Issue 17

Serving the campus community since 1946 May 10, 2012

A guide to the best hamburgers around Page 3

NIO U N EL CAMINO COLLEGE

Torrance, California

Academic Senate questions the Student practices guitar during break Collegial Consultation process Kenneth Berry Staff Writer A resolution of no confidence in the collegial consultation process was discussed at the April 17 Academic Senate meeting. The senate believes the administration is not including the campus community in key discussions, as is required by law, ignoring collegiate consultation and not working in unison with the Academic Senate. This Resolution of No Confidence in the Implementation of the Collegial Consultation Process at El Camino College, is the result of years of frustration with a poor and deteriorating collegial consultation process on the EC campus.

Faculty members who engage in campuswide committee work and have assumed leadership positions find that their expertise in academic and professional matters often is not sought or goes unheeded, confounding their attempts to work on behalf of student success.

“In our resolution we have evidence going back to 2004 and sooner that shows faculty has been frustrated by the administration’s lack of responsiveness to faculties concerns regarding academic professionalism,” Christina Gold, president of the Academic Senate said.

Although the infrastructure of collegial consultation exists at EC, its operation does not effectively honor faculty primacy in academic and professional matters and is hindered by poor communication and a lack of transparency in decision-making by administrative leadership, Gold said.

“President Fallo and Vice President Arce have chosen to disregard collegiate consultation,” Lance Widman, vice president of finance and special projects, said. “They are saying little and doing little.”

Both Fallo and Arce were unavailable for comment.

Students agree with the senate. Joshua Casper, student trustee, has presented a Student Resolution of No Confidence to students for consideration.

“I have no faith in the administration and it’s gotten worse since I’ve gotten here.” Alex Gonzalez, 19, business major said, “The Academic Senate and students are talking but the administration isn’t listening.”

According to the college’s Board Policy 2510, “if the District Governing board of trustees disagrees with the recommendation of the Academic Senate, representatives of the two bodies shall have the obligation to —See ‘No Confidence’ on page 2

Kyle Borden/ Union David Cristerna, 19, history major, takes out his guitar in between classes and strums a few cords by Union Square on Tuesday.

Parking structure damage might affect students in the fall Kenneth Berry Staff Writer Plans are in progress to fix the deteriorating west drive lane in parking lot structure F that has caused the closure of 400 parking spaces.

The structure is located on Manhattan Beach Boulevard and is right next to Alondra Park.

“We don’t know the actual cost to repair the west drive lane, but we’re looking at $13 million.” Thomas Brown, assistant director of facilities planning and services, said. “The best we could hope for is to do the necessary modifications for the fall semester and open up 200 parking stalls in the fall.”

To help pay for the work, a bond fund that voters approved in 2002 would be used because it allows for money that can be used for parking. That same bond also helped pay for parking structure H on Redondo Beach Boulevard which is five stories.

“We don’t have the current money for this in our bond,” Brown said. “We have to repair it and bring it up to seismic and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) codes.”

The extension of the damage won’t be known until more concrete is dug up.

“We’ll try to do that as soon as possible so were not displacing parking in the fall,” Jeanie Nishime, vice president of student and community advancement, said. “Right now, things are calm but the first few weeks of the semester parking is always crazy so to be without 400 parking spaces would greatly impact students.”

Photovoltaic structures, which are also known as solar panels are also being considered so that parking structure F, would provide its own electricity thus becoming self-sustaining.

“We’re always concerned about environment and renewable energy and it’s an option we’re exploring.” Brown said. “It’s a great statement for the future but nothing is finalized.”

Building another story on top of parking lot structure F or adding solar panels would be an additional cost that is unknown at the moment.

“I think all the parking structures are vital because as the population on campus increases the need for parking increases.” Vicki Fleming, undecided major, said. “I think it’s really important especially because more and more students are probably going to

be coming to EC and with classes being cut I think that a lot of students that might not go on to a university are going to end up at here so they’re going to need more parking.”

The cost, payback and viability of adding another story to parking structure F are also being discussed.

“That’s been discussed but that’s all it is right now because there are other factors we need to explore.” Brown said. “We’re always concerned about the environment and renewable energy.”

Bryan Reyes, 19, pre-med major said. “Especially at the beginning of the semester, there’s no parking whatsoever for anyone.”

Parking Lot Structure F was built in 1968 and is the oldest parking structure at EC. Daniel Morales, 19, automotive collision major said. “That’s my favorite place to park on campus.”

The parking lot structure has 1,700 parking spaces.

“It’s the oldest parking structure on campus and from what I understand it’s unique.” Nishime said. “There’s no new structure like that for half a mile.

Global climate change emphasized as part of EC’s ‘Earth Week’ Thomas Schmit Staff Writer Almost 140 students and teachers crowded into a lecture hall in the Math and Computer Sciences Building on Tuesday to attend a presentation on global climate change by Joseph Holliday, earth sciences professor.

Associated Students Organization’s, Sustainability Committee sponsored the hour-long speech as part of its “Earth Week” initiative in the hopes of inspiring students to reduce their environmental footprint.

“The Sustainability Committee has done an amazing job so far, my hat’s off to them, not literally, but figuratively of course,” Holliday said.

Holliday’s speech covered a wide range of topics regarding global climate change, with an emphasis upon less well known consequences of such wide ranging climate change “One of the biggest killers in the world is malaria and global

climate change will allow malaria carrying mosquitos to spread to places they never could have survived before,” Holliday said.

Another point Holliday’s speech covered was the release of carbon dioxide into the ocean, causing increased carbonic acid levels, a topic Holliday said he felt was often ignored by today’s media.

“I think I’ve only seen one article mentioning it in the last few years, because the press usually thinks it will go over people’s heads, but it’s actually quite simple” Holliday said.

When carbon dioxide is released into the ocean in such high levels, it increases the amounts of carbonic acid, eating away at the calcium that forms the shells of most sea life, from clams to the coral reefs, Holliday said.

The speech was generally well received by the audience, although a common complaint was that Holliday should have been given the opportunity to speak longer.

“I thought it was pretty intriguing, it’s really something that everyone should learn about, I just wish we’d had time for questions

at the end,” Andrew Zabala, geology major, said.

However, other members of the audience were less impressed

by Holliday’s speech, such as Steve Pedersen, a non-student who had been drawn to attend the event on campus by a poster in the Planetarium.

“I think a lot of it was exaggerated, I mean, global climate change is real, but I don’t think it’s nearly as bad as they’ve tried to make it out to be,” Pedersen said.

Of course, many of the students in attendance came for the extra credit being offered for geography, oceanography and marine biology classes.

“I came for the extra credit in my oceanography course, but I thought the whole presentation was really informative and easy to understand,” Sheila Hudson Masters, English major, said.

Titanic Anniversary exhibit on display at the Schauerman Library Carina Gomez Staff Writer

NEWS LINE

Vicki Stephenson/ Union The Titanic exhibition will be displayed in the Schauerman Library.

Viridiana Vaca-Rios

Former EC Alumni Robert Migliorisi’s model of the Titanic will be on display at the Schauerman Library until the end of the semester.

Migliorisi said that the exhibit is to honor all those who perished on the night in April 12, 1912 and is meant to present the artistry and skills of both Migliorisi and Ken Marschall—an author of books containing Titanic illustrations who has also appeared on the History Channel.

Migliorisi said that because of Marschall’s

expertise on the Titanic, Marschall was hired

by James Cameron, producer and director of the movie “Titanic” to help in the moviemaking process.

Migliorisi added that the exhibit in the library features a model of the Titanic along with several books by Marschall and pictures of him with Marschall.

Migliorisi is also a maritime historian with a bachelor’s degree in history from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Among other skills he is a professional model builder and believes that the tragedy of the Titanic will be with us even longer as it demonstrates men’s arrogance and vulnerability

and lack of respect toward Mother Nature.

Migliorisi is proud to have such an important event featured at EC. “Please enjoy the exhibit going on now until the end of the semester and check out the books by Ken Marschall with his fantastic illustrations,” Migliorisi said.

Students might find the Titanic model interesting and consider it a valuable learning experience.

“I think the Titanic model is a great way to teach students interested in history more about the subject.” Melanie Castro, 23, political science major said.

CSU Basics workshop for students

UCLA Drop-in Peer mentoring for students

Financial aid workshop scheduled

Foster Youth FAFSA workshop

Workshop for a smooth transition

There will be a CSU Basics workshop today from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Humanities Building, Room 306. Interested students may also call 660-3593, ext. 6137 for more information or visit the Transfer Center.

Students can drop-in for peer mentoring today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be drop-in time for students looking to talk to UCLA peer advisers from noon to 4 p.m. Visit the Transfer Center for more info.

A Financial Aid workshop will take place on May 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Student Services Center. Interested students can call the financial aid office at 310-660-3493 for more information.

A Foster Youth FAFSA workshop will take place next Thursday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Student Services Center, Room 204G. This workshop is only for students who have yet to apply.

Child development grants are still available. Students have until June 7 to turn them in.

For more information, interested students can visit the financial aid office.

NEWS

2 El Camino College Union

POLICE BEAT

By Daniela Messarina

Students find alternative ways to stay focused with drugs and alcohol

Females student faints in Humanities Building

Carina Gomez Staff Writer

May 1, 8 a.m.—A female student waiting outside for class to start on the second floor of the Humanities Building began to feel dizzy and nauseous. A classmate assisted her to the restroom where she fainted.

With stress levels rising due to approaching exams, some college students might find alternatives ways to stay alert and improve their concentration by turning to drugs or alcohol.

“Individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol both legal and illegal may have underline problems such as anxiety, stress, or depression,” Debbie Conover, coordinator of student health services said.

According to The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse website, “49 percent of full-time college students binge drink or abuse prescription and illegal drugs.”

Some students find substances like marijuana to help ease the stresses of balancing college with other responsibilities, such as taking care of a family or working long hours.

“When I use marijuana, I feel relaxed and I can concentrate more, I also feel it motivates me to do even more than what I am doing.” Oscar, 25, engineering major said.

Students like Caroline, 25, criminal justice major said that edible substances ease the stresses of college.

“When school and other issues begin to

Hit-and-run in parking lot L May 1, 8 a.m.— A male student reported a hit-and-run incident in Lot L and noticed another vehicle had collapsed on the side of his car. A hit-and-run report was filed.

Officer assaulted by suspect May 3, 8:05 p.m.— Suspecting domestic violence after hearing a women screaming, officers approached a male subject. After trying to cooperate with the suspect a fight broke out and additional units were called. Suspect was arrested.

No Confidence Continued from page 1

meet and reach mutual agreement by written resolution, regulation, or policy of the Governing Board.”

The Academic Senate, convinced that the policy is not being satisfied, has created a 16-page document outlining what they say are multiple examples of failed or non-existant collegial consultation.

“Things can change but only if the administration is replaced.”

Nancy Banuelos, 20, undecided said. “The administration is stubborn.”

California Education code defines the “10 plus one” items that the senate is given the right to participate in the governing of the college.

They are: Curriculum; degree

May 10, 2012

and certificate requirements; Grading policies; Educational program development; standards and policies regarding student preparation and success; faculty roles in district governance and accreditation; policies for faculty development; and any other academic or professional matter designated through mutual agreement.

Some members of the campus community say that the administration’s silence speaks volumes “If the administration did want to solve the conflict they would reach out,” Sky Andrade, 20, psychology major said.

As stated in the senate’s constitution, the Academic senate has two purposes.

The first is to provide an organization through which the faculty will have the means for full participation in the formulation of policy on academic and professional matters relating to the col-

stress me out I normally eat a ‘hubby bar’ which contains 30 milligrams of weed,” Caroline, 25, criminal justice major said.

However, for some students, using the prescription drug, Adderall.

Adderall, which is meant to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is ‘a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a com-

care.

According to The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, by the federal government, “College students aged 1822 were twice as likely to abuse Adderall, than non students from the same age group.”

Adderall contains amphetamine and extroamphetamine which can be habit-

Photo illustration by Viridiana Vaca-Rios bination’ according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine website.

While it helps students who have the ADHD disorder, those without the diagnosed condition use it to help themselves stay focused although it can become a problem if used without proper medical

lege.

The second purpose of the Academic Senate is to facilitate communication among faculty, administration, employee organizations, bargaining agents and the EC board of trustees.

The issue of collegiate consultation has been a concern for several years on the senate level, which prompted the body to act.

“Either the administration doesn’t care or they aren’t working efficiently with the Academic Senate,” Ivan Alcantar, 19, music major said.

While the senate looks to solve the collegiate consultation problem through the Community College League of California and Academic Senate of California Community Colleges (ASCCC/ CCLC) technical assistance program, President Tom Fallo said in an informal presentation that he didn’t think those measures were necessary to take.

forming if those who use it don’t have ADHD. Out of all the regulated substances, alcohol seems to be the most predominant one among students as it is easier to get.

“I like to drink, but mostly I do it when I am with friends, it helps me with stress

and keeps me relaxed,” Carlos, 25, administration of justice, said.

Alcohol consumption can trigger parts of the brain to better learn and remember.

According to the College Drinking Prevention website, the dangers of drinking outnumber the positive effects by far and “Thirty-one percent of college students met criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse and 6 percent for a diagnosis of alcohol dependence in the past 12 months.”

While alcohol is legal for people ages 21 and over, it doesn’t deter those underage to find alcohol to consume.

“I would say the most abused substance is alcohol, because it’s everywhere, even at home.” Conover added.

The last names of students were left off to protect the students privacy.

How do you prepare for finals week?

Let us know on our website at ECCUNION.COM

Workshop gives advice on relationships Lauren Neuroth Staff Writer Alison Armstrong, author, speaker, educator and former EC student, will be dispelling the myths of how to communicate with the opposite gender Monday at 8 p.m. in the Marsee Auditorium.

Known for her “Celebrating Men, Satisfying Women” workshops, she works to explain the different communication styles men and women have and how they can bridge those gaps.

“She offers wisdom our great grandparents knew, and offers common sense that is not so common anymore,” Rosemary Swade, professor of communications studies said.

Using this foresight, she explains how categorizing men and women in this sense explains the differences in their communication styles how understanding these differences will lead to a better appreciation for one’s partner.

“Issues that will be discussed during her speech at EC include topics such as dating, misunderstandings, and effectiveness of really listening to what your partner has to say,” Swade said.

Developing better-decision making skills on how to choose a partner and being more compassionate is some of the advice that will be given to the audience on how to be a more effective communicator.

“Being a dynamic speaker, she is entertaining yet poignant at the same time,” Swade said.

It is an evening where the audience will learn a lot, and the information will empower both men and women To make this event more affordable for college students, her lecture will only cost $18. This event is open to the public and Swade encourages students to invite friends to listen and also learn from the knowledge that Armstrong has to bestow.

Armand Wilson, 25, psychology major said he plans on stopping by and listening to at least part of her speech because he thinks she is knowledgeable and has the best information.

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FEATURES

May 10, 2012

El Camino College Union 3

HAMBURGER TIME!!!

Carina Gomez Staff Writer Many people claim to have invented the hamburger. Louis Lassen who started Louis’ Lunch in downtown New Haven, Conn. is often cited as the inventor of the good old American burger, while others insist it’s the Menches brothers from Hamburg, NY or “Old Dave” Davis, who supposedly served them up at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.

Still others say it is an invention straight out of Hamburg, Germany and first appeared in the U.S. when German immigrants brought the Hamburg steak—ground meat salted and prepared with spices—with them in the 19th century. With industrialization and the invention of the meat chopper, the hamburger evetually became what it is today—a meat patty.

Whatever the truth is, one thing is certain: The burger is allAmerican and many celebrate this much-be-

loved food this month, National Hamburger Month.

In more recent years, the hamburger has become a work of art. Gourmet burgers are loaded with endless amounts of toppings including crispy bacon, various cheeses and an array of vegetables ranging from jalapeños to lettuce and tomatoes. This creativity makes the burger a timeless favorite that offers something to all different tastes.

“The hamburger is one of those things you can practically do anything with,” Russell Lewis, 19, communications major, said.

“The whole sandwich is a staple of the U.S. and since we are big meat eaters, the diversity of toppings and the different styles

just go together.”

While many people are concerned about the high amounts of fat and calories contained in hamburgers, there are many ways to create a healthy hamburger and enjoy it without the bothersome feeling of guilt.

“A hamburger itself is not necessarily bad,” Mary Lyons, registered dietician and nutrition instructor, said. “Because it is a great source of iron meaning it provides all the essential amino acids. There are two things that can help when wanting to enjoy a healthy hamburger, such as having a whole wheat bun and adding tomato, lettuce, onions and maybe even avocado,” she added. “By adding veggies to it you acquire two things; fiber and volume to your meal.”

Since the typical fast food joints are the most popular places to feast on a hamburger, students narrowed their selections down to these four.

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Photographs courtesy of www.in-n-out.com, www.carlsjr.com, www.thekettle.net and www.redrobin.com

EDITORIAL

4 El Camino College Union

May 10, 2012

A little conservation may help save the planet

Illustration by Dan Baldonado

It’s Earth Week at El Camino and you can be part of the festivities without opening your bank account.

Professor Joe Holliday did the honors by leading the events while educating students on how important and easy it can be to change a few habits for the betterment of the Earth.

Holliday taught students as he led them on green bag lunches, educated them on global climate change and participated in a rideshare/bike to ECC that was eco-friendly.

Of course, one week out of the year simply isn’t enough to have a deep impact on the Earth, but raising awareness during Earth Week can inspire many to change their usual life habits.

The Huffington Post contributes by offering an Earth Week challenge that we can all participate in as well.

Their challenge contains steps that can be easily applied to your regular lifestyle. It’s a system that asks you to take on one goal per day and potentially apply it to your everyday life.

Challenges range from eliminating meat from your diet, powering down your electri-

cal devices, cutting your paper waste, reusing bottles, bagging your lunch, using second-hand clothes and lowering your water use.

Although it may not look like much, once you become accustomed to these changes, you may realize how much you don’t

The Issue • Students are unaware of how much they may damage the Earth

Our Stand • Show students easy ways to improve Earth

need them.

Applying these small daily changes can go a long way.

If you have to take a quick trip to the store and pick up a few items, save gas and ride your bike. Gas prices are high and the emission from your cars does not benefit the environment at all.

The biggest challenge may be

powering down your electronic devices.

How often do you leave your computer on throughout the day because you aren’t patient enough to wait for the start up process? What about leaving your laptop and phone on the charger after they are fully charged?

Do you leave the water on while your brushing your teeth for three minutes? What about when you are washing your face?

Is it necessary for your showers to last as long as 45 minutes?

Do you let the water run while you wash a few dishes? These tasks can easily be toned down when you realize that you may be overusing them.

Resist those urges and exercise patience while paying attention to these issues. This will help the Earth and save you money on your bills.

Raise your awareness during Earth Week, participate and share the information with others. Slowly but surely you will notice these changes are more positive than negative. After all, we all want our positives to outweigh our negatives in life. Why not start here?

—See related article on Page 1

Celebrate hamburger month eating different burgers Beef burgers have been around since the original hamburger, but other meat options aren’t far behind in taste American cuisine is nationally known and popular for one particular food dish. That dish is none other than the classic hamburger.

Hamburgers are an American staple that have been served and customized throughout history.

It shouldn’t be a shock that there’s a month dedicated to the burger.

That’s right. Hamburger month is here and there is little doubt that everyone is enjoying it without the slightest idea of its existence.

Now that you know, ask yourself how many hamburgers you’ve had this month?

We’re nearly two weeks into the month and it would be no surprise if you’ve had at least three.

Now ask yourself how many of those hamburgers were beef burgers? Hopefully, zero is the answer. As delicious and juicy those beef burgers may taste the health risks accompanied with them may steer you towards other meat substitutes.

Sure beef has a very distinct flavor that has survived time’s test, but it has been overloaded with too many chemical and bacteria outbreaks over the years to continue to take chances on. Beef seems to always find a way to be loaded with

unhealthy ingredients that lead to diseases ranging from E. coli, salmonella, and, recently, “pink slime.”

According to ABCnews. com “Pink slime is beef trimmings. Once only used in dog food and cooking oil, the trimmings are now sprayed with ammonia so they are safe to eat and added to most ground beef as a cheaper filler.”

Although pink slime seems to have been tamed due to the media attention on it and issues associated with beef should lead one to consider other alternative meat to provide flavor for their burgers.

Turkey, chicken, salmon,

and vegetable burgers are fine substitutes for the classic beef burgers. These burgers are not only much more healthier than beef burgers, but also deliver a wider variety of different taste to your burgers.

According to the USDA database, chicken patties contain 110 calories and 12 grams of protein, turkey patties contain 146 calories with 16.96 grams of protein and salmon patties contain 130 calories with 13 grams of protein.

Compare that to the average beef patty that contain 166 calories and 13.63 grams of fat and there does not seem to be too much of a disparity

between the burgers until you take a look at the total fat that accompanies the patties.

Chicken has a total of 6 grams of fat, followed by salmon with 7 grams, turkey with 8 and lastly beef with 11 grams.

Combine this with the rest of the toppings on your burgers and the gap between fat and calories only broadens.

Unfortunately, due to these alternatives being healthier choices, they will hurt your pockets with their prices.

However, chicken is sold at a reasonable price and can be substituted at fast food restaurants for beef, making it the most cost friendly option.

The price of purchase may be worth it when health risks are taking into consideration.

There are plenty of beef alternative hamburgers that can be made at home and can improve your cooking while assuring you of what is being cooked in your food.

Try spending this hamburger month by branching outside of your norm and seeing what healthier meat options have to offer. You may discover new burgers that appease your taste buds in a more fulfilling way.

—See related article on Page 3

Stage presence translates your idea Cigarette tax should also benefit students CAMPUS INSIGHT From an early age I enjoyed movement very much, especially when I danced. I could feel the air around me and I had the sensation to move through dense air, as if Andrea Ruse Dance Major it were water.

This heightened awareness made me move though space in a different way, a conscious way.

When I started to perform on stage at the age of 16 at the Gastaig Theatre in Munich, Germany, people said I had a good stage presence and that I was able to project to the audience.

For a long time, I did not give that fact the attention it deserved.

After having worked with different renowned choreographers in the UK and completing my B.A. honors at the Laban Center for movement and dance in 1997, I started to choreograph professionally myself.

I came across excellent dancers with good technique but something seemed to be missing.

They were not expressing themselves on stage.

They were not attracting the audiences’ attention in order to deliver the message. They were not authentic. These dancers lacked stage presence.

But what is stage presence and how do you get it?

NIO U N EL CAMINO COLLEGE

Vol. 65, No. 17 May 10, 2012 E-mail: eccunion@gmail.com Newsroom: (310) 660-3328 Advertising: (310) 660-3329

The dictionary defines stage presence as : the ability to command the attention of a theatre audience by the impressiveness of one’s manner or appearance. Fellow choreographers and dancers agree, that it is a gift.

It’s something that lights up in you and attracts attention. For some stage presence is like seeing a light through to someone’s soul.

For others it is a gift, a talent few people have and which can only be developed to a certain extent.

I have made it my calling to work with people on developing their stage presence/projection and authenticity through a series of exercises incorporating body, mind and soul.

For me, pushing the ego aside in order to open the door to one’s heart, so that divine energy can flow through you and radiate as well as translating your message out to everybody else, is stage presence. Once obtained, you will realize that there are few emotions that rival it.

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 advisers. 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.

Editor-in-Chief ......................................... Viridiana Vaca-Rios News Editor......................................................Viridiana Vaca-Rios Assistant News Editor ....................................Jorge Maldonado Co-Opinion Editor....................................................Carolyn Ayton Co-Opinion Editor....................................................Dennis Norris Features Editor ....................................................Ashley Curtin Arts Editor.................................................................Carolyn Ayton Sports Editor...............................................................Candice Criss Photo Editor .......................................................... Kyle Borden Advertising Manager..................................... Stephanie Alcorn Adviser ........................................................... Lori Medigovich Adviser ..........................................................Kate McLaughlin Photo Adviser.............................................................Gary Kohatsu Technical Support ..................................................... Don Treat

COMMENTARY Despite what some smokers might claim, tobacco is a luxury.

No one will ever starve to death for want of a cigaThomas Schmit rette and if every tobacco Staff Writer leaf in the world disappeared, the Earth would still (perhaps somewhat irritably) keep turning.

Despite that fact, Proposition 29 might not be such a great idea.

Yes, curing lung cancer is a laudable goal and yes, raising the excise tax by a dollar per pack might go a long way to achieving that goal.

However, the question shouldn’t be whether Proposition 29 would work as intended (despite advertising by tobacco companies implying otherwise), but whether that is the goal California should be pursuing right now.

The fact is California is in a state of financial crisis right now, with an estimated debt of more than $378 billion, compared to revenue of only $385 billion yearly.

Now, compared to that number, the $735 million that could be generated from Prop 29 annually sounds like just a drop in the bucket, but it could go a long way to helping California’s budget problems.

As students of El Camino, it’s hard not to The Union is published Thursdays by Journalism 11 students at El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, Calif.

90506, and one copy is free to the student body and staff.

Unsigned editorials and cartoons are the opinion of the editorial board and do not reflect the views of the student body, the staff or the administration. Letters to the editor must be signed and must be received one week prior to publication in the Union office, Humanities Building Room 113.

Letters are subject to editing for space, libel, obscenity and disruption of the educational process. Single copies of the Union are free; multiple copies can be requested through the Union.

notice the effect that continual budget cuts and reductions to staff and courses have had on our school.

In fact, the argument can be made that the goals of Prop 29 could still be met even if all of that revenue was placed into California’s educational system.

One of the central aims of Prop 29 is smoking prevention, with raised prices for cigarettes and money going towards smoking prevention education.

Wouldn’t raising the price of cigarettes and investing that money in schools instead accomplish the same thing?

Another major goal of Prop 29 is to fund cancer research. However, a great deal of such research takes place at state funded universities like UCLA, so wouldn’t it be wiser to ensure funds remain in state and still ensure that it benefits those who need it?

In fact, all cancer researchers must at one point be students themselves, so even funding to entirely unrelated departments and subjects would still potentially benefit cancer research.

It’s hard to fault the makers of Proposition 29 for wanting to solve a major health issue, but in our current economic predicament, California needs all the money it can get.

Cigarettes should have a higher tax, but that revenue should be used to help as many people as possible, not just people who smoke.

Associated Collegiate Press Regional Pacemaker Award 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 California Newspaper Publishers’ Association General Excellence Award 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005 Journalism Association of Community Colleges General Excellence Award 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

OPINION

May 10, 2012

El Camino College Union 5

UP FOR DEBATE

Do you think RateMyProfessors.com is helpful?

Teacher review sites help students choose classes.

Kenneth Berry Staff Writer through college during this economic crisis.

Classes are hard to come by, so students must make them count.

It’s more important than ever for students to be taking classes that are right for them and choosing the right professor is a major part of that.

Teachers have the most difficult job in society. They are the educators and shapers of the youth as well as role models. They are nurturers of minds and are held to the highest of standards.

Sites like RateMyProfessors.com provide accuracy in terms of exemplifying the character of some teachers, but

they also allow for students to defame professors that could be excellent at their jobs. It is an unfair, disrespectful way to rate people who devote their lives to helping students.

Sites like these do a great job of properly helping students find the best instructor for them as well as pointing out potential, but on too many occasions the comments are distasteful and degrading.

Any site that includes a “hotness” rating is not to be taken seriously.

Sites like the Princeton Review are respected and have the credentials to match, but RateMyProfessors.com is a biased mess with no scientific sentiment behind it.

Any user can post an angry review on this website that could tarnish a teacher’s reputation and prevent students from taking classes that teacher offers, but there’s no guarantee that the review is accurate.

Teachers shouldn’t have to face criticism like this in such a difficult and thankless profession.

Sites like this can discourage students from taking a professor’s class who might actually challenge them and help them grow. Students can spread malicious rumors about professors and could ruin that professor’s good name.

It’s true when people say words hurt, but it hurts even worse when the credibility of a hard working, dedicated teacher is called into question by juvenile, baseless comments written by a spineless, bitter person beIllustration by Greg Bell hind a desk somewhere.

Using profanity can help students relieve stress from classes COLUMN

Daniela Messarina Staff Writer

We have grown up in a generation where swearing and using foul language has influenced us, whether it’s through the music that plays on the radio, in television shows and movies that we watch, advertisements, or the environment

that has surrounded us for years.

Our parents come from a generation where social networking wasn’t booming as it is now and were taught not to use vulgarity.

But of course, through exposure to the media and the colorful world around us, many of us have picked up a few “fourletter words” that would make our mothers blush.

In our constantly moving, high-stress world where many students are taking classes fulltime and also working parttime or more, sometimes we just need to blow off steam, and profanity lets us express that frustration.

By Mayu Kataoka

RateMyProfessors. com is biased and disrespectful.

Stephen Voltattorni Staff Writer Besides word of mouth, RateMyProfessors.com is the best way to find the perfect class.

How would you know which math professor to choose if your friends couldn’t recommend someone?

Former students are the judges of the instructor you look up, so who’s more qualified to voice their opinion and cast their vote than students who have taken that class?

Some might ask if it is fair to instructors, but everything is on the Internet now and this website is legal and PG-rated (except for the hotness rating).

Instructors make impressions on students, and that drives these review sites. Instructors can definitely have bad days, and reviewers might be bitter about bad grades, but it is up to users of the site to weed out illegitimate reviews and come to their own conclusions.

These sites aren’t going to affect professors’ careers because they are meant to be taken with a grain of salt.

No respectable institution would hire or fire someone based on reviews on RateMyProfessors.com.

To get down to the nitty-gritty of the site, it grades on: overall quality, helpfulness, clarity, easiness and, questionably, the hotness of the instructor.

So overall, these points are key in finding the perfect instructor for your classes.

The website is not hurting anyone, in fact it is helping college students to choose classes they will be most successful in.

It’s hard enough to get

CAMPUS CORNER

Studies show that bad language can actually be good for our health and researchers have conducted studies for why individuals swear.

Students participated in an experiment where they had to leave their hands in cold water where given the choice to either use bad words or not.

Those students who used vulgar language reported less pain than those who didn’t, according to an article published on the Scientific American website.

In addition, a psychologist at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts states that using bad words allows us to “express our anger and experience

joy and happiness at the same time.”

Of course, profanity has a time and place. Writing a paper at 5 a.m. when it’s due at 7 a.m. is an appropriate time to curse.

Your family trip to Disneyland, however, probably isn’t the best venue for your most colorful vocabulary words.

The more college homework students are exposed to or the amount of extracurricular activities held accountable during the semester, the more stress levels rise.

With that comes an adrenaline boost to push that extra mile to get the grade necessary to graduate or transfer to a four-year university. Letting a

curse word slip every now and then is acceptable under all that pressure.

Please connect with me by email at daniela.messarina@ gmail.com Follow me on Twitter @ECCUnionDaniela Join the conversation online at www.eccunion.com The views expressed in this column are those of the author. They do not represent the views or opinions of the Union, its staff, editorial board or advisers.

Cecilia Fernandez Member Gay Straight Alliance

Cecilia Fernandez is a member of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). The club supports gay and lesbian students on campus and raises awareness about bullying. The Gay Straight Alliance meets Tuesdays at 1 p.m. in Room 338 of the Art and Behavioral Science Building.

What made you want to join the Gay Straight Alliance?

I joined because I’m an older lesbian, and it’s kind of like making sure that my younger lesbians and gay boys are not being stereotyped and that they can recognize the signs when others are trying to affect them.

I want to make sure they know how to handle it accordingly and respectfully.

What events are you working on now?

We’re trying to go to the GSA Pride in Los Angeles that’s supposed to be a really great fund raiser. We’re also trying to start an anti-bullying campaign here on campus.

What is your favorite thing about the club?

Watching the members of the club respond to each other like the younger members of the club and how they adapt to each other and certain situations.

What is the most challenging thing about the club?

The most challenging thing about the club is getting more of an accepting environment because even though we are accepted, they are still some steps to take to make it a completely equal environment.

Why should people join this club?

It lets them open up a little more and gain knowledge about gays and lesbians. The club helps people come to terms with their own sexuality.

Also, the club helps to show that we’re not monsters or anything. We’re actually very colorful, harmless people

CAMPUS VIEWPOINTS

Do you think RateMyProfessors.com is helpful?

By Thomas Schmit

Guadalupe Lujan, 19, Undecided

Morgan Cole, 21, Marketing

Jasmine Brink, 19, Anthropology

Miguel Clemente, 19, Business

Angelica Gutierrez, 20, Psychology

Ronald Domholdt, 24, Engineering

“Yes. I thought it was for judging them, but it actually gives you good advice on which teachers to take and which not to take.”

“No. They’re all opinions.

They’re not really accurate representations of that teacher, just people’s opinions of them.”

“Yes. What if a teacher’s really weird, or like a stalker or something? It’s really helpful to be able to find out ahead of time.”

“No. It’s mostly people who just want to mess around and rate the teachers they didn’t like and give them bad scores.”

“Yes. It will let you know when a teacher is more difficult. Some teachers are just too hard, and it’s so stressful.”

“No. It can be unfair and biased.

It depends on the sample size. If you have five people it’s different from 20 people.”

6 El Camino College Union

ON THE SCENE

ARTS Sculpting class turns concepts into creations

May 10, 2012

Jorge Maldonado Staff Writer

By Jorge Maldonado

Most people will go to places such as Color Me Mine or a local pottery studio for the experience students get in the Showcase of Tima beginning sculpture class.

Petk’s art Students are hunched over, Tima Petk’s art will be on carefully crafting with tools display in Schauerman Library they’ve handmade or bought. through the month of May. They sculpt, chip and mold a The exhibit includes her art project they have been working as well as her photographs on for two weeks, called “hero and her writing. The reception sculptures.” will be May 25 at 6 p.m. in “The hero project deals with Schauerman Library. the concept of the hero and the human culture,” Russell McMusic Millin, art professor, said.

The “hero project” is one of many assignments the be“Toujour Amour” ginning sculpture class is asThe El Camino College signed.

Chorale Club is hosting a Other assignments include benefit variety show called “nature to man made,” where “Toujour Amour.” The show students will find natural will start at 8 p.m. tomorrow at items like leaves, pinecones Peninsula Community Church, and sticks and make them into with pre-sale tickets costing sculpting tools.

“The entire world is their $10 and $15 at the door. Call (310) 660-3593, ext. 3713 for palette,” McMillin said.

In the class, students learn more information. the process of making a sculpture.

Workshop With their current project, the students will begin by re“Allison Armstrong, searching ideas and creating speaker” sketches of their design conExploring the differences cepts.

Once they hone their ideas between men and women, Allison Armstrong, author, into design concepts, they are educator, and designer speaks ready to start molding their about relationships. Monday sculpture with a base, called an at 8 p.m. in the Marsee armature.

“The armature is a skelAuditorium.

Tickets for “Allison Armstrong, speaker” etal support system,” McMillin are $18. For more information, said.

Patricia Moreno, 18, art contact 1-800-832-ARTS or major, sits at her chair adding visit the Ticket Office. pieces of clay to her armature.

She has designed her own version of the Cheshire Cat and

Art

Kyle Ward/ Union Sage Garver, a 19-year-old art major, maneuvers her Shaman puppet. The puppet will be shown in the art showcase in the Art Gallery.

has come close to finishing the clay portion of the project.

“I was going for sneaky, like the Cheshire Cat, (who is) relaxed,” Moreno said. “Even though it’s a hero, she can still be relaxed and conniving.”

Melanie Davila, 18, biological science major, also sits at her desk, working on a nearly covered clay sculpture which she has named Myst.

“I was trying to go for different poses, fingers are longer, (her) hair and face are revealed slightly,” Davila said.

The students learn to mold their sculptures onto the armature. The class uses Sculpey, a plastic clay that hardens when baked.

Once their sculpture is completely covered with clay, they bake it in a giant oven for 20 to

Kyle Ward/ Union Various pieces of sculpture that resemble parts of a coral reef. This is a class collaborative composition that will be in the EC art showcase.

30 minutes at 225 degrees. After baking, students paint their sculptures with acrylic paint.

The overall project takes the students three to four weeks to complete according to McMillin.

“This is the project that motivates the students to take the class,” McMillin said. “The students will learn storytelling as well as modeling skills and

the traditional sculpture,” he said.

Once the students have painted their sculptures, they have completed an original idea from start to finish.

“It’s a very powerful thing for people, to directly make something,” McMillin said.

“Students walk in consumers and walk out creators,” he added.

Weiss paints her way to art career “The Avengers” excites action fans

Kyle Borden/ Union Chelsea Weiss, 20, art major, displays one of her paintings on the EC Library Lawn.

Weiss uses color theory to express emotion in her paintings.

Diane Vay Staff Writer A paintbrush touches the white canvas. In a matter of minutes, the blank canvas is splattered with various shapes and colors, turning it into a work of art.

For more than 12 years, Chelsea Weiss, 20, art major, has taken her skills in art as more than just a hobby.

While she may have practiced her artistic skills as a child, she did not always consider taking on a career in art.

“I really didn’t start out with it being something I wanted to do for the rest of my life until senior year of high school (five years ago),” Weiss said.

For now, Weiss said she just wants to graduate from college. After graduating, she plans to work toward a career in art with a major animation company like Pixar or Disney.

“I will settle for Dreamworks, but my dream is to join Pixar,” Weiss said.

Fellow student and friend

Greg Bell, 22, art major, said that her dedication is impressive.

“She (Weiss) is a hard worker. She is taking full courses as well as a part-time job,” Bell said. “She has full dedication to the field.”

As far as her technique goes, Weiss said she likes to fully immerse herself in her medium, going so far as to use her whole body to paint.

“I use paintbrushes to get into detail, I also use my fingers to blend in the colors,” Weiss said. “I have also used my elbow to the back of my arm.”

When further describing her work, she said she often uses colors such as red and orange.

“Paintings are like mood rings where you use bright, warm colors to express happiness and positivity whereas colors like green, blue and black tend to be moody,” Weiss said.

The idea that colors express emotions was influenced by her grandmother.

“My grandmother allowed us (her family) to be creative,” she said. “She was always supportive and always loved my artwork.”

While her grandmother may be a source of inspiration and support, Weiss said she was inspired by her family in general.

“My family has always supported me,” Weiss said. “That is how I got to where I am today.”

Aside from being influenced and supported by a family of artists, her other sources of influence include Salvador Dali and Frida Kahlo.

According to one of her art professors, Weiss is not only positive and enthusiastic in her art work, but as a student as well.

“She (Weiss) is very interested in learning,” Harrison Storms, art professor, said.

“She is very open to critiques in her work and she listens.”

Considering her own style in creating her artwork, Weiss said she thinks outside of the box and tends to follow her emotions like she learned from her grandmother.

“If it weren’t for my grandmother, I wouldn’t have become an artist,” Weiss said.

and demolishes box office records Stephen Voltattorni Staff Writer With everyone seeing things their own way and wanting to be the hero, it is not always easy or cohesive for people to work as a team. This is exactly how the group of superheroes from director Joss Whedon’s “The Avengers” starts off.

Since its opening on May 4, “The Avengers” has become the top grossing box office film of all time, surpassing “The Dark Knight.” It is rated PG-13 and all two hours and 23 minutes are action packed and well worth it. Everyone should see this movie, and it should get eleven out of 10 stars.

From the first scene, the movie is a hit. Scarlett Johansson plays a Russian spy, Black Widow, and opens with a knock-out scene that you cannot miss. She and Samuel L. Jackson, as the leader Nick Fury, are sent out to unite the nonconformist heroes as a team.

The Avengers consist of: Captain America (Chris Evans), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth).

As a unit, their objective is to find the cosmic cube, which with its gamma signals is the key to opening and closing the portal to the dark universe where all the evil comes from.

This is no easy task, for the cosmic cube is hard to locate and can only be found with the help of scientist Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), the Hulk’s human form. Making it even more difficult is the twisted villian Loki (Tom Hid-

dleston), who, with his powerful staff and brain washing powers, plans to conquer human existence.

Loki’s evil plot begins when he is transported from his hellish world to Earth. After making a grand entrance, he is approached by security guards, who he quickly overpowers. He then begins his work by using his multi-tasking staff to brainwash the archer Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), one of Nick Fury’s strongest assassins.

With the help of few more “fixed” allies they make a getaway in a vehicle along with the cosmic cube as the ground the research lab is built on begins to crumble.

This is only the beginning of the non-stop action plot.

The story line takes you through twists and turns similar to that of thrilling roller coaster ride at your favorite amusement park. The show keeps you on the edge of your seat and is nowhere near predictable.

The acting in it is phenomenal, except that the villain does not match up to the sinister villain in “Iron Man 2.”

Still, Robert Downey, Jr. comes back from that same movie with his character, Iron Man, with his dry humor and jests that add comedy to an otherwise action-centric film. The writing gets high marks as well as the cinematography, so anyone can enjoy this film.

The film teaches us that sometimes the deepest kind of truth can only be found in a fictitious, science-fiction story where some people are more powerful than others.

RISING

STAR Aside from going to college, Weiss is a freelance muralist at an elementary school (Point Vicente Elementary) as well as a weekend receptionist at the Palos Verdes Art Center.

An example of her artwork includes a painting of Vishnu, a Hindu god of wealth, who she painted with the face of Brad Pitt.

“I was trying to add the public persona and mixing it with idol worship,” Weiss said. “I am not trying to knock down anyone’s religion.”

Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Captain America (Chris Evans) and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) walk off to battle.

Photo courtesy of superherohype.com

SPORTS

May 10, 2012

ON DECK Candice Criss Sports Editor

Golf Monday at 7 a.m. at Santa Maria Country Club for State Championships

TRACK/FIELD Saturday at 8 a.m. at San Diego Mesa College for So Cal Championship Finals

BASEBALL Tomorrow-Sunday at Santa Ana College for Super Regionals (time is yet to be determined)

25th Annual Golf Classic Tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Los Verdes Golf Course

• For the latest updates on the Warriors, follow us on twitter: @eccunion

El Camino College Union 7

Softball team takes a look back at what it accomplished Diane Vay Staff Writer During the season, members of the softball team were likely seen practicing at the softball field for upcoming games. Now, they have left the softball field as their season came to a close on April 24 against Cerritos College.

“It was a good thing that we ended the season with a strong, competitive game,” Elaine Martinez, coach, said.

The Warriors faced changes, but managed to pull through.

“For the first semester with a new team and new coaches, I felt that we went pretty far,” Vivian Santacruz, first baseman and pitcher, said.

Alia Williams, centerfielder, made it to the California Community College Athletic Association and made it to the first team and second team.

The first team is a selection of players of the league consisting of 13 teams. The second team is the second set of the best players in the conference, Martinez said.

Yasmin Antonio, short stop, was considered to be the player who improved the most, Martinez said.

“She was in the low hundreds and this year she got to four hundred,” Martinez said.

Points are counted out of a thousand. With 300 points, a player is considered average while 500 points means the player has a very good athletic performance.

“We were able to compete and had a competitive drive,” Martinez said. “Because of that, we were able to have some pretty good games.”

Robert Long/ Union Eliana Gomez, short stop, and Jacklyn Peyrefitte, third baseman and pitcher, join a huddle with the rest of the softball team on Feb. 28 against L.A. Harbor

The team had a record of 11-19 this season, which came second to the record of 18 wins in a season, Martinez said.

For the next season, Santacruz said that she has a strong feeling that the team will make it to playoffs.

“The team learned to make a positive thing out of

every situation inside and outside of the field,” Melissa Sanchez, assistant coach, said.

Martinez plans on approaching the team in a similar way next season.

“It was fun, exciting and different everyday,” Santacruz said. “It was something I looked foward to.”

Pep squad gets prepared for season Golf team gets player to state finals Carina Gomez Staff Writer Tryouts for the pep squad members have taken place and the new members are excited to cheer on Warrior fans in competitive matches and exciting games.

New members are excited to learn the fun techniques to satisfy anxious fans at every game and prepare themselves in hopes of placing the top three competitive teams in the nation.

“We want to be the best team possible, it’s all about dedication and we want to serve all of

our sports teams the best and become the best competition team we can,” Diana Galias, pep squad advisor, said.

The pep squad helps boost school spirit as it entertains audiences and motivates at games.

A total of 20 members make up the squad, including 17 females and three males.

The process for becoming a member of the squad was based on talent and prior experience, which was demonstrated during tryouts.

“We look for talent that is at a college caliber and already has experience,” Galias said.

Plans for the pep squad are to become better than before.

Teaching the squad new tactics for achieving success is put into play during the seasons.

Galias said she the pep squad becomes better each year thanks to the hard work and determination members put into effect.

Encouraged to perform at their best, pep squad members are given the essentials to shine in every single way.

“I think all of the members will shine, the tools will be given to them to enhance their skills,” Galias said.

Kenneth Berry Staff Writer On their ascent towards a potential state title, the men’s golf team went to the Foothill Conference Championship at Glendora Golf Course.

The Warriors went on their mission to beat rival, College of the Deserts in 36 rounds but lost to the eventual conference champion by 69 strokes.

“At the beginning of the season, we were all nervous and sometimes it was unsettling,” James Harper said. “I can play with the nerves now.”

The Warriors finished in

second place with a score of 778. Everyone was eligible for the Foothill Conference Championships.

David Thomas, in his first year, was named first team All Foothill Conference and qualified for regional competitions along with second-year player Ryan Saldana and first-year player James Harper.

“It’s more mental for me and not over thinking too much,” Thomas said.

At the conference finals, Thomas had scores of 81 and 77 and is ranked 18th in the So Cal conference.

The Warriors’ overall con-

ference record is 27-9 while their overall record is 35-20-1.

“I don’t have to hold anything back and I’m definitely going to have an aggressive mindset from here on out,” Thomas said.

Harper and Erwyn Lam were named in the second team All-Foothill conference.

Harper was the only member of the team who advanced to state competitions, which will be on Monday at Santa Maria Country Club.

“It was really close but I got in,” Harper said. “I have to prove myself again on Monday.”

SPORTS

8 El Camino College Union

May 10, 2012

Warriors advance to Super Regionals Jorge Maldonado Staff Writer The baseball team earned its spot in the playoffs with two additional wins against Southwestern College’s Jaguars on May 5 and May 6.

In addition to the major win this weekend, the Warriors also have something else to celebrate as the All-South Coast Conference named seven players in the first and second team selections as well as honorable mentions. “(All-SCC) Honors you for your accomplishments in the season, not that other players haven’t done anything to benefit the team, it just recognizes that other coaches recognize them as great players,” Tony Asaro, assistant coach, said.

Starting pitcher Alex Mistuloff, who has been pitching well all season, was chosen to the South Coast Conference first team, with fellow players second basemen Bryce Savage and outfielder Luke Klocek.

“I was excited for them as they worked hard all year to earn roles in the All-South Coast Conference Team,” Asaro, said.

Starting pitchers Drew Freeman and Rafael Ramirez were chosen for the All-SCC second team as well as third baseman Cole Trezek.

“I was excited to hear that I was made second team. It is awesome that I played well enough to be recognized in that matter,” Trezek, sophomore third baseman, said.

Honorable mentions by AllSCC were given to sophomore Ronnie Galosic, freshman Daniel Timmerman and Austin Watters.

During the May 5 game at Southwestern College, the Warriors earned four runs in

Michael Williams/ Union Marvin Flores, catcher, slides into home and scores the 8th run during the 7th inning, first round match versus Southwestern College in San Diego, California on Saturday.

the top of the first inning, gaining a lead early in the game. “(Runs early on) released

a little bit of pressure on us,” Asaro added.

Keeping the momentum go-

ing they earned an additional run in the sixth with an RBI by sophomore infielder Atlee

Schwab and a triple by Marvin Flores in the seventh inning earning two RBIs for Ronnie

Galosic and Cole Trezek.

The first playoff game was a win for the Warriors, 8-6.

“I think the first game of the series was really important. It gives the pressure toward the other team and allows the players to relax a bit, playing at the top level,” Asaro said.

The Warriors’ May 6 game, again at Southwestern College, was slow to earn runs up until the bottom of the fifth when Klocek doubled, advancing him to third, earning RBIs

by Timmerman and Marvin Flores.

“I think it was a turning point in the game, we were down one run and Luke did a great job at the pitch, he really helped us out in the offense and the rest of the inning,” Asaro said.

The Warriors gained an additional run in the eighth inning and by the ninth, the Jaguars failed to earn any additional runs as they hit ground balls and strike outs.

The Warriors won their second of two games, 4-1.

“Southwestern wasn’t an easy opponent; they were a good team,” Sean Isaac, freshman first baseman, said. “We’re on a roll right now, we have to keep it up, we’re not over confident, we just want to continue to play as we’re playing,” he added.

Friday through Sunday, the Warriors will start off Super Regional Playoffs with a game against Santa Ana College.

The Super Regionals will be the deciding game to the Final Four State Championship.

“We believe it was something to accomplish, every day we practice, we pretend and go through the motions to win,” Asaro said. “I don’t think the pressure increases at all, in reality it’s the same baseball game we play every day.”

Track and field team makes it Warriors confident as season ends to So Cal Championship Finals Aryn Hicks Online Staff Writer The members of the men’s and women’s track and field team advanced to Southern California Finals after placing in the Southern California Preliminaries on Saturday.

The Warriors continue to advance as they head to San Diego Mesa College for the Southern California Championship Finals.

Rukayah Bent-Mikail leads EC in the qualifiers. She is the state leader and undefeated this season at 39 feet 9 ¾ inches. Bent-Mikail also qualified in the long jump with a jump of 17 feet 6 ¼ inches.

Isis Garland qualified in the 100-meter with a time of 12.22 and in the 200-meter with a time of 25.03.

Garland is the No. 4 qualifier in both events and in the 1,600-meter relay.

Michelle Woodruff, high jumper, remained undefeated in the high jump against competition.

“It’s hard to believe that I’m undefeated and ranked No. 1 in state,” Woodruff said. “It’s just hard to comprehend because last year I wasn’t even close. But I have worked hard all season, I just hope I can keep it up and win the state championships.”

Kenneth Berry Staff Writer

Ronisha Vallery qualified in the 400-meter 57.38 and the 200-meter at 25.39.

Vallery also qualified in the long jump at 18 feet 3 ¾ inches and the 1,600-meter relay.

Katrina Wilbanks qualified in the pole vault with a qualifying height of 10-1.

Salina Ropati qualified with her throw in the shot put of 39 feet 1 inches.

Ruby Davis qualified in the long jump with her 17 feet 3 inches jump.

“Victor Martin has really stepped-up this season as has Katrina Wilbanks in the pole vault.

They have been doing really well and will likely to continue to impress not only us, but the state,” Dean Lofgren, coach, said.

Martin, who led the Warriors in the qualifiers threw a leading throw of 51-3 in the shot put.

Anthony Lewis and David Rosales both qualified in the 1500-meter.

Alex Villiaescusa competed in the 10,000-meter final and placed 14th with a time of 33:34.67 Villaescusa, Lewis and Rosales will compete in the 5,000-meter final on Saturday.

The Warriors will be competing this Saturday at San Diego Mesa College in the Southern California Championship Finals.

“We expect some of the finest athletic competition in the state of California,” Lofgren said.

Shrieking screams of relief, exuberant clapping and jumping were sights to behold at the women’s badminton team’s regular season finale against East L.A. last Wednesday at EC. After three straight defeats at the hands of bitter rival East L.A., the Warriors finally got the chance to cross them off of their hit list by beating them, 16-5, in their final team match of the season.

“It was a good win for us,” Jaymie Baquero, coach, said. “Our hard work has finally paid off.”

Now that the team portion of the season is over, conference playoffs will start Friday and everyone is considered eligible.

“Everyone was on their A-game which wasn’t much of a shock,” Corrine Belandres said.

Belandres won all her games, which were one singles match and one doubles match.

“This season has been so great,” Belandres said. “In terms of this being the best win of my career its pretty high up there.”

Becca Maier played East L.A.’s fifth and sixth ranked players and won both games.

“I improved on serves and moving them from side to side,” Maier said.

Shannon Hornbeck played East L.A.’s third and fourth ranked players.

“I believe it was my best game all season and I improved on learning how to read the other opponents’ placement of the bird,” Hornbeck said.

Callie Rodela played East L.A.’s fifth ranked player and won all her matches with the exception of one doubles match.

“That was the best game I played all season,” Rodela said. “I’m proud of us and it was really nice that we came together because it felt like we really accomplished our goal.”

The team finished the regular season on a two-game win streak.

“I felt pure excitement and joy when we won and it was one of those sports days that I’ll never forget,” Hornbeck said.

The South Coast Conference women’s badminton individual tournament at Manhattan Beach Badminton Club took place on Friday.

Corrine Belandres was a third place California Community College Athletic Association state qualifier in the singles competition and a third place CCCAA state qualifier in the doubles competition with her partner Kumiko Hoguchi.

“These girls are a lot better from where they started,” Belandres said.

Rebecca Maier and her partner, Shannon Hornbeck were fifth place CCCAA state qualifiers.

“I’m sad the seasons over,” Maier said. “I can’t wait for next year.”

25th Annual Hall of Fame will be a night of Warrior pride Robert Ceaser Union Intern Honoring student-athletes and faculty for their outstanding contributions to athletics, the 25th Annual Athletic Hall of Fame banquet, takes place Thursday.

The Ayres Hotel in Hawthorne will be the new venue where the tributes to collegiate success will occur.

“The audience will be able to celebrate 60 years of history that frame El Camino College,” Tony Barbone, athletic director of El Camino College said.

Opposed to previous events, this banquet will be more formal where as guests will sit down and eat a buffet-style dinner, Julie Meredith, health and athletics clerical worker said.

Coaches, student-athletes and significant contributors to El Camino athletics will be recognized at the event for their achievements and overall support of the athletic community at El Camino College.

“It will be a sprinkling of current students and a sprinkling of

alumni that have helped with what we call warrior pride,” Rory Natividad, dean of health sciences and Athletics Department said.

Five to six nominees are selected by the community and coaches and sent to the Hall of Fame committee who then narrow it down to the final winners for award determination.

When asked who would be the main sponsor for the event, Natividad said that the event is put on through the El Camino athletics, and that various departments along with the community help to make the event successful from its past to the present.

“It will be a good, well-rounded experience that any one may attend,” Barbone said.

The banquet has honored some prominent figures in athletics such as Keith Erickson, a former El Camino student, UCLA basketball player and Los Angeles Laker.

President, Thomas Fallo is one of several well-known figures who have spoken on behalf of the banquet.

Along with the inductees for the Hall of Fame, specific awards for current student-athletes will also be issued throughout the ceremony.

The Ray Southstone award, given to a track and field studentathlete, one being male and one being female, is one of the more prestigious awards.

Southstone is the co-founder of the Hall of Fame and is also a student from the first graduating class in El Camino history.

Another prestigious award is the Norm Verry award given to one male and female for obtaining a 3.5 grade point average as well as outstanding athletic achievements. The winners of the award will receive a $1,000 scholarship provided from the Verry family.

This will also be the first year in the history of the banquet that a team, the 1971 El Camino football team, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“The event celebrates our gifted student-athletes; those who were here and are here,” Natividad said.

Natividad emphasized how hard the students as well as the committee work to achieve and issue the awards.

“We work hard all year long to remember how important these gifted student-athletes are,” Natividad said.