Issue 12, March 17, 2011

Union

March 17, 2011

eccunion.com

El Camino College Drawing inspiration from music When the chaos in Japan subsided quake wasn’t that bad but then the tsunami came, I’m just worried about that. It should be OK but every city is blacked out, so there’s no way I can contact my family.”

After three days of uncertainty, Sayo Guillaume, 19, art and Japanese major, has only been able to contact five members out of a family of more than 30 individuals.

“Some of them were in Sendai, where the tsunami actually hit and some of them were in Fukushima, where the nuclear power plant is,” Guillame said.

Sue Oda-Omori, Transfer Center coordinator and faculty advisor of the Japanese club, has also been trying to locate her relatives in Tokyo.

“They say that the best way to get in contact with people is by text messaging or e-mail,” OdaOmori said. “Then again all my relatives are a little older so I’m not even sure if they have e-mail addresses.”

Jeanie Nishime, vice president of student and community advancement, has announced some accommodations that would be provided in the wake of Japan’s recent tragedy.

“The International Student Program (ISP) has attempted to reach each student to offer assistance and support,” Nishime said.

“In the event that any student must return home to assist family members in coping with the situation, we want to accommodate the absence with as much flexibility as possible,” she said.

Student clubs such as the Japanese club as well as the Associated Students Organization are also planning to show their support for victims by raising funds for the Red Cross.

Ashley Arikawa, president of the Japanese club, said the club plans on selling T-shirts to raise money and is also looking into collaborating with other clubs to raise awareness for their cause.

“I’ll be making an announcement at the ICC meeting on Wednesday, in case any clubs want to join,” she said. “Hopefully we will have donations very soon.”

“I’ve reached out to ASO and we are trying to come up with an outlet so students can contribute to help support Japan,” Nishime said.

ASO president, Jessica Lopez said due to the suddenness of the incident the group has yet to develop anything; however they are promoting direct donations to the Red Cross at this time.

To donate, interested persons can text “red cross” to 90999. Donations can also be made directly to the Japanese club by contacting club president Ashley Arikawa at ashley_arikawa@elcamino.edu. For more information on donations to the Red Cross, visit www.redcross.org.

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, EC students struggle to contact their families back home.

Rabiya Hussain Staff Writer MariaCristina Gonzalez Online Editor-in-Chief

Patrick Osborne /Union Dillon Conniff, 19, art major, is in the zone as he works on his piece of art during his Fundamentals of Painting class.

Plumbing class materials stolen Eric Farrell Co-News Editor

Rolls of copper, hand tools, brand-new tube cutting machines and other items totalling about $10,000, were stolen from the Construction Technology area in the northern part of the campus near the baseball field in January, Jim Sims, plumbing instructor, said.

“It happened in the third week in January, but I found out weeks later by the maintenance department,” Sims said. “They were surprised I didn’t know.”

Carl Turano, a stock clerk in the shipping and receiving warehouse, said he discovered that somebody had stolen the items when he went in for work at 5:30 a.m. in the morning in January.

“When I came in, the gate was undone, there were wheelbarrows around, and the little sheds back there were emptied out,” Turano said.

Among the other things listed, Sims said a tankless water heater was stolen.

“Of all the things they could have stolen, they stole the most expensive things,” Sims said. “It was certain things that they took.”

Both Sims and Turano said that whoever com-

mitted the theft used the wheelbarrows located in the area to cart out the stolen items to the nearby road.

“They took the time to take the tarp we use to shield the students from the sun and wrap it around the building to block the light out while they were stealing the stuff,” Sims said.

The budget of the Construction Technology Division had to be moved around, with materials from other classes going toward the plumbing class, which may effect other classes down the way.

“We have to look at what was stolen and how much of it was school property,” Stephanie Rodriguez, dean of construction technology, said. “We prioritized what exactly was needed to teach the class so we didn’t lose any class time out of it.”

“Copper is the one thing in the budget that we need,” Sims said. “I’m just disheartened. My students want to learn to solder copper and without those materials, we can’t do that.”

Turano and Sims both questioned the security in the northern part of the campus, an area largely devoid of students at certain times of the day.

“It’s a plain joke around here that people could come here and steal stuff. Where was our police department when this was going on?” Turano asked.

With text messages being fired off to family members as quickly as their outboxes allow and an endless frenzy to frantically contact their loved ones back home, Japanese students struggled to reach their homeland after the disasterous earthquake that hit Japan last Friday.

The news broke throughout the day to students in seeming disbelief.

“I found out by getting a phone call from a friend that I met here on campus, he told me about the earthquake and then I immediately went onto Yahoo Japan online,” Yuko Nagatsuka, journalism major, said.

Nagatsuka, who has family back in Japan, has been lucky enough to be in touch with her loved ones over the past few days. She said that the earthquake was bound to happen after experiencing much smaller ones in Japan before moving.

“I spoke with my father over the phone, but he is chief of police over in Japan so he was busy, but he told me that my mother and sister are all doing well,” Nagatsuka said.

The earthquake has taken the lives of over 4,000 people, caused 11,000 to go missing, and displaced about half a million more from their homes, according to a Wednesday article by telegraph.co.uk.

Other numbers provided in the article include 1.5 million people without access to water, over 6,000 buildings completely destroyed, and 5 million homes left without power, causing complications for those trying to contact their loved ones.

Like Nagatsuka, other students have reached out to loved ones in Japan.

“To see all the destruction on the television, I was scared for the people I know over there,” Susan Shieng, psychology major, said, “but they were lucky to not have been so close to where it was all happening.”

Yukino Noro, 23, business major, spent all day Friday trying to locate her family who lives in Misawa, a city located in the northeast region of Japan.

“It’s a small city so there isn’t a lot of information on the news,” she said. “I know the earth-

Students seek added safety and increased awareness MariaCristina Gonzalez Online Editor-in-Chief

At Gardena High School, a deafening shot fired accidentally from inside a backpack struck two innocent classmates. Tennessee State University saw a heated argument between two classmates lead to gunshots fired. In Columbine in 1999, two assailants massacred 13 classmates in the broad daylight.

And now with the recent tragedy in Tucson, campus shootings are thrust into the limelight again.

The question of campus safety is raised, and students are wondering whether they should feel safe.

“What happened in Columbine was pretty scary, and set the tone on how school shootings can get crazy and some times can’t be prevented,” Andy Miller, communications major, said.

Incidents within the last few years have caused more students to be worried.

“I’m not saying that the campus police are lousy, but I think they can do a little more to help bring assurance for student safety,” Hillis Sherfield, psychology major, said.

Communication and awareness seems to be the

NEWS LINE Give “A Toast to El Camino” today on campus Associated Students Organization presents “A Toast to El Camino,” tonight from 8 to 11 p.m. in the Activities Center East Lounge.

This is part three of a three part series about students with mental illnesses at community colleges.

key, as students acknowledged not being very alert.

“I would say that there needs to be more awareness on campus, to be more alert of our surroundings,” Armand Rodriguez, Japanese major, said.

Night classes are also a major student concern.

“I think that there should be closer parking available for students, because it gets pretty dark at night here, and just more security around in the evening would help,” Stacey Koo, architecture major, said.

Other students believe that the campus should

take even more precautions at all times of the day to help ensure safety to those at EC. “There should be more security cameras throughout the campus, to help catch things students aren’t aware of, when we’re in class or walking around,” Sherifield said.

Although many can argue that campus shootings can’t always be prevented, many students do feel assured that campus security are doing their best.

“I don’t really think that there is a problem with our security on campus, I do see them a lot more on campus now, and they’re doing what they can,”Mariana Villegas, journalism major, said.

Students also agree that the campus doesn’t display an environment of endangerment.

“Everyone around the campus seems to be at peace here, and to themselves for the most part, I don’t see too many problems to be worried about on campus,” Joey Carreras, undecided major, said.

Students do agree that if an incident like a campus shooting were to occur on campus they believe they wouldn’t know what to do.

“If I was in a classroom where someone had a gun and it went off, I would be in shock and prob-

ably adrenaline would take over, but I would at least try to call 911 as soon as I could,” Alex Ventura, political science major, said.

According to a recent New York Times article in regards to the Tucson shooting that occurred in January, the alleged shooter Jared Lee Loughner was diagnosed with mental instability and never sought out professional help.

With this in mind some students believe that the campus should teach students about mental illness awareness or provide more assistance to students with such illnesses.

“You can’t really help people when they have illnesses like that, but it would help if there’s a way the campus could provide some type of information that can help us out pick up on it,” Andrew Miller, communications major, said. “Because I honestly wouldn’t know what to do or how to tell,” he said.

Although faculty and students admit that they aren’t prepared for such events, many feel great assurance in the safety of the campus.

“Things like that are unpredictable, and I believe we have enough security to manage, and we just have to take it as comes,” Carreras said.

American Red Cross holding blood drives

ASO to attend conference for student leaders

Otis Art Center offering tour of campus

San Diego State University giving tour of campus

American Red Cross will be at EC Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Activity Center East Lounge. Interested persons visit redcrossblood.org.

Members from the Associated Student Organization will be attending the Advocacy Conference for Community College Student Leaders in Washington D.C. from March 19 through 22.

Interested in Art? There will be a tour of the Otis College of Art and Design tomorrow at their campus in Los Angeles from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interested persons may call 660-3593 ext.

6137.

If you are a student interested in transferring to San Diego State University, a California State University campus, SDSU is having a tour of their campus this Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

-Tayani Davis

2 NEWS POLICE BEAT Student has backpack stolen at Bookstore March 10, 11:12 a.m. — Officers responded to a theft that took place at the Bookstore. A male student left his backpack unattended outside the store with a laptop inside.

When he returned from inside the store the backpack was missing. Since the student’s property worth exceeds $400, a grand theft report was filed.

Hit and run reported in parking lot H March 10, 5:53 p.m. — A female student reported a hitand-run collision on the second floor of Parking Lot H. When she returned to her vehicle at 5 p.m., there was damage to the right rear passenger door by an unknown source. The student filled out a claim for the accident at the station.

Officers respond to public disturbance March 8, 9:49 a.m. — Officers responded to a call from the Music Building where a suspicious person was seen in the building. A male student was being disruptive inside the music library as well as other areas of the building. The student was escorted off campus by officers and referred to the Dean of Student Affairs for his misconduct.

—Ashley Curtin

March 17, 2011 / El Camino College Union

Enrollment increases despite impending budget cuts Alma Zazueta Staff Writer

This spring semester brought good news for students as more sections were added despite the budget cuts expected for next year.

“What the state has told us is that even though there are some huge budget cuts coming for next year, in the current year there is money for growth, so that means a little bit of additional money,” Arvid Spor, dean of enrollment services, said.

Enrollment increased four percent over last spring, Lovell Alford, academic affairs analyst, said.

“It increased partly because we added a few more sections this spring semester than we had the prior year,” Spor said.

Classrooms are now at a 100 percent fill rate, he added.

The total budget for EC, this year is approximately half a billion dollars, while only a little more than $106 million make up the general unrestricted budget, which is slightly less than last year’s amount, Spor said.

However, due to growth funding provided by the state, an estimated 30 sections were added to what was originally planned for spring 2011, Alford said.

Although the amount of sections added was small, students were able to notice a change when registering for classes.

“It seems like it was a bit than easier last semester, I wasn’t on the waitlist for classes,”Aaron Deering, 24, English major said. “Pretty much all the sections that I tried to add, I could not get into. This semester I’ve got all my classes, I think it seems like it’s been easier for everyone.”

Other students like Nicole Lee, 30, Art major said getting classes was still hard, especially math classes and this may be a result of a small increase in the amount of students who enrolled for classes this semester.

But this is not a good model for what’s going to happen in the future.

Enrolling for classes next semester will only become more difficult as budget cuts will continue to impact the college.

Gov. Jerry Brown proposed a plan that would bring a 6.8 percent budget reduction for the upcoming fiscal year.

“For next year, the best case scenario is we would have to cut about $7 million, and this is the best case scenario; in the worst case it can be almost $18 million,” Spor said.

If budget cuts stay within $7 million an estimate of

195 sections would be cut and if budget cuts reach the $18 million a total of 681 sections could be cut during the course of a year, Spor said.

This will make it harder for students to get the classes they need and it could eventually force students to delay their transfer process.

The new proposal could increase the fees students pay per unit to $36 or even $66 dollars a unit.

Students currently pay $26 per unit, a fee increase from the previously $20 per unit students paid before the Fall 2009 semester.

“I don’t know about all the factors involved in raising the price, I mean I know it’s tough but it’s still a pretty decent education for the amount that we’re paying,” Deering said.

EC has currently one of the cheapest fee rates per unit among community colleges in the nation. This may change if the budget stays the same, EC may see another tuition increase.

“We’re trying to do the best we can given the budget situation and that’s why we’re very helpful that things will get resolved Spor said. “Budget cuts won’t be as severe but we really don’t know until they work that out at Sacramento.”

Students start thinking of alternatives as winter session may see classes cut Ashley Curtin Staff Writer

With so much opposition against winter session cut, students have created a petition against the proposed academic calendar change with several hundred signatures.

They also plan on attending the town hall meeting schedule at 1 p.m. on April 7 in which the topic will be the budget.

As the proposed state budget cuts move full steam ahead, students are advised to plan for all contingencies.

Even though there is no formal proposal to eliminate winter session, a reduction in the number of courses offered will take place all around.

Budget uncertainties put faculty and students on edge as forums were held last fall to discuss the possibility of eliminating winter session.

With the proposed budget cuts in preliminary stages and talk surrounding a change in the academic calendar, students are advised to plan ahead for what’s to come.

“There are no plans to make changes to the academic calendar,” Jeanie Nishime, vice president, student and community advancement said. “We are still having a winter session but we need to reduce the number of courses offered.”

As Nishime and many other people wait to see if the

tax extension package makes it on the upcoming ballet there are three scenarios of budget cuts EC faces; the first option includes a seven percent cut; second option is an 11 percent cut, and third option would be an 18-20 percent reduction. Taking all three options into consideration, Nishime says it’s important to save wherever applicable and winter is the most costly session.

“I am used to taking classes year round and want to continute that way. If I have to change colleges to do that, I will.”

—Rilando Boudroux criminal justice major

“Faculty is not on contract during this session so we need to pay extra for this,” Nishime said.

She went on to say that she wants to keep the college’s doors open and keep faculty happy.

While Nishime needs to deal with the budget crisis, she also wants to do what is in the best interest of the students.

Jeffrey Cohen, professor, mathematics, opposes any focus on winter session cuts.

“Winter session is our highest success rate and retention rate of the four sessions,” Cohen said.

This proves that students stay enrolled in classes and have great success during winter session.

At the past two forums held at the beginning of the year, an overwhelming representation of students attended. Jam packed leaving standing room only at each forum, students vocalized their concerns and took a stand.

As many students feel they will be affected if there is an academic calendar change, they wanted their views to be heard.

Many transfer students would be against any change in the academic calendar. For these students, it would hinder their transfer to a university.

“Students don’t want to wait a session longer, this won’t benefit anything,” Mahwish Akhtar, 20, communications major said.

Other students will seriously think about changing colleges if this change goes into affect.

“I am used to taking classes year round and want to continue that way,” Rilando Boudroux, 19, criminal justice major said. “If I have to change colleges to do that, I will.”

FEATURES 3

March 17, 2011 / El Camino College Union

Typical EC student is more than average Jessica Mendoza Joshua Sherman Staff Writers

Yoga mats and running shoes are shoved between textbooks and note pads in her backpack.

She’s on her way to class, barely 22 years old, with every intention to transfer. She’s from Torrance, a North High School graduate, Latin and proud of it. According to statistics, she’s the typical EC student.

A study done by Institutional Research during fall 2009 shows that 52.5 percent of students are female while 47.5 percent are male. The average age of an EC student is 20 to 24, but there are students ranging from 17 years old to 50. The majority of students, 34.8 percent, take less than six units and only 6.8 percent take 15 units or more.

“To define the word average, you would have to say all EC students enroll in 16 units or they have one thing in common,” Julieta Ortiz, student services specialist, said. “The only real thing that they all have in common is that they want to pursue higher education.”

According to Institutional Research, 34.7 percent of students on campus are Latino, 19.2 percent are white, 16.8 percent are African American, 16.6 percent are Asian, 9.8 percent are unknown and only .4 percent are American Indian.

“So many students are from different cultures, from different economic backgrounds and different levels of academic preparedness,” Stacey Allen, sociology professor, said.

Most students transferred from Torrance, with 929 from North High School, while West High School and Redondo High School both had 833 students transfer in 2009. The majority of students, 42.8 percent, intend to transfer to a university with most of them receiving General Studies degrees.

The next most common degree is Health Sciences.

“The largest UC transfer destination for EC

All of the information displayed on the graphs is from a 2009 study out of a total of 27,271 students done by Institutional Research and Planning which can be found on the El Camino College website.

students is UCLA with an average of 130 students.

For the Cal State system, there was a 14 percent decrease in transfers for 2008 to 2009. The top Cal State transfer schools are Dominguez Hills and Long Beach with an average of 355 and 382 students, respectively. On the other hand, transfers to private institutions have increased in the last year.

University of Phoenix and USC are the top private school destinations,” the 2009 report said.

Though these are typical of EC students, to say they are average is not the case.

“Is there an average student? No,” Allen, said.

“I am constantly reminded by my students that they are all individuals.”

According to EC’s Institutional Research, there are about half as many full-time students as there are part-time students, but the data gives little insight as to what these students do in between those hours.

“I think it would be boring if everyone here were to be the same,” Ricardo de Saracho, 22, mechanical engineering major, said. “It’s interesting to see the diversity in the classrooms and see what other people are all about.”

During his free time, de Saracho said he enjoys building cars as well as training for several triathlon.

Kathy Urso, art major, on the other hand works as a stylist for a jewelry company and sells vintage furniture on eBay Inc. and Etsy.

She also studies fashion and is taking a photography class.

Every student has a unique interest, whether it be volunteering at the Los Angeles Fire Department like Jose Contreas, 19, fire science major, or playing guitar at his local church like Francisco Mojica, 21, photography major.

Melissa Van Brunt is a 22-year-old full time communications major. Her favorite thing to do is travel. She has been to France, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Canada and the Netherlands. She also enjoys collecting books of all sorts, especially books regarding The Beatles.

“Well, I’m pretty confident in saying that a person does not define themselves as average,” Van Brut, said. “I mean, who am I to decide what is average or not?”

Lisa Nena is a 21-year-old part time English and art history major. Some of her hobbies include art museums and exploring.

“I try to stay away from routine. I love sitting in nature like parks or the beach,” Nena said. “I don’t think there is an average EC student, we are all so diverse and it’s amazing how many different majors the school offers.”

With such a diverse community and campus, it’s impossible to explain everybody with one single student, Ortiz said.

“We would hope to say that the average EC college student is a successful one, and we can say that,” she said.

Sudoku Fill every row across, every column down, and every 3x3 box with the digits 1 through 9.

Each digit must appear only once in each row across, each column down and each 3x3 box.

For the solution to the puzzle, visit the Union website, www.eccunion.com

4 EDITORIALS Campus tragedies fueled by lack of communication

March 17, 2011 / El Camino College Union

In the aftermath of the deadly Tucson shooting in January where 22-year-old Jared Lee Loughner was charged with the fatally shooting of six people, injuring several more including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Tucson, the nation – and this campus – must open its eyes and spot the warning signs before another tragedy strikes closer to home.

Not all perpetrators of the shootings showed signs of mental illness, but the warning signs were evident in the case of Loughner, who had a teacher and classmate both step forward with concerns.

Mental illness can be anything from depression to personality disorders to schizophrenia, according to suicide.org.

When you consider the free therapy sessions that the Student Health Center provides and how campus police works in conjunction with the Gardena Police Department, our administration is offering a certain degree of care for those in need.

But is it enough?

Our college, including faculty, staff, and students, can do their part to prevent a disaster from happening on the grounds in a variety of ways.

Students can be vigilant and mindful of those around them and avoid saying hateful things.

Hateful things isn’t just limited to what is physically said. One of the growing problems is cyber bullying.

According to bullystatstitics.org more than half of teens and adolescents have been bullied online.

Illustration by Dan Baldonado

The issue:

Lack of awareness and education in dealing with students with mental illness on campus.

Our stand:

All parties on campus must be more vigilant.

Suicide warning signs, include appearing depressed or sad all the time (depression is the number one cause for suicide), performing poorly at work or in school, exhibiting changes in personality and losing interest in most activities, according to suicide.org.

Faculty members can do this too while also extending offers to speak with a student privately to assess the problem and recommending a trip to the on-campus clinical psychologist for counseling.

As it stands, faculty gets no formal training on what to do in the event of a shooting tragedy.

The administration could also expand its six therapy sessions per year to as many times as students need, and hiring on a full-time clinical psychologist with an open-door policy to make people truly feel like EC is here to help them.

All it takes is a little bit of effort by all parties and educating ourselves on the warning signs of suicide and mental illness to prevent a tragedy like the one that happened at Tucson happening hereonatPage EC.1 —See related article

Newsletter mishap creates bad vibes among students and administration Recent presidential newsletter inaccurately announced the cancellation of winter session bringing students to a panic.

Disregard what you have read or heard for that matter. Winter session has not been canceled. Don’t worry just yet.

In the president’s newsletter, a few statements were made that raised some eyebrows as to what really was going on with winter session.

A sentence brought a lot of confusion to students and faculty as it read “the forums were intended to elicit input regarding changing or eliminating the winter session, as early as 2012.”

However, the real intention of the calendar forums was to explore possible calendar options to better deal with

budget cuts that did not have to do with the winter session.

Although the topic brought up wasn’t meant to focus on winter session being eliminated, it turned into one, due to the amount of concern shown by not only students, but from faculty and staff as well.

The article also stated that “more than 200 faculty and staff” from EC and ECC Compton was in attendance to participate in the three forums that were held.

The correct information, however, was that most of those who went to the forum were EC students.

E-mails sent back and forth between faculty show a lack of communication and understanding.

Even though the information provided on the newsletter was incorrect, those who published the letter should take responsibility for what was printed and retract it as soon as possible.

We are in a time where registering for classes is almost impossible due to the economic crisis we are in. Classes in this college are incredibly impacted. Waiting lists are full as students eagerly anticipate a drop in the class they are waiting to get into. With this kind of incorrect information, students can be set into panic.

How can people who attend these meetings as well as are in charge of these newsletters fail to provide one with the right information?

In order to avoid future incidents like this, there should be a better form of communication amongst faculty. There is no need for arguing and finger pointing and focus on getting students informed.

After all, isn’t the reason for their existence on campus to better assist students in furthering their education?

—See related article on Page 2

Voice your political views with fellow students Holidays are just another excuse to get drunk Without a doubt, the Political Science Club is Green shamrocks, streamers and tiny lepreviews with other stuanother sign of our campus’ intellectual environ- CAMPUS chaun cutouts adorn the stores around the city as COMMENTARY dents. ment.

“St. Patrick’s Day Sale!” banners hang high above Similarly, to be a However, it is now easily I often hear remarks by students condemning the INSIGHT the alcohol aisles. participating member celebrated by a diversity of importance of politics to be boring or uninteresting, but the fact of the matter is, this is a principle that affects the micro and macro aspects of our lives, in our country, and here in our own educational institution.

As president of the club, I am searching high and low on these school grounds to find driven minds to join our club and create an agenda that serves to teach the masses the importance of politics in our community.

I and our cabinet members are among some of most accomplished students currently awaiting responses from prestigious universities such as Berkeley, UCLA and USC. We are prepared to share our experience and knowledge to all our members in accomplishing similar pursuits.

If you are reading this short commentary, please find the time in your busy schedule to see what our club is all about.

You do not need to be politically involved on any level, but please come with an open mind and make votes on proposals introduced by other members for the club to undertake.

We all have individualistic views towards the policies lawmakers in Washington debate on and this is the club where you will hear what some of policies are and how they affect our generation in the upcoming future.

You may have you own personal opinions about abortion, immigration or education-funding cuts, and if you do, this is your chance to share those

Union

El Camino College

Vol. 64, No. 12 March 17, 2011

E-mail: elcaminounion@ yahoo.com Newsroom: (310) 660-3328 Advertising: (310) 660-3329

Tilo E. Lopez President Political Science Club

in our democratic society, a basic knowledge of politics is important, so make your time here intellectually invigorating and join our club because what you will learn here, you will take with you to your future academic endeavors.

In our own community, there is a wide range of issues

in need of support.

I therefore call any other club with a politically driven agenda to extend their partnership with the Political Science Club and cooperate on mutual measures in benefit to our campus.

We are prepared to provide any sort of assistance to any club wishing to work with us.

Your stay at El Camino College is precious; make this your journey to academic excellence.

Join us.

For more information on the next Political Science Club, e-mail me at edguy52@gmail.com.

The views expressed in Campus Insight are those of the authors. They do not represent the views or opinions of the Union, its staff, editorial board or adviser.

This column is available to students and faculty. All articles may be submitted to Eccunion@gmail.com. Please note that articles may be edited for content and length.

St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday once celebrated with a parade and a traditional meal of corned beef and cabbage, has now been replaced by a pitcher of tinted green beer served straight from a keg.

Named after St. Patrick of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by both Irish and non-Irish people and is considered one of the busiest holidays for bars and restaurants.

However, since when has alcohol become such an important ingredient in holiday fun?

Think about it.

People all over the world begin the New Year, Jan. 1, and end the year on Dec. 31, the exact same way, by popping bottles open and enjoying a festive night alongside friends and booze.

So why would things be different in between those two dates?

Besides New Year’s Day and St.Patrick’s Day; Valentine’s Day, which has been also labeled “Single Awareness Day (SAD) by those lonely souls, is another major holiday to be celebrated or acknowledge by a vast majority of people.

Whether it is having a shiny glass full of your favorite wine to share with your sweetheart, or taking a shot glass full of tequila at the bar with your friends, because you are once again, single; alcohol seems to be the perfect way to celebrate an eventful evening.

Cinco De Mayo, which has been also given the name, “Cinco De Drinko,” is a holiday that commemorates the victory in the Battle of Puebla.

Co-Editor-in-Chief.................................................Haipha Simon Co-Editor-in-Chief.................................................Nelson Amaya Managing Editor.........................................................Matt Simon Co-News Editor...........................................................Matt Simon Co-News Editor...........................................................Eric Farrell Co-Opinion Editor..................................................Haipha Simon Co-Opinion Editor..........................................Viridiana Vaca-Rios Features Editor.....................................................Samantha Troisi Arts Editor..........................................................Erika Maldonado Co-Sports Editor.....................................................Nelson Amaya Co-Sports Editor........................................................Andrew Lim Co-Photo Editor...........................................................Jose Flores Co-Photo Editor....................................................Patrick Osborne Online Editor-in-Chief.............................MariaCristina Gonzalez Advertising Manager..........................................Stephanie Alcorn Adviser................................................................Lori Medigovich Adviser...............................................................Kate McLaughlin

Technical Support.....................................................Don Treat

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people at one’s favorite cantina.

With half-off price drink specials, how could one resist?

Just when you thought Viridiana Vaca-Rios your liver could have a break, Co-Opinion Editor another holiday comes around that gives reason to drink.

Halloween, a holiday once celebrated by children dressed up in costumes asking for candy is now a night for the 21 and over crowd to parade around town in costumes inebriated and make fools out of themselves.

However, while many holidays are used as an excuse to drink, with so much alcohol involved in partying it is only expected that drinking on holiday nights can be a danger.

One holiday in particular holds the title for most dangerous.

According to Forbes.com and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the most dangerous holiday out of the year is Thanksgiving.

With about 502 alcohol related deaths, it beat out Labor Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Holidays are meant to be fun; however, why not enjoy them for what they truly stand for.

Learn the history behind them and celebrate them the way they originated, because most of these holidays, don’t involve a 40 oz.

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OPINION

March 17, 2011/ El Camino College Union

UP FOR DEBATE

Should class schedules be printed?

Class schedules are a waste of money.

With budget cuts occurring on campus, spending $200,000 on class schedules makes no sense.

There is no reason to have class schedules printed.

If anything, a “borrowing system” should be put in place, similar to the textbooks students are allowed to check-out in the East Wing of the Schauerman Library.

While the convenience of having schedules in your hands can be gratifying, classes are available online and the site is not as hard to navigate and use as some people make it out to be.

Course schedules can be accessed on the website and students have earlier access to them.

Let’s not forget as well, that our school budget is dwindling. Budget cuts are being made .

Thankfully, the world is becoming more tech savvy as the years go by and the new “smartphones” give users the capability of not only accessing the Internet while they are away from home, but also gives users the ability to download various applications.

EC has taken advantage of this with the MOX application that gives information on the time and date of classes.

Some students may be without a phone, Internet access or even a computer within their household, but computers are available at the Library, the Student Services Center, and several labs throughout campus.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency statistics show that 68 million tons of paper and paperboard is used by Americans and the average American uses approximately one 100-feet-tall Douglas fir tree in paper products per year.

We need to get with the times and while online capabilities are incomparable to the real thing, when it comes to conserving our environmental resources and budgets, paper distributing traditions can be hung up to dry for the time being.

EC is slowly going green. The Associated Student Organization (ASO) is going paper light and has even started a recycling committee to help bring some very neces-

Samuel Barke Staff writer

Not everyone on campus is technology savvy.

Tayani Davis Staff writer

sary eco-order to this campus.

According to the EC news and events Web page, the new Math, Business and Health Sciences Building will be built to fit the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver criteria, making future facilities energy efficient.

The next step is to reduce the college’s usage of paper, and spending $200,000 on course schedules.

What may seem like a waste of time, paper and money to some students, to others it’s an absolute necessity to have printed class schedules.

According to an Academic Senate meeting, $90,000 was spent in printing and mailing of class schedules, with $200,000 spent for the year on mailing alone.

Although the amount of money used to print class schedules may seem too high,

Illustration by Dan Baldonado

cutting the cost on printing them shouldn’t be an option.

Even though our world is surrounded by technology, there are a number of students who are not up to date with this century.

Not everyone is computer knowledgeable to learn how to look up their class schedules.

There are still some students who do not know how to use the college online system.

People cannot assume that every single student owns a computer at home or that they know how to use one.

Has anyone stopped and thought about the students who don’t have computers at home?

How will they choose their class schedules in the summertime for the fall semester, if there is no computer available to them?

Yes, computers are available on campus but there is often a long wait to use the computers and that can be very time consuming.

With a schedule in hand, students have the time, class meeting dates and what classroom their class will take place in front of them.

Although we’re in hard economic times where there are so many budget cuts and $200,000 may seem like a waste, there are other alternatives that they can turn to.

A possible option for students can be to sign-up to receive a class schedule either online or through the telephone system.

Although students pay enough fees for their education, another solution could be that class schedules be charged for a minimal price that is easy on students pockets.

The size of the class schedules can also be changed in order to reduce costs.

Large class schedules are not needed, small ones will do just as fine.

With different alternatives to choose from, this college can meet its budget and reduce spending on schedules while keeping all students content.

Tragedy in Japan sheds light on what’s important As Bob Marley once said, “Love the life you live and live the life you love.”

This quote has always been one of my favorites, but it wasn’t until recently that it was really been in the back of my mind from the minute I woke up to the minute I go to sleep.

When I woke up to watch the morning news last Friday morning, I was shocked to view the devastating news that struck Japan. My eyes watered and I instantly felt helpless for these people.

A 9.0 magnitude earthquake took over, in one of Mother Nature’s most powerful moments also bringing a tsunami that swept across parts of the country.

Millions affected by this tragedy and damaging billions of dollars worth of property, it most importantly took the lives of many.

I am so grateful to have what I have more than ever, my life.

I want to encourage people that if you are having a bad day at work or you didn’t get the grade you wanted on a test, instead of saying “life sucks” remind yourself of all the good that is in your life and really embrace it.

Instead, look at ways to make your day better and become more optimistic.

that at times COLUMN we canI understand get stressed out. Whether it is with a bad shift at work, a horrible day in class, an argument with a family member, or a break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or any other issues that may be going on in your life. Take a moment to think of the victims in Japan, Jessica Mendoza and the lives that were taken unsusStaff writer pectedly.

Taking life for granted is something that I find myself doing, but it isn’t until a tragedy hits our world like this that it opens up my eyes to seeing how beautiful life really is.

I shouldn’t only become optimistic when something awful like this occurs, but it’s something that I am working on and hoping to live the rest of my life with this mentality.

I have found ways to calm myself when I’m feeling stressed and unhappy with my day.

I’ve begun painting and have found that it makes me feel at peace and blissful. I don’t care if I’m not the next Pablo Picasso; it still grounds me and brings me back to the simple things in life that can create happiness.

CAMPUS VIEWPOINTS

Go out there and find something that will make you feel good about yourself and relieve stress. Whether it’s cuddling up watching your favorite movie, or cooking yourself your favorite meal, it will help you become in tune with yourself and find the simple things to make you appreciate your life.

It’s not only the events of Japan, but also those that live in a third world country and the people who are living in poverty. These people don’t have what you have, such as the latest technology devices, fashionable clothes, a refrigerator full of food, or a home.

It is important to stay grounded and help others, especially during a world crisis such as what others are currently experiencing.

Donate to the Red Cross, start your own fundraiser and donate what you can.

If you can’t do any of those things, then at least think with a positive mindset. Wake up in the morning excited about life. Wake up feeling that you can accomplish something to make the world a better place. Put out good vibes, love one another, and live your life to the fullest because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

Remember what Marley said.

Love the life you live.

5

CAMPUS CORNER

Kyle Yamada President Architecture Club

The Architecture Clubs meets on Thursdays in the Technical Arts Building, Room 253, at 1 p.m.

What inspired you to be president?

The first year I was here it was really exciting. Everyone was really helpful in the club and the bonds I made helped me with my classwork. The more I talked to people, the easier it became to learn techniques.

The social aspect brought me into the club, and from that, I wanted to help other people from what I had learned. I wanted to give back.

What is the main goal of the club?

Architecture is such a broad field, we look for ways to help members discover what they want to do and where they want to go with architecture after EC. It’s a lot of work and you want to make sure you go in the right direction, because you only get so much out of the classes. We also want to give back to the community. We have a lot of talented people, including artists and drawers, and we want them to get experience.

What are some past events the club has planned?

Some events have included visiting universities with architecture programs, having guest speakers talk about different kinds of architecture and what professionals do in the field. We plan on making a trip to San Diego to check out universities with programs.

What future events are you planning?

We plan on working on an ocean themed mural in one of the hallways of Daniel Freeman Elementary school in Inglewood. We also have an annual event in San Luis Obispo, a design competition, where we have to create a sustainable living structure that we design over months in pieces and drive up there for the weekend, put it together and live in it for a couple of days. We have won twice in the past and I want to uphold the tradition of going.

Can anyone join?

Yes. Last semester I got mail from people who weren’t even in the architecture program and were interested in joining.

What is your overall feel of the club?

Our club is run by the enthusiasm of the club members. We have the usual club positions, but we are like a family. We all like what we do and we’re all friends.

—Samuel Barke

Should class schedules be printed?

By Joshua Sherman and Jose Flores

Vinicio Mendoza, 19, biology major

Jesenia Alvarado, 20, psychology major

Anthony Co, 19 nursing major

Alex Siquenza, 21, journalism major

Mark Klasson, 25, mathematics major

Krasette Mosqueda, 21, nursing major

“Yes. I always pick class schedules up. Everytime I walk into the library, I go get one and I use them a lot.”

“Yes. It is much easier to use class schedules when you have them in your hand and can carry them around with you.”

“Yes. I think class schedules should be printed because not everyone on campus has access to the Internet.”

“No. Students need to be more responsible with where they leave their class schedules, that way too many wont be printed.”

"Yes. I think there should be a limit to how much is spent and printed and class schedules should be available upon request.”

“No. If the class schedules are online on the website, then you could simply print what you need online.”

6 ARTS

March 17, 2011 / El Camino College Union

ON THE SCENE Theater

‘Godspell’ featured at Campus Theatre With a unique ‘60s and ‘70s feel, EC’s first production of the musical, “Godspell” explains biblical parables with music that will make the audience want to dance in the aisles.

Friday and Saturday performances this week and next week begin at 8 p.m. in the Campus Theatre. Sunday matinees begin at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the box office for $25 and $18 for children 12 and under.For more information, interested persons may call 832ARTS.

Theater

Universities to present in Theater Panel As part of “Transferring in the Arts Month,” universities including USC, UCLA, UC Irvine, Cal State Northridge, Long Beach and Dominguez Hills will present information about admission requirements and various programs offered on Wednesday.

Admission is free. It begins at 11:30 a.m. and will take place at the Haag Recital Hall. Interested persons may call the Transfer Center at 310-660-3593 Ext. 3408 for more information.

Art

‘Uncommon Threads’ at the Art Gallery Garment works from various artists including Joyce Dallal, Marshall Astor and Robin Valle will be featured in the latest exhbition. It will run from March 28 through April 29. Interested persons may call 310-660-3010 for more information.

—Joshua Sherman

Patrick Osbourne /Union Andrea Micallef, associate professor of art, (left) critiques her student’s latest poster project that required representing an important event in a designated year using only text.

Graphic design classes go virtual Online connections help facilitate student growth.

Joshua Sherman Staff Writer

Across thousands of keyboard strokes and illuminated screens, a new learningmethod has emerged in the wake of the technological revolution.

The graphic design department is in the process of building a virtual classroom of sorts that could possibly expand the frontiers of educational growth.

Using Skype, Tumblr, Oovoo and other Internet messaging systems, students will be able to give feedback in different stages of another student’s work to help development. The idea was born from three EC instructors: Andrea Micallef, Eric Holman and Walter Cox. “It’s one step beyond blogging in a

way,” Andrea Micallef, design and visual communications professor said. “It’s such a great way of learning rather than this linear way with one person spewing wisdom and everyone trying to absorb a little kernel of wisdom.”

The project was made possible by a grant given to the graphic design department last year. With new computers and equipment arriving this summer, the virtual classroom is scheduled to launch in the fall.

“It would be an additional way for students to keep in touch with each other outside of the classroom,” Micallef said.

The virtual classroom would consist of about 24 students that would all connect via group chat. Although it is in its early stages of development, the project is on track to expand nationally and eventually globally.

Micallef also emphasizes the importance of interaction between students within and out of the classroom.

Artist helps inspire others

Andrew Kang /Union Wesley Pacleb, 24, fine arts major, has exhibited his work in numerous galleries and Art Walks in surrounding cities.

Jessica Mendoza Staff Writer

Using crayon on paper Wesley Pacleb, 24, fine arts major’s first experience with creating art was a scene of a frightened Goldilocks with the three bears.

“I didn’t even try on that painting, it just came out. That’s when I realized that I wanted to be an artist. I can just go with the flow and how it comes out is how it comes out,” Pacleb said.

“That’s your style and you should be confident. I learned that at very young age.”

As a kindergartener at Dominguez Elementary School in Carson, Calif, Pacleb’s illustration was featured in an off campus art gallery featuring works from elementary, junior high and high school students.

Pacleb uses various mediums including painting, printmaking, drawing, digital art, and writes poetry. He also finds time to serve as president for the Inter Disciplinary Exploration Artisans Society, IDEAS, Art Club on campus.

“It has everything to do with

art in any way,” Pacleb said. “It’s a variety of artists who network through the club including people who work with film, poetry, and music.”

The club, Pacleb said, is also a great place to meet friends, network and promote their art.

RISING

STAR “Every time I see him, he has a painting that he is working on or something to present. He’s always taking initiative,” Juan Estrada, 20, art major, said. Estrada is also involved with the Art Club.

“I’ve never seen someone work so hard toward something.

His work ethic and his passion is inspiring.”

Pacleb’s artwork has been featured at the Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk, San Pedro Art Walk and the Downtown Long beach Art Walk.

Although it seemed like an

unattainable goal at one time, he recently got accepted to the Art Center of College and Design in Pasadena, Calif. It was his No. 1 choice university.

Pacleb said he hopes to work at a museum and do restoration art in the future. He also wants to continue working with galleries.

No matter what obstacles Pacleb may face, he said he uses his art as an outlet to overcome any difficulties life may bring.

“As an artist, I feel that I solve problems creatively, I figure out a way to deal with obstacles and get around them,” Pacleb said.

“An artist is someone who gets the job done, there is no wrong way to do something. It’s up to you to find the way that is most comfortable for you.”

Pacleb said he hopes to inspire one person a day. He wants to bring out the inner art in everyone, and to help others act on their passions.

“You’re doing art no matter what,” Pacleb said. “The way you pick your outfits or the way you make your food, to me that’s art.”

“It’s a good place to bounce ideas back and forth, but at the same time you get to know each other on a more personal level,” Dylan Cunningham, 20, graphic design major said.

Cunningham is leading the Skype group video chat and is one of 24 students in Micallef’s class participating in the virtual classroom.

“The art department is different than any other department because of the involvement of work,” Cunningham said.

“You become more like a family.”

Students who have graduated and transferred to universities come back and take Micallef’s class.

“I think it’s a sense of community that we’re able to build,” Jorge Mostacero, 29, illustration and graphic design major said. “Andrea runs the class as if it were a design studio.”

Mostacero, who is a California State University, Long Beach student, designed a line of T-shirts for Whole Foods

with knowledge gained from EC. “One of the things I like about taking the design class here is that it’s not just the instructor teaching,” Mostacero said.

“You also learn a lot from students.”

Learning communities are essential for growth, Micallef said.

“The closer connection we can create between students, the more pertinent the critique is,” Micallef said. “Not only is there a strong sense of community built, but also a strong sense of leadership and creative solving.”

Although the project will serve as a learning platform, it has the potential of creating a virtual community.

“The classroom connection creates the community. Virtual communication adds something special to the class but I don’t see it as a replacement,” Micallef said. “I’m just excited that there is another way to help students succeed because we all have different methods of learning and absorbing information.”

SPORTS 7

March 17, 2011 / El Camino College Union

ON DECK BADMINTON Wednesday at 3 p.m. vs.

East L.A. College.

Streaky Warriors swept by the Vikings

BASEBALL Today at 2:30 p.m. at Harbor College.

Saturday at noon vs.

Harbor College.

Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at Cerritos College.

GOLF Sunday at noon at Hunter Ranch Golf Course.

Monday at 8 a.m. at Hunter Ranch Golf Course.

SOFTBALL Today at 3 p.m. vs.

Long Beach City College.

Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Mt. Sam Antonio College.

Mike Williams /Union Marvin Flores, catcher, throws out a runner during a loss against Long Beach City College 4-1 on Saturday.

SWIMMING AND DIVING Tomorrow at 2:30 vs.

Chaffey College.

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS Today at 2 p.m. vs.

Cypress College.

Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Long Beach City College.

TRACK AND FIELD Tomorrow at TBD at Cerritos College for the California Relays.

Saturday all day at UCI for the UCI Spring Break Invite.

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL Tomorrow at 6 p.m. vs.

L.A. Pierce College.

Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Moorpark College.

—Andrew Lim

With the game scoreless in the fourth inning, outfielder Anthony Graham is up to bat.

Graham had a chance to redeem himself from his last at-bat when he hit into a double play with the bases loaded.

With runners at first and sec-

ond with two outs, Graham has a chance to put EC in the lead.

Klunk!

He hit the ball to the ground for a harmless grounder to end the inning.

This was the story for the Warriors as they left multiple

runners on base throughout the game.

The result: a 4-1 loss to the Long Beach City College (LBCC) Vikings, who completed a three-game sweep over EC. “The pitcher threw hard and threw a lot of dirty pitches but

nothing we couldn’t hit,” Graham said. “We need to work on playing more calm because we tried to hit the ball too hard. We just need to be more selective at the plate.”

EC will host Harbor College today at 2:30 p.m.

“You try to stop thinking about the losing streak because whether you win six in a row, like we have, or lose six in a row, like we have, all it comes down to is how you execute in the next game,” coach Nate Fernley said.

“If you let yourself get too high, bad things happen, and too low, same thing. We just try to approach every game like it is a brand new game.”

Leaving nine men on base through the first five innings, the Warriors failed to get the clutch hits time and time again.

“We played a good game,” Fernley said. “We played better defense than they did. I think we hit as good or better than them.”

“But early on we left a lot of guys on base. We didn’t get the hits that we needed to cash in some runs.”

With LBCC getting three runs in one inning, it ended up being enough as the Warriors suffered their sixth straight loss.

“We didn’t get any hits in clutch timing. We just got hits and didn’t do anything with the runners in scoring position,” shortstop Atlee Schwab said.

Starting pitcher Chris Vopinek, being wild with his pitches at times, was cruising through three innings but could not get out of the fourth inning, giving up three runs in the process. “(Vopinek) pitched OK today,” Fernley said. “He had that rough inning, but he has been sharper. His breaking balls hit the dirt, too far away from the plate.

We had better outings from him but he battled for us.”

With the team’s struggles, the players were dissappointed with their recent play.

“It’s OK to be disappointed but team morale is good,” Fernley said. “They are all behind each other. There’s no team fights. If the Miami Heat can cry in the locker room, I think it’s OK to at least be a little disappointed.”

Shorthanded softball team loses to East L.A. College Joshua Sherman Staff Writer

With infielder Nicolette Royal and pitcher Mea Flores headlining the five players who were not able to play due to personal matters or injuries, the Warriors were shorthanded from the get-go, resulting in a disappointing loss against East L.A. College.

“I don’t think there’s been a game that we’ve been at full strength with everybody,” assistant coach Tony Flores said.

The Warriors have a home game against Long Beach City today at 3 p.m.

“Defensively I thought we played very well,” coach Susie Calderon said. “The in-

field is looking better everyday.”

With only two errors, the softball team cleaned up its game; one of the two errors was the cause of a pickle between third and home base and after seven throws it ended in an overthrow.

Despite the tidy game, the team lost 8-0 in four innings and the game did not continue due to the mercy rule.

Flores will bat in the next game and will not pitch in the upcoming game due to an arm injury that has been plaguing her for a couple weeks; Flores has the lowest ERA in the conference with a 1.40.

“We’ve really been struggling all year with our hitting,” Calderon said. “We

haven’t been very consistent.”

The Warriors’ only hit was produced by catcher Camille Redman who also had one walk.

“Basically it comes down to hits, we have to hit and we have to score runs,” Flores said. “You get three of your sticks back and it’s going to help.”

The three other players who were not able to play were outfielders Georgina Silva and Ivana Verdin, and infielder Michelle Lopez-Rodriguez.

“I didn’t do as well as I wanted to,” Sara Gazzaniga, pitcher, said. “ I don’t think I was on like I was over the weekend.”

Gazzaniga allowed 12 hits but didn’t

walk a player.

“I don’t think I had a lot of spin on my ball when I was pitching,” Gazzaniga said.

Most of the runs scored by East L.A. College were in the third inning giving the Warriors little time to catch up.

The team could not play or practice on its home field for more than a week due to the dugout being repaired and the field being too wet.

The players are not focusing offensively; they need to select good pitches and make adjustments according to the pitchers Calderon said.

“When you hit, you’re going to win, that‘s it,” Calderon said.

Badminton team benefits from rest The team looks to improve its record after having extra practices.

Rabiya Hussain Staff Writer

With Yokino Noro, 23, not being able to play at the last minute due to the earthquake in Japan, other players on the team had to step up and compete.

“She’s from a town (in Japan) that was ripped apart by the tsunami, so she’s trying to locate her family,” coach John Britton said.

“Our thoughts are with her.”

However, even without Noro, one of the most experienced players on the team, the Warriors managed to get their first win of the season.

The Warriors defeated the Compton College Tartars 19-2 last Friday.

The team will have a showdown against East L.A. College at home at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Due to the inexperience of the Compton College team, Britton said he was confident that the Warriors would have a good chance at pulling out a victory against the Tartars.

“It feels good, we worked hard,” Tanelle Barnes, 19, said.

“I was pretty confident going in to the game because a lot of the players (on the Compton team) were beginners.”

The team was also at an advantage due to the cancellation of some of its previous games, resulting in extra practice sessions.

The team has not played since the Warriors were completely overmatched by East L.A. College.

The Warriors lost in the season opener to East L.A. by a score of 21-0 on Feb. 23.

The team has improved its season record to 1-1.

“The days we were supposed to be playing were turned into practice sessions,” Britton said.

“It actually helped us a lot and it was good for the (women) to get the extra practice.”

hsh

Jose Flores /Union Kumiko Noguchi hits the shuttlecock during the win at Compton College.

The previous four games were canceled to allow Britton, former U.S. Men’s National Champion for doubles, to attend the 100th

“I was pretty confident going in to the game because a lot of the players (on the Compton team) were beginners.”

—Tanelle Barnes Badminton player anniversary of Scottish badminton where the patron of Scottish badminton, Prince Edward, was present.

“I used to play for Scotland before I came to America, and so I got honored as the top doubles

player of the last century,” Britton said.

During Britton’s absence, his daughter, winner of several U.S. Junior badminton championships, took charge of the team and led the practices.

Britton said the additional practice for players showed instant results with new players Vanessa Reid winning her first doubles match and Ramie Flamengo winning two singles matches and a doubles match.

“Considering I’ve only been to four practices and I’ve never played badminton before, it was totally new to me and so when I won I was just like ‘Oh, that’s exciting!’” Flamengo said. “I totally wasn’t expecting it. “

SPORTS

March 17, 2011 / El Camino College Union

Warriors excel at CSUN Invitational Joshua Sherman Staff Writer

Roger Morris /Union David Cardona competes at the 3000-meter steeplechase during the CSUN Invitational last Saturday, winning the event with a time of 9:21.33

It was familiar ground but a new race with water gleaming below the last barrier like a mirrage on the track.

David Cardona set his foot on the starting block and focused on his breathing and the 3000 meters of track ahead of him.

The team heads to Cerritos tomorrow to compete in the Cerritos California Relays and will be heading to UC Irvine for a Spring Break Invitational.

Not quite cooled down after his recordbreaking feat last week, sophomore David Cardona won a 3,000-meter steeplechase in 9 minutes and 21.33 seconds, making him the state leader.

“It was one of the first times I tried the 3,000 steeple,” Cardona said.

“I was thinking I have to clear the barriers, make sure I don’t trip and make sure I don’t fall into the deep end of the water,” Cardona said.

According to the ECC All-Time Top 10 Performer List, Cardona has moved up to No. 5.

If making the Top 10 Performer list once wasn‘t enough, Myshauna Alexander proved that she could make it twice.

Alexander had a strong day in the javelin with a throw of 148 feet and nine inches, which bumped her up to third for the EC’s all-time top ten list for javelin throwers; she is also the state leader by 22 feet.

“To prepare for an event I don’t think about it and just let it flow,” Alexander said.

“The more you think, the more you mess

up; just let it come naturally.”

Her discus throw was also outstanding.

A throw of 128 feet brought her to fifth place on the all-time top ten list for discus throwers.

Another strong contender in the discus throw was Jason Harrell who is currently the top community college performer with a throw of 156 feet and seven inches “I think I did fairly decent, I’ve been trying to catch up to where I was before the season started,” Harrell said.

Furthermore, sophomore Kara Kalmar, the current state leader and first in community colleges for pole vaulting, vaulted 11 feet 8 inches, placing her third overall in the competition.

The long jump event saw an outstanding performance as well, as freshman Ronisha Vallery placed second overall with a jump of 17 feet and 11 1/2 inches.

Richard Smith threw the shot put 50 feet 1/2 inch. He is also the top community college shot put thrower and is third in the state.

“I was holding back power so that means I’m going to throw even farther next time when I get my technique down,” Smith said.

The Warriors continue to place tops in the state and do well in all the events.

“I think right now we’ve trained probably 80 percent of what we’re capable of doing,” Cardona said.

“We’re kind of setting aside all of our good workouts toward the end,” Cardona said. “Right now we’re getting most of our speed and base training in.”

8

Tennis team loses to Mt. SAC Jorge Camarillo Staff Writer

With the game on the line, Jon Fisher had to step up.

Jon Fisher went through a 10 point tie-break with Eric Kan of Mt. San Antonio College; Fisher lost his previous two matches with him.

Kan would catch Fisher in the tie break, but Fisher would hold on to win the tie break 1210. However, it wasn’t enough as EC lost 5-4 last Thursday at Mt. SAC. EC’s next game is this Tuesday, as they play against Long Beach City College at 2 p.m.

“In singles, Lassu started off flat losing the first set 6-4, but suddenly showed up and stormed through his second set with the score of 6-2 and finishing him off with the 10 point tie-break score of 10-3,” Robertson said.

No. 2 starter Andrew Sarawasi won 7-5 aa his opponent had to default late in the second set because of injury.

“Sarawasi started off his singles slow but he won the first set and was ahead in the second set before his opponent pulled his groin and defaulted,” Robertson said.

EC finished singles matches at 3-3 against Mt. SAC and had a chance to win the others.

“Our singles could have gone our way, but we were tied (at three) going into doubles, our no. 3, 5 and 6 lost their singles,” Robertson said.

Lassu and Sarawasi won their doubles match by a score of 6-3 and 6-0.

“I am excited to see them fight through tough matches,” Robertson said, “If we stay healthy we will be a force to reckon with.”

Volleyball team loses the conference opener falling to 4-3 Ashley Curtin Staff Writer

With a broken knuckle, Joseph Tanuvasa did all he could to set the volleyball, but the hitters couldn’t put the ball away and continued to rack up hitting errors. When push came to shove, errors on the game cost the Warriors a conference win.

Down 8-5 in the final game of the match, the passing game continued to suffer, players were mentally exhausted and a deficit proved hard to overcome.

Starting out strong, the Warriors allowed Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) back in the first game and a shift of momentum influenced the outcome of the match. The Warriors fought hard over the next 4 games but errors and low energy gave them a loss

in the books.

“We played down to their level, gave them energy and ultimately let them win,” coach Richard Blount said.

Now 0-1 in their conference giving the Warriors a 4-3 record, the team faces two conference games this week. The team looks to defend its court against Pierce College on Friday.

Passing as a team was poor in games 1, 3 and 5 and subsequently were lost. On a 3 point scale, the Warriors put up a low 2.3 passing average in game 5 and the team couldn’t bounce back from the deficit.

“When we pass poorly we give our setter less options and our hitting becomes predictable to our opponent,” Blount said.

Losing the advantage in the first match 29-27, the

Warriors came out strong in the 2nd putting up a 7-0 lead on the scoreboard. David Estes, defensive specialist, recorded a string of service points to help the team win 25-20 but the battle continued in the third game as the teams went point for point. Quickly becoming the underdogs, the Warriors lost the battle 25-21.

“We just weren’t ready and couldn’t fight back,” Jonathan Pettit, libero and team captain, said. “We didn’t execute properly.”

A win in the fourth game gave the Warriors an edge in the match. The team played with setter and team captain, Joseph Tanuvasa’s leadership winning 25-21. In game 5 the Warriors switched sides of the court down 8-5. With little energy and noise from the bench, the team wasn’t able to rally back losing

15-11.

“We were mentally exhausted and had little energy which put us out of reach,” Pettit said.

A recorded 7 hitting errors negatively affected the final game. With their opponent camped out at the net, SBCC forced hitters to make poor decisions.

“We couldn’t put the ball away,” Hunter Hovland, opposite hitter said.

Even though the errors ultimately cost the Warriors the match, some of the players played well.

Hovland had 22 kills while Race Munger, middle hitter, recorded 11 kills and 9 blocks. Pettit racked up 26 digs on the match.

“We can’t dwell on this loss,” Pettit said. “We need to learn from it, get hungry and win our next game.”

Tennis team loses again in rematch against Mt. SAC The Warriors do not have a chance for first place in the conference after losing Alma Zazueta Staff Writer

Jillian Dineros was very confident going into the match against a tough Mt. San Antonio College team.

Dineros had won both the singles and doubles matches last time against the same team.

This time out, she did not play as nearly as well, as Dineros ended both her matches with a pair of losses.

“Maybe for doubles I think I was a little bit too confident. For my singles, I just wasn’t prepared,” Dineros said.

“It was a tiring match. Both of us were hitting so hard that we were both off the courts,” Dineros said referring to her singles match.

“She played very well and she was very consistent but the girl was just a little too strong,” coach Steve Van Kanegan said. “Jill lost 6-4, 6-4, you don’t get much closer than that.”

Unfortunately for them, she was not the only to leave the court with a loss as the team

ended the day 6-3.

The Warriors will play a non-conference match against Cypress College today at home at 2 p.m.

The match was rescheduled due to a rainout.

“We practiced for this day and even though we lost we were happy with the result because we were all focused and worked re-

“It’s the first time we were ever in last place but this year’s team is much more improved.”

—Steve Van Kanegan Tennis Coach

ally hard,” Mio Hosaka said.

Mt. SAC has only one loss this season which was against Santa Monica College.

“Their whole team is experienced. Every player on their team has played in tournaments, high school tennis, and they are very consistent,” Van Kanegan said.

“Several of the matches that we lost were very close so maybe on a different day we

would have won those matches,” he said.

The Warriors needed to win this game to have a chance at being the conference champions.

“We were hoping to have better results for this past match but we didn’t win so we are just going have to shoot for second, which is better than last year,” Dineros said.

Last year the women’s tennis team was last in the conference.

“It’s the first time we were ever in last place but this year’s team is much more improved,” Van Kanegan said.

With the women now aiming for second place the team will continue working on its skills.

“We need to keep working on what we’ve been working on and that is trying to get consistent, trying to use our spin, trying to play smarter on the tennis court and just trying to be mentally tough,” Van Kanegan said.

Content with how the season has been going, the team will continue to battle, Hosaka said.

“Even though we might not be able to be the conference champions we’re not let down, and we’re not going to change how we’ve worked till this day, so we are still going to keep doing our best,” Hosaka said.

Jose Flores /Union Mio Hosaka serves during a match last Tuesday against Cerritos College.