The Union Vol. 79 No. 3

The Union

EL CAMINO COLLEGE

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1946

@ECCUNION

Oct. 24, 2024

ECCUNION.COM

Proposed grade change in approval process

Accused

By Greg Fontanilla An update to El Camino petition or request to change a ensure students understand the extenuating circumstances will stalker College’s grade change policy grade to a faculty member and process of changing a grade. allow students to file a petition was announced during an the dean of the office “The grade change policy past the 18-month period if the follows Asian Academic Senate meeting on overseeing the class within 18 was updated to provide more faculty member who issued the Oct. 15. months after the original clarity for students and the grade approves of making that woman submission of the grade, and cannot be extended after that period.

The Vice President of Academic Affairs Carlos Lopez said the update was made to

process,” Lopez said. “The language was to create more flexibility so that instructors could go back and change grades.”

As per the update,

change.

Darcie McClelland, the Academic Senate’s vice president of educational policies said the change to the policy went through a process SEE GRADES PAGE 4 →

El Camino College Boxing Club members Christopher Munoz and club president Alec Rodriguez spars during a weekly meeting on Friday, Oct. 11. The Boxing Club will host an organized sparring event at Sweet Science Gym in Hawthorne on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Read more on page eight.

Photo by Mario Trejos

Board of Trustees seat up for grabs Longtime board member faces newcomer in upcoming election

I

n the upcoming November election, El Camino College Board of Trustee member Katherine Maschler will be running against Nyree Berry for the Area 4 seat representing Hawthorne, Gardena, Lawndale and Torrance.

The El Camino Board of Trustees governs El Camino

College, with each elected member serving a four-year term.

Maschler previously ran against David M. Kartsonis and Nicole A. Ryan in the 2020 general election. She was elected alongside Kenneth Brown and Trisha Murakawa.

Maschler has taught at El Camino for more than 20 years and has been with the college

Blind Spots

Security Cameras

is a huge factor. After COVID-19 decreased enrollment in schools throughout the United States she believes that every board member agrees that this must be a main goal and is a collective effort.

Berry is a sociology professor at Los Angeles City College.

The El Camino College Police Department is investigating two incidents involving a male ECC student stalking a female student of Japanese descent.

According to a safety advisory sent on Oct. 15, the student is described as a man in his late-twenties, with darkcolored hair and eyes.

Additionally, the student selfidentifies as Black and Japanese.

On Oct. 10, ECCPD was alerted of a female student followed by a male individual from Schauerman Library to the bus stop on Redondo Beach and Crenshaw Boulevard.

The suspect asked the victim, who ignored his request for a date and boarded the bus. An additional incident report was filed on Oct. 11 involving the same suspect and same woman.

Both incidents involve the suspect following the victim from the library to the same bus stop inquiring about a date but receiving no acknowledgment.

On Oct. 15, ECCPD received additional information indicating other female students of Japanese descent were approached by the suspect.

While there is no further information, ECCPD is increasing campus patrols.

“Nothing more than what we already sent out, I don’t have any further updates as of now,” Director of Public Information and Government Relations Kerri Webb said.

SEE ELECTION PAGE 4→ A police vehicle idles by the El Camino soccer field on Friday, Oct. 18. Photo by Greg Fontanilla

Cosmic Granny

See Page 5

NEWS

See Page 3

OPINION

Maschler attributes her history, passion and knowledge of the college as key reasons for a reelection bid to retain her seat.

“My history at El Camino, I’ve been there, 50 years,” Maschler said. “El Camino was there for me when I needed them.”

Maschler said her goals will be budget and enrollment.

Maschler said that enrollment

See Page 7

FEATURES

By Nick Miller

By Kinzie Malony

SCAN ME

The policy is in the process of approval. The Academic Senate will vote on the proposal on Nov. 5.

Administrative Procedure 4231 allows a student to file a

2

EDITORIAL

Oct. 24, 2024

The Union

The Union SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1946

Vol. 79, No. 3 Oct. 24, 2024

EDITORS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Greg Fontanilla

NEWS EDITOR

Angel Pasillas

ARTS & FEATURES EDITOR

Illustration by Joseph Figueroa

Show clubs the money

Campus clubs deserve seed funding from the Inter-Club Council

OPINION EDITOR

Isabelle Ibarra

COPY EDITOR

Rhiannon Ellis

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

Kinzie Malony

STAFF Staff Writers

Photographers Illustrators

By Union Editorial Board

W

hile there are an estimated 45 clubs active on campus, close to none are being funded by El Camino’s Inter-Club Council. They are often left to find a means of funding on their own despite there being an ICC Club Support budget of $15,000 to help active clubs.

As of this fall, there are three new clubs active on campus: Campus Connections Club, Core Consulting Group and the Barkada Club. They have not received any starting money to get going after being approved as official clubs.

The Union editorial board suggests that the currently active and newfound clubs on campus be provided a sum of seed money from the ICC to further prosper. Additionally, the board is suggesting clubs on campus be provided about $200 in seed money, which leaves about $9,000 left in the ICC Club Support budget.

There is a large collective of students involved in the clubs on campus, and without proper funding, these clubs could possibly have to disband due to lack of financial support.

It is recognized how much time and effort the clubs on campus work to get recognition and create a fun, interactive environment for club members while trying to generate funding to host activities and obtain supplies.

Currently, the Associated Student Organization has a revenue total of $450,000. $22,000 of the revenue goes to ASO stipends, and $9,700 goes to ICC stipends, which began in spring 2023. On top of spending $5,000 on an ICC Recognition Banquet, it is safe to say that with all of that money, there could even be a small contribution outside of the ICC Club Support expenditures going toward supporting the new and currently active clubs on campus.

This is not to say that ASO is not looking out for other student-run organizations on campus.

ASO funds are going towards programs such as the Puente Project, which is currently receiving $4,930 in funding, the Immigrant Success Program, which is receiving $7,500 in funding, and the Black Student Success Center, which is receiving $4,900 in funding. All of these programs offer support to minority students to help them achieve their educational goals.

The Union editorial board believes that while the clubs on campus are not as large as some of these funded student programs, they are still deserving of some starting funds for the dedication they have to support student interests and provide added education through recreational activities.

Editor’s Note: Editors Kinzie Malony and Katie Volk did not assist or edit this story due to their membership with the

Katie Volk

Interns

Camila Jimenez Elliott Bullock II Nick Miller Renzo Arnazzi Elsa Rosales Anisa Arnazzi Eric Delgado Ivan E. Mendez De Leon Joseph Figueroa Lynn Kim Mia Gutierrez Angela Osorio Argentina Talley Bailey Meacham Cameron Sample Eddy Cermeno Eric Wang Erica Lee Hong Dang Jamila Zaki Julissa Celis Justin Coleman Katie Gronenthal Kayla Mitchell Mario Trejos Miliana Cienfuegos Philip Mawamba Rosemarie Turay Seph Peters Susana Reyes Taheem Lewis

ADVISERS STUDENT MEDIA ADVISERS PHOTO ADVISER ADVERTISING MANAGER INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS

Stefanie Frith sfrith@elcamino.edu Kate McLaughlin kmclaughlin@elcamino.edu Nguyet Thomas nthomas@elcamino.edu Jack Mulkey elcounionads000@yahoo.com Jessica Martinez jemartinez@elcamino.edu Doug Morino dmorino@elcamino.edu Gerard Burkhart gburkhart@elcamino.edu Joseph Difazio jdifazio@elcamino.edu

CORRECTION POLICY: The Union takes corrections and clarifications

very seriously. If a correction is needed, email The Union at eccunion@gmail.com for all corrections and inquiries pertaining to a story.

EDITORIALS: Editorials represent the views of the The Union’s editorial

board. Columns represent the views of the writer. Neither are representations of what the newspaper staff, other students, our advisers, faculty or the administration think.

LETTERS AND GUEST COLUMN POLICY: No more than

two guest columns from the same person will be considered for publication or online use in the same semester, and 60 days must elapse before a second column is published. Guest columns should generally run 300-450 words. Letters to the editor should generally run no longer than 200 words. All columns and letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and style. They must be free of libel and in good taste. Publication or rejection of any column is at the sole discretion of the editorial board.

The Union is an award-winning, nationally recognized publication that prints on designated Thursdays by Journalism 11 and 14 students at El Camino College, Humanities 113, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90506, and is free to the student body and staff. The Union publishes daily online at eccunion.com.

The Union

Oct. 24, 2024

OPINION

3

Illustration by Anisa Arnazzi

Blind spots mustn’t go ignored: a need for safety mirrors

Student safety concerns rise as drivers become more reckless in parking structures

By Camila Jimenez

M

aking way through the parking structures at El Camino College can be a difficult experience - distracted drivers, narrow lanes, blind spots when turning corners and fast drivers are factors that can lead to an accident.

During the first week of this semester, I was nearly hit by a vehicle twice while walking through parking Lot C. On both occasions, the driver turned the corner too quickly without stopping and failed to check for oncoming traffic, cars backing out or pedestrians.

I was almost hit again recently when a driver was speeding down the lane at approximately 20 mph and didn’t stop while making a left turn. I realized that the

similarity of all my experiences was poor visibility due to blind spots in the parking structure.

I wouldn’t label myself as someone who is easily scared or paranoid, but once I step into the parking structure I’m constantly on edge. I often hold my Hydro Flask tightly and shake it, hearing the ice inside clink against the metal, deliberately making noise to let drivers know I’m walking through these narrow lanes.

Every day, I’m hoping that the sound of the ice hitting the metal will echo off the concrete walls, drawing other drivers’ attention before they speed around the corner.

Since it is the closest parking structure to any academic buildings on campus, parking Lot C is commonly acknowledged as the busiest parking structures by students.

Not only does this parking structure have the longest lines, but it’s also filled with the most impatient drivers attempting to beat eachother to the first open parking spot.

The issue isn’t just that students drive recklessly.

Parking structures lack safety features installed in the lots, including safety mirrors at every corner, which contribute to the problem within El Camino’s parking structures.

The dimly-lit structures make it practically impossible to see what’s around the corner, as the main source of light is coming from the outside.

Improved lighting across the parking lots would not only illuminate blind spots, but would also assist drivers and pedestrians in better navigating the area while lowering the possibility of a collision.

A fast turn can result in an accident at any moment.

With someone eventually being hit by a vehicle, these accidents will continue to happen until mirrors are installed and safety measures are addressed.

I have seen students on the verge of being hit by a vehicle because a large truck was parked in the corner of the parking lanes, making it practically impossible for a driver to clearly check for any cars or pedestrians on either side of the lanes.

It shouldn’t be a guessing game for anyone— students shouldn’t have to worry about whether cars will notice them when they turn the corners.

As adults, we should know better and be aware of the presence of others in the structure. I cannot imagine

myself driving in those narrow lanes at a speed of 30 to 40 mph just to get out of the structure, let alone thinking of not stopping at every corner and running the risk of hitting another vehicle or person.

The parking structures are so poorly constructed that even if you can turn safely or know what’s around the corner, the lighting makes it even more difficult to notice blind spots.

Just taking a look into the safety mirrors will greatly improve visibility in the parking structures for not only drivers but also for all students, and staff walking through, allowing them to know if a vehicle is approaching.

It’s not a difficult decision.

It’s time for the El Camino College Administration to invest in safety mirrors in these chaotic parking lots.

Battle of the baby animals: Moo Deng the pygmy hippo or Pesto the penguin?

By Union Staff In a sea of internet trends and fads, the current craze taking over the media is the public’s obsession with two lovable baby animals.

A pygmy hippopotamus named Moo Deng, who lives in the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand and a nine-month-old king penguin much larger than any adult of his species named Pesto, who resides at the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium in Australia, have taken the internet by storm with their adorable faces and relatably humorous antics.

The Union went around campus and interviewed students, asking which of the two trending animals they prefer and relate most to.

“I like the hippo the most, because she’s really cute and when it comes to mood, it’s the hippo because I like to chill and a little more calm than the penguin,” business major Camilla Bravo said.

Mary Owens, an English major, said she feels connected to Moo Deng.

“She’s cute, and she has a cute personality,” Owens said.

Students also expressed their admiration for the animals,

finding their unique personalities amusing, wholesome, and entertaining.

One student said she relates to Pesto, the penguin.

“I like the penguin [Pesto] because he’s so big, but a cute baby, plus it’s so me with being social and a big eater,” geography major Kasandra Calderon said.

Even if you are not familiar with these lovable creatures, it is inevitable that you will stumble across the baby animals at some point while scrolling through social media.

“I prefer Moo Deng the hippo because she’s so chubby and is

Illustration by Ivan E Mendes De Leon

always on my Tik Tok,” communications major Varleria Lopez said.

It is clear to see how these animals have become so popular all around the world, as many find their uniqueness in personality and physicality something to admire.

“He’s cute, he’s big, he’s

unique, and he stands up from the rest,” El Camino College alumni Andrew Echeverria said.

Amari Jones, Renzo Arnazzi and Elliott Bullock II contributed to this story.

4

NEWS

Oct. 24, 2024

The Union

Board of Trustee members Brett Robert and Trisha Murakawa run unopposed → ELECTION FROM PAGE 1 She has a decade of experience working at community colleges, with her having previously worked at Los Angeles Southwest College.

If elected, Berry will be El Camino’s first black woman elected to the Board of Trustees.

She has received the endorsement of the El Camino College Federation of Teachers, the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.

Nyree Berry said her goal as the candidate running is to represent Area 4.

“My main goals are just moving the college forward.

We are in a different time where traditional education, traditional policy, is not necessarily registering with our students, as well as faculty and staff,” Berry said.

Berry also said that enrollment, working conditions and success for all students are very important.

“One of my priorities is to of course increase student, not just enrollment but retention and persistence. I think it is important that all students are able to be successful, despite their internal challenges,

external challenges as well,” Berry said.

Some students at ECC were not aware of the upcoming Board of Trustees election in November. One of those students is 20-year-old Hector Reyes Munoz, a child development major.

Drawing on his personal experience, Munoz said the school must make it possible for all students to have opportunities to be successful.

“I do think that a lot of people deserve opportunities, especially where I come from- because I’m a first-gen [student] and my parents did not finish high school,” Munoz said.

Police Beat

Free service-learning trip offered for spring 2025

By Seph Peters

By Nick Miller

The Union publishes police beats online with each newspaper release.

Visit eccunion.com to read more.

Friday, Oct. 17, 2:08 p.m.

A vehicular hit-and-run occured in parking Lot C. The case is open.

Thursday, Oct. 16, 3:44 p.m.

A stalking occured at 6 p.m. near the Schauerman Library on Sept.

24 and reported on Oct. 16. A CSA report was filed.

Friday, Oct. 15, 3:43 p.m.

A scooter was stolen at 1 p.m. in the Center for Applied Technology Building. The case is open.

Nyree Berry, an educator with over a decade of community college experience, poses at El Camino College’s campus on the morning of Oct. 22, 2024. Berry is running for the college’s Board of Trustee seat for Area 4 against the incumbent Katherine Maschler. If elected, Berry will be the first black woman in this position. Photo by Philip Mawamba

El Camino College professor Taka Tanaka is offering El Camino students currently enrolled in his classes a free trip to San Diego near the U.S.-Mexico border.

The trip will allow students to experience the struggles of everyday life for certain communities. Tanaka said

Aracely Gonzalez, 18, a business administration major said she would have voted if she had learned about the election.

“I think it is important, since we are the ones that will be affected by it,” Gonzalez said.

“So I think it is important for us to have a say in that, and who’s in charge.”

Board of Trustee members Brett Roberts and Trisha Murakawa’s terms will expire in November. Both will be running unopposed for Area 1 and Area 3 and will regain their seats.

In the 2020 election, Murakawa faced off and won against Siannah Collado

he and the students will provide communities with essentials with help from Border Angels, a non-profit organization.

The ethnic studies professor said ECC will cover transportation, lodging, food and activity expenses and will take place in the spring semester from April 14 to 17, 2025.

With the help and knowledge

The burglary of a wallet occured around 1:30 p.m. in the Student Services Building. The case is open.

Monday, Oct.14, 10:44 a.m.

A case of public intoxication and false identification to a peace officer in the Student Services Traffic Circle Area occurred on Monday, Oct. 14. The suspect was arrested.

An individual stalked a woman of Japanese descent on Thursday, Oct. 10 and Friday, Oct. 11 from the Schauerman Library to the bus stop on the corner of Crenshaw Boulevard and Redondo Beach Boulevard.

On Oct. 15, El Camino College released a safety advisory and described the individual as a male in his late twenties with dark-colored hair and eyes.

Boutte for Area 3.

Murakawa represents El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach.

Roberts was appointed to fill the vacant Area 1 seat during a special Board of Trustees meeting on May 12, 2023, after the passing of Kenneth Brown on March 23, 2023.

Roberts is serving the remainder of Brown’s term and represents Inglewood and Ladera Heights.

Murakawa chose to stay unbiased when asked who she finds as the best candidate to represent Area 4.

“I’m staying out of that race,” Murakawa said.

of Border Angels, students can get the full experience of communities’ challenges without the trip being an unsafe environment.

“We did water drop, and we donated gallon jugs of water and we placed them in strategic areas where Border Angels historically knows that migrants need access to,” he said.

El Camino College Board of Trustee Terms Terms expiring in November 2024: President Trisha Murakawa/ Area 3 Vice President Katherine Maschler/ Area 4 Secretary Brett C.S. Roberts/ Area 1 Terms expiring in November 2026 Trustee Nilo Vega Michelin/ Area 5 Trustee Clifford Numark/ Area 2

El Camino College ethnic studies instructor Takahito Tanaka previously taught at California University State Fullerton. Photo by Mario Trejos

Students with extenuating circumstances can change grades

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 3:40 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 10 and Friday, Oct. 11, 3:17 p.m

Board of Trustee member Katherine Maschler discusses new and upcoming plans for El Camino College during the Board of Trustee meeting on Oct. 21, 2024. Maschler is competing against Nyree Berry in the upcoming November election for Area 4. Maschler is hoping to regain her seat after winning in 2020. Photo by Rosemarie Turay

Vice President of Educational Policies Darcie McClelland prepares to discuss the changes to El Camino’s grade change policy at an Academic Senate meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Photo by Greg Fontanilla

→ GRADES FROM PAGE 1 as part of the accreditation requirement, passing through the College Council and Academic Senate.

She said students have had

extenuating circumstances in which a grade change petition was filed after 18 months, adding that the admissions and records department was unable to process a petition due to the

current policy in place.

“The policy just needs to reflect that we allow for exceptions,” McClelland said.

Extenuating circumstances include military service, relocation to a new state or country or family emergencies.

If the faculty member who issued the grade is not available, the vice president of Academic Affairs can grant an extension.

Reasons for an unavailable faculty member include retirement or the instructor being employed elsewhere.

First-year student Marissa Zamora, 18, says the updated policy will benefit students who are in the process of transferring

to another school.

“I think it would be very helpful for students who want to transfer,” Zamora said.

Charlene Brewer-Smith, the president of the Academic Senate, said the policy will not affect most students, though she added that it will benefit those who get put into special circumstances.

“Maybe they [students] had to withdraw a class, maybe they got to the end, something happened, and then they got a bad grade in that class – but the grade doesn’t represent the student,” Brewer-Smith said.

“They may be eligible for the grade change – this is a

Oct. 24, 2024

The Union

By Isabelle Ibarra

To read the full story, visit the website at eccunion.com

5

New security cameras approved and installed to enhance campus

El Camino College forensics team wins sweepstakes El Camino College Forensics Speech and Debate Team won the overall sweepstakes at the Jannese Davidson Invitational.

The tournament at Concordia University Irvine was a three-day event in whic the team competed against 23 other community colleges and universities.

Andres Osorio, who serves as co-president of the Forensics Speech and Debate team, reflected on the team’s performance.

“I’m so incredibly proud of our collective performance,” Osorio said. “Our goal is for the school to win.”

In the Parliamentary Debate category, twin sisters Juliette and Julissa Celis were crowned JV team champions.

Danielle Kabboul, meanwhile, was named senior-level champion in the International Public Debate category, while Nia Gordon was named novice champion in Impromptu Speaking.

Also in the category of Impromptu Sp e a k i n g , Zayrah Robb was crowned J V champi on . Ash l e y Singh was named novice Extemporaneous Speaking champion.

NEWS

By Kinzie Malony

N

ew cameras installed at the Small Business Development Center and an updated intrusion alarm system were approved by the El Camino College Board of Trustees on Oct. 21, resulting in a $102,032 purchase.

Quotes for the cameras were $19,820.24, while a continental computer connected to these cameras was $18,904.03.

“There have been some on-campus incidents that occurred, one of which was physical safety, another that dealt with a property crime,” Board of Trustees Secretary Brett Roberts said. “I think it’s Board of Trustees President Trisha Murakawa smiles reflecting on the past month of events during the Board of imperative that we seek out Trustees Report section during their monthly public meeting on Oct. 16, 2023. Photo by Khoury WIlliams any way that we can to help secure the campus.” campus are no longer reported staff because The benefits and increase in The new cameras allow the to a third party, but directly to they have done their diligence campus safety is a common ECC Police Department to see ECCPD. and done their research,” topic that the Board of what is happening in real time “There was a third party and Murakawa said.

Trustees and regular day to outside and near the SBDC. that third party would monitor According to the Oct. 21 day students seem to be able Mandated by the Campus ECC but is off campus,” Roberts Board of Trustees meeting to agree on based on the Crime Statistics Act or Clery said. “So, if there’s an alarm or Agenda, ECC’s updated alarm responses received.

Act, ECC released its 2024 some time of intrusion they system is installed to keep Roberts added that campus Annual Security Report would have to respond to it, all buildings with financial safety for students and staff is showing no reports of any whereas with this system here documents and loose cash a high campus priority. crime near or in the SBDC. it will allow for our on campus more secure as well as shorten “I want to make sure that “It all boils down to campus police to respond to it in real response times in order to our students are safe – that’s safety, campus security,” time.” discourage any suture crimes. paramount,” Roberts said.

Roberts said. “It is designed Trisha Murakawa, the “If it goes straight to people to secure all the major entry president of the Board of on campus rather than points on the campus.”

Trustees said when items are someone off campus, I think In addition, ECC updated approved, it is due to the trust that’s better since the reaction its intrusion alarm system, in staff and their suggestions. time will be faster,” Lani resulting in a $63,308.15 “Most times, we take the Venegas, 20, nursing major quote. In turn, incidents on recommendation from our said.

In its third year, students are welcome to El Camino’s Meditation and Prayer Room

By Nick Miller

“Muslim students would come to the desk asking, ‘Is there somewhere quiet I can go for a few minutes to pray?’ So we got more than one person

too crowded, then we start to wonder what is going on.”

Ayoub Osman, 18, a biology El Camino College students pre-med major, who practices have a dedicated place to his religion in the prayer room practice their religion or explains the unity the room meditate. creates.

The college’s Meditation & Interfaith Prayer Room located “ M e a n d m y “Me and my brothers, we have The Meditation and Interfaith Prayer Room is located in the West Reading a group chat – we get together inside the Schauerman Room of the Schauerman Library at El Camino College. Once an empty brothers, we have and we pray and text and be space, library staff over time decided to transform the space into a prayer Library’s West Reading Room was established three years ago, a group chat – we like, ‘I’m about to praise Salat and meditation room, after several Muslim students inquired about a dating back to the COVID-19 get together and we thuhr,’ and they all come,” place to pray. Photo by Argentina Talley said. pandemic. there, they’ll be respectful,” a student of the Muslim faith at pray and text and Osman According to Al-Islam.org, Desmond said. “It’s completely ECC said the room is valuable.

Library and Learning be like, ‘I’m about to Thuhr is the second of the five Resources Specialist Erika peaceful.”

“It’s very useful, honestly we Yates was one of the staff praise Salat thuhr,’ daily obligatory prayers (salah) Desmond said he has seen were very happy when we got for practicing Muslims and is people of the Christian and the prayer room, I believe two members who made the room and they all come,” also transliterated as Dhuhr, Jewish faith praying inside the or three semesters ago,” Shwaib possible for students.

Duhr or Zhur.

“The reason why we created it — Ayoub Osman Meditation & Interfaith Prayer said. “I’ve been able to pray all Uthmon Desmond, 18, a Room but Muslims use the of my prayers in a timely in the first place is because we chemistry major, practices the room the most often. would have students praying in manner because we want to asking us that, ” Cain said.

Muslim faith in the prayer and stairwells, wheelchair ramps, or “Of course Muslims the most, pray on time.”

Cain said more than one explained his experience using because we pray five times a day, we’d trip on them in book person can fit inside the prayer the space. stacks,” Yates said. “There everyone uses it,” Desmond “We don’t get bothered by said. clearly was a need for the room at a time.

‘If you see the size of it, about anyone and it’s usually free for space.”

Nursing major Ayah Shwaib, two to four,” Cain said. “If it gets us, and if anyone is praying in

“

6

ARTS

Oct. 24, 2024

The Union

Student-directed plays deliver humor through humanist lens An Evening of One Act plays features student talent in Arts Department

By Argentina Talley

L

ed by three student directors, An Evening of One Act Plays demonstrated comedic talent by students in the Campus Theatre on Oct. 11, 12 and 13.

“Knowing the political climate in the world right now, we wanted something where folks can come and feel joyful, whether in rehearsals or in the audience,” Nathan Singh, assistant professor and faculty adviser of the Theatre department, said.

The students enrolled in the class Fundamentals of Stage Directing would submit their application to be a director for this show. They received first priority over other students that were not registered in this class and non-members of the ECC community.

Singh said that three factors were considered that ultimately influenced the decision to nominate these three particular students. These factors included their artistic vision, their work ethic and their leadership skills.

Once chosen, each newlyappointed director needed to select three plays of their choosing that were within the guidelines provided by their professor. Additionally, the directors needed to follow a common central theme, which was comedy.

“We had to pitch him three different shows that we found that we would be okay directing, and then Nathan

made the final pick of which show we would actually be directing,” Bianca Ondatje, one of the student director for the event said.

Most plays produced in the past focused on drama and more saddening themes. For this year’s Evening of One Act Plays, the directors and professor suggested a cheerful and “lighthearted” theme to put the audience in a good mood.

“This year, we wanted to lean more into comedy, especially since all four of the shows last year were more drama-focused and less comedy focused,” Ondatje said.

After Singh approved of the plays, production meetings took place to organize and stage the plays, thus allowing for the smooth transition from one topic to the next.

The entire process of arranging the event took around three months of meetings and intricate planning, Varnado said.

Overall, the directors wanted to express and demonstrate an emotional impacts on the audience and to brighten their mood in a world full of division and uncertainty.

“If there’s anything that I would like the audience to get from the show, it’s just a good time. As long as they enjoy the show, and they’re having a good laugh, that’s all I really hope they get,” Dean Castro, 20, theater major, and a student director for the event, said.

Top: The cast of “An Evening of One Act Plays” warm up with vocal exercises in the Campus Theatre in preparation for their dress rehearsal Oct 10.

An Evening of One Act Plays featured three performances directed and acted by students.

Photo by Kayla Mitchell Left: Jesse Hernandez Arellano, prepares his makeup for dress rehersal on the day before the opening day of An Evening of One Act Plays on Oct. 10. Arellano played the role of the prince in one of the three acts of the event. Photo by Kayla Mitchell

ACROSS

1. Left or right candy bar 3. What is a vampire allergic to?

4. What do ghosts say?

8. A woman who casts spells 9. A haunting creature 10. An unlucky animal 11. The month of Halloween 14. Howls at the moon 15. Season of Halloween 19. Where do ghosts live?

20. Smart, sugary candy

DOWN

The female cast gets ready for dress rehearsal for An Evening of One Act Plays in the Campus Theatre on Oct 10. Photo by Kayla Mitchell

1. Halloween activity 2. A Mary Shelley novel 5. Colorful candy 6. A carved pumpkin 7. Iconic horror movie 10. Witch transportation 12. What do vampires drink?

13. What is worn on Halloween?

16. Synonym for scary 17. Popular chocolate bar 18. What kids get on Halloween?

Halloween Crossword Puzzle

Oct. 24, 2024

The Union

FEATURES

7

‘Cosmic Granny’ author hired at El Camino From music reports to comic books, he’s got it covered

By Erica Lee

Register, where he covered concerts and music reviews for the likes of Usher, DJ Quik and Destiny’s Child.

Beginnings as a published author came when he was teaching at Moreno Valley College, but “Cosmic Granny’s” origin story goes back to a sixth grade homework assignment.

Years later, hints of Rice’s musical past sits in his office in the Humanities Building’s thirdfloor division office if one looks carefully.

A laptop cover designed to look like a cassette tape with “Dr. Rice’s Quiet Storm Mixtape” written across it. A mug quoting Tupac Shakur, “Wake Me When I’m Free.”

It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that Rice began to rework the story into the thrilling tale of Norma Gnarly, a retired space commander who is brought back to defend the cosmos when her “former BFF turned archenemy Meteor Molly” kidnaps her grandchildren Ashton and Ashley.

“One thing thats really cool is that he had this idea, this concept in sixth grade that he really liked and kept it,” Billy Johnson Jr., his publicist with Media and Repertoire, said. “He sees the moment to take the concept, to develop it, to bring it to fruition.”

Rice brings that same out-ofthe-box energy and innovation to ECC. Within months of starting as the associate dean, he began an Instagram page for the Humanities Division.

A

fter a nationwide search that spanned months, El Camino College welcomes its new Associate Dean of Humanities.

Edward Rice, 51, who has a doctorate in education, is an educator and children’s book author with a background in music journalism.

He joined the ECC faculty in fall of 2024.

Previously, Rice was an associate professor of journalism at Moreno Valley College and served as an advisor for “The Herald,” the student-run publication at the California college.

“He single-handedly built and resurrected [the journalism] program on the f a c u l t y e n d ,” S c o t t Ku sh i ge m a ch i, d e an of humanities at ECC said. “He had to advocate for the needs of the program - he knows what the faculty experience is like, how to navigate the community college system and how to advocate for the needs of the program.”

He takes over for Allison Carr, the interim associate dean and English professor, who held the position from August 2023 to June 2024.

She temporarily filled the vacancy left behind by Scott Kushigemachi, the previous associate dean, when he became the new dean of Humanities at ECC following the retirement of dean Debra Breckheimer in 2023. “[Rice] went through a very competitive process, just like any associate dean or dean, with applicants from throughout the nation and was selected as the most qualified person who a p p l i e d f o r t h e j o b,” Ku s h i g e m a c h i said.

Out of the pool of applicants, the new associate dean is from a place close to home.

Originally from Lynwood, Rice grew up alongside a burgeoning musical genre that would lay the foundation for his future.

“I grew up in the era of hiphop and I loved it,” Rice said.

Growing up in the 70s and 80s living near the Compton Swap Meet where a young N.W.A. would put on shows and give out tapes, he dreamed of getting involved in the music industry.

However, there was a problem.

“I couldn’t rap,” he said.

El Camino College’s new Associate Dean of Humanities Edward Rice with his debut book, “Cosmic Granny,” in his office on Oct. 14. Cosmic Granny tells the story of retired space commander Norma Gnarly and her adventures with her grandchildren. Photo By Katie Gronenthal

Instead, he fell back on his love of reading and writing. His mother, an elementary school teacher, nurtured his passion with Mad Libs books.

Throug h time, Rice’s favorite books evolved from the “choose your own adventure” genre that was popular in the 80s to works authored by Langston Hughes and Nikki Giovanni.

After graduating from St. Pius X High School in Downey, Rice studied journalism at Howard University in Washington D.C. There, he would be brought closer to the orbit of the rap and hiphop music industry.

In the early to mid 90s, Howard University was one of the epicenters for the East Coast hip-hop scene.

Artists such as Heavy D,

Biggie Smalls and the Fugees would make appearances on campus, while Boyz 2 Men, Ice Cube and M a r y J. B l i g e performed during homecoming concerts. “ O u r homecomings were huge,” Rice said.

During Rice’s freshman year, a sophomore student named Sean Combs, who is famously known as “P. Diddy,” was making the rounds for the homecoming parties he would throw with Kid Capri.

“He [Combs] was a local college student that was throwing parties, making extra money - at the time, he threw really good parties,” Rice added.

“We didn’t know at the time… later on, we’re like, ‘oh, that was him.’”

During his undergraduate years, Rice began writing for magazines. One of the first magazines he worked for was YSB, short for Young and Brothers, a magazine marketed for Black young adults and published through a subsidiary of BET. He later got his big break when he was hired by The Source as a West Coast contributor. For four years, he inter vie wed luminaries of the 90s West Coast hip-hop scene - from Dr. Dre to Snoop Dogg.

Additonally, he inter viewed Afeni S h a k u r, Tu p a c ’s mother, shortly after her son’s death.

Rice’s journalistic career took him to the Los Angeles Sentinel and The O.C.

“

He sees the moment to take the concept, to develop it, to bring it to fruition.”

— Billy Johnson Jr.

Outside of his duties as a dean, Rice is in the process of publishing the next installment of the adventures of Cosmic Granny in “Cosmic Granny and the Molars of Mercury.”

“I think there’s a lot of great stuff that’s happening in humanities,” Rice said. “El Camino is such a great resource for the community and can help change the trajectory of the lives of the people you know in the immediate area and beyond.”

8

SPORTS

Oct. 24, 2024

The Union

Intertwining training with purpose and passion El Camino’s boxing club president inspires next generation of fighters

By Nick Miller → BOXING FROM PAGE 1

K

nowing how to defend yourself is a skill that most do not have.

Controling that skill for defense and not using it for malicious purposes is crucial.

One way to learn these skills is boxing.

Alec Rodriguez, 20, an El Camino College student in the fire technology program, is the president of the Boxing Club at the college. In addition, he is a practitioner in the combat sport of boxing.

Rodriguez’s roots in boxing date back to elementary school, long before becoming president of the club.

“From second grade all the way to eighth grade, I was training – just me and my coach,” Rodriguez said.

When his family encouraged him to follow his passions, El Camino College Boxing Club president, left, Alec Rodriguez and club advisor Rachel Pittock spar during the club’s weekly meeting on Friday, he discovered that passion Sept. 27. The club hosts meetings every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon at the ECC South Gym. Photo by Mario Trejos through boxing. Learning foot, how to throw verbally. he had “heavy hands” and a correct punch.”

“If someone does want to natural skill for the sport, this He took a break from the sport get into an altercation with realization encouraged him to during his freshman year of me, I always try to difuse the begin training. high school, but resumed situation by words,” Rodriguez With this talent, Rodriguez’s training during senior year of said. “I never try using my parents made sure high school when a simple hands because it is dangerous, boxing training method because I do know how to hurt If someone does reminded him of why he started someone.” want to get into in the first place.

While Rodriguez focuses on an altercation with “I started doing the punching de-escalating outside of the at home after school during ring, he draws inspiration me, I always try to bag senior year,” Rodriguez said. from fighters inside the ring, difuse the situation However, the punching bag is attributing his skill to fighters, not what truly drew Rodriguez including Floyd Mayweather, ” closer to his passion.

Canelo Alvarez, and Gennadiy by words, Registering for classes at ECC Gennadyevich Golovkin. is what drove Rodriguez to take He incorporates Alvarez’s — Alec Rodriguez the sport seriously again. techniques into his training.

“When I registered at El “I use some of his movements he stayed grounded and a Camino, I was going through a lot- more towards slipping, respectful person. the classes trying to see some dipping,” Rodriguez said.

“They always told me to be sports to do and then I seen Rodriguez said there is no humble and be confident,” boxing and I was like, ‘oh this need to be intimidated when Rodriguez said. “At least try to is like a sign that I should pick beginning boxing, adding be as nice as possible to other it back up again,’” Rodriguez that putting time into the people.” said. fundamental movements is While his father encouraged As a boxing practitioner, crucial for self-defense.

Rodriguez to practice the art of Rodriguez does not compete “I would say knowing how to defending himself, Rodriguez’s often, but trains consistently move around, knowing how mother was opposed to her son almost every day during the to use your body to the fullest, learning how to box because of week. He has competed for El fullest potential,” Rodriguez safety.

El Camino College Boxing Club members Alec Rodriguez spars Camino’s Boxing Club, but said. “Being able to know that during the club’s weekly meeting on Friday, Oct. 11. The club hosts “I was bullied when I was most of his time in the boxing you’re able to protect yourself their meetings every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon at the ECC South younger,” said Rodriguez. “My world is spent training students and others.”

Gym. Photo by Mario Trejos dad one day was like ‘alright, from El Camino.

Jonathan Priebe, 22, is a fire started in my class last winter,” defense has also helped enough, this can’t keep going According to Rodriguez, science major who attends Pittock said. “He had technical Rodriguez correct himself, – I’m gonna put you up with while training can be difficult the Boxing Club and receives skills and applied to be on or prevent bad habits during a trainer,’ since elementary, and intense, it also requires instruction from Rodriguez. our cabinet and was an easy training sessions. second grade, all the way up to equilibrium.

“He trains them well, he goes option.”

“I think it has helped me out, now I’ve just been boxing.”

“It’s intense and difficult by one-on-one at times with each According to electrician student becoming a better boxer – as While learning the combat the conditioning,” the boxing other and helps them find their Sam Goeppner, 29, boxing with I am breaking down to them, I sport, he encountered club president said. “You gotta weaknesses,” Priebe said. the club and sparring sessions can break it down in my mind challenges early on. balance your boxing life and Rachel Pittock is an advisor with Rodriguez have helped and what I am doing wrong as “It was very hard to understand, then your home life as well.” of the club. She spoke on him improve his boxing skills. well,” Rodriguez said.

I was a little younger so it As a trained boxer, he her boxing relationship with “He’s a really nice, really cool, wasn’t clicking in my mind as acknowledges using his fists Rodriguez and how he is as a respectful guy,” Goeppner said. much,” Rodriguez said. “The can harm a person in a conflict, trainer.

Correcting students selfmovements, how to place my though he prefers to de-escalate “Alec is a great trainer, he

“