EL CAMINO COLLEGE OCTOBER 19, 2017 Follow us at /ECCUnion
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Emma DiMaggio/ Union Football players Jason Myers, James-Lightsey Lawerence, Brylen Buchaum, and Mike Mason kneel during the national anthem at the homecoming game on Thursday, Oct. 12.
Players kneel to raise awareness for racial injustice Taking a knee during the national anthem becomes a symbol of solidarity, especially for football players Emma DiMaggio
Arts and News Editor @ECCUnionEmma
As the national anthem pours out of the loudspeakers, seven players solemnly take a knee. Many crouch with eyes closed, surrounded by their fellow players, standing. Since quarterback Colin Kaepernick first took a knee to bring awareness to police brutality and racial injustice over a year ago, many football players have followed suit in support of his message, including players at EC. “I take a knee to let people
know that there are things going on in the world that are not fair for people of color,” Taylor Flowers, EC football player, said. Multiple EC football players knelt at homecoming game on Thursday, Oct. 12, in support of the message. James LightesyLawrence, Mike Mason, Brylen Baucham and Jason Myers were amongst those who knelt with him. “I don’t want anybody to think that we’re taking a knee to disrespect the military or anything like that,” Flowers said. “My grandfather served.” After President Donald Trump called out the National Football
League for allowing players to supposedly disrespect the flag by kneeling, the movement gained momentum. Though the controversy behind kneeling has created a divide, players feel that they have been met, for the most part, with support. “Our coach respects what we stand for. He knows we’re not doing it in a disrespectful manner. We just want people to be aware of what’s going on,” Flowers said. However, there have been some exceptions. At a game hosted at Cal State Bakersfield, EC football players were booed for kneeling during the national anthem.
“I took a knee and a couple of my fellow teammates took a knee and there was a lot of woofing in the stands, a lot of people going, ‘Stand up.’ Little things like that, but I don’t let it get to me,” Flowers said. Four calls to Bakersfield head coach Jeff Chudy and assistant coach, quarterback coach and offensive coordinator Carl Dean were unanswered and unreturned. Some players choose not to kneel during the national anthem. Okwes Nwaelleh, an EC football player and international student from Canada, feels that it’s not his place to take a side and
Chorale dreams of traveling to Carnegie Hall Campus singing team sells chocolates to pay their way to New York City
Faith Petrie
Opinion Editor @ECCUnionFaith
The Chorale Club is fundraising in order to travel across the country to New York City’s Carnegie Hall. El Camino professor and Director of Choral Activities Dr. Joanna Medawar Nachef will be conducting a piece at the hall in May 2018 and plans to take around 20 students to accompany her on the trip. “I have done (this trip) five times already since 2005 and this is my sixth conducting appearance, so I normally raise money to take students of mine who cannot afford to make this happen,” Nachef said. Students apart of Chorale Club are raising moneys in various ways, according to Nachef.
“We do performances like the variety show coming up. They do a theme and they showcase their talents,” Nachef said. “It is soloist, duets, ensembles and it’s inviting the whole community, student body (of ElC).” Another way that the club is raising money is through the selling of See’s chocolate bars. According to Nachef, she has purchased over $2700 worth of chocolate bars so far. “We sell these candy bars across the campus and we’ll do that on a regular basis for the coming fall and spring semester and you’ll see them running around carrying boxes and selling chocolates,” Nachef said. Chorale Club member Renaissance Austin was first introduced to Carnegie Hall after her uncle showed her Billie Holiday’s “Lady Sings the Blues” performance when she was 12
years old. “If you made it to Carnegie Hall, you made it,” Austin said. First year Chorale Club member, Joey Flint, 19, theatre major, hopes to make the idea of going to Carnegie Hall a reality. “The idea is a cloud in the sky, I just want to walk up there,” Flint said. “It feels so incredible that I am so close to doing that.” Another member of the club, Abraham Cervantes, 27, music education major, performed at the hall in the past but hopes to relive the experiences he had with the Chorale Club. “I went my freshmen year of high school with my brother and my sister and our choir, and walking on the stage from the back was indescribable,” Cervantes said. “To go again with a whole new group of people, a whole family and group of friends would be incredible.”
According to Chorale member Kreli Washington, 26, theatre arts major, students wishing to purchase candy from club members can find them in Music Room 134 on Monday’s, Wednesday’s, and Friday’s from 11:15 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. Nachef believes that every student deserves a chance to go on the trip whether they can afford it or not. “The students who are unable to pay for this trip, which costs almost $2000, does not mean they are not worthy of being supported,” Nachef said. “(Not being) elite doesn’t mean they’re not deserving, talented, and certainly needing our support.” Chorale Club will be hosting a “Battle of the Sexes Variety Show” on Friday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and can be bought from Chorale Club members directly.
kneel during the games. “I definitely do have an opinion on it, but I don’t think it’s really fair for me to protest. It’s not really my place,” Nwaelleh said. “But I support my teammates and my brothers who do it. I’m definitely not against it.” Coach Gifford Lindheim believes that kneeling is just one way of many that players can protest inequality and racial injustice. “I think whether you’re a football player, whether you’re a non-athlete, whether you’re a fan, I think that everybody has a different opinion of what the protest should
look like,” Lindheim said. “There’s a lot of discussion internally and in the public eye about the right way to deal with the issue of inequality.” Whether or not bystanders agree with their form of protest, Lindheim believes that bringing up the issue can make a positive impact. “These are the questions of our times,” Lindheim said. “I don’t think you can run from them, or should run from them, but you should take time to have meaningful dialogue about it.” Additional reporting done by staff writer Jeremy Taylor.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Library print system receives full upgrade over summer, P. 2
Abstractionist performance artist displays work in Art Gallery, P. 3 Football player, P. 3 Dance instructor starts his first year at El Camino, P. 7
NEWS
OCTOBER 19, 2017
EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION 2
POLICE BEAT
Joseph Sanker
Staff Writer @ECCUnionJoseph
According to police logs Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 6:32 p.m. Officers responded to the south side of the Social Sciences Building regarding a male subject who was possibly intoxicated. The subject, a non-student, was having difficulty walking and he believed that he was in the city of Norwalk. Due to the subject not knowing where he was, coupled with the fact that he was having trouble walking, officers formed the opinion that he was gravely disabled. Officers took the subject into protective custody and transported him to the Martin Luther King Exodus Hospital for a psychological evaluation. Thursday, Oct. 5 at 11:26 a.m. A female student was experiencing chest pains. Paramedics were immediately notified and arrived on the scene. She was transported by ambulance to Gardena Memorial Hospital. Friday, Oct. 6 at 8:57 a.m. Officers responded to the area of the Planetarium regarding a male subject that was harassing a female student. Officers located the subject on the east walkway of the Student Services Center. The subject, a non-student, was in possession of a small amount of cocaine. Officers arrested the subject for possession of cocaine and transported him to Torrance PD for booking.
Corrections In the September 28 issue, The Union mispelled writer Oshari Arnett’s name as Oshari “Arnet.” On the wesbsite, The Union made changes to the “Cal States revise requirements regarding remedial class work” for clarification. The Union also made corrections to the story “Faculty and administration stand with students who may be affected by the repeal of DACA,” where professor Luca Struble’s name was mispelled “Lucas” Struble. The Union regrets these errors.
Jorge Villa/ Union Liliana Garcia, 19, administration justice major is swiping her ECC ID on the newly installed copier system on the main floor of the Schauerman Library. Garcia is printing a test she recieved via email from her professor.
Library print system receives complete upgrade
Unique cards support student security, but improvements are still underway Jorge Villa
Photo Editor @ECCUnionJorge
Schauerman Library installed new copy and printing systems as part of the modernization promised to improve printing jobs for students. The new system on campus operates using automated touch screens that heavily rely on the user’s EC school ID with a card swipe machine to access their account. The Library homepage provides a step-by-step instructional page on how to navigate around the new
system, including how to use the add value machines and how to print. “The process has been streamlined for students so that they can print anywhere around the campus, within the building and print from home,” Gary Medina, public access librarian, said. Although the price to print has not changed, the path to print has hindered some students. “I thought it’d be easier because it’s new tech. The old ones were easy to use because you didn’t have to use your ID, all you needed was your email and your password,” Liliana Garcia, 19, administration of justice major, said.
Garcia was printing a test she had received via email from her professor when she encountered a problem on the main floor using the copy printer. The default settings were not set, and had to ask for help from a student worker. The student worker, Carlos Martinez, 19, chemistry major, said he notices the confusion most students endure. Medina recognizes the new technology is not “intuitive” for students and that he is working with Pharos, the software company that runs the printing system, to troubleshoot in the next couple weeks. Medina added that the school’s
decision to opt for a reliance on the ID is for “greater protection for the students, because there is a unique number attached on the student ID and you need the black strip on the ID to read and add value to the machine that (the manufacturer) has.” The Schauerman contains five copy printers and six printers according to Library Media Technician Franklin White, who oversees the printers in the computer lab located at the basement. The partnership for a new printing system began last semester with Rebecca Russell, former library and resources director, who worked in conjunction with the information technical department
(IT) to improve the copying and printing machines. “Now we have the capability to do that all in house, using an online administrative tool few of us have access to, where we can manage the system efficiently and effectively for students to deal with things immediately rather than wait for somebody to come out and help us,” Medina said. In turn, Medina explains that right now the Library has no future plans in regards to updates because he is still figuring out the problems and troubleshooting with the new printers to make sure the system completely works by the end of the semester.
Part-time faculty become a priority during
Adjunct Equity Week
Event to garner a sense of community within the adjunct workforce Samuel Hill
Staff Writer @ECCUnionSam
Adjunct faculty at El Camino College are attempting to bring awareness to the adjunct staff at El Camino and the ECC community with Adjunct Equity Week from Oct. 23-27, 2017. Colleges in America, specifically California, are increasingly relying on a part-time workforce to help out around their campuses. Part-time faculty, frequently known as adjunct faculty, are professors or faculty that do not work at their college full-time, and are not guaranteed work during the semester even though every college has a percentage of adjunct faculty. “Pretty much all colleges rely on adjunct faculty” adjunct instructor Kim Runkle said. “It’s something that every college needs.” Runkle along with adjunct instructor Jason Bostick are covice presidents of the ECCFT (El Camino College Federation of Teachers) and represent the adjunct faculty at El Camino, with both being faculty at ECC for over 12 years. Both Runkle and Bostick are creating Adjunct Equity Week to reach out to the adjunct faculty at ECC in an attempt to make them feel they are a part of a community, while also hoping to
educate students and others on the struggles that adjunct faculty go through on a daily basis. “I teach sometimes as early as 7 a.m. and know other part-time teachers that end at 7 p.m., so we as a community are disconnected,” Bostick said. “This event is meant to reach out to adjunct faculty and help us get a better sense of unity and connectedness between the adjunct faculty.” According to the El Camino Institutional Research, Facts and Figures of Fall 2016, El Camino has an adjunct employee percentage of 64 percent, with only 36 percent of its faculty being full-time staff. While this event is by no means an adjunct versus full-time faculty affair, adjunct’s inconsistent hours affect not only themselves but their students. “It’s hard to meet with your students outside of class when your neither available to or compensated for office hours,” Bostick said. “It sucks when a student wants to meet with you but you can’t physically meet with them because you’re on your way to a different campus.” Adjunct faculty are also hoping to bring to light the difficult working conditions many of the faculty face including lack of office space and often not being compensated to meet with students, as well as compensation for their work on important college committees.
Despite a majority of them being professors, adjunct faculty members stem farther than just classroom instructors. “Adjunct staff include librarians, counselors, coaches and trainers,” Runkle said. “Even though many adjuncts are in the classroom, everyone here is affected, including the students.” One major part of Adjunct Equity Week is understanding that adjunct equity is student equity, for students are often negatively impacted from the working conditions of the adjunct instructors. “Every student had a different educational background,” Bostick said. “Making students feel like they’re part of the community gives them a better chance at getting a good education, and that is what we want to get out of this event.” Adjunct faculty are hoping to be endorsed by full-time faculty for this event as well to better promote the importance of the event and will be passing out buttons with the slogan “Adjunct Equity is Student Equity” the week of the event. “As an institution, we are hoping to learn from our students and staff,” El Camino College President Dena Maloney said. “We want to best know how to make our campus as inclusive as possible.”
Emma DiMaggio / Union Homecoming king Bryant Odega and homecoming queen Kayla Atkinson stand in front of one of the banners made for the homecoming banner competition.
Homecoming dance outshines years past
King and queen being their new rein and students dance the night away
Faith Petrie
Opinion Editor @ECCUnionFaith
Music pulsated through the air of the East Dining Room as students danced the night away to celebrate El Camino’s homecoming dance. A crowd of more than 130 people gathered on Thursday, Oct. 12 after the homecoming football game held in Murdock Stadium. Sakura Shimizu, 20, business major and ASO director of public relations, predicted that the dance would have a larger turnout than the previous year. “Last year there were around 30 people, but this year I feel like there will be a lot more,” Shimizu said.
Vanessa Esguerra, 21, business major and ASO senator of business. affirmed that, compared to the year before, this year’s homecoming had a successful attendance. “I did homecoming the year before last and it was an okay turn out, but this year is a great turn out,” Esquerra said. “Homecoming is kind of becoming what it’s supposed to be, coming home.” Similarly, Inter-Club Council secretary and homecoming cochair Jennifer Gutierrez felt that her hard work regarding homecoming festivities had paid off in the end. “I think the dance went pretty well compared to what I’ve heard about previous years,” Gutierrez said. “(My position) was a demanding position but rewarding to see everyone have fun.”
Homecoming attendee and EC student Yuji Ozawa, 20, business major, enjoyed the dance because of its good “atmosphere.” Representative of Society of Music, Kayla Atkinson won homecoming queen and points towards her club at the homecoming dance. At the homecoming football game, Black Student Union club president and ASO Director of Academic Affairs Bryant Odega, was crowned homecoming king. Odega had positive feelings towards being crowned king. “It feels great being apart of the process,” Odega said. “It shows the culture of the community (at El Camino), a culture of love and diversity.”
ARTS
OCTOBER 19, 2017
EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION 3
Student One-Act plays hosted in Campus Theatre
Students given the opportunity to direct performances on their own met with success Samuel Hill
Staff Writer @ECCUnionSam
Emma DiMaggio/ Union An attendee of the reception of “Centrifugal Force” by Tom Jenkins looks at one of his abstract paintings.
Colorful abstractions fill Art Gallery
Tom Jenkins seeks to create shapes he’s never seen before Emma DiMaggio
Arts and News Editor @ECCUnionEmma
Nine-foot long sweeping arcs on wall-dominating canvases are broken up by vivid acrylics. If anyone knows how to create movement on a canvas, it’s Tom Jenkins. The Art Gallery is hosting artist Tom Jenkins’ most recent solo exhibition, Centrifugal Force, from Monday, Oct. 9 to Thursday, Nov. 2, which is made up of abstractions from as early as 2003. Throughout his artistic career, Jenkins has strived to create that which has never existed. He started making “sound sculptures” in the 1970s, which were a part of his performance art at the time. “Trying to make marks I’ve never seen before is very much like trying to make sounds I’ve never heard before,” Jenkins said. “I guess it’s the inventor in me.” To achieve his goal, Jenkins uses a series of handmade tools to create the underlying markings that dictate his pieces. His tools
range in variety and complexity, and each tool leaves a distinct mark on its canvas. “I start with the canvas on the floor and I use these different tools. Some are very simple, a big long stick with a string and a pencil attached to the bottom,” Jenkins said. “Others are more complicated, like wheels with rods attached to them that are hooked to motors.” Some tools, like the tops he creates, have a simple concept but require a dedicated effort to create due to their material. “He turns them on a lathe out of stone that he digs up on his property,” Susanna Meiers, curator of the art gallery, said. “Most of them are stone, some of them are steel.” However, constructing tools make up only a fraction of the time it takes Jenkins to complete a piece. According to Jenkins, “a fast (piece takes) about two months, a long one (takes) about six months.” He attributes this variance in time to allow his work to sit for periods of time in order to come back and
reevaluate them. Most of the pieces on display in the Art Gallery are about six and a half feet tall by nine feet wide, with the exception of some of his earlier graphite works, which mark the beginnings of his transition into abstractions. “(They’re) like a coloring book. Those were the first ones,” Jenkins said. “Eventually I started doing paintings on them, but they started out as just black and white.” The black and white pieces, which can be found on the right side of the Art Gallery, are distinctly similar to the more chaotic of his most recent works. Though they lack the sweeping movements of pieces like Ocean Flower (2013), they seem to belong to the same family as recent pieces like Pink Nude (2014). “Suddenly I was breathing deeply and I had no thoughts,” Pirkko De Bar, gallery greeter, said about the artwork. “I’ve never felt like that.” Jenkins’ work wasn’t always centered around creating new shapes and never before seen abstractions. His work now has starkly diverged from work in his
earlier years, according to Meiers. In addition, Jenkins’ paintings were more “political,” according to Meiers. This is likely due to the thematic change his work experienced, according to Jenkins, approximately 20 years ago. “I was doing environmental paintings, enamel on metal. They were sort of depictions of freeway scenes or sort of industry gone awry, like explosions or toxic dumps,” Jenkins said. As his work evolved, he moved from scenes of industrial devastation to completely abstract pieces. “(My work) has its own validity,” Jenkins said. “In trying to make something that’s never been created before.” As for the viewers of Centrifugal Force who may find the paintings perplexing, Jenkins assures viewers that there is no “meaning.” “It’s like jazz, in a sense that there’s certain organization,” Jenkins said. “At the end of it you don’t say, ‘What does that mean?’ It just was itself.”
The Campus Theatre hosted the annual student-directed OneAct plays on Friday, Oct. 13 and Saturday, Oct. 14. The student-directed One-Act plays featured four different student performances Last Call, Cinderella Married, The Subtext of Texting and Speed Date consisted of a 15 minute intermission between each two performances. Each humor-filled act was directed by an EC student which is why the annual event is named the student-directed One-Act plays, though is advised by Ron Scarlata. “It’s been amazing,” student director Kieran Flanagan said. “It’s just been an incredible experience.” Directing along with Flanagan (Last Call) were Denzel Roseboro (Cinderella Married), Alexa Ahn (The Subtext of Texting) and Rita Chavdarian (Speed Date). The first act, Last Call, stung the audience with laughter in a seemingly southern setting as actors William Reed and Matthew Vincent played goofy drunks Carl and Barry causing a late-night ruckus along with their quiet friend Leon (Evan Parker). “They did great,” Flanagan said. “I don’t know how to properly describe it because it’s crazy just letting them run the show without you, but they did great to say the least.” The second performance of the night, Cinderella Married, brought more of a serious feel to the theatre as Cinderella (Claire Griswold) and Prince Charming (Kellen Slattery) are portrayed the day of their fiveyear wedding anniversary. “My actors made me so proud,”
Roseboro said. “They’re always creative and always learning.” The act showed the audience the not-so happily-ever-after relationship that Cinderella and Charming ended up having and their struggles with unhealthy temptation and not keeping each other happy. “This is their best performance yet,” Roseboro said. “As it’s closing night, I couldn’t be happier.” Following a brief intermission before the third act, The Subtext of Texting kicked off the second half of the night with a comical performance covering a texting conversation between relationshipconfused Greg (Brandon Daryll) and Cori (Azucena Deras). Both Greg and Cori are seen consistently either misinterpreting or overreacting to each others messages, even when Cori’s friend Maddy (Ashley Jackson) was regularly with Cori and helping her understand what was being said and meant. “I knew their abilities,” Ahn said. “Their performances were amazing and I’m just happy I was able to work with each of them.” To finish off the night, Speed Date, which was set at a community center on Valentine’s Day, showed how hard it is to find the right person. Laura (Sarah Guidinger) and John (Kyle Cook) are among the speed-daters that showed up to have an event filled evening with the intention to find their “one”. “They couldn’t have done any better than they did,” Chavdarian said. “I couldn’t be any prouder of my cast.” After multiple failed connections, John and Laura find each other at the end, which seemed to be where they were meant to be all along.
Read more about past and upcoming galleries and performances online at eccunion.com
Father daughter duo showcase gothic photography in the Library Gallery The dual exhibition is composed of unique images, including 3D imagery Zach Hatakeyama Features Editor @ECCUnionZach
Father/daughter duo and El Camino alumni Nathanial D. King and Bethany Caitlan Nicole unveiled their latest photography work, currently on display in the Schauerman Library. Art exhibits are determined by the art exhibition committee in the library department and the work of King and Nicole were chosen to be showcased in the month of October. Darilyn Rowan, professor of photography and former professor of both King and Nicole, finds the work to be “profound.” “The photographs resonate with layers of meaning,” Rowan said. “Most especially, Bethany Caitlan Nicole explores the mystery of mortality, life and death in an elegant, thought-provoking and unique manner.” Rowan is an admirer of King’s work, as well, especially his photograms, which are objects placed on photo paper and directly exposed to light. “I also love Nathanial King’s
photographs and the playfulness in some of the photograms,” she said. “Both Nathaniel and Bethany are extraordinary talents and have a distinct, insightful and photographic voice, both together and individually,” According to Nicole’s biography, her work can be identified through “use of cool tones, shadows and raw emotions.” Jolie Usher, 18, computer science major, finds inspiration in Nicole’s photographs. “I really like this art exhibition because I really like photography and colors,” Usher said. “I like the use of darkness, like the colors of a galaxy, so it really appeals to me. The works are really intense and powerful and it reminds me of death.” Rheanne Bayan, 19, nursing major, too, finds the photography to be inspirational. “The art is very different and I think every picture is unique and has a different message, but they do share similarities,” Bayan said. “Normally, I’m rushing to class and I rarely get to glance at the photographs in the library. When I have the time, I like to stand around
and look at every one of them.” Students at EC have also shared their thoughts on the photographs with Rowan. “I have taken all of my classes to see the show and the students have anecdotally shared with me how inspired they are. They were moved and it inspired them creatively. They were motivated and amazed at the level of talent and brilliance in the show,” Rowan said. Rowan believes it is important that photography is displayed on campus. “Photography is an important art form and I believe it is still in it’s infancy and will continue to grow and inspire us,” Rowan said. “It is important for students to see photography on campus because it is a vital art form. (It) has many manifestations in terms of technology and manifestation issues and I think it is an important experience for students to put their art up and to have other people respond to it.” Bethany Caitlan Nicole and Nathanial D. King’s photography exhibition will be available for viewing through the end of October during regular library hours.
Zach Hatakeyama/ Union Rheanne Bayan, 19, nursing major, views the dual exhibition in the Library Gallery.
4 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION
OPINION/EDITIORIAL
OCTOBER 19, 2017
From one bay area to another: my journey moving to San Francisco How going to a four year university challenged my perception of self identity
We stand with those who kneel
Jose Tobar/Union
President Trump’s comments regarding those who kneel during the National Anthem do not represent El Camino’s views
F
reedom of speech was the first human right that America’s founding fathers decided to write down in the U.S. Constitution. Freedom of speech is arguably the most important thing that the United States has to offer. When compared to other countries, the U.S. allows its citizens to speak their minds about whatever they wish, whether it be the government, president or preference of ice cream. With that being said, it isn’t right for President Trump to tell athletes across the country to stand for the national anthem, though that might be a respectful thing to do. Trump cannot infringe on our right to free speech. Colin Kaepernick did not initially sit for the national anthem to disrespect the military or police officers, but to raise awareness about the police brutality directed towards
the African-American community and the deaths that occurred as a result. Not many NFL players were kneeling during the national anthem. The movement was dying until President Trump took the stage at a rally in Alabama. “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now, out, he’s fired,” Trump said. This message sent shockwaves to all athletes across the country, but the NFL was directly hit by the president’s comments. Some football players at El Camino have decided to take a knee during the national anthem. When some players did at their most recent away game in Bakersfield, they were booed at. The comments made by Trump impact more than the football players across the country, they affect
the wild-thinkers that are in middle school and the regular person stuck at their job. Though Trump’s comments were directed towards NFL players and owners, he is still attempting to silence those that see flaws in the United States. Those who stand up and question the government or protest and use their freedom of speech, do it. That is what the United States of America was built on. We stand with those at EC who wish to use their right to free speech on any platform, even if they know they will be booed at for speaking their mind. The most important part is that they are speaking their minds. Freedom of speech was one of the core ideas that made America
It is 10 p.m. and Parks and Recreation reruns are playing in the background and flashes of Leslie Knope and Ben Wyatt overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge appear out of the corner of my eye. Immediately, memories of my five month journey in San Francisco fog my mind. In March of 2016, I was offered admittance into the University of San Francisco with a generous scholarship. “This is an offer too big to pass up,” I told my grandmother over the phone. Throughout the summer of 2016, I was frequently met with the question, “Why San Francisco?”— A question to which I never had a genuine response to. I had always romanticized San Francisco since I was young. I pictured myself perusing small, independent bookstores and having enlightening conversations with people donning knit sweaters in dim coffee shops. “San Francisco is my kind of city,” I would reassure myself. The drive up to The Bay was nothing short of a disaster. Clenching a pillow from my bed at home, in the passenger seat of my aunt’s minivan, the prospect of this move being a great mistake served as a cloud over my head. Watching that minivan drive off, filled with the people who just calmed my anxious mind and unpacked my new home, forced me to feel emptiness, as if my identity and past had just disappeared into the horizon. Almost immediately, I met Katrina, a petite ray of sunshine from Orange County. We spent the following weeks exploring the city and doing exactly what I had envisioned, alongside some fascinating people—
Natalie, a passionate future doctor from Atlanta; Kayla, a brilliant writer from Palos Verdes; and Hope, an inquisitive woman from Redding. I even got my own radio show with my partner-incrime, a treasure named Chloe—an experience that I consider to be one of the most rewarding. In bed at night, thoughts rolled in. What was the purpose of being in San Francisco? Did I only move here to make everyone else proud? At home visits, I would flood my family with stories about how I could walk to Amoeba Music in minutes and how the bakery on Arguello and Clement had the greatest croissants of all time. I would leave out the times I walked through The Panhandle with tears streaming down my face and the new Bon Iver on repeat in my ears. I would leave out the fact that I did not see myself thriving in the city. Loneliness wasn’t the problem. The emptiness was, and it never left me since the first day. I felt completely disconnected from who I was. A lot of people crave a new start. I was completely content with my position in the world before I moved. The idea of starting over in a new place was exhausting, and quite frankly, unnecessary. I did not want to admit to myself that San Francisco came into my life at the wrong time, but I realized that I would be wasting money and opportunities if I continued to ignore it. Over winter break, after my first semester, I made the decision to withdrawal from the University of San Francisco and enroll at El Camino College. El Camino seemed like a better option, due to the fact that it would save my
Zach Hatakeyama Features Editor @ECCUnionZach
family an enormous amount of money, and also because I would be getting a solid education in the perfect location. It was a decision that came as a shock to many—even myself at some points—but it was the best for me at that moment. As I boarded a Greyhound bus en route to Los Angeles with a box of my belongings, I looked back at the people who had been my family for the past five months with misty eyes. I disappeared off into the horizon, startled and eager. I was on my way back to the city that I invested my identity in. The land of motivation, dreamers, oddly comforting traffic, for-yourconsideration billboards, and city lights as far as the eye could see. Did homesickness have a hand in my move back? Sure. However, I saw nothing wrong with moving back to the city I would be living my best life in. In fact, I would strongly recommend it.
Do you want to submit a letter to the editors at The Union? Send us an email at eccunion@gmail. com with the subject “Letter to the editor.”
A sit down with my son concerning taking a knee during the national anthem
Jeremy Taylor
Staff Writer @ECCUnionJeremyT
THE UNION Vol. 72, No. 1 September 28, 2017 Email: eccunion@gmail.com Newsroom: (310) 660-3328 Advertising: (310) 660-3329
Taking a knee used to be a gesture that showed respect for a fallen teammate or an opponent, but nowadays it represents the most controversial stance in sports history. This simple act of kneeling during the National Anthem, was a protest initiated by Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, to bring awareness to racial and social injustice. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” said Kaepernick when he addressed the media regarding his protest that began last season. In 1995 during my freshman season of football at Citrus Community College, it was a time when racial tensions were
still smoldering from the L.A. Riots. Despite being only three years removed from the riots, many felt those embers were on the verge of reigniting all over again. This was also the same year as the “trial of the century”, more affectionately known as the O.J. Simpson murder trial. A trial that had not only the people of Los Angeles, but all of America, divided as to what the verdict should be. His impending verdict had every one on edge. As an African-American male, it would’ve been a no brainer to kneel. As a sign of showing solidarity and support, I would’ve done so without fear of consequence or repercussions. Fast forward to the present, I am now the father of a 13 year old who is in his first season of
Editor-in-Chief ������������������������������������������������������������������������ Dmitri Hansen News Editor ������������������������������������������������������������������������� Emma DiMaggio Opinion/Editorial Editor ���������������������������������������������������������������Faith Petrie Arts Editor.................................................................................. Emma DiMaggio Sports Editor ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� Dmitri Hansen Photo Editor ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Jorge Villa Features Editor ������������������������������������������������������������������� Zach Hatakeyama Social Media Manager...................................................................Dmitri Hansen Multimedia Manager........................................................................................N/A Advertising Manager ������������������������������������������������������������������� Jack Mulkey Adviser ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Stefanie Frith Photo Adviser...................................................................................Gary Kohatsu
youth football. Although we have had a few conversations about this topic, I thought to myself what if he wanted to take this stance. If he presented his argument well enough, would I let him do it? One of my biggest concerns is not my son taking the stance. I encourage him to make his own decisions and stand up for his beliefs. My concern is about him being booed or something worse, that would trigger my papa bear mode and force me to get all, “Grr” on someone. Honestly, I would be very impressed that he felt so passionate about something, other than his PS4 or Kylie Jenner. But as the voice of reason and his guide on this journey called life, I would advise him not to
kneel, but to focus on the message itself and help him come up with alternative ways to spread that message. It’s not about kneeling and it’s not about booing those who do, it’s about making sure his generation doesn’t spread the hate
The Union is published Thursdays by Journalism 11 and 14 students at El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90506, and is free to the student body and staff. Unsigned editorials and cartoons are the opinion of the editorial board and do not reflect the views of the student body, staff or administration. Letters to the editor must be signed and must be received one week prior to publication in the Union office, Humanities Building Room 113. Letters are subject to editing for space, libel, obscenity and disruption of the educational process. Single copies of the Union are free; multiple copies can be requested through the Union.
Emma DiMaggio/Union that my generation and the generations before me have had to endure. It’s about ending that cycle and it’s about creating equality.
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OPINION
OCTOBER 19, 2017
EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION 5
UP FOR DEBATE
Should community colleges host homecoming dances?
Joseph Sanker
Tanya Silerio
Staff Writer @ECCUnionJoseph
Staff Writer @ECCUnionTanya
Homecoming dances can provide students a healthy outlet for stress Somewhere right now there is a college getting ready to celebrate another homecoming dance. It does seem a bit childish that colleges still put on events like this. But it isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s great that even in college, we can still have experiences like these. It’s a chance to put on our best clothes and forget about all the stress that we encountered during the week. Maybe you didn’t get the opportunity to experience something like this in high school. Now, you had the chance to live it. You get a chance to relive the memories and excitment that
come with having a homecoming. The music, the atomosphere, the chance to pick a homecoming king and queen, its all there.It even starts off with a homecoming game from our very own football team. Not only do you get a dance but, you get to a football game, halftime show and a chance to show off some school spirit. Both current students of El Camino and alumni are invited to come out and literally just dance the night away. It’s a great outlet to release stress in a safe environment surrounded by people you know and get along with. You even get a chance to
meet new people and possibly make a new connection. Since it is in collaboration with the athletic division you are sure to meet new faces and help the community grow strong. Not only will you benefit from having a nice night out, but you also get a chance to help out your school. The money used for the tickets can be used for future school events or any projects that are being made to benefit students. This year, even without money, you could still enjoy homecoming by simply donating five canned goods or perishables in exchange for a ticket in.
Community colleges students do not have the time in their schedules to attend dances A homecoming at a community college would be for a demographic that doesn’t need one. One of the main reasons students even attend a junior college and not a four year university is because of other commitments. Many community college students work full-time jobs, have their own children to look after, have responsibilities at home or simply can not commit to a university lifestyle just yet. If homecoming were really a priority to a transferring student, then that student can attend homecoming at the school that they worked hard to transfer to. It would be more motivating,
gratifying, and fulfilling to go to a homecoming dance at a school that a student wanted to attend, rather than a school that a student had to attend. A homecoming dance wouldn’t appeal to those pursuing degrees and certificates at a community college either. Students pursuing degrees and certificates at community colleges want immediate employment and job opportunities. Their time is limited and it wouldn’t make sense for them to attend a homecoming dance since their focus is on completing their education very soon. Those same students are often older than the average college
student as well. Going to a school homecoming dance at 40 years old with students half your age does not sound ideal. Also, like any other community college, El Camino is on a budget. Why waste money and resources on an event that doesn’t have an appeal to its main audience, which are the community college students? A homecoming at a community college just wouldn’t be necessary for community college students. Most students either have another school that they are going to attend anyway or are busy with other obligations, and don’t have time to attend.
Editor’s thoughts: Thumbs up, Thumbs down We like that the homcoming dance and game had a turnout that exceeded expectations.
We dislike that the Flowater machines take such a long time to recharge itself.
Do students think that homecoming at a community college is appropiate? By: Oshari Arnett and Jeremy Taylor
@ECCUnionOshari @ECCUnionJeremyT
Kongdy Lam, 19, business major and organizer of homecoming dance “The whole point of the homecoming dance is for the people to have fun, and go to the football game. We are kind of collaborating the event with the athletic division, trying to bring the community together.”
Sabrina Santisteban, 19, Mona Baig, 20, criminal justice major ASO director of external affairs “It’s appropriate because it’s a place “It’s a good opportunity for people you can go have fun with your friends.” to meet other people, have fun, and free food, why not?”
Gerardo Garcia, 19, psychology major “There is homecoming dances for all grades so why not also have community college students partake in the fun of having a homecoming dance?”
Cindy Lopez, library media technician “Any special event that celebrates alumni and brings students together is a good thing. I think it’s a moral booster, I think that our students need an outlet for all those hours of study and stress, you never want to take that away from the students.”
FEATURES
EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION 6
OCTOBER 19, 2017
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
Lydia Lopez/ Union Ross Miyashiro, vice president of student services, is dedicated to students. “We are going to figure out who we are as a group and the best way to help students,” Miyashiro said.
Vice president of administrative Vice president of student services starts at El Camino services embraces community Lydia Lopez Staff Writer
@ECCUnionLydia
El Camino introduces Brian Fahnestock as the new hire for vice president of administrative services as of Monday, Sept, 18. ``Especially excited to be here,” Brian Fahnestock, vice president of administrative services said. Vice president of administrative services is a senior leadership position and requires the planning and evaluation of the operational activities of the district. ``He really is a well rounded qualified person for the position. He’s worked at several community colleges,” president Dean Maloney said.
Brian Fahnestock started as vice president of business services in 1999 at Santa Barbara City College. Later on, he started a software company called Simpler Systems. ``(He is a) great technology guy. He likes to look at data to help us make decisions and he’s helping to shape our enrollment management team that will help us fulfill goals,” Jean Shankweiler, vice president of academic affairs, said. Later on in his career, Fahnestock became vice chancellor for administration at Ventura County Community College. After, he became vice chancellor for financial and facilities in North Orange County community college district. ``He’s kind of got that full breath
of experiences, both community college as well as California State University,” president Dean Maloney said. Following this experience, he worked at San Fransisco State University as vice president associate for physical affairs. This was his last stop before Fahnestock came to El Camino College. ``I love the atmosphere of the campus,” Fahnestock said. Fahnestock is hoped to make a impact with skills from his previous background to help the college to become more approachable. ``(He’ll) help us streamline our processes,” Shankweiler said. “(He will) make decisions for our students and our college that are going to help make us more efficient and more welcoming.”
Lydia Lopez Staff Writer
@ECCUnionLydia
El Camino bought in its newest faculty member Ross Miyashiro as vice president of student services on Monday, Sept. 18 as a replacement for a retiring administrator. “I love it. This is a transformational campus and we are going to turn it into (one of) the best community colleges in the system,” Ross Miyashiro, vice president of student services, said. Thrilled with excitement to work at EC, Ross Miyashiro overlooks student services and student support services. “(He has) board experiences that
could be so helpful to the school,” Jean Shankweiler, vice president of academic affairs said. Miyashiro has a long set of skills and expertise that he brings from all over, starting from California State University in the lowest position as clerical 1A, then moving up to higher education. He then moved to California State University of Monterey Bay as a founding member, where he started the student information center. “When you’re from Southern California, you get a little stir crazy. After two years, how many times could you go to Monterey Bay Aquarium? I literally went there in four years probably three hundred fifty times. My daughter almost grew up there,” Miyashiro said.
He headed back to Southern California to get a job at the University and California State University’s chancellor’s office being in charge of all transfers. This later lead him to Long Beach City College as dean of admission and recorders, and then vice president of student services at Coastline Community College in Fountain Valley, California. “I’ve known people who worked here before and two deans and both really enjoyed their time here and encouraged me to apply for the position,” Miyashiro said. Other faculty members are glad to have him on the EC team. “He’s a nice addition to the college, in terms of his background and experiences,” President Dean Maloney said.
Get a free copy of The Union and Warrior Life at any of the following locations Northeast side of campus
- First floor of the Humanities Building - Humanities division office - Crenshaw door of the Humanities Building - Natural Sciences Courtyard - Natural Sciences division office - Switchboard Desk - Outside the front and back doors of the library - Library Reading Room - Cafe Camino
South side of campus
- Social Sciences division office - Campus Deli - Music division office - Music library - Art and Behavioral Science division office - El Camino Police Department - Marsee Auditorium - Student Health Center
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OCTOBER 19, 2017
BEAT
to the Recently hired dance instructor brings passion for dance to El Camino students Samuel Hill Staff Writer
@ECCUnionSam
Dance instructor Jonathan Bryant is right where he wants to be, even if it is a long way from where he started. Swaying in perfect motion across a stage in front of mass audiences is nothing new to newly appointed dance instructor Jonathan Bryant, but such a platform is not gained without hard work. Born in Middletown, Ohio and raised in Martinsburg, West Virginia, Bryant grew up practicing music but didn’t discover his love for dance until being lead towards it. “I was in the band playing bass guitar,” Bryant said, “Some girls in our show choir wanted guys to help dance so I took some classes and ended up sticking with it throughout high school.” As a senior in high school, his dance instructor asked him if dance was something he wanted to pursue. “I thought I was going to be an architect,” Bryant said. “But I chose to stick with dancing.” After high school, Bryant continued his education at Shenandoah University where he received his bachelor’s in dance performance and received his master’s degree in choreography from the California Institute of the Arts. Bryant’s first exposure to professional dancing first hand was before college, when he took a non-paying gig to help out at the Kennedy Center Opera House for the Kennedy Center Honors. “It was fun,” Bryant said.” It was my first time meeting professional dancers before I knew who they were. It wasn’t until years later that I realized how fortunate I was to help and be apart of something so special.” On such a big night for a young Bryant, where so much was going through his head, he still managed to learn humility. “Right when I got on stage, this gigantic letter C dropped from the ceiling and managed to cover my face for the entire performance,” Bryant said. “It definitely humbled me for sure,” he added with a laugh. Big moments followed Bryant after his debut, performing with groups such as the Invertigo Dance Theatre in settings as decorated as the Joyce Theatre in New York . “He really is unique in so many ways,” dancing instructor Daniel Berney said. “One thing we were looking for was a compliment to the staff we already had, and he compliments us very well.” With such an elaborate resume, Bryant’s proudest moments rest with his family as a father and as a son. “I remember when my mother came for the first time to one of my shows and she hadn’t seen me dance in years,” Bryant said. “It just felt good that I was able to fly my mom out to see me perform. No matter how I do my mom will love me, and that’s why it was so special for me.” The faculty at EC feel lucky to have Bryant amongst them. “He is a great fit,” dancing instructor Elizabeth Adamis said. “He’s a phenomenal dancer and phenomenal thinker and someone who can really relate to students.” As an instructor here at El Camino, Bryant wants to bring the same kind of passion he has for dance and share it with his students, and feels like everything is great so far. “I was hoping to fall in love and this school made it very easy to do that,” Bryant said. “The students are lovely and I couldn’t be in a better spot.”
Jorge Villa/ Union Bryant leaps over a desk. “The students (at EC) are lovely and I couldn’t be in a better spot.”
FEATURES
EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION 7
SPORTS
EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION
OCTOBER 19, 2017
Dmitri Hansen/ Union
EC head coach Liz Hazell watches over her team during a practice that followed back-to-back losses in three sets at No. 15 Long Beach and No. 13 MiraCosta.
IT’S A
FAMILY
Liz Hazell was the assistant coach for 11 years, now she’s guided the women’s volleyball team to be No. 16 in the state. Oshari Arnett
Staff Writer @ECCUnionOshari
One’s exposure at a young age is essential towards the devel-opment of one’s character. It is often the deciding factor determining what type of example you’ll set and how you’ll live your life. First year women’s volleyball head coach Liz Hazell was seemingly born to lead. She said her father, Tom Hazell, set the example for her growing up with his awesome job and his ability to connect with all types of people. “We grew up at El Camino, dad got a job in 1979,” sister Beverly Hazell said. “It’s like a second home.” She grew up in a home with an open door policy, so during her adolescent years the neighborhood would typically gather at her home during holidays where her family would gracefully share their hospitality. Liz is the oldest of three children and has set an example for her siblings from day one, allowing
competition to fuel her to success. “We were successful because, even though we were competing with other kids, we were really competing with our own family,” Beverly said. She added that even the card game Uno is like a contact sport in their family, while also expressing that her sister is the mastermind behind it. Liz was a three-sport-athlete at West Torrance High School and began playing volleyball at age 13. “I hated it at first,” said Liz. Initially, Liz wasn’t very good at volleyball, something she wasn’t quite used to, but that didn’t last long. “She didn’t make a serve over (the net) maybe the entire first year,” Beverly said. Beverly added that soon thereafter, Liz was playing junior varsity as a freshman at West High School, where she earned the nickname “Shooter,” like Shooter McGavin from Happy Gilmore, due to her competitive spirit. After high school Liz attended EC, in 2000-2001, where she won
THING
Athlete of the Year, just as her father had done at EC 30 years prior, along with her sister Beverly four years after. During her time attending EC, Liz was also cocaptain of the volleyball team which placed fourth in state. “Once a Warrior always a Warrior,” said Liz. “I try to totally embrace that.” Liz’s family-oriented lifestyle, hard work and dedication have been driving forces behind her success in volleyball as well as in life. “Playing, I was very proud of her, how much she succeeded here (at EC) and was a very strong leader of the teams she played on,” Tom said. After serving as an assistant coach at EC under coach Le Valley Pattison, Liz is now living out her dream as head coach of women’s volleyball. “I’m super excited, that was the goal,” said Liz. “I had been an assistant for 11 years and (after) playing at EC, I have pretty much been at EC my whole life.” Being the “volley dork” that she
MOST RECENT GAME FOOTBALL 48-20 Win vs. L.A. Harbor College
MEN’S WATER POLO 12-13 Loss @ Chaffey College
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL 0-3 Loss @ MiraCosta College
MEN’S SOCCER 0-1 Loss vs. Mt. San Antonio College
WOMEN’S SOCCER 2-0 Win vs. Mt. San Antonio College
WOMEN’S WATER POLO 2-10 Loss @ Citrus College
is, Liz also looks to use coaching as a tool to positively cater to future athletes. “As a coach, I want to make sure I give students everything I can so they can reach their highest potential as student-athletes,” said Liz. It takes a unique type of person to be fulfilled by competition and have a desire to teach others and Liz is unique in that right. “She’s a very selfless type of athlete, she’s somebody that would give up something to make sure the team won,” said Tom. “I think that’s one of the strongest attributes she brings to this program.” Her upbringing, maturity and personality as an individual makes Liz tailormade to be a coach and also succeed as a leader amongst our community. “Just being respectful and competing, it’s what we do,” said Beverly. It is safe to say that Liz is prepared for the challenge. “A day without competition, is like a day without sunshine,” said Tom.
Dmitri Hansen/ Union
As a head coach, Liz Hazell has an 11-4 record.
Follow Liz Hazell and the women’s volleyball team on the road this season All games start at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20 at Pasadena City College Wednesday, Oct. 25 at L.A. Pierce College Friday, Nov. 3 at L.A. Trade-Tech College
CURRENT RECORDS FOOTBALL 4W-2L One-game winning streak MEN’S SOCCER 5W-7L-3T One-game losing streak
MEN’S WATER POLO 7W-6L One-game losing streak
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL 11W-4L Two-game losing streak
WOMEN’S SOCCER WOMEN’S WATER POLO 7W-6L-1T 3W-16L Five-game winning streak Three-game losing streak