “(Now) we are getting a lot less customers (buying cigarettes).” The titan of the nicotine market for the last few years has been vaporizers, a market which gained widespread popularity but is now facing the same challenge of its competitors: the legal age change. Vicious Vapor, located across the street from campus on the corner of Crenshaw Boulevard and Redondo Beach Boulevard, has had to adjust their sales methods to stay afloat, employee Joshua Alvarez said. “We can’t even let people taste our (vapor) juices, because it’d be

like giving away free product,” Alvarez said. “Other shops down Redondo Beach have been closing down.” The law has caused many people problems, but Governor Jerry Brown’s signing of the bill may significantly reduce health risks in California, according to a 2015 study by the Institute of Medicine. There would be approximately 223,000 fewer premature deaths, 50,000 fewer lung cancer deaths and 4.2 million fewer years of life lost for people born between 2000 and 2019, according to the study. Experts also predict that the law will minimize early smoking initiation for 15- to 17-year-olds by 25 percent. So where are people under 21 buying their cigarettes now? Certainly not at VIP Tobacco & Cigars in Gardena, where employee Sean Khan, 25, said the store is strictly enforcing the law even at the cost of lower sales. “If the law went back down to 18, (we would) get a lot more sales,” Khan said. Despite compliance of the law by local businesses, some students under 21 are not encountering as much resistance. “I heard the news on Facebook and I thought it was not fair because I smoke,” Jefferson Cotton, 19, art major, said. “But there are still stores where I can buy cigarettes and they are ok that I’m not 21 yet.” Now if students under 21 are caught on campus smoking, they could face disciplinary action as severe as getting “thrown out” of school, though it would ultimately be up to EC authorities, ECPD Officer Jan Caldwell said. Upcoming elections pose another threat for California smokers, because Prop 56 would increase cigarette tax to $2 per pack. Story written by Christina Lyon, Phil Sidavong, Grant Hermanns, Selvin Rodas, Jimmy Nguyen and Nohemy Barrera

Alain Miranda/ Union A 22-year-old psychology student, who wished to remain anonymous, poses with his cigarette during a break on Monday morning outside the Music Building on Monday.

New semester, new personnel, same award-winning ways

El Camino’s student-run newspaper, literary magazine and general-interest magazine won top 10 awards nationally despite changes to the staff Victor R. Liptzin

Staff Writer @ECCUnionVictor

El Camino’s student-run journalism programs won awards at the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) National College Media Convention on Oct. 23 in Washington, D.C. Reporters and advisers from “The Union” newspaper attended the conference and won fourth place in the two-year school category for their most recent issue, while the website took seventh place. ACP is a non-profit educational association that hosts national events and competitions which unite journalism students, advisors and professionals to “educate and recognize the work of student journalists,” according to the ACP website. Warrior Life, the school’s general-interest magazine, won fifth place in the entire country. “When I first heard that Warrior Life placed fifth nationally, I thought that was really awesome,” Sydnie Mills, 21, journalism major and former editor-in-chief of “The Union” and Warrior Life, said. “I was just happy because our staff put in so much time and effort into (that) issue.” Similarly, Peter Marcoux, English professor and adviser for The Myriad, which won ninth

play in the country for literary magazine, was very proud after hearing about EC winning the awards. “We won ninth place in ‘Best in Show’ and it was nice because it wasn’t only community colleges, but it was four-year schools as well,” Marcoux said. Marcoux gave credit for the award to the hard working students involved in putting it together. “I thank the student editors first of all, they’re the ones who did the most work, as well as the student designers and the art teacher who helped the student designers,” Marcoux said. Phil Sidavong, 22, English major and current editor-in-chief of “The Union,” was very satisfied with the outcome of the DC trip. “I want to thank all the new writers who put in work and effort, especially Christina Lyon, who jumped into being Copyeditor and helped us out so we didn’t have that many errors,” Sidavong said.

More awards:

Warrior Life also won a General Excellence award at the regional state Southern California conference last weekend. Former staff photographer Sue Hong won second place for feature photo and long-time cartoonist Eugene Change won a fourth-place award for illustrations.

For more on the awards and other news stories, check out: eccunion.com

Stefanie Frith/ Union The staff of the El Camino student-run newspaper poses with issues of the Oct. 13 print edition. That issue won fourth-place nationally among two-year colleges.

List of 2016 ACP Awards won by El Camino: • • • •

“The Union” was awarded fourth place in the Best Newspaper for Two-year colleges category. Warrior Life earned a fifth place finish for the Best Feature Magazine in the country. “The Union” received a seventh place finish for the Best Website for a large school category. The Myriad won a ninth place finish for the Best Literary Magazine in the country.

EDITORIAL

4 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION

NOVEMBER 3, 2016

Yes on Prop 64: Open the California marijuana market In a state where adults are able to purchase alcohol and tobacco, smoking marijuana in California is presumed a criminal activity, even though we see it and smell it frequently when walking down a street full of green crosses. Proposition 64 is “the consensus measure based on recognized best practices to control, regulate and tax responsible adult use, sale and cultivation of marijuana in California,” according to Yes on Prop 64’s website. The measure allows adults over 21 to possess marijuana and grow small amounts at home for personal use, if passed in November. Sale of marijuana will also be legal and highly regulated to protect consumers and kids. It’s time we get the California marijuana market out in the open and vote yes on Prop 64. We all know its practically legal, but now it will be tracked, controlled, regulated and taxed. The state will no longer be criminalizing responsible adults or incarcerating minors. Currently in California, nonmedical marijuana use is unregulated, untaxed, and occurs without any consumer or environmental protections. Prop 64 establishes the Bureau of Marijuana Control within the Department of Consumer Affairs to regulate and license the marijuana industry. For marijuana smokers, going to a legal club is a lot safer than purchasing marijuana on the black market. Which can sometimes mean going into shady neighborhoods with gang activity. Furthermore, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act will tax both the growth and sale of marijuana to generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually to help fund youth programs, environmental protection and law enforcement, according to the Official Voter Information Guide. Why yes on Prop 64? Partaking in recreational use will not get you thrown into an already over-populated jail. Kids under 18 who get

By: Victor Liptzin Staff Writer @ECCUnionVictor

Dating is worth it for autistic people

busted will be required to attend treatment and complete community service, according to the guide. Prop 64 will establish a fully comprehensive system to legalize and regulate the acquisition and sale of non-medical marijuana.

With the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) projecting the annual revenue to eventually reach over $1 billion, California can definitely benefit by using the funds for schools and infrastructure. Head toward greener pastures, al-

Illustration by Eli Hicks/Union

leviate your stress and vote yes on Prop 64. Editorials are written by the editors for The Union, with the subject being approved by each editor.

I’m a mildly-disabled person and despite that, I’ve been looking for love for years. I’m closing in on my 30th birthday, but I have never been successful in finding that love. When I was 12 years old I was sent to UCLA Medical Center because I had a mental breakdown in junior high due to constantly being bullied for being different. It turns out that I was diagnosed with Autism, a neurodevelopmental condition and social development impairment, according to the UCLA Child and Adult Neurodevelopment Clinic. Despite being an autistic man for most of my life, I just want to keep hope that I’ll be able to find the right woman who understands me and accepts me for what I have and who I am. I want people to know that I’m not just a person with a disability, but I’m a person who wants to overcome it and be able to love. Women wanted to avoid me be-

cause they never had any interest in me because I may be a geek who likes comic books like “Batman” and who likes playing card games like “Uno” with my friends. I know that I’ve always had a hard time trying to get a woman to love me, but a woman needs to see that not all autistic people are bad people and can have a good relationship or marriage. Licensed Psychologist and Family/Business Coach Kathy J. Marshack, Ph.D. P.S., specializes in “enriching peoples lives,” and has, through her research, found that people with developmental syndromes can find love, according to her website. “It’s a matter of quality in a relationship with an Asperger Syndrome adult,” But despite all that research and bad past experiences with love I hope to one day have a girlfriend and prove to people that I can be a worthy guy, regardless of my disability.

Editor’s Thoughts Warriors Pulse: Who are you voting for? We like the career Le Valley Pattison has had as EC’s volleyball coach.

We dislike that Pattison is retiring from indoor volleyball.

Trump 6.5%

Not Voting 37.3%

We like that Murdock Stadium is hosting high school football championships.

We dislike that close to 50 percent of students are not voting in the election.

THE UNION Vol. 70, No. 10 Nov. 3, 2016

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

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

Clinton 44.4%

Other 11.8%

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.

This year’s election is one of the most groundbreaking and heavily debated contests in the history of the United States. The candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, both have a number of scandals and dirty laundry being aired for the public to see now that they are running for president, and people must decide which person is better morally and which has better policies in plan to run the country when they’re in office. But students are too divided when it comes to voting this election, as even though most feel that Republican candidate Trump is a man that has no respect for the opposite sex and foreign races, many still feel they can’t trust Democratic candidate Clinton thanks to her secret emails and phone calls. The Union went out on El Camino’s campus to find out just which candidates the students are going to vote for in the upcoming election, and the results are shocking. In a group of 550 students, only 36 people are voting for Trump, nearly 250 people are voting for Clinton, 65 people are voting for third-party candidates, and 205 people are not voting. Opting out of voting for president really is no way to get one’s voice into the election.

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

NOVEMBER 3, 2016

5 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION

UP FOR DEBATE

Carina Cardenas

Staff Writer @ECCUnionCarina

Trump’s political plans “trump” his negative attention

Should you vote for Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump for President?

Elections are right around the corner, people are getting ready to decide on who to vote to be America’s next president, Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump? I believe Donald Trump is the best candidate because America just might need someone like him who is one-of-a-kind. Donald Trump is a man who can stand on his own two feet. He has built himself an empire and a name for himself before running for president. He’s a man who is known for his cunning business skills and the world we live in today is all about business. “His track record for financial success proves that he knows how to build a successful empire. With the U.S. trillions of dollars in debt, this is the sort of leader that might be able to turn it all around,” according to an article from Todaysinfo.net’s website. Trump also wants to bring back jobs for the American people and since our population has been growing so fast, providing jobs is important. Trump wants to build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico, not for the wrong reasons which some may think but for the good of the U.S. He’s been protecting his empire from those with bad intentions. Trump also wants to use his position, if elected commander in chief, to improve veteran health care. “Thousands of veterans have died while waiting for care,” Trump said. Trump will invest in the treatment of “invisible wounds,” the BBCNews website said. Therefore, Donald Trump is the candidate to choose because if you look past all the negative attention, his plans to make “America Great Again” will be possible.

Illustration by Eugene Chang/Union

Selvin Rodas

Staff Writer @ECCUnionSelvin

Hillary’s experience makes her the better candidate The United States will be making one of the greatest decisions in history on Tuesday, Nov. 8 when voting for president. With the possibility of a woman winning the presidential debate, it could rival the election of Barack Obama, who was the first-ever black president elected into office. Hilary Rodham Clinton is the better candidate for the presidency because she has more experience in politics and she knows how the United States is run. Not only was she the first lady from 1993 to 2001 (during Bill Clinton’s presidency), she was the senator of New York and she was the Secretary of State for four years under Obama’s presidency. Representing the Republican party for the presidential elections is Donald Trump, who has a lot of supporters, but he is not suitable to run a country like America because this is the first time he has ever run for any type of office. He can’t compete with Clinton’s political experience. Clinton cares about every single American and she wants to help students around the nation by making public colleges tuition-free. She has presented her Education Plan, in which she explains how she will support the students to get an education with spending money on their future. “By 2021, families with income of up to $125,000 will not pay tuition at in-state four-year public colleges and universities. And from the beginning, every student from a family making $85,000 a year or less will be able to go to an in-state four-year public college or university without paying tuition,” according to Clinton’s website. For these reasons, I believe she’s in line to be the next President of the United States.

What I learned from studying abroad in Florence, Italy By: Christina Lyon Copy Editor @ECCUnionLyon

On a mundane day like any other last semester, I walked out of the library and something caught my eye. A flier for El Camino’s most recent study abroad trip featured Florence’s iconic bridge, Ponte Vecchio, and Santa Maria del Fiori, a grandiose multi-colored gothic cathedral and the third largest church in the world. After losing myself in the vivid imagery for awhile, reality set in. If only I knew in that moment how much I would learn about myself and Italian culture from studying abroad, I wouldn’t have hesitated going for a minute. But the whim of jet-setting to Italy for the summer seemed unjustifiable for a full-time starving student and part-time optician like myself. The problem was that those pictures persisted in my mind and thoughts of studying in Florence became an obsession. A buried voice in my head bravely arose and said “If not now, when?” Four months later, after penny pinching, fundraising through a Go Fund Me Campaign and saving every dime, I found myself in a cab being zipped off to my apartment on Via de’ Ginori, two blocks from the cathedral in the heart of the city’s most thriving neighborhood. Florence is a city for the senses: abundant with art, authentic cuisine and an ever-present and infectious passion that reverberates through its narrow cobblestone streets. I felt a constant need for someone to pinch me to assure that I was really there. The month-long program had an active schedule for its students. The ACCENT International study center, located in a medieval palace within a hotspot piazza for

By: Alba Mejia Staff Writer/Photographer @ECCUnionAlba

Fighting through the storm called ‘life’

The view of the city of Florence and Santa Maria del Fiori from San Miniato al Monte, taken during Lyon’s study abroad journey. socializing locals and home to the best margherita pizza, was where I studied Italian architecture and literature. After school we visited famous sights like the Uffizi Gallery, the world’s largest collection of Renaissance art, and Galleria Dell’Accademia, where Michelangelo’s monumental statue of David magnetizes all who enter. On weekends we explored the small, charming towns of Tuscany: Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano, Siena, Chianti and more. We also went on overnight excursions to Venice and Rome. One weekend my roommates and I escaped the Tuscan heat by visiting Cinque Terre, a city comprised of five old fishing villages on the Italian Riviera where we swam in

the aqua-colored water of the Mediterranean Sea. There was also time spent more intimately and I learned about the Italian ways of life. Traditional Italian cuisine is savored over hours of conversation with loved ones, drinking coffee out of a tiny cup is a ritual, and goods like shoes and handbags are handcrafted in tiny shops by local artisans. On hot afternoons I’d meander through the leather markets’ myriad of colorful handbags, enjoying my favorite Italian treat: pistachio gelato. Through my study abroad trip to Italy I learned how to slow down and appreciate the details in life that are so often overlooked, and challenged myself to be more pres-

Christina Lyon/Union

ent and appreciative of my surroundings. Being immersed in another culture meant moving with the ebb and flow of unfamiliarity, adapting in order to thrive by allowing the newness of it to transform my old self into something better. My trip to Florence was hard work to obtain, but my senses awakening from a moment in time lived more zestfully? That was invaluable and effortless. Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that fosters well roundedness, personal growth and exposure to other cultures and traditions. Next summer, EC’s study abroad trip will be to Central Europe, for more details visit the study abroad website.

I am 26 years old and still living with my parents and many people don’t understand why, but for me, I’ve been through some struggles that I had to overcome in order to become who I am now. My father always told me, “As a Latina, you must work three-times harder than the privileged white person. If you want to achieve your dreams, work hard until you get what you want.” Ever since I was eight, I knew I was different. I had just moved to a new school and things were different for me. I didn’t fit in. I was bullied constantly because I didn’t dress, speak or act like everyone else. In elementary school I stood out but for the wrong reasons: I was an outcast, a loner, as many would call it. Middle school and high school weren’t all that different for me, but one thing that kept me going through those tough teenage years was my faith. Believing that there is a God taking care of me and watching over me gave me hope and peace every day. After high school, I attended Cal State Dominguez Hills for one semester, but things unraveled for me when I struggled to pay my fees and bills. I dropped out of school after the first semester, and

found a job nearly one year later. Balancing having a job, paying bills and being a unique individual is hard because in our society we are taught to dress, think and act similarly. Most jobs require relative work experience before hiring and if you don’t have it, you are forever trapped in a whirlwind of disappointments. Unless you learn to make a name for yourself. As a journalism student, I’ve learned that to make a name for myself, I must be willing to learn and grow as an individual. I can only hope that someday, somewhere, someone might notice my work as an individual and realize that I am worth so much more than what I have been told. After many years of having average jobs that have required physical labor, I learned that in order to stand out in our society you have to fight for what you want. Which is exactly what I am doing now. I’m a college student who knows the value of hard work, something I wouldn’t have known had it not been for all those struggles I had. I wouldn’t appreciate what I have now if it weren’t for all those little moments in my life which required me to be brave and strong, and to persevere through the storm.

FEATURES

6 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION

NOVEMBER 3, 2016

Then and now with profe Everyone changes over time, Here’s how some of the instructors have aged,

Can you figure who is who in

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Donegan Photo of Rebecca Donegan (pictured left) who graduated high school in 1970.

Photo courtesy of Lee Daniels, coworker of Herrera Xoyocotzin Herrera plays the harp. Herrera is a history and ethnic studies professor at El Camino.

Rebecca Donegan: 64

Xocoyotzin Herrera: 45

Geography Professor

History and Ethnic Studies Professor

She has been teaching at El Camino for six years in the Geography and Natural Sciences Department where she teaches physical and cultural geography. Donegan was inspired to pursue a teaching career by her mother and her late daughter who passed away while working on the police force. This lead to Donegan going to college at 50 to become a teacher. Donegan even fells passionate about El Camino and its role in educating its students to the level of graduation and earning their degrees.

Victor Liptzin/ Union Photo of Corey Stanbury and his children when they were younger.

Corey Stanbury: 65 PE/Kinesiology Professor

He has been teaching at El Camino for over 29 years teaching full-time. Stanbury maintains a work like balance in his coaching and teaching schedule which includes aquatics, weight-training and water aerobics among other classes. Stanbury was inspired to become a teacher while in college himself where, “I enjoyed Water Polo classes and began to take the sport seriously. As I began taking coaching classes to prepare for a career in coaching,” Stanbury said.

He is going onto four years teaching at El Camino, in the Social Sciences Bldg. Herrera teaches Chicano studies which is the study of Mexican culture and History part-time at Cal - State Northridge. Herrera was inspired to teach by his father who is a professor at Cal - State Northridge Chicano studies department for the last 45 years. Herrera and his father are also musicians who teaches the regional music of Mexico.

Photo courtesy of Arthur Verge Arthur Verge and his friend pose for a photo when they were younger.

Arthur Verge: 60

U.S. and California History Professor

He has been teaching at El Camino for 28 years. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara MPA and he also earned a Ph.D. from USC (University Southern Calif.) He was inspired to become a teacher by his father Arturo Verge, who was a lifeguard and Dick Dodge a professor of English that taught him the joy of reading and writing. Professor Verge enjoys extracurricular activities with his students, at the “Old Town Music Hall,” in El Segundo where students watch black and white silent movies accompanied by a Wurlitzer organ pianist.

NOVEMBER 3, 2016

FEATURES

EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION 7

ssors of El Camino or do they? or not aged, over the years.

our feature? Try to match these photos with the four photos to the left. The answer key is upside down on the right, try not to cheat. Tweet us your answers @ECCUnion for a chance to win free ice cream tokens to Smitten Ice Cream in El Segundo.

A: Who is this professor?

This professor has was once a lifeguard and went to the University of Southern California.

This professor is big on ethnic studies and Mexican culture.

This professor continues to coach the men’s and women’s water polo teams, as well as the men’s and women’s swim and dive teams.

D: Who is this professor?

This professor is the only female prorfessor featured, but she graduated high school in 1970.

Rebecca Donegan is 1D. Xocoyotzin Herrera is 2C. Corey Stanbury is 3B. Arthur Verge is 4A.

C: Who is this professor?

B: Who is this professor?

ARTS

NOVEMBER 3, 2016

5 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION

Choral director promoted to interim dean of Fine Arts

Student Picks

Joanna Nachef replaces Connie Fitzsimons as the dean following Fitzimons’ retirement.

By: Alex Torres Staff Writer @ECCUnionAlex

Keith Francis

Staff Writer @ECCUnionKeith

The El Camino Fine Arts Division has elected an interim dean for the fall semester after the retirement of the previous dean. Former Dean Constance Fitzsimons recently retired after overseeing the Fine Arts Division for seven years. “She was ready to retire and travel around the world with her husband,” Ron Scarlata, theater instructor, said. A few days before Professional Development Day, Dr. Joanna Nachef was invited to be the interim dean. “I felt very privileged to step (into) the role to help the Fine Arts Department,” Nachef said. As interim dean, Nachef said she will be in office until the new dean starts at EC in January 2017. Professors on campus said they are impressed with Nachef’s work as interim dean. “She’s doing a really great job,” Russell McMillan, art instructor, said. Scarlata also agreed, recalling his experience with Nachef before her promotion. “I worked with her and she’s just a wonderful and high-spirited person,” he said. Nachef was a full-time choir director and instructor before being promoted ro interim dean. “It wasn’t her goal to become dean. Her first love is working with students and creating music,” Scarlata said. Nachef hopes to act as a facilitator and a supporter for both the staff and students of the Fine Arts Division. “I want to be the wind for their wings, serve as an advocate, serve as a leader in this leadership position and lead by example,” Nachef said.

The Union interviewed students on campus to find out what their favorite entertainment works are.

Micheal Williams 28, Business Management Question: What is your favorite movie? Answer: I would have to say “Boyz N The Hood,” because it’s funny. My favorite part was when Ice Cube cracked a joke and said, “Oops, I’m sorry, (expletive).” Q: What is your favorite television show? A: “Steve Harvey” Q: Who is your favorite artist? A: Krayzie Bone from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, because I can understand his music and he helped me go through situations in life. I’m a huge fan of his music, shout out to him, man. Q: Do you have a favorite video game? Joe Rankin/Union

Dr. Joanna Nachef is the newly elected interim dean for the Fine Arts Department for fall 2016. Nachef has received multiple prestigious awards and debuted as the first ever female conductor in the Arab region.

Movies out in November - Doctor Strange (Nov. 4) - Loving (Nov. 4) - Hacksaw Ridge (Nov. 4) -Trolls (Nov. 4) -Arrival (Nov. 11) -Almost Christmas (Nov. 11) -Bleed For This (Nov. 18) -Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Nov. 18) - The Edge of Seventeen (Nov. 18) -Moana (Nov. 23) -Bad Santa 2 (Nov. 23)

Campus club to host talent show Grant Hermanns

Arts Editor @ECCUnionGrantH

El Camino students, their friends and their family will all get a chance to share their poetry and talent with the CARE Club’s “Express Yourself” talent show on Friday, Nov. 18 in the Student Activities Center Lounge at 6:30 p.m., according to the event’s flier. Auditions are being held for

the show on Oct. 28 and Nov. 1 and those auditioning are asked to bring any music or materials needed to perform their talent. The first day’s auditions will be from 1-2:30 p.m. in ITECH Room 230, while the second day’s auditions will be held from 12:30-2 p.m. in ITECH Room 116, according to the flier for the event. However, those who are unable to make it to the audition dates can still send an audition video

to the CARE Club by following @ECCCAREClub on Instagram and tagging #ECCCAREClub and #ECCExpressYourself in the video, according to the flier. There will also be a pre-show picnic between 2-5 p.m., in which the food sales will be going towards fundraising for ECC clubs. Tickets for the show cost $3 per person, and doors will open for the show at 6 p.m.

‘Broadway’ is coming to EC with the Chorale Club Carina Cardenas

Staff Writer @ECCUnionCarina

The El Camino Chorale Club is having its fall 2016 variety show, “Broadway Here We Come,” on Friday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Haag Recital Hall. “Broadway is really fun to perform and listen to, (I’m glad)

that the Chorale Club decided as a group to make it this year’s theme,” Jennifer Holly, business manager for the Chorale Club, said. The show will have about 20 acts performed by El Camino students. “Members of the Chorale have been featured on ‘American Idol’ and ‘The X-Factor,’ and have also performed with artists such as Michael Bublé and Andrea Bocelli,”

according to the El Camino website. Tickets will cost $10 and daily parking permits for the event will cost $3. For more information contact the Center for the Arts at 310-3295345 or emailartstickets@elcamino.edu.

Female veterans share their courageous struggles from Vietnam War Carina Cardenas

Staff Writer @ECCUnionCarina

The “Piece of My Heart” performance by Shirley Lauro and directed by Matthew Singletary will be hosted from Friday, Nov. 4 to Sunday, Nov. 13 at 8:00 p.m. in the Marsee Auditorium, according to El Camino’s Center for the

Photos courtesy of Lionsgate, Paramount Pictures and Miramax

A: Yes, “Madden,” Michael Vick is my favorite football player and Allen Iverson my favorite basketball player, so Madden over “NBA 2K” anyday.

Arts website. It will be based on true stories about “six courageous women sent to Vietnam and their struggle to make sense of a war that irrevocably changed them and a nation that shunned them,” according to the El Camino website. The performance will contain adult content and language, as well as music from that era, so children

under the age of 5 are not allowed into the performance. Tickets for the performance cost $15 at the ticket office and a daily parking permit for the event will cost $3. For additional information contact the Center of the Arts at (310) 329-5345 or emailartstickets@elcamino.edu.

Do you think you’re a rising star or know someone who is making an impact in the art world? Contact eccunion@gmail.com or Grant Hermanns on Twitter @ECCUnionGrantH.

SPORTS

NOVEMBER 3, 2016

EL CAMINO COLLEGE 9

Women’s soccer team scoreless in draw with Long Beach City Warriors have three games remaining on the season before playoffs begin and are currently second place in the conference

Alex Torres

Staff Writer @ECCUnionAlex

back and fourth battle between El Camino and Long Beach City College ended in a 0-0 tie Tuesday at Murdock Stadium. Despite a strong shooting performance from both teams, neither one was able to net the ball and come out victorious. Sophomore mid fielder Miranda Ramirez said overall, the Warriors played a solid game. “Everything that we did was perfect,” Ramirez said. “Just the scoring, we could not finish our shots.” The Warriors controlled the ball for the majority of the game and dominated play after play. They outshot the Vikings with a total of nine attempts at the goal. The knee injury to leading goal scorer and team captain Kalyn Kaemerle was a huge loss to the Warriors’ offense. Kaemerle was injured in last weeks win at home against Pasadena City College. Freshman forward Kayla Sanchez said she thinks the injury to Kaemerle is a huge loss to the team as they try to earn a playoff spot. “With Kalyn playing on top with me, we are dangerous, so we are missing her on shooting opportunities,” Sanchez said. “We need to take more shots, move the ball a bit more and work on our communication a bit more.” Another loss to the Warriors’ squad was freshman defender Tiffany Azad, who has been out due to a bruised knee, is hoping to come back on the field within the next two weeks.

Elijah Hicks/Union El Camino sophomore defender Miranda Ramirez (No.7) steals the ball from Long Beach College defender Aubree Furman during their match on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at Murdock Stadium. Assistant coach Jessica Murphy said unfortunately injuries have hit the team late into the season. The offense in the second half started out good, but started to die out. “In the past week we have lost Kalyn, Tiffany, and Erica,” Murphy said. “We also have some who are playing through injuries like Kayla (hamstring). It makes

it tough because for the whole 90 minutes they have to grind it out.” For the Warriors, the next game is a must win in order to remain playoff contenders, Murphy said. The Warriors will play away against L.A. Harbor College on Friday at 4 p.m. In their last encounter, the Warriors came out victorious with a 2-1 shutout at home.

Season stats through 18 games for the Warriors: • 10-4-4 overall record • 3-1-2 conference record • .677 winning percentage • 2.00 goals per game • 34 goals • 1.21 goals allowed per game • 11.5 shots per game • 2nd place in conference

New squad, new style of play Warriors open the season with key newcomers and returners Eric Ramos

Sports Editor @ECCUnionEricR

After a 5-win season in 2015-16, the El Camino men’s basketball team should be rather exciting to watch, playing up-tempo, trying to out-run opponents and taking advantage of early scoring opportunities. Coach Robert Uphoff said he expects his only returners, sophomores Brandon Guerrero and Gavin Reagan, to provide much needed leadership both on and off the court. “We don’t have anyone who will jump out at you, but I do feel we have more depth, toughness and cohesiveness than any team I’ve coached here at El Camino,” Uphoff said. “We have drastically changed our style of play from years past.” Freshman newcomers, guards Jamal Heckard, Tarron Wiley and Brandon Harris, will fill important roles in the back court, while Che

Madrid, Keywhon Powns and Davon Northcutt will provide much needed depth and versatility in the front court. Madrid said the Warriors are very excited and eager to start the season. The team has been putting in a lot of work on and off the court. “We have a lot of new guys, but with the returners leadership, it gives us a solid group,” Madrid said. “We are ready to compete and feel confident we can show what our team is capable of producing on the court.” Uphoff said one major concern moving into the season is rebounding on both ends of the floor. “We will need to be both physical and active on the glass,” Uphoff said. “We lack the size, from years past.” The Warriors are very fortunate, in that they open the upcoming season with six consecutive home games in the North gym. Madrid said they want to capitalize on that and start off the season strong, defending the home court.

“We know it will be a long season,” Madrid said. “We need to mentally prepare, game by game, and execute what we have been practicing.” Assistant coach Keith Crenshaw said the mindset is to fully commit to the new style of play and just wear teams down with the idea being they will be in better shape and have a deeper team than their opponents “Our style of play will also be exciting to watch for the warrior community and fans,” Crenshaw said. “But plan to see various players have big games for us this year.” The Warriors open the 2016 season at home against Cypress college Friday. “As I like to say, the table is set (for success), but we need to have an appetite ready to eat,” Uphoff said. “Although we have a very challenging schedule and conference, I am hopeful that we can gain some momentum at home and keep it rolling in the tournaments that follow.”

Yohan Jin/Union El Camino freshman goalie Nicholas Elias was a force defending the goal this season for the men’s water polo team.

Athlete of the Week

Nicholas Elias, 18, mathematics major, is the freshman goalie for the men’s water polo team. Elias recorded 11 saves to help El Camino defeat L.A. Trade-Tech, 12-8, last week. In addition, Elias has 156 saves overall on the season and ranks 7th in the South Coast Conference. Q: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not playing or at work? A: I like to surf a lot. I’ve been taking surfing a lot lately and I like to watch Netflix sometimes to relax. I also like to hangout with my friends. Q: What are your plans after college? A: Right now my major is mathematics (but) I’m going to try to switch to statistics because that’s why I originally came to EC to do. I want to be an actuary when I grow up, so hopefully that translates. Q: Why do you like playing water polo? A: I love swimming and being in the pool. I love being in the water and I wasn’t always a fan of swimming at first, but when I tried water polo, I just loved being in the water. I’m much more of a water sport person than a running in the field or doing something out of the water.

Eric Ramos/Union

A men’s basketball player works on free throws before a recent scrimmage. The Warriors open the season Friday in the North Gym.

Q: Do you plan on playing after college? A: I think I will not make it into a four-year (because) I think there are better goalies than me. But I’m interested in playing masters once I’m done here. Reporting by Selvin Rodas

SPORTS

10 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION

NOVEMBER 3, 2016

Elijah Hicks/ Union

El Camino sophomore Taylor Brydon poses in the South gym. Brydon has 229 overall kills on the season and is looking to finish the season strong as the Warriors head towards the end of the season.

Sophomore is a killer on the court

Opposite hitter Taylor Brydon is leading the offense for the Warriors volleyball team

Phil Sidavong

Editor In Chief @ECCUnionPhil

n easyg o i n g person off the court, a player who’s a joy to coach on the court and a brown-eyed killing machine on the right side are all one in the same person. The 5-foot-10-inch, brunette opposite hitter for the El Camino women’s volleyball team is trying to prove that she and the Warriors are the best team in the state. Taylor Danielle Brydon was once the No. 203 ranked player in the country and No. 36 in the state of California as a high school senior for the South Torrance High School Spartans in 2014. The sophomore currently ranks at No. 23 in the state for kills and EC head coach Le Valley Pattison thinks that she’s been a great addition to the Warrior family. “What a great kid. She’s been

great the whole time she’s been here, she has learned how to really work hard, which helps her in the long run,” Pattison said. “She’s leading our offense this year in kills, she hits the ball hard and she’s a work horse.” It makes sense that Brydon, a 19-year-old kinesiology major at El Camino, is running the numbers up for the Warriors when she gets fed the ball every set and currently has 229 kills to her name on the season and 456 in her career at EC. She’s been playing since she was in the sixth grade, and although she’s played club and high school volleyball, she never really “loved” the sport. “After (last) beach season, I don’t know, something clicked,” she said. “I just fell in love and really appreciated the sport. It just brought out a really competitive side in me. I think it was getting to play defense, I’ve never really been good at it.” Brydon hopes to play following her time at EC, but isn’t sure what the future has in store for her. Growing up as a player: Brydon’s South High School head coach Robert Kutsch said that he could visibly see her getting better each year, but she hadn’t always put in the work needed to get to the next level. “She was playing at her own pace,” Kutsch said. “(Then she

became a senior) and she made a decision. She realized what she needed to do to get to that extra level (and) get better.” Her growth shows in her high school stats. As a junior at South she had 160 kills, 29 digs and seven blocks over 86 sets, but as a senior she racked up the numbers and popped off for 242 kills, 114 digs and 26 blocks over 115 sets. Kutsch remembers losing in the semi-finals or earlier for the past five years and during the 2014 season the team was down 2-1 in sets against the Esperanza High School Aztecs in the CIF 2AA semifinals. The Spartans rallied to dominate the fourth and fifth set, which was capped off by Brydon’s gamewinning kill. “There’s a picture too, it’s funny,” Brydon said. “After the game all of us were in the huddle and I had the ugliest look on my face, but it was just... An amazing moment.” The team would go on to win the CIF Championships on December 6, 2014. “I’ve never had a player or a teammate of hers that said they didn’t like her,” Kutsch said. “She’s a joy to play with and a joy to coach. With a strong beach season behind her, and (helping me coach) a 16-and-under team, she’s really begun to understand work ethic.”

WARRIORS SCHEDULE W. SOCCER Friday at L.A. Harbor College 2 p.m.

MEN’S SOCCER: Friday at L.A. Harbor College 4 p.m.

MEN’S BASKETBALL Friday vs Cypress College 5 p.m.

FOOTBALL Saturday at Chaffey College 6 p.m.

Elijah Hicks/ Union El Camino sophomore opposite hitter Taylor Brydon ranks No. 36 in the state of California in kills.

WARRIORS SCOREBOARD

Follow our sports writers on Twitter:

MEN’S SOCCER Warriors 2, Long Beach City College 3

@ECCUnionPhil @ECCUnionAlex @ECCUnionEricR

WOMEN’S SOCCER: Warriors 0, Long Beach City College 0

FOOTBALL Riverside College 29, Warriors 22

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