The Union
EL CAMINO COLLEGE
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1946
@ECCUNION
Oct. 26, 2023
ECCUNION.COM
board Community tensions rise over war College greenlights
While the Israel-Hamas war ramps up, the conflict hits close for many residents By Angela Osorio and Maddie Selack With daily updates on the Israel-Hamas war, El Camino College students, employees and community members are feeling the weight of the conflict.
While no vigils or protests have taken place at El Camino, students like biochemistry major Lily Nemzer said several students in her classes are troubled by the war. “I know there was one student who is a mother and her husband is Israeli and her kids
were really upset about what was going on,” Nemzer said. Following the Oct. 7 attack from Hamas, Israel declared w ar re s u lt i ng i n m a s s destruction and thousands of deaths on both sides. The conflict has sparked national protests across college
campuses and has raised tensions between Palestinian and Israeli Americans, as reported by the L.A. Times. Locally, an Israeli vigil was held in Manhattan Beach on Oct. 11 and a pro-Palestinian protest occurred in downtown Los Angeles on Oct. 21. SEE WAR PAGE 5 →
Next tennis season up in the air Without enough players, both tennis teams might struggle to compete next semester
Sergiu Boerica and the El Camino women’s tennis pool of players huddle after practice at the ECC Tennis Courts on Wednesday, Sept. 27. Both the men’s and women’s teams are in danger of not having enough players for another season. Photo by Monroe Morrow
faculty union contract
By Maddie Selack Following over a year of negotiating, the Board of Trustees ratified the 2022-2025 tentative contract agreement between the El Camino College Federation of Teachers and the district in their Oct. 16 meeting. Prior to the approval of this new contract, the El Camino faculty had been working under an expired contract since December 2022. The new contract entails 12 sabbaticals per year instead of eight. Additionally, unpaid personal leave was extended from seven to nine days, severance pay was increased, and first year faculty salaries were increased by 9% along with many other changes. Communications Professor and Federation member Larry Leach explained the previous contract was approved in preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic. “ The district basically anticipated all of these fiscal challenges but it was discovered that those fiscal challenges that they anticipated weren’t the case,” Leach said. Although the new contract was ratified, there are certain sections that will be reopened at a l ater d ate. Par t-t ime healthcare is one of those sections. SEE FED PAGE 4 →
By Ma. Gisela Ordenes individual players to play singles and doubles matches on both teams. Due to the current lack of players, those who play singles will also play doubles. “We will compete but [it] doesn’t mean that we will be successful and have the same record [as previous seasons],” Boerica said. “The results will be affected by the freshness of the new team.” Since all the men’s players from last spring’s season left and the women’s
Rabbits as Pets
World of Music Festival
See Page 4
NEWS
Board of Trustees Acting President Trisha Murakawa talks about the union contract during a board meeting on Monday, Oct. 16. Photo by Khoury Williams
SEE TENNIS PAGE 8→
QR Code Scams
See Page 3
OPINION
team was discontinued earlier this year, the players on both teams are new to the program. The Union reported back in February on the El Camino women’s tennis season cancellation one year after winning the state championship because the college couldn’t find a new coach in time, resulting in a delay in player recruitment.
See Page 6
SCAN ME
here are currently not enough players to fill a roster for the El Camino College men’s and women’s tennis teams next season. At the time of publication, there are only six students on the men’s team and eight on the women’s team. El Camino tennis coach Sergiu Boerica is preparing both teams for the next season, set to begin in the spring 2024 semester. Boerica is supposed to choose six
ARTS
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EDITORIAL
Oct. 26, 2023
The Union
The Union SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1946
Vol. 78, No. 3 Oct. 26, 2023
EDITORS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NEWS EDITOR
Dylan Elliot | Special to The Union
El Camino’s financial aid falls flat By Union Editorial Board
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l Camino College needs to take accountability and prevent students from falling into financial distress. The El Camino College Financial Aid Office needs to improve the onboarding process. The office appears understaffed. Employees are overwhelmed. They are not up to speed on student needs. These factors make it hard to provide students with the right help or information to move forward, which can negatively affect their education. According to The Institute for College Access & Success website, “Only one-third of [California Community College] students apply for federal financial aid, compared to nearly half of community college students in other states.” Based on the statistics above, El Camino should try to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid process as simple as possible, so students are not discouraged and end up leaving money on the table. Many students who express difficulties with the process have experienced dismissive staff members and long wait times. This can result in late payments or no payments at all because students couldn’t finish the process. Staff members who are knowledgeable tend to be overburdened and are usually working nonstop to help as many students as they can. They never seem to be able to catch up. While the job can be difficult, helping with the process and listening to students is the office’s purpose. According to the college’s Academic Progress Policy, “The U.S. Department of Education requires El Camino to establish and apply reasonable standards of satisfactory academic progress for eligible students to receive financial assistance under the programs authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act.” This means El Camino needs to make sure students are aligned with all federal and school standards of maintaining good academic standing in order to remain eligible for financial aid. Of course it’s not all on the school and staff, students have to do their part too. However, student confusion is a part of the process. The Financial Aid Office employees should be better equipped to enlighten students instead of making them feel like they are bothering staff by asking for help. The financial aid office not doing their job can result in students receiving late refunds, loss of funds, being discouraged from applying for financial aid and even dropping out. With retention rates being a major concern at El Camino, the college should prevent students from being financially penalized and going down the wrong path, for the benefit of both the college and students. El Camino classes per unit cost $46, totaling $2,900 if students were to take 60 units, including the tuition and fees for a semester. Since the community college option is usually made by people looking to save money, students who cannot access financial aid are at risk of high debt. Possible solutions would be to hire more staff. If that is not possible, El Camino can look into training student workers who can help in the process. Investment in simplified online directions or videos to help with the infamously difficult FAFSA form. An improved process can save students from financial distress, potential dropouts and poor academic performance. If more students are able to fully benefit from their financial aid, more students will attend El Camino. For the benefit of students and the college population as a whole, El Camino should improve the Financial Aid Office.
ARTS & FEATURES EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR COPY EDITOR
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The Union
Oct. 26, 2023
OPINION
First-generation students and useless degrees
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Choosing between passion or gratification By Emily Gomez
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he pressure of pursuing educational pursuits that have higher education is an little to no viability for immense responsibility for employment. anyone, but especially firstAccording to a 2018 article generation students. published by The Atlantic, The expectation to achieve a almost every humanities field high level of success is elevated in higher education has faced a for students who are enrolled in rapid decline in majors, higher education as a means of demonstrating a shift in student elevating their families. values that prioritize the job S o m e f i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n market. students experience The stigmatization of apprehensions about their pursuing a humanities degree educational choices; should manifests in a variety of ways, they prioritize their passion or ranging from small jokes such what will make them the most as, “You better get used to money? making no money,” and from As a first-generation college the misunderstanding of peers student myself, I grew up who “didn’t know anyone feeling higher education was a pursued that anymore.” privilege I was being granted, First-generation students are adding weight to the choices I familiar with the sentiments of made. being overwhelmed, having This feeling became more imposter syndrome, and prominent when deciding on a experiencing self-doubt. major, which is the seemingly First Year Experience most important choice of all. Counselor Seranda Silvers said Unfortunately, a humanities for first-generation students, degree carries a negative there’s a lot of pressure to connotation of being “useless” navigate through educational in the economy. systems the “right” way. Degrees such as journalism, “[First-gen students] feel like, English, English as a second ‘Okay, have to make it, I gotta language, and world languages, make sure I’m breaking my are often overlooked as generational curses,’whether
Dylan Elliot | Special to The Union
it’s poverty, or just being successful in the eyes of my family,” Sylvers said. The lack of first-generation students from the humanities field provides a bleak outlook for its future. Many first-generation students tend to come from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, meaning the integration of these students into the humanities field can benefit and broaden their understanding of the subjects. The enrichment of diverse communities and student backgrounds would introduce untapped creativity to academic spaces lacking in representation,
meaning the humanities field needs first-generation students now more than ever. “The more first-gen people that are in those creative spaces, they get to reflect back to the community those experiences,” Sylvers said. The narrative of limited job prospects and viability for the humanities needs to be shifted, it discourages students and prompts them to switch majors into a field they believe offer more opportunities. Success looks different for everyone, how we define our accomplishments varies on the individual. From my own experiences I
believe that first-generation students need to redefine and reconstruct what success means to them to not risk out on pursuing fields they are truly passionate about. The humanities field is just as important and valuable as other majors, so they should all equally be encouraged. Educational institutions should emphasize this to students, especially firstgeneration students who might not study a humanities discipline because of what others might s a y.
Considering a pet? Look into adopting a bunny Rabbits are as popular as cats and dogs, learn more about these potential furry friends By Joshua Flores Rabbits are the third most popular pets in the U.S. right after cats and dogs, according to the National Geographic and The Humane Society. The American Veterinary Medical Association said that over 1.5 million U.S. households own an estimated 2.2 million rabbits. The high ownership number means, unfortunately, that rabbits fall under the third most abandoned pets in the U.S. I encourage anyone looking While statistics are hard to for a pet to consider a bunny. quantify, a 2012 study found Bunny ownership comes with that three-fourths of the rabbit unexpected work and a few animal shelter population was a things you will need to know. result of surrenders, a higher Rabbits rely heavily on their rate than dogs and cats. wild instincts. As a bunny owner myself I Handling and caring for them, can’t help but ask, what’s up, you must be gentler than you doc? Why are so many bunnies would with other common pets. being abandoned? Rabbits often flinch at loud The reason seems to be a lack noises and may be seen of information by prospective “periscoping,” standing on their owners and a misunderstanding hind legs and looking around of the responsibilities and costs the area for danger. a bunny companion entails. Because of this, it can take
Dylan Elliot | Special to The Union
longer for bunnies to bond and trust their owners. Bunnies should not be given to young children as they require patience and understanding until they feel safe, for instance rabbits do not like to be picked up because this sensation mimics a natural danger. Cost is another factor to consider. Given rabbits need a constant supply of hay, litter, pellets, and vegetables, care costs can add up with the average annual
costs of “standard bunny care” estimated at around $600 to $1,100. They need a constant supply of fresh hay, which constitutes 90% of their daily diet. The other 10% includes spring mix, romaine lettuce, kale, or other rabbit-safe leafy vegetables, . Rabbits are known for being scheduled animals, meaning they like things to happen at set times, like meals and play times. Rabbits are daytime sleepers and are most active in the evenings and nights. Rabbits are daytime sleepers and are most active in the evenings and nights. If you work or go to school during the day but have time in the evenings for a furry companion consider a rabbit. A r a b b i t ’s n a t u r e w i l l accommodate your schedule, while a dog or cat is usually restless during the daylight hours. However, it’s not all just rules and responsibilities. Bunnies have a wide range of emotions and can exhibit
happiness, anger, fear and curiosity. Over time bunnies begin to see their owners as safe and comfortable caretakers. Once they are comfortable, rabbits may even “chin,” when a rabbit rubs its chin on an object or person leaving a unique secretion exclusive to the rabbit, marking something as theirs. Once trust is earned bunnies can become affectionate. When they’re happy it will jump in the air and twist its body, known as a “binky,” a move that signifies a rabbit isn’t stressed. Rabbits “groom” their owners with their tongues, to give kisses, also nudge their owners or other rabbits to get groomed or pet themselves. These creatures require some responsibility but the return is well worth it. Many sheltered bunnies need a home, if you’re an El Camino student or employee, consider adopting a bunny.
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NEWS
Oct. 26, 2023
The Union
Faculty union and district agree to a new tentative contract → FED FROM PAGE 1 Until Oct. 16, part-time faculty received a benefit of $75 per person in a semester for healthcare. With the new contract’s approval, part-time faculty now receive $3,300 per person, per semester. However, English Professor and Communications Chair for the Federation of Teachers Shane Ochoa said California had a different proposal regarding part-time faculty healthcare. “[California] was going to give 100% reimbursement for part timers,” Ochoa said. “The district for some reason did not want that.” According to the California Community Colleges Chancellors Office website, colleges can receive up to 100% reimbursement for the cost of part-time healthcare, but they must meet certain requirements including offering the same healthcare benefits to all parttime and full-time faculty. Ochoa was one of many faculty members who were disconcerted with the previous
working conditions. “We were overtaxed trying to fight for dignity and a fair contract for faculty and everyone here, all workers at El Camino.” Ochoa said. “I feel the length of the process was [also] unnecessary.” Although negotiations are not yet over, Ochoa is happy with the approval of the contract. “I think it’s a great sign that our actions matter as a union,” Ochoa said. “I guess it’s time to breathe, but we also have to prepare for the next contract.” After speaking to The Union, Vice President and Acting President for the El Camino College Board of Trustees Trisha Murakawa said she is happy to move forward, adding the main focus is now shifting toward enrollment. “I hope that [faculty] will be happy, we were able to come to an agreement between our union and our district, so we can move forward,” Murakawa said. “The priorities for the next year are going to be on student enrollment and fiscal responsibility.” With threats to the college’s overall budget as previously
Trustee Brett Roberts, center, speaks with history professor John Baranski, right, and California Federation of Teachers president Jeff Freitas during a Federation protest held outside the Administration Building on Sept. 6. A tentative contract agreement between the El Camino Federation of Teachers and district was approved during the Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 16. Photo by Khoury Williams
reported by The Union, El Camino must focus on increasing enrollment to avoid funding cuts. “We are being paid for fulltime equivalent students at a certain rate, except enrollment
doesn’t reflect that,” Murakawa said. “It’s very complicated.” With the tentative agreement now approved, the district will now implement salary and hourly increases, new healthcare policies and
Be aware of possible QR code scams
AI usage to be added in ECC policy
By Joseph Ramirez
The El Camino College Information Technology Services division warns students and employees of possible online security attacks from QR code phishing. In an Oct. 18 presentation to faculty members and some Associated Students Organization representatives, Chief Technology Officer Loic Audusseau said the community should be aware of fraudulent QR codes sent to their email inbox or those posted on fliers around campus. “Think before you scan a QR code and be highly suspicious, people wanting to protect themselves from scams must be able to recognize them,” Audusseau said. Other digital protections Audusseau suggested to protect against false QR codes include keeping up to date with smartphone system security upgrades. “Always check for the latest updates for the mobile phone you are using, especially security updates, to keep your phone protected,” Audusseasu said. To read more, visit the website at eccunion.com
“retroactive checks to make up the difference [of previous pay]” as stated on the Federation website.
By Angel Pasillas
Some of the food and supplies offered in the Drive-Thru Warrior Pantry located in parking Lot C-South, between the Center for Applied Technology Building and the Bookstore, on Oct. 18. Photo by Kae Takazawa
Basic Needs Center to give prepared meals By Maddie Selack Students experiencing food and housing insecurity have access to free, ready-to-eat meals courtesy of a partnership El Camino College has with a third-party provider. A minimum of 50 meals will be given out to the Basic Needs Center on a weekly basis through Everytable,
after the approval of a contract was made during the Oct. 16 Board of Trustees meeting. Everytable is a vendor whose mission is to make fresh and nutritious food more accessible by providing packaged meals at a discounted price to low-income areas. According to the meeting agenda, the meals will be
prioritized for students who are experiencing housing and food insecurity. The project’s goal is to provide these meals for unhoused students when the Warrior Pantry is closed. To read more, visit the website at eccunion.com
ASO provides Scantrons and Blue Books
By Kae Takazawa
Free Scantron and Blue Book exam materials will be provided for all students who have the Associated Students Organization (ASO) Discount Benefits Pass. Students can obtain up to five testing materials by going to the Student Development Office in the Communications
Building Room 103, by the Student Services Plaza, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ASO President Jose Merino said the distribution of the materials aims to lower the financial burden on students and hopes the practice can continue.
“We recognize how expensive colleges are nowadays, so definitely taking an expense off [students] backs and having a place where they can get scantrons is invaluable,” Merino said. According to an ASO Press Release, this initiative will help students who can’t afford testing materials.
Students potentially may not be allowed to use artificial intelligence without the consent of an instructor, pending the approval of a new rule in El Camino College’s academic dishonesty policy. The proposed AI ruling to the policy was introduced in the Oct. 17 Academic Senate meeting before a vote takes place in the next meeting on Nov. 7. Vice President of Finance and Special Projects Josh Troesh said the policy could be problematic for the long-term success of students. “AI, ChatGPT, so on and so forth, is going to get to a point [of academic significance], the same way as not having the ability to use a computer,” Troesh said. “We have to be really careful about what we encode into policies.” Troesh said concerns around AI will not be fully solved and it would be important for the college to review its AI policy annually after it passes. AI use by students has been a topic for debate in the past couple of years. To read more, visit the website at eccunion.com
The Union
Oct. 26, 2023
NEWS
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Community reacts to Israel-Hamas war → FROM WAR PAGE 1
they were not surprised by the conflict, saying Israel has The Union spoke to students, occupied Palestine for 75 years employees and community and has been at war ever since. members with varying opinions One student said thousands of regarding the conflict. Some people, mostly women and individuals had different levels children, are being killed in of knowledge regarding the Gaza. topic and some had yet to hear “Every detail shows it’s a of the conflict. genocide,” one student said. Some community members The students said they think personally knew people Western media has shown bias affected by the war. in favor of Israel, which has led Sascha Recht is an Israeli to anti-Arab sentiments. American who now lives in They also said Israel has Israel but grew up locally, restricted Palestinians from attending South Torrance High visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a School. Recht was visiting her s a c r e d M u s l i m s i t e i n family in Torrance and planned Jerusalem. Israelpreviously on rejoining her husband in launched an attack on the Haifa, Israel before war broke mosque during Ramadan, one out. of the most important Islamic Recht is a close friend of celebrations. Israeli citizen Alon Gat. In regards to U.S. On Oct. 7 Alon Gat, his wife involvement, one of the Yarden and their 3-year-old students said the U.S. “should daughter were captured and not be involved and [should] forced into a truck by Hamas stop funding Israel.” after celebrating the Jewish day Other college community of rest, Shabbat. members, including Library In an attempt to escape, the and Learning Resources couple jumped from the truck Specialist Erika Yates, also with their daughter and ran to a think the U.S. should not get nearby field, where they were involved. separated. Yarden Roman-Gat “I don’t want anyone’s was captured while Alon Gat bloodshed, but I’m definitely hid with his daughter for 24 done with it being ours,” Yates hours until Hamas left the area. said. Alon’s mother was killed by Board of Trustees Member Hamas on Oct. 7. Yarden and Cliff Numark said he approves her sister Carmel, who was also of President Joe Biden’s action captured, are still being held plan. hostage by Hamas as reported “Israel has a right and duty to on by The National. defend itself,” Numark said. Recht described the recent “There’s a responsibility to the events as unprecedented innocent people of Gaza.” brutality and a horrific loss of While the U.S. is not directly life, referring to the war as involved in the conflict, the “Israel’s 9/11.” government is providing $100 Some people were unwilling million in humanitarian aid for to speak to The Union due to Palestinians, according to the safety concerns. Nationwide, U.S. Embassy in Brazil. many pro-Palestinian voices Numark said he hopes for a are facing retaliation. day where there will be peace. The on-campus Muslim “I believe we should pray for Student Association told The t h e I s r a e l i A m e r i c a n Union they did not wish to i n t e r n a t i o n a l h o s t a g e s , ” speak and will release a Numark said. “We should statement regarding their stance grieve for the innocent soon. Palestinians and Israelis who A s s o c i a t e d S t u d e n t s have lost their lives.” Organization President Jose Lysa Browne, a member of Merino and other organization Grow, a local Christian faith representatives said they had group that meets on campus, “ n o c o m m e n t ” w h e n said the war among the nations approached by The Union. was not surprising to her. Two students agreed to speak “Everything that’s written in to The Union on condition of the Bible has come to be,” anonymity stating they had Browne said. safety concerns. While other colleges and The students told The Union school districts across the U.S.
Police Beat
Info courtesy of El Camino College Police Department
The Union publishes police beats online with each newspaper release. Visit eccunion.com to read more.
Sascha Recht, an Israeli American from Torrance, holds up a computer showing photos of her friends Carmel Gat and Yarden Roman-Gat on Oct. 24 at El Camino College. Gat and Roman-Gat were kidnapped by Hamas during the attack on Israel on Oct. 7. Photo by Raphael Richardson
are releasing official statements regarding the war, Director of Public Information and Government Relations Kerri Webb said El Camino does not plan on releasing a statement. Numark said it would be difficult to reflect “all the myriad points of view” in a college statement, although he believes El Camino should promote freedom of expression. Numark added the war has generated an overall rise in antisemitism and anti-Arab sentiments. “We should be worried about hate, whether it’s hate against the Muslim community or antisemitism,” Numark said. Nationally, Reuters reported that in a press conference, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department is monitoring an increase in reported threats against Jewish, Muslim and Arab communities in the U.S. Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, launching airstrikes before breaching the border and shooting civilians, taking hostages and raiding homes, resulting in what many say was the greatest loss of Jewish life in one day since the Holocaust. According to the United Nations, more than 1,000 Israelis and more than 5,000 Palestinians have been killed, as well as thousands more injured and hundreds taken hostage. Food, water and other resources have run low for many Palestinians in Gaza after
El Camino College Board of Trustee member Cliff Numark listens to a speaker during the Oct. 16 board meeting. In a recent interview with The Union, Numark said he hopes for a day of peace in the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Photo by Khoury Williams
Israel declared war on Hamas and began bombing the city. However, trucks from Egypt carrying supplies such as medicine and canned food began entering Gaza on Oct. 21. El Camino history professor Orion Teal said Palestine occupied the land under a British protectorate during the early 1900s. After the U.K. stepped down in 1948, the U.N. proposed the Partition Plan, which would establish two separate states. While Israel accepted it, Arab nations disagreed with the plan, preventing it from passing. Israel declared independence as a nation in 1948, causing the Israel-Arab war to begin. After Israel won the war, they occupied the majority of Palestinian land, displacing about 700,000 Palestinians. “Israel and Palestine have been at war ever since,” Teal said. After the Six-Day War in
1967, Israel gained additional territory from Egypt, Syria and Jordan (including the West Bank and Gaza Strip), resulting in the displacement of more Palestinians. “It’s a really complex story,” Teal said. “I would encourage everyone to educate themselves about the history and use that knowledge to really think about how this is a tragedy for both sides.” Recht, who eventually hopes to return to Israel, said she hopes Palestinian and IsraeliAmericans can move past the distrust and divide between them. “We are all in the fight together and it is not meant to divide us,” Recht said.
To read more, visit the website at eccunion.com
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 3:25 p.m. A laptop was stolen in the Math Business Allied Health Building. The case is open.
Thursay, Oct. 5, 1:30 p.m. A pair of AirPods was stolen at the Schauerman Library. The case is closed.
Monday, Oct. 9, 6:00 p.m. A battery occurred in front of Chick-fil-A along Crenshaw Boulevard. The case has been turned over to an outside agency.
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 7:26 p.m. A fondling was reported inside the Child Development Center. The case is open.
Monday, Oct. 9, 1:32 p.m. Signs located in parking Lot D and Lot E were vandalized. The case is closed.
Wednesday, Oct. 11, 3:30 p.m. A bicycle parked by the El Camino bookstore was stolen. The case is closed.
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The Union
Oct. 26, 2023
ARTS
Arts Calendar
An Evening of Chamber Music
Performances by BrazilianAmerican pianist and ECC Faculty Rafael Liebich Campus Theatre Oct. 28 @ 5 p.m. $21 general, $10 student with valid ID
Karaoke Night in the Art Gallery Join the Salsa Club in the new Arts Complex for a night of Karaoke El Camino Art Gallery Nov. 8 @ 1-4 p.m. Free
Fall Advanced Dance Concert Dance performances by guest artist John Pennington, dance faculty members from ECC and originally works from current ECC choreography students Marsee Auditorium Nov. 10-11 @ 8-11 p.m., Nov. 12 @ 3-6 p.m. $15 general, $10 student with valid ID
Pozole and Paint Workshop
Lettering Manipulation Workshop with Sigh Santoro. El Camino Art Gallery Nov. 13 @ 3-6 p.m. Free
Discovery Film Series: USA Extreme 50 Days, 50 States, 50 Challenges Film screening featuring Michael Wigge who is traveling across the United States in his van Marsee Auditorium Nov. 13 @ 3 p.m. $16 general, $14 senior/ student with valid ID
Say It With Yarn Bombing with Artist Darlyn Susan Yee Workshops by Los Angelesbased artist Darlyn Susan Yee Social Justice Center Nov. 16 @ 1-3 p.m. Free
Performers at the First Annual World of Music Festival stand with El Camino College Senator of Fine Arts Dulce Stein, right, at the Haag Recital Hall on Thursday, Oct. 12. Photo by Katie Volk
Around the world with music
The musical showcase at El Camino featured performances from different countries By Katie Volk
the Haag Recital Hall on Oct. 12. hree groups took Yihan Chen played a the El Camino four-stringed instrument College community on a called a pipa, while musical trip to China, Haowei Chang used a We s t A f r i c a , guzheng, a 24-stringed M e s o a m e r i c a a n d zither. Mexico through The next performer Indigenous sound for the was the group Xochi first annual World of Cuicatl. The mother, Music Festival. father and daughter trio of Christopher, Yolanda, and Alegria Garcia showcased music from Mesoamerica and Mexico. They worked together using a culmination of instruments replicating sounds of nature and vocals to convey stories. “We take things for inspiration and bring it back to ancestral rhythm,” Garcia said. — Christopher Garcia The final production of the night came from A duo performing Malik and Magatte Sow music from China who used drums to kicked off the festival at showcase West African
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“There are no spectators when it comes to music, everyone is a participant.”
Dancer 4 life presents Under the Sea A dance tribute to sea life Marsee Auditorium Nov. 17 @ 6 p.m. $30 general
For more information on ticket and event details, visit the Center for the Arts page at elcamino.edu
Yihan Chen, left, and Haowei Chang perform “Advance of the E People” with traditional Chinese instruments during the First Annual World of Music Festival at the Haag Recital Hall on Thursday, Oct. 12. Photo by Katie Volk
Magatte and Malik Sow play the drums from West Africa during the First Annual World of Music Festival at the Haag Recital Hall on Thursday, Oct. 12. Photo by Katie Volk
music. Malik Sow engaged the audience with an interactive show, encouraging the viewers to dance and speak in Sow’s native language. Christopher Garcia said this portion by his fellow performers illustrated how the audience plays a fundamental role in the performance. “There are no spectators when it comes to music, everyone is a participant,” he said. Patrick Hahn, an English and creative writing major, considers the World of Music Festival as an incredible, eye-opening experience in which the connection between music and the
individual is emphasized. “These are all family members playing together in harmony, it all felt really connected,” Hahn said. “I love the fact that during the African performance, the audience was performing with the piece, too.” Andrew Rabaca, a third-year biology major, said the concert was a learning experience and broadened his understanding of music culture around the world. “Being a STEM major, I am never really in the arts, so it was really interesting seeing all these instruments and performances I’m not used to,” Rabaca said. The Art Gallery and
the Social Justice Center collaborated to bring this event to life. Senator of Fine Arts Dulce Stein said the goal of the festival is for the different factions of El Camino to join forces and reach out to the community and the surrounding areas. “Each division is very passionate about what they’re doing but there is really no crosspollination or collaboration with other centers,” Stein said. Stein hopes the festival will be a recurring annual event. She plans to include more countries to perform their traditional music, adding one country each year.
The Union
Oct. 26, 2023
FEATURES
7
‘Climb your own Everest’ Alfa Karina Arrué talks about her journey to climb Mount Everest at the El Camino Social Justice Center on Thursday, Oct. 5. Photo by Alondra Peza Camarena
First Salvadoran to reach Earth’s highest peak wants others to follow their dreams “We all have an Everest to climb,” she said. Audience member and he deep blue and white of psychology major Zahra Ali El Salvador’s flag waved said Arrué’s message resonated from the world’s highest peak with her. for the first time on May 11, “I feel lucky to have met Alfa 2022. Karina,” Ali said. “She The woman carrying it along empowered me to continue Mount Everest’s 29,029-foot pursuing my goal of applying incline was Alfa Karina Arrué. to transfer to a university.” On Oct. 5, the 47-year-old Arrué said she climbed Arrué took a break from Everest to inspire young girls climbing peaks to deliver a and to prove that despite presentation at the El Camino coming from a country with College Social Justice Center as insufficient resources, the part of the Hispanic Heritage people of El Salvador aren’t Month celebration. limited. During her speech, Arrué Arrué trained for seven years compared the literal challenges and sought funding for her of Everest’s icy terrain to any climb. obstacle one might face when She said once sponsors found pursuing any goal. out the one asking for help was By Alondra Peza Camarena
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a Salvadoran woman, every and decided to fund her next door was shut. One company expedition. agreed to sponsor her, in “It was my confirmation that if exchange for sexual favors. you work hard, the world will Arrué felt defeated. She cried, compensate you,” Arrué said. questioning if she’d ever reach She went back to Everest and the highest point on Earth. touched down in Tukla, Nepal Arrué mortgaged her home in March 2022. and put it in foreclosure and On her way up the mountain, funded the trip herself. She the temperatures reached 60 made her way to Nepal for her degrees Fahrenheit below zero, first climb attempt in 2021. causing parts of her skin to fall During this attempt, Arrué off and her hair to break. She climbed 27,000 feet before the also had non-stop pounding threat of avalanches prevented headaches. her from climbing any further. But Arrué didn’t give up. Again, she cried. “I sacrificed a lot of time with She’d made it to Everest, my children to train but they given up all she had and defeat came to understand that as a struck again. mother, I don’t disappear, I am Back home in El Salvador, a person with dreams,” she said. the National Institute of Sports “It’s [also] important to transmit recognized her valiant effort, that message to women.”
It takes a village to raise a child
El Camino Senator of Fine Arts Dulce Stein said Arrué wants to inspire the El Camino community as well. Stein said Arrué asked her about being a motivational speaker in the college when they first met. “I was happy because her story moved me, we all have mountains to climb and it doesn’t matter how big yours is, they’re all the same,” Stein said. As a woman and a mother, it was important for Arrué to be an example. Not just for her children but for all “the young girls of El Salvador,” and beyond. “[My mountain] was literal but you can do it, too,” Arrué said. “I invite you to climb your own Everest.”
Club serves as second home for student-parent members
“Clubs on Campus” is a series where club representatives and members talk about what their club is about, how it got started, who the members are, what their activities for the semester are and how they plan to finance the activities.
events that focus on studentparents. “A lot of our events center The mission is clear for the around making sure our Child Develpopment Club: to student-parents on campus feel bring together students and like they have a place,” Ortega community members with an said. The club has 60 members this interest in fostering the growth semester. Many of them are and development of children in child development majors like their communities. “We try to hold as welcoming Ortega, or have a general of a space as we can, not just interest in working with for our student parents,” club children in the future. Vice President Tajanee president Alondra Ortega, 21, Busbee, 25, said the club said. While all students are emphasizes community. They welcome to join, the club hosts host playgroups for newborns
Piña said other clubs aren’t as involved in making sure members are okay. “We have meetings just to check in on how we are doing, and it really has been an amazing opportunity to be part of this club,” she said. The club was founded in 2017 by then student Morgan Weber. Over the years, Weber has seen the club grow, and now brings her child to club events. She has been the advisor since the club started. Ortega said the club is funded by the school but is still
By Liliana Romero
to 5-year-olds and their parents. Playgroups are a special time when children can bond with their caregivers and allow parents to form a tight-knit community. The club goes beyond serving its community through nurturing and caring for children. For Evelyn Piña, 21, the club’s social media coordinator, the club serves as a second home. “The main reason why the club is special is the love and support, and how caring everyone is,” Piña said.
planning to hold fundraisers to support expenses. Busbee said the Child Development Club serves as a refuge on campus where students become friends, and friends become family. “[The Child Development Club] turns into a family over time and brings people together,” Busbee said. The club meets every Monday in Room 100 of the Behavioral and Social Sciences Building from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and is also on Zoom.
Oct. 26, 2023 The Union 8 SPORTS El Camino tennis lacking players to fill spring roster → TENNIS FROM PAGE 1 Psychology major Kamila Bustos, 19, said she was the only player on the women’s team when she signed durring the winter 2022 semester, however, there were not enough players on the roster to have a team for that upcoming season. “There was just us [two] and we would come an hour before the [men’s class],” Bustos said. “Technically, there was no [women’s] team because you have to have like five or six [players].” Bustos said more women with high school tennis experience joined the team this semester, with scouting and recruiting from tennis coach Sergiu Boerica. Sergiu Boerica, El Camino College women’s and men’s tennis coach, gives instructions to his player, Jada Nesbitt, at the El Camino College “It’s really awesome to see Tennis Courts on Wednesday, Sept. 27. Photo by Monroe Morrow that it went from two to eight hired after the women’s season, was due to circumstances from women’s tennis team. He is also Director Jeffrey Miera. [players],” Bustos said. Boerica was hired four Dean of Health Sciences and would not take the job, making the coach that we initially hired the owner of the Jaguar Tennis it difficult for Boerica to get a eventually turning down the job months later. Academy which helps train Athletics Russell Serr said El team together when he was at the very last minute.” players’ skills in the sport. “[Boerica] came in at the very Camino hired a new coach once Before El Camino, Boerica When Boerica learned the last minute, but he’s done a the previous coach, Steven Van hired earlier this year in spring. was the assistant coach of the tennis coaching position good job,” Serr said. “He’s been “No fault of [Boerica], it was Kanegan, filed an official Pepperdine University men’s became available again in working really hard to build the no fault of [human resources], resignation after the spring no fault of any of the applicants tennis team and the Loyola September 2022, he sent his team back up and get the 2022 season. Steve Van Kanegan who, was or the committee,” Serr said. “It M a r y m o u n t U n i v e r s i t y resume to El Camino Athletics numbers.”
El Camino women’s water polo season bounces back Warriors overcome beginning-season struggles as regular season ends By Johan Van Wier
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l Camino women’s water polo team has found its footing after struggling earlier in the season, leading to a 6-10-1 record after starting 1-6 through the first seven games. The Warriors began their season competing in the LA Valley Tournament on Sept. 9. Sept. 9, LA Valley Tournament Chaffey College 16, El Camino College 12 LA Valley College 20, El Camino College 6 The Warriors won their Sept. 13 home opener 12-8 after having a dominating control of the game against Pasadena City College. Following the home opener, the Warriors began a losing streak of five games from Sept. 15 to Sept. 27. Sept. 15, Miramar College Mini Tournament Southwestern College 11, El Camino College 10 San Diego Miramar College 20, El Camino College 4 Sept. 16, Southwestern Mini Tournament Palomar College 11, El Camino College 8 Grossmont College 16, El Camino College 6 Sept. 27, at home East Los Angeles College 12, El Camino College 5 The Warriors went on
another streak from Oct. 4 to Oct. 11, winning four games to begin the month. The Warriors cruised by Cerritos on Oct. 4 in a game they took over by halftime. They started the game 7-2, with major help from freshman Yani Camarador who provided six goals and three assists. Oct. 4, at Cerritos College El Camino College 13, Cerritos College 6 The next game was led by sophomore Jackie Calhoun’s six goals as they took down the hosts for the start of their Crafton Hills Mini Tournament on Oct. 6. For the team’s third win in a row, the Warriors continued their dominance with a sweep of the Mini Tournament versus Santa Monica. Camarador led the offense with a career-high eight goals scored in the game. Oct. 6, Crafton Hills Mini Tournament El Camino College 12, Crafton College 6 El Camino College 16, Santa Monica College 7 El Camino beat Chaffey on Oct. 11 and lost to Long Beach Community College on Oct. 18. Oct. 11, at home El Camino College 10, Chaffey College 7 Calhoun’s extraordinary performance during the four-
game stretch earned her the title of 3CWPCA Week Four Player of the Week on Oct. 12. Her impressive statistics included 12 goals, eight assists, 14 steals, and three field blocks during the first week of October . The Warriors swept its week’s games with the help of Calhoun on the offensive and defensive side giving the optimism they needed after a slow start on wins for the season. Oct. 18, at Long Beach Long Beach Community College 13, El Camino College 5 After these two games, the Warriors defeated Santa Monica College and lost to Mt. San Antonio in the Ed “Tuna” Gorodetsky Mini Tournament on Oct. 20. Oct. 20, Ed “Tuna” Gorodetsky Mini Tournament El Camino College 13, Santa Monica College 5 Mt. San Antonio College 15, El Camino College 9 The Warriors currently have a 5-4 record in October after its games against San Diego Mesa College and Southwestern College ended in losses. Oct. 21, LBCC Mini and Battle at the Beach San Diego Mesa College 18,
The El Camino College women’s water polo team practices for future matches in the Pool Classroom Building on Monday, Oct. 23. Photo by Renzo Arnazzi
El Camino College 5 Southwestern College 9, El Camino College 7 The team’s final regular season game is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Mt. San Antonio, as they aim to conclude the season on a high note before the upcoming
championship tournaments. The South Coast Conference Championships begin on Nov. 2, with game locations, times and opponents yet to be determined as the regular season draws to a close and records are finalized by next week.