Issue 5, Oct. 13, 2011

Serving the campus community since 1946

Thursday, October 13, 2011

El Camino College

Union

Students learn dance steps

Are pets more than just companions?

Page 3 Torrance, Calif.

Dream Act to help those students in need of aid Andrew Lim News Editor

Mexican-born Jesus Gonzalez, 20, architecture major, came to the U.S. as a sophomore in high school.

After graduating from high school, he needed to work full time to have the opportunity for more education.

Working more than 40 hours a week while taking 15 units a semester took a toll on his body, causing him to lose a lot of sleep.

Last Saturday, he breathed a sigh of relief when he found out the Dream Act was signed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

“I was surprised and excited, so I don’t have to work as much as I have been,” Gonzalez said.

“Financial aid is going to be the reason why I’m going to still be in school.”

The Dream Act, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2013, will allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition as well as have opportunities to get Cal grants and different private scholarships.

According to the official

AB540 website, AB540 students, or undocumented students, are students who have attended a California high school for three years, have graduated from a California high school, and have the intent to apply for U.S. residency.

“I’m very proud of Califor-

“Financial aid is going to be the reason why I’m going to still be in school.”

—Jesus Gonzalez, 20, architecture major nia because (these) students are being hit the most with tuition increases,” René Lozano, adviser of the AB540 Club Dreamers, said.

“We need to invest in our future students,” he added.

Hortense Cooper, director of financial aid and scholarships, said the Dream Act will cost roughly $23 million to $40 million annually.

She added that more than

2,500 undocumented students will be affected by the Dream Act. “This is huge for California,” Sue Oda-Omori, Transfer Center Coordinator, said. “It’s going to help students who want to pursue higher degrees. There will be more of an educated population here. It’s going to help California as a whole.”

Some controversy has started stirring as some students on campus do not like the Dream Act. “I don’t have anything against illegal immigrants, but I feel like those opportunities should be reserved for citizens,” Nathan Breman, 17, psychology major, said.

However, Michelle Arthur, enrollment services director, said that although this law will open the door to more people to get financial aid, it will not affect those who already receive aid.

“It seems like a great opportunity for students who are here due to no fault of their own,” Arthur said. “It will help the academically talented to continue their education.

EC prepares for ShakeOut Aryn Hicks Staff Writer

Sylwia M. Ozdzynski/Union Jasmine Hormati, 19, biology major, and her dance partner get better acquainted with each other as they learn new steps in the social and ballroom dance class which is offered on campus every Friday.

The big earthquake is on its way.

According to the Sciencedaily website, California has more than a 99 percent chance of having a magnitude 6.7 or larger earthquake within the next 30 years, which is about the size of the earthquake that hit Haiti last year.

In addition, more than 220,000 people died with about 1.5 million people becoming homeless in Haiti.

To prepare for this big earthquake, EC will be participating in The Great California ShakeOut next Thursday.

The Great California ShakeOut is a statewide earthquake drill that will inform the public about being prepared for an earthquake. According to The Great California ShakeOut website, it is the largest earthquake drill ever. “(At 10:20 a.m) Sirens will go off and everyone is to duck, cover and hold on,” Rocky Bonura, director of safety and health, said.

When the “shaking stops” students will be escorted out by a emergency building leader that will take them to a safety zone. When the safety

leaders declare the buildings are safe, students will be allowed back into the building, Bonura said.

Last year, 7.9 million Californians participated in this event, according to the official California ShakeOut website.

EC has been participating in the ShakeOut for the last three years, Bonura said.

According to the Shakeout website, the goal of this drill is to practice how to protect not only ourselves, but our family, friends and coworkers; its goal also is for everyone to be prepared and to prevent disasters from being catastrophes.

“It is always better to be prepared than to have chaos,” Jill Diaz, 22, nursing major, said.

For those EC students who are not prepared for an earthquake, Bonura suggest to get under something sturdy.

Although Bonura feels confident that students know what to do, some students disagree.

“I don’t think I am prepared, I will probably panic,” Julie Gonzalez, 21, sociology major, said.

For more information, interested people can visit the Great California ShakeOut website for tips on earthquake preparedness.

“Students should plan ahead and not wait until it happens,” William Lagos, 19, math major, said.

Career and Majors Fair to bring awareness about different fields DeAnna Calloway Staff Writer

Students who are looking for direction have the opportunity to do some window shopping for different careers and fields next week.

The Career and Majors Fair will take place Wednesdy from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Schauerman Library lawn to expose students to jobs as well as give them insight into a variety of majors.

“This will be a one-stop shop for students because there will be employers looking for student workers and students can learn about different majors and talk to counselors about their majors,” Van Nguyen, adjunct counselor

NEWS LINE –Jorge Camarillo

and career adviser, said.

The Career and Majors Fair will benefit students because it will provide students with an opportunity to network with people, Nguyen said.

Many companies are going to be here including the FBI, the Los Angeles Unified School District, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, the California Department of Transportation, Apple Inc., CBS Radio and Victoria’s Secret.

“We’ve combined the intern and career expo due to budget and staffing, therefore making it different from the others we’ve had, and also this will include employers offering seasonal jobs,” Nguyen said.

Students do not have to register beforehand. It is open to alumni as well as the community, and more information is posted on the EC website.

“We highly recommend that stu-

dents bring their resumes, dress professionally and be prepared to be interviewed,” Nguyen said. “If students don’t know how to form a resume, there

are templates online they can use and there’s also a link on the EC website under counseling.”

The purpose of the fair is to provide students with an opportunity to work in their field and find out what they are interested in Nguyen said.

“I’m a philosophy major and I already have a job, so I’m set. But I think that the fair does help students. It’s just sad that we don’t hear too much about them,” Kenneth Garrett, 20, philosophy major, said.

While some students found the fair to be beneficial, others did not know about the fair and thought there should

be more publicity about the fair.

“I think that students benefit more if we had more guest speakers on campus for our majors,” Giovan Serrano, 18, criminal justice major, said. “But the fairs need to have more promotion. It’s cool that they have these fairs though.”

Nguyen said that EC is encouraging students to go to the fair to gain a direction on which field to go to.

“A lot of students are not aware of the programs that EC has to offer, so we encourage students to attend and get an idea of who will hire them. Any opportunity to network and meet people is a start,” Nguyen said. “Even though there are restraints on the budget, we still offer great resources for students.”

Today is the last day to donate blood

Cal Poly Pomona will host a tour for students

Arizona State University will be on campus

UC Irvine will be hosting a campus tour for students

Today is the last day to donate blood at the Blood Mobile from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Activities Center East Lounge. The drive is sponsored by the Inter-Club Council and will benefit the American Red Cross.

There will be a Cal Poly Pomona tour from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow.

Interested students who want to sign up or want more information, may contact the Transfer Center, 310-6603593, ext. 3408.

There will be an Arizona State University workshop from 11 a..m. to 12 p.m on Oct. 20. Interested students, who want to sign up may contact the Transfer Center, 310-6603593, ext. 3408.

There will be a UC Irvine campus tour from 8 a..m. to 3 p.m on Oct. 21.

Interested students, who want to sign up or want more information, may contact the Transfer Center, 310-6603593, ext. 3408.

2

NEWS

POLICE BEAT

October 13, 2011 / El Camino College Union

Rise in gas prices to help with education Ashley Marie Patterson Co-Opinion Editor

Unlicensed driver pulled over by officers Oct. 6 10:53 a.m.—Officers pulled over a car driving along Manhattan Beach Boulevard.

The driver didn’t have a license. The driver was given a citation for driving without a license and the vehicle was towed for 30 days.

Two students were involved in a collision Oct. 5, 10:30 a.m.—Officers reported to Lot H concerning a traffic collision. A male student backed out and collided into the rear of another vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle exited, but had no license or insurance. The two students exchanged information and the male student agreed to pay for damages.

1994 Honda gets stolen from Parking lot L Oct. 4, 9:40 p.m.— Officers spoke to a female student who said she had her 1994 Honda stolen from Parking Lot L. She parked it at 6:30 p.m. and returned to the lot at 9:15 p.m to find the vehicle missing.

A stolen vehicle report was completed and filed.

—Andrew Lim

At first glance, increasing oil prices might seem like a bad idea.

However, with initiative measure 1481, which would implement a 15 percent tax increase on gas in California, a large chunk of that would go towards education funding including community colleges.

“We introduced the measure in May,” Peter Mathews, state coordinator of Rescue Education California, said. “There are 27 states in the U.S. that have this tax.

Alaska, for example, has this tax and each resident gets a rebate check. We are going by the Texas state model, that would give the tax money strictly towards education,” he added.

The tax would fund 48 percent to community colleges, 11 percent to California state universities, and 11 percent to University of California.

Mathews said that community colleges

would receive about $1.5 billion while the Cal states and the UC’s would receive $350 million.

According to the Rescue Education California website, more than $3 billion would be raised due to California being one of the largest producers of oil in the nation.

However, the signature count to try to implement this measure, fell short of the required 504,760 by the Sept. 30 deadline.

But, Mathews added that he already had a second plan and a revised measure.

“We already have the revised measure written,” he said. “That way, we have more time to get signatures, to get the proper funding and endorsements we need, so it would be ready by the next election ballot.”

Mathews added that he has gotten an encouraging response from the students and the education system, but not from the oil companies.

“The students are very supportive,” he

said. “We are already endorsed by the Cal State Universities Student Association and the University of California Student Association. The Community Colleges Association donated about seven thousand dollars to print the initiative.

“The head of the Western States Petroleum Association, Anita Mangels, said that the initiative would raise gas prices and jobs would be lost. However, that does not make any sense because would be funding education to the point that more jobs would be available,” he added.

Michael Winter, automotive major, said that any type of extra revenue would benefit the educational system. However, he added that he was concerned about gas prices increasing. Christian Ortiz, criminal justice major, also thought that this measure might cause a lot of controversy.

“If this will help us not lose classes and sections, then I’m for it,” Ortiz said. “But gas is too expensive to go up in price even more.”

The division of the tax among education is a smart way to help out all education all around, Winter added, but as long as it does not hurt the wallets of individuals.

Randy Firestone, social science professor, is an avid supporter of the measure, stating that he collected 282 signatures from his students.

“Although we did not get a lot of signatures here, we are hoping that the second time around we will be able to promote more on campus and gain the signatures we need,” Firestone said.

Firestone also said students can help out any way possible.

“We always need the support of the students. The students are the ones we are here for,” Firestone said.

“They can set up tables, pass out fliers, collect signatures from students on campus. We have already begun to promote the revised initiative, and our new plan that begins with gaining the support of the teachers unions,” he added.

New Reading Success Center open to students Natalie Sripongkosol Staff Writer

44 million adults in the U.S. can’t read well enough to read a simple story to a child, according to The Literacy Company website which helps people with obtaining reading skills.

The new Reading Success Center has been implemented on EC to help people with homework as well as to reinforce students with reading skills.

Students like Quadre Singletary, 18, photography major, are utilizing the new Reading Success Center to help them with their homework needs.

“It’s my first year in college, so coming here’s very helpful,” Singletary major, said. “I’m in

here every morning, since the first day of school.”

The center, which first opened its doors in the Schauerman Library East Basement at the beginning of this semester, celebrated with an open house last Tuesday.

“The reading faculty saw a definite need for this service,” Sheryl Kunisaki, Reading Success Center Coordinator and ESL instructor, said.

“We have a great Writing Center, but we found that a lot of students could use a little bit of extra help reading before the writing,” she added.

Funding for the Reading Success Center came from the federal Title V Graduation Initiative Project grant.

The grant was awarded to EC as part of the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program.

But Kunisaki said that the free drop-in tutoring, available at the center from 9 a.m. to 2

p.m. Monday through Thursday, is aimed at serving a diverse array of students and in any class for which they need reading assistance.

“It doesn’t have to be a reading class—somebody might come here with a history book— we help students implement strategies for textbook reading,” Kunisaki said.

Students of all reading levels, not just those with introductory reading skills, are also encouraged to utilize the Reading Success Center, tutor Amanda Edwards said.

“It can really help anyone,” Edwards said. “It’s for good readers who want to read better.”

Jaxon Smith, 20, general studies major, who plans to trans-

fer to UCLA as a Spanish-Portuguese major, said he will use the center to “help with evaluating Mark Twain’s ‘Pudd’nhead Wilson’, to write a good essay,” for his English 1C class.

In addition to tutoring, the Reading Success Center offers instruction on use of supplemental software like Total Reader, which aids in reading comprehension, as well as Ultimate Speed Reader, which improves reading speed.

“What’s nice about having a reading center is, so often the skill of reading text and evaluating it at a college level is kind of overlooked because, really, there’s so much to teach and learn in just one writing class,” Edwards said.

October 13, 2011 / El Camino College Union

FEATURES 3

pets are positive for people Tayani Davis Staff Writer

Talent shows, nail polish and dress up aren’t just for children anymore. Dressing a pet seems to be a continuing fashion trend, one that started with Paris Hilton’s mini Chihuahua in her small Channel purse, and has spawned into trendy dog boutiques and organic bakeries meant just for dogs.

Many students and professors believe treating your pet like it’s part of the family is what you’re supposed to do, and dressing it up or taking it to lunch is nothing unusual. A pet can be the perfect companion, and some believe they deserve nothing less.

“Dressing up a pet is just adding a personal touch. It’s showing you care for them,” Tracey Romero, 20, biology major, said. “I personally own two birds and I used to own a cat. With my cat, I always dressed him up just to keep him warm. I know he was a house cat, but it was cute to watch him strut around in his little sweater.”

According to a new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, pets offer the same emotional benefits as human friendships.

Miami University administered a questionnaire to 217 people and found that participants with pets, particularly dogs, had an “increased sense of belonging, self-esteem and a meaningful existence.”

The work implies people perceive their pets as being able to fulfill social needs.

Researchers then had students write about their pets and reported that writing about their pets was as

therapeutic as writing about their friends.

“After my grandma died, all I had left was my two cats,” Nicole Johnson, 18, nursing major, said.

“I felt like my cats filled that empty void in my life and these were my grandmothers cats, which made them even more special.”

Jeanne Bellemin, zoology professor, said she also believes that pets can build responsibility for students. She said that not only do students build a strong emotional connection with their pets, they also have to learn how to take care of them.

“Having pets, like a dog, is a precursor to having kids,” Bellemin said. “Life is so full of responsibilities as you get older and having a pet can allow students to appreciate that that’s just how life is.”

The biology department has its own pets that live on campus, and Bellemin said, students had the chance to name many of the animals.

“We have a corn snake and tortoises that are endangered,” Bellemin said. “We put a piece of paper outside of their cages and had a contest to decide their names. A lot of students gave their suggestions and took interest in it and I think that’s indicative to how people really feel about their pets.”

Some students like to keep their pets by their side and Nina Pennington, 19, zoology major, said it helps to make her feel complete.

“My friends think I’m crazy because I literally take my dog everywhere,” Pennington said. “Rust is his name because he has brown and black spots that

reminded us of rust spots on a drain pipe. It’s kind of funny every time I think about why we named him that, but I can’t see myself without him.”

However, some students believe placing your pet in shows and dressing a pet like it’s a real person is just too much.

“The dog is not an accessory and will not get a lot of exercise if it’s in a purse or something,” Caitlyn Davis, 19, liberal arts major, said.

She loves all three of her dogs, but she said she believes that dressing animals up is just taking it a little too far.

“I own three dogs, a Chihuahua, Cockapoo and an American Eskimo,” Davis said. “I think dogs are definitely a part of the family but you don’t want to spoil the dog.”

Many students choose to rescue their animals. Joleen McCellan, animal science major, said she has a dog and a cat, but the animals she rescued are near and dear to her because they add a special touch.

Eric Sanders, 20, accounting major, owns a bearded dragon named Spike.

He said owning an exotic pet takes patience since it won’t necessarily

play like a dog, but that’s it’s just as good to watch it in its natural habitat.

“He sleeps on this really big branch in his cage and it’s so cool,” Sanders said. “It definitely lifts my spirits to see him. I admit it, I stand in front of the tank and talk to him and feed him crickets.”

Regardless of what type of animal a student or instructor owns, or whether they decide to dress them up or not, most pet owners love their animals.

“When you care about pets, you care about the environment and pets give people so much love,” Bellemin said. “I think pets and people go together.”

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

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

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

4 EDITORIALS

October 13, 2011 / El Camino College Union

Dream Act creates financial aid concerns Having the ability to attend college is only but a dream for some people.

However with the newly signed Dream Act by Gov. Jerry Brown this past Saturday, it is now going to be easier for students who are non-citizens to obtain financial aid to further their education.

The reason that some people don’t agree with the Dream Act passing is because they don’t feel that it is right for students who are citizens to not receive funding while those who are undocumented, do.

In this day in age were an education is extremely important to one’s success, non-citizen students who has been attending school all their lives should be able to receive funding and grants to further their education.

If not, what is to become of them if they do not further their education? Who are we or anyone to say that someone cannot go to college and cannot get help for an education?

It has been said that undocumented students who will be qualifying for financial aid will have to work just as hard as a citizen student and to study and learn about the U.S. government.

Now, let’s be clear.

How many students born and raised in the U.S. would actually know anything about the U.S. government?

Exactly. Not that many.

Just because non-citizen students will be receiving financial aid, does not mean

The issue:

The Dream Act grants scholarships and federal student aid to illegal, non-citizen students.

Our stand:

Federal aid should be available for everyone, citizens or not.

that it will affect students who currently receive any funding.

This will not take away from anyone at all. So if that is what is worrying some students, have no fear. One won’t be losing anything.

In the end, the State of California will be more educated, the President of the United States as well as past presidents keep stating in speeches that education is important. It is, no one is arguing that, but let’s start showing it.

While it is tough for students who were born in the U.S. to receive financial aid due to the fact that either their parent’s or themselves make too much money, some students do receive fee waivers.

Fee waivers are in no way grants, but they waive fees that a student has, for example parking permits and class dues.

We are in a time where we strive for the equality of all people, after all we are supposed to be the land of the free.

—See related article on Page 1

Illustration by MariaCristina Gonzalez

Students should be better prepared for earthquakes There are more ways to be well-prepared for an earthquake than ducking for cover.

Drop, cover and hold on!

Living in California, one never knows when the next earthquake can strike.

That is why it is very important to be well-prepared and know what to do.

As most students know, EC always participates in the yearly ShakeOut. However, many think that their isn’t as much to do in order to be well prepared.

But really? Is that all we need in order to be safe? Will a little desk help save the lives?

But while many know what to do, or at least think what do, does anyone really know how to be well prepared?

So far, we have been fortunate enough to not have a

catastrohic earthquake like other countries have.

The best thing one can do is learn from these past unfortunate earthquakes and be well-equiped and ready.

The first thing one does after an earthquake is evacuate and go outside. Stay away from buildings. But what if you are in a moving vehicle?

The educational site for budding seismologists says that “If you’re in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops.”

One should also stay away from trees and anything that can possibly hit one’s vehicle.

However, there are more tips that one can use.

According to the Earthquake and Education Resources website, one of their tips is to mark everything that you can in order to avoid it during an earthquake.

The biggest mistake that people do is that they go underneath tables to take cover when they are not even aware if what they are under is any safe.

Also, students and people in general, should be well-

prepared and have a safety kit.

Also, many times earthquakes happen at night. They are very unpredictable, we all know that.

But don’t use matches, candles, or any kind of flames.

One never knows when their is any broken lines or gas leakes. It is also very smart for Californian’s to carry around first-aid kits.

Anything from band-aids, sanatizer, water, tape, food like granola bars and food that has long shelf life and gauzes should be carried in a small pouch.

Don’t forget about your pets. One should always have pet-friendly carriers and have food and water for their pets as well.

The truth is that while many people can read and know how to prepare for an earthquake, many still won’t. There is no excuse for not being prepared. When and if the time comes, everyone should be well-equipped because we never know how big or small it can be.

—See related article on Page 1

Raising awareness for HIV and AIDS Facebook is not as safe as it may seem My name is Mary L. Kretzmar, and I have worked at EC for the Special Resource Center since 1993, as a supporter for students pursuing their majors. I am also a note taker.

The information I document from the instructors lecture helps assist students in achieving their goal of passing their class. This brings them closer to their degree. I feel I am an important link in a student’s educational chain.

I have always enjoyed having a job where I support others. This is why I am participating in the AIDS Walk Los Angeles, organized by AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA).

In the same year I began working for EC, a dear friend of mine had been diagnosed with HIV. HIV is a disease that attacks your immune system, causing the body to no longer be able to fight off illnesses. My friend died of complications on Jan. 14, 1995. She left her legacy in the form of her children. HIV can be transmitted from one person to another by infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids breast milk, and pre-ejaculate fluid.

Even today, when so much more is known about HIV andAIDS, we choose not to be informed. AIDS is the 4th of the HIV disease progression. People should understand the seriousness of this disease that is forgotten by many. You or a family member can be attacked by this disease.

This can happen from ignorance (which is a poor excuse)! Students should be more educated when it comes to the subject of HIV/AIDS and the horrible effects they cause.

El Camino College

Union Vol. 65, No. 05 October 13, 2011

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

CAMPUS INSIGHT

Ignorance is a choice. Students can choose to be informed, or not. I think we should arm ourselves with knowledge. Through technology, and the Internet, we can learn so much more about how to prevent this disease from spreadMary Kretzmar ing. Go to APLA.org and Special Resource Center, Note Taker get the facts, along with knowing the services that APLA provides. Students can participate in educating the public about HIV and AIDS by visiting www.AidsWalk.net. (The next AIDS walk is Sunday).

The Health Center has helpful workshops, services, and handouts/flyers about various diseases, including HIV and AIDS. HIV and AIDS are incurable. The best thing we can do is stay educated and support those who have lost loved ones from the disease.

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

This column is available to students and faculty. All articles may be submitted to Eccunion@gmail.com.

Please note that articles may be edited for content and length.

Facebook was once a social network to host photos, keep close contact with friends and family, while staying private to the cyber public. Now, this has changed.

When signing onto Facebook, there are a few new features that may be confusing.

There a sidebar that updates every minute with user’s names and icons showing what they posted on their wall or other users’ walls.

There is also a new feature called ‘lists’ where users can categorize friends and family into groups. This is useful for group announcements and invites.

Now, status updates are tagged with locations; users will know in what city and state that status was updated. This feature can be turned off because it invades privacy.

Why should people have to know where you are every single time you post a status?

Another feature, that resembles that of Twitter, is the subscription feature. Users can ‘follow’ others pages like an online blog to keep with daily posts, if they are not friends.

Facebook has privacy settings but do they work? In order to be completely private on Facebook, users have the option to block others.

However, the privacy settings lack control because non-friends can still see what other users have posted through other’s pages. There is a lack of barrier.

Online safety is very important and promoted internationally. Unfortunately, Facebook is a contradiction, mapping out everyone’s lives online for anyone to view. It’s not safe at all.

In addition to the new sidebar and features, the pictures in the status feed are bigger than what they were before and of lower quality. Because they are so

Editor-in-Chief...............................................Viridiana Vaca-Rios Managing Editor..................................................Samantha Troisi News Editor................................................ ..............Andrew Lim Co-Opinion Editor.................................................Eman Elshiyab Co-Opinion Editor....................................Ashley Marie Patterson Features Editor.....................................................Samantha Troisi Arts Editor...............................................................Ashley Curtin Sports Editor...............................................................Matt Simon Photo Editor............................................... Sylwia M. Ozdzynski Co-Online Editor-in-Chief........................................Andrew Lim Co-Online Editor-in-Chief..................................Samantha Troisi Lab Tech..................................................MariaCristina Gonzalez Advertising Manager..........................................Stephanie Alcorn Adviser................................................................Lori Medigovich Adviser...............................................................Kate McLaughlin

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

COMMENTARY large, the pictures become discolored, stretched and awkward.

It is understandable that Facebook is also competing with many other social networks but Facebook is too open. It’s an acTayani Davis cident waiting to happen. FaceStaff Writer book’s lack of privacy can lead to cyberbullying, online predators and attackers. It is not kid-safe.

According to an article posted on the Los Angeles Times website, on March 24, 2010, Alexis Pilkington, 17, a high school student from Suffolk County, N.Y., received harassing messages and wall posts on her Facebook page. These messages caused her to commit suicide because she was emotionally battered by other students on Facebook.

This is a type of problem Facebook users face when using the updated version. Less privacy and loopholes in the security settings can open the gateway to cyberbullying, harassment, and predators.

The L.A. Times stresses the importance of understanding technology and the websites that are used frequently by their children and students.

The new Facebook is like an open yellow pages lying on the side of a street corner where anyone can access it.

Privacy on Facebook was once at the hands of the individual. Now, privacy is a matter that the Web decides.

Sign-up on Facebook and kiss privacy goodbye!

The Union is published Thursdays by Journalism 11 students at El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90506, and is free to the student body and staff.

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

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

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OPINION

October 13, 2011 / El Camino College Union

UP FOR DEBATE

Are pet owners going too far with their pets?

Pets don’t need to be pampered so much.

Andrew Lim News Editor

A 52-carat $1.8 million dog collar…. enough said. These days, pet owners are starting to get ridiculous with merchandise for their pets.

They purchase almost everything for them, whether it is a mink fur coat for a dog that costs $725 or a Hello Kitty crystal doghouse that costs $31,660.

According to the International Pet Product News website, pet industry spending topped $48 billion in 2010, increasing from $45.53 billion in 2009.

Even with the rising prices in gas and the economy being anything but exceptional, it hasn’t seemed to stop pet owners from purchasing for their pets.

Maybe this is one of the reasons why we can’t get out of the recession that has plagued for us for the past couple of years; Americans are spending too much on their pets.

Unfortunately, clothes and jewelry are not the only things that the owners have spent a lot of money on.

There is also food that seems to be sold at outrageous prices, some of it claiming to be gourmet and organic; some of it is even more expensive than food we humans eat.

Like a pan-seared duck with brown rice. Or roasted turkey with squash, potatoes and salmon.

That almost resembles a menu fit for a human being, except it’s not. It’s food items that dogs actually eat.

What happened to the days of just feeding dogs, regular dog food like normal dog biscuits and other dog treats? It’s not like their pets are going to love their owners any less if they do feed them regular food.

Aside from the jewelry and food, some owners have even had some lavish parties for their pets.

According to the International Pet Product News website, 9 percent of dog owners and 4 percent of cat owners have had a holiday or birthday party for their pets.

In recent days, parties have been much more common for pets, resulting in a lot of websites, including, www.petbirthdayparty.com which helps the pet owners with

Every pet deserves some appreciation.

Viridiana Vaca-Rios Editor-in-Chief

getting party supplies and apparel.

It is understood that people want pets so that they can have a companion. And owners want to make sure that pets don’t get stressed out.

However, there is no need to go over the top by purchasing all these luxuries for the pets. They will still equally love their owners. Just allow pets to be pets and let them live!

Pets are an important part of some people’s lives. Dogs are known to be a man’s best friend. They are loyal to their owners, guard their home, let them know when there is danger near or when something isn’t right.

And it is only appropriate to spoil and show them the appreciation that they deserve. Even if it means lavishing them with fancy clothes and boots for their

little paws. While some people think that “dressing” a pet is enough with a simple collar, other owners like to step it up a notch and turn it into an entire ensemble.

Who wouldn’t mind a dapper- looking pet?

Nowadays, there are services for owners to take their pets, from dog hotels, to cat day spas, cats and dogs can indulge in a pawdecure any day of the week.

According to the WebMD website, research has shown that people living with pets provide certain health benefits, such as low blood pressure and decrease anxiety.

So while pets give comfort and company to their owners, why not allow the owner to give to their pets as well? Some people say that dressing animals up in costumes or clothes is unnecessary.

But many pet owners see their pets as a part of their family. So why would anyone allow their dog, a member of the family, to roam around without any clothes? One wouldn’t let a family member run around naked, would they? Although some argue that it isn’t the same, who is to say? It all depends on the person. And for those people who say that dogs don’t like to be dressed, how would they know?

Another argument is that owners take it too far with their pet’s fashion. However, a simple sweater or a raincoat is all right.

When a dog or cat cannot walk because of all the accessories that it is carrying on them, that is a different story.

Other people see dogs as their children. For whatever reason, some couples don’t have any children, they use the same love to care for their pets.

If a pet is abused, it gets a lot of negative attention from people and no one is arguing that it shouldn’t. But if an owner is spoiling a pet with clothes and fancy purses to be carried around in, than it also shouldn’t be argued about.

Instead of being concerned with how owners decide to dress their pets, one should be concerned with the amount of pets that are abused each day.

Because in the end, it is always better to have a pet extremely loved rather than neglected.

5

CAMPUS CORNER

Laura Welsh Adviser Writing Club Laura Welsh is the adviser of the writing club. With 33 active members, the club meets in the Humanities Building, Room 307 every other Tuesday from 1 to 1:50 p.m.

Who is the president?

We don’t really have a president or a vice president.

There are four students who are basically in control. Their names are Khloe Gross, Julia Fleming, Michael Trinidid and Gabriel Villareal.

Why have you chosen to be the adviser for the writing club?

Because they asked me to and I could not let them down. A lot of the members were in my English 1B course.

How does the club contribute to the campus and the community?

There are a lot of creative students and this club is an outlet for them. It is a place where they can share their interests and ideas.

When was the writing club founded?

I believe this is the first year EC has a writing club.

Does the writing club have any upcoming events?

Yes. Most of the members are taking part in a writing competition. They are asked to write an entire novel in one month.

What are the requirements to join the club?

Students must have interest in creative writing and be ready to come up with all sorts of different writing activities.

Illustration by Diane Vay

Cancer is a serious issue, better not to avoid it I was 6 years old when I first heard the word cancer.

I was devastated when I learned it had taken the life of my grandmother. Whom I never got the chance to meet.

Fourteen years later, people are still dying all around me because of cancer.

I believe students our age think because we are young and somewhat fit that we aren’t capable of having cancer.

I am sure most of us may have realized from the overabundance of pink products lining store shelves recently that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The goal of all of those pink products is for three reasons: to raise awareness about breast cancer, to encourage women to get tested for it and to raise much needed funds for breast cancer research.

So is it working? Fortunately, the answer is yes. Studies show that more women get screened for breast cancer in October and November than at any other time of the year.

Maybe it’s just the first opportunity that women have to make a doctor’s appointment once their children go back to school. Maybe it’s due to a desire to get health issues taken care of before the start of the New Year. Or maybe it’s all of those pink ribbons staring back at them from their cans of soup and boxes of pasta. Whether it is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month or not, young

female students should constantly be aware and realize it is a common and serious disease to have.

Yes, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS) 77 percent of breast cancer patients are 65 years and older. However, did you know the disease often strikes children and younger adults as well? Imagine how isolating the experience would be Eman Elshiyab for a young woman, since it is not Co-Opinion Editor common.

A friend of my family was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 21. She said none of her friends had gone through what she had and how recurrence is a real concern.

A recent study showed that young breast cancer patients are likely to experience post cancer worry, in part because they are likely to have fewer peers with serious illness and find cancer more stressful.

Did you know that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women? I would encourage women to start getting regular examinations starting at a young age. According to the lifescript website an early detection through

COLUMN

CAMPUS VIEWPOINTS

regular examinations is crucial.

It also mentions that women should begin doing monthly self-exams at age 20 and ask their doctors to do clinical exams at least every three years. By age 40, women should have annual mammograms and breast exams by a physician, in addition to monthly self-exams.

Although breast cancer might not be prevented, early detection and prompt treatment can significantly increase a woman’s chances of surviving breast cancer. According to the ACS, more than 90 percent of women whose breast cancer is found at an early stage will survive.

When women learn at a young age about the risks and benefits of detecting breast cancer early, they are more likely to follow the recommendations regarding clinical exams and mammograms.

Young women also need to understand their risk factors and be able to discuss breast health with their health care providers.

We should remember how lucky we are to be part of a generation where there is support all around us whether it is emotionally, medically, or financially.

Hopefully, one day all those pink ribbon labels and pink coffee cups become something of the past. But in the meantime, don’t forget to get yourself in to the doctor for a screening.

What goes on in the club meetings?

Every meeting all the members come up with a writing activity and start writing a story. Everyone helps out by saying a line or two.

What kind of members join your club?

A lot of enthusiastic students who are extremely creative with many writing ideas.

Most of them are English majors.

Why should students who enjoy writing join the club?

Students get constructive, supportive critique on current writing activities in a safe environment from a qualified adviser and from fellow group members, regardless of what type of genre the writing activity is.

—Eman Elshiyab

Are pet owners going too far with their pets?

By Diane Vay

Andrew Cuaron, 20, computer animation major

Lady Rios, 18, liberal studies major

Ben Yanuaria, 17, fitness major

Mulena Varnado, 20, sociology major

Jose Perez, 19, undecided major

Kei Nishimura, 22, business administration major

“Yes. I own two dogs that I treat as human beings but I don’t dress them up. There are boundaries in how we should treat our pets.”

“No. I don’t think that there is anything wrong with dressing up pets. I actually think that the clothes are pretty cute.”

“Yes. I think that it’s weird when I see pets get dressed up. Animals aren’t meant to be dressed up like dolls or people.”

“No. Some people don’t have children, so pets are a replacement. I think that it’s pretty cool when people dress their pets up.”

“Yes. I think animals should be free and have their own personal space. People who dress up their pets are just trying to show off.”

“No. I used to think it was ridiculous, but now I have my own pet and I think they look much cuter all dressed up in outfits.”

6 ARTS

October 13, 2011 / El Camino College Union

ON THE SCENE Theater

Student One-Act Plays at the Campus Theatre The Student One-Act Plays will debut tomorrow at 8 p.m. in the Campus Theatre. Directed and performed by students, a single act from four different plays will be performed through Saturday.

Tickets are $10. For more information, interested persons may call 800-832-ARTS. Music

International concert pianist performs at EC Di Wu, pianist, will make her Los Angeles recital debut tomorrow at 8 p.m. in the Marsee Auditorium where she will perform music from European composers Debussy, Ravel and Gounod-Liszt.

Tickets are $26. For more information, interested persons may call 800-832-ARTS. Film

Travel Cinema Series From its history of cannibalistic wartime rituals to becoming a tourist-friendly island nation, Fiji’s past and present are explored in the travel film, “The Real World of Fiji.” The film will be shown in Marsee Auditorium at 3 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. on Monday. Tickets are available for $7. For more information, interested persons may call 800-832-ARTS. —Natalie Sripongkosol

Vanessa Adams / Union

Directed by Genah Redding, 22, theatre major, the cast from “Portrait of a Madonna” rehearse their lines before the play’s debut in the Student One-Act Plays opening tomorrow.

Student One-Act Plays debut in Campus Theatre Sheila Broussard Staff Writer

A series of diverse plays will take stage tomorrow night in an evening made up of both student directors and performers.

The Student One-Act Plays presents four, one-act plays with the help of faculty advisers Ronald Scarlata, theatre professor and William Georges, associate theatre professor.

Opening tomorrow at 8 p.m. in the Campus Theatre, the play bill will be comprised of: “Small World,” written by Tracey Scott Wilson, directed by Marqueta Floyd, 23, theatre major; “Mike’s Case,” written by Christopher Schoggen, directed

by Michael Yarbro, theatre major; “Portrait Of A Madonna,” written by Tennesse Williams, directed by Genah Redding, 22, theatre major, and “The Right To Remain,” written by Melanie Marnich, directed by Briana Burnside, 21, theatre major.

Vanessa Adams / Union “We had fun putting the proSabrina Ibarra, Zachary Schell and Lorne Stevenson run ductions together,” Floyd said. through a scene from the play, “The Right to Remain.”

“Small World” is a com-

David Ward / Union

Performing as a baritone, Juan Daniel Lopez, 19, music major, harmonizes his voice in barbershop music.

Singer wins fourth place in Las Vegas Viridiana Vaca-Rios Editor-in-Chief

Walking onto the stage, he nervously looks at the faces of the people sitting in the audience in front of him. As he positions himself in the middle, the lights go off, making the room pitch black and leaving nothing but a single dim light reflecting on him. Waiting for his cue, he finds the confidence within and belts out a tune.

Juan Daniel Lopez, 19, music major, said that singing on stage as part of the 42nd Street cast, is one of his most memorable experiences.

“I was playing Julian Marsh, he sings at the very end so the director told me to sing in the dark and there was a single light on me. It was so cool that I was singing in the dark and at the end, the director told me to turn off the light and it was a very exhilarating moment for me,” he said.

Singing since age 13, Lopez said that it wasn’t until high school were he really began singing on stage, as he was part of the choir after meeting a

group of new friends.

Switching lunch tables, Lopez was introduced to a group of men who had one thing in common, singing.

After developing a strong interest in singing, Lopez became a part of a barbershop music group—an acappella style group—consisting of about 40 men who traveled to Las Vegas to perform in The Really Big Quartet Competition.

“We had only rehearsed two times, considering everyone in the group lived in different ar-

RISING

STAR

eas,” he said.

“We were pretty nervous, but we were confident in ourselves.

We were going up against these groups who had been around for a long time and we ended up winning fourth place.”

Lopez’s mentor, Noel White said that he is a “stand-up guy.”

“Juan Lopez has grown greatly as a singer,” White said.

Although Lopez loves to sing, there is one aspect of it that

he has a hard time getting used to, he said.

“I get nervous,” he said.

But Lopez will always remember the advice a classmate once gave him, “being nervous is a beautiful thing because it reminds you that you are alive and is also a reminder that we live for those moments.”

His music professor, Joanna Nachef, who has been working with Lopez for two years, said he is a solid singer who has a wonderful future ahead of him.

“He is one of the most diligent and disciplined students with great talent,” Nashef said.

“He has amazing focus.”

Although Lopez finds great excitement in winning as well as singing, he said he finds the most pleasure in creating and performing music.

“A lot of people can relate to the music that I create and most break into tears when I sing,” he said. “To have someone be so moved and who can directly relate to singing, is what inspires me.

“I can sing myself happy on any given day,” Lopez said. “I really enjoy it.”

edy about three couples going through the motions of dating but with the expectation of becoming serious with one another.

“Finding a cast who could share my vision was the hardest part of the production,” Floyd said.

In the next act, “Mike’s Case” is a story about a 16-yearold male who finds himself in an awkward position in life and is trying to understand what might be wrong.

“I wanted to choose a story that the students could relate to,” Yabro said.

“Portrait of a Madonna” is a story about a woman who is plagued by her past and has since lost touch with reality.

“Everything has come together really well,” Redding said.

In the final act, “The Right to Remain,” tells a story about a man who has betrayed his wife.

Tension consumes the entire family as they work through the problem.

Vanessa Adams / Union “Ron Scarlata has worked hard at making this happen for The cast of “Small World” receives direction from us,” Floyd said.

Ronald Scarlata, theatre professor, during rehearsals.

SPORTS

October 13, 2011 / El Camino College Union

ON DECK Women’s Volleyball Friday at 6 p.m. vs.

Pasadena City College Wednesday at 7 p.m. at L.A Trade Tech College Friday Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. vs.

Mt. San Antonio College

Football Tomorrow Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. vs College of The Canyons Saturday Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. at Cerritos

Women’s Water Polo Friday and Saturday at 7 a.m. at Citrus College (tournament) Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Los Angeles Trade Tech

Men’s Soccer Tomorrow at 2 p.m. at East L.A. College Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Long Beach City College

Women’s Water Polo Friday and Saturday at Citrus College Tournament Wednesday at 3 p.m. at L.A. Trade Tech College

Women’s Soccer Friday at 4 p.m. at East L.A. College Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Long Beach City College

—Shane Utton

7

Warriors sweep away Long Beach City Shane Utton Staff Writer

In the Warriors’ third conference game, they beat Long Beach City College for three straight victories with the scores 25-14, 25-23, and 25-19.

Coach Le Valley Pattison has been emphasizing passing the ball and it’s been working for the Warriors.

Setter Sarah McFadden has been playing well and has been the center of the Warriors offense.

“Sarah has done a fine job balancing the offense so far. She has really gotten every hitter involved,” Pattison said.

“This week should be much more of a challenge with Cerritos and Pasadena, Pattison said.

The first game was dictated by outside hitters Katie Childs, Lauren Edwards and middle blockers Tulia Barnes.

They all played well in the biggest win of the night against Long Beach, 2513.

“They’re a good team, they hit the open shots. I was telling everybody on the court that we have to fight, if they get momentum, they can come back and win,” Barnes said.

Game two was a nail-biter.

The crowd at Long Beach was loud and got the Long Beach team excited.

The Vikings started off up 7-3, but the Warriors fought back to make it 1717.

From that point there were four lead

changes, but the women fought back and played well down the stretch with strong play from libero Keely Stevenson and Mcfadden winning 25-23.

“We lacked communication and our passing was really off. We started to figure it out and play as team,” McFadden In game three, there was no looking back as the Warriors played with a different focus and determination.

This game was back and fourth in the beginning with three leads changes before the Warriors took control over the game after the score being tied up at 1111 and won 25-19.

Middle blocker Nigeria Owens and Kaityln Edwards played well for the Warriors.

“Nigeria and I at practice yesterday worked on hitting a bunch of balls and I think that helped on offence tonight and as a team we played well on defense,” Kaitlyn Edwards said.

Lauren Edwards had 14 kills and seven digs, Kaitlyn Edwards had 10 kills and three digs.

Following those two, Childs had seven kills and five digs, Owens had seven digs, two blocks and two digs, Stevenson had 16 digs, and Mcfadden had 51 assists.

The Warriors will look to continue winning when Pasadena City College comes to campus tomorrow at 6 p.m.

Jennifer Oh /Union Kaitlyn Edward goes for the kill against Long Beach City College. The Warriors swept LBCC, 3-0.

Men’s soccer team ties in cross-town match up against Seahawks Jorge Camarillo Staff Writer

The men’s soccer team hasn’t had many scoring opportunities this season, but last Friday Chris Marckstadt changed that for the Warriors.

On the team’s first scoring opportunity on Friday, Marckstadt scored on a header in the 18th minute to give EC a 1-0 lead over Los Angeles Harbor College.

“It was a pretty good goal, and it was a outside shot from Michael Tostada-Moreno, (midfielder). I scored on a header and I was at the right place at the right time,” Marckstadt, forward, said.

Marckstadt’s goal in the early going stands as EC most memorable play against the Seahawks.

“The goal from Chris Marckstadt, it

was a nice goal and a great header and it kept us in the lead for 75 minutes of the game,” assistant coach Ever Morotoya said.

It wasn’t enough as the Warriors gave up the tying goal to Akwafei Ajeakwa of the Seahawks in the 79th minute, as EC settled for a 1-1 tie on the road on Friday.

“Obviously, Chris scoring the goal, (defender) Ben Turnbull had a really good game, Tostada-Moreno, (midfielder), played real hard, the whole team played well for about 80 minutes of the game,” Morotoya said.

The Warriors will look to finish off their scoring chances and give themselves a chance to win more games.

“Trying to score more goals on offense and work on finishing we are creating a lot

of chances, but not finishing,” Morotoya said.

The Warriors played a good game and were more organized with their play on Friday against Harbor.

“We attacked more and we were more organized on defense and we created chances, when we went up and we were organized in the back and created more defense to create more offense,” Morotoya said.

The team had the lead for 79 minutes of the game, but gave up a goal late in the game which added another tie to its record.

“We did pretty well up until the 79th minute of the game, we stayed organized and knocked the ball around,” Morotoya said. “We allowed a silly goal and our defense broke down.”

Players said they thought they got off to a good start on Friday against the Seahawks, despite tying them 1-1.

“It was a close match. We need to get a little more physical to improve, but overall it wasn’t a bad outcome,” Ben Turnbull said.

The Warriors’ next game is tomorrow, when they travel to Monterey Park to take on East Los Angeles College at 2 p.m.

“We are going to ELAC and try and take it to them, play some offense over there and hopefully get a good result,” Morotoya said.

The Warriors will look to create more scoring opportunities and come away with a win against the Husky’s tomorrow.

“If we finish our chances and stay organized we will be good,” Morotoya said.

8 SPORTS

October 13, 2011 / El Camino College Union

Water polo teams sink in losses The men’s and women’s water polo teams lose in last week’s matches.

Matt Simon Sports Editor

Sylwia M. Ozdzynski /Union Warriors Itchel Guzman goes for a kick against Harbor College. The women’s soccer team ended up winning the game, 1-0 when the visited Los Angeles Harbor College last Friday.

Warriors beat Harbor College in 1-0 shutout Sergio Reynoso Staff Writer

Sylwia M. Ozdzynski/Union The Warriors Kiara Palma, #10, goes for the ball in last Friday’s game vs.

Harbor College. The Warriors won the game, 1-0, at L.A. Harbor College.

With a scorless game in the 59th minute, Itchel Guzman lined up for a free kick.

Guzman lined up the shot and took a deep breath.

She took her approach and kicked the ball right passed the goalie for the eventual game-winner.

“I tried not to think about the pressure because I knew it was a good chance for us,” Guzman said.

“I was watching the goalie most of the game and I knew if I just placed the free kick, I could score.”

Coming off a loss to Cerritos on Tuesday, 3-0, the Warriors (8-1-2) were determined to bounce back and get back to their winning ways.

“Tuesday was rough, but our coach Jaymie said it matters how you bounce back, and we did, center midfielder Becca Maier said. “We showed that not every team can be perfect, but we will never give up.”

The team was able to pick up the pace in the second half to get the victory.

“I believe we played really well, just missed

a lot of shots towards the goal, outside midfielder Vanessa Reid said. It was a great a great way to bounce back from a big loss Tuesday”.

“After the loss on Tuesday, we knew we had to work harder and get back on a good track,” Yennifer Baca said.

The Warriors looked to improve on some mistakes that they made on Tuesday.

“We were controlling most of the game, but we seemed slow however, we got most of our passes right,” Guzman said. “I think our defense is getting better and not making unnecessary fouls.”

The Warriors will get back to practice and continue to work on their game.

“Every game we grow and learn as a team,” Maier said. “I feel like we are a strong team, but we could have more communication, also work more on passing quicker and more effectively.”

The team will be looking to continue to dominate as it has done all season and get back to its winning ways.

“We just need to make sure that we get the ball in the back of the net,” Reid said.

The women’s water polo team lost three straight games after winning its first game in the Ventura Tournament.

The women’s team is still improving every week since and is still waiting for one of its best offensive threats.

At last week’s Ventura Tournament, the women were able to squeeze out a 8-6 victory against Santa Ana. In the match, leading-scorer for the team, Kirstie Wand, had two goals. Along with Wand, Ariel Carrillo, Alexandra Jett and Katlyn Vannieuwenhuyse all found the back of the net twice.

In the next matches the offense for the women’s team was nonexistent.

“Four out of the last five teams we played are ranked in the top 10 in the state,” Corey Stanbury, coach, said. “They are really good and some of the teams have really large and very strong players.”

In the team’s second match against Fullerton, it lost 16-3 and the team was outscored 7-1 in the second quarter.

In the third match, the team found itself in the same place as they lost 21-5 against Merced College.

However, in a match which had the Warriors finishing in fourth place, Stanbury found some bright spots during the tournament.

“Shanese Douglas was able to block two penalty shots which was outstanding, and Kirstie Wand created a lot of scoring opportunities,” Stanbury said. “Those two were constants throughout the weekend.”

For the men’s water polo team this season has been difficult.

In its recent match against Cerritos the men lost the match, 18-6.

The Warriors were outscored 8-1 in the first quarter which caused the team trouble.

“Cerritos was a lot faster and stronger than we were and that’s one of the reasons they are ranked in the top 10 in the state,” Stanbury said.

Despite the loss, Stephen Sorbom, goalie, had 12 saves. This was one of his highest totals for the entire season.

“We were able to do a pretty good job getting some extra men situations,” Stanbury said. “Sorbom and Alec Ortiz both had a really good game and were both outstanding out of the bunch.”

The team will be looking to change its luck at the Citrus Tournament this weekend.

Running back Alondra Johnson has been named Northern Conference player of the week Anthoni Alvira Union Correspondent

Alondra Johnson, was named Northern Conference Player of the Week due to his superior performance on Oct. 1 at Palomar.

Coach John Featherstone has proclaimed Johnson as the “silent leader” of the team.

“He’s a quiet guy and I like that,” John Featherstone, coach, said. “He leads by example and is really humble.”

Johnson had 23 carries, 169 yards and one touchdown for the Warriors on Saturday, including his 53 yard run that set up the game winning touchdown.

Johnson, sophomore, out of Chino Hills High School, has proven himself with the last game and his training season has never missed a practice.

Featherstone has more than enough confidence with his player’s ability. “Alondra is just a guy that has a great motor, never gets tired, never wants to get out of the game, there’s no question he’s a scholarship guy,” he said.

Johnson leads the team in rushing yards with a total of 322 yards and has a total of five touchdowns in five games.

The stress and pressure of the game may seem bad to others but Johnson disagrees.

“I love the pressure, it makes you feel alive.” Featherstone said that Johnson is not the biggest player out there, but his determination more than makes up for it, having never missed a practice and showing leadership through his actions.

“We have lifting sessions during the winter and summer sessions for the guys and Alondra didn’t miss a single day,”

Featherstone said. “That’s just the type of guy he is, he works hard and it shows on the field. He didn’t get many touches the beginning of the season, but as soon as he got going he just got better and better.”

His father, Alondra Johnson, was a professional football player in the Canadian Football League for 15 years after being an All-American for El Camino in 1985.

“I told him that if you just keep working hard and do what you need to do, you will never have to worry about someone being better than you,” the elder Johnson said. “He’s always done well in everything he does, even in school he does well in his classes.”

The younger Johnson is lucky enough to have his father on the field while he coaches the linebackers for the Warriors.

“It’s pretty cool to be out there with him, it was a little different, but it’s something most people can’t say they had the privilege to do,” Johnson’s father said.

“He’s a little incredible hulk out there,” Featherstone said.

The younger Johnson has been compared to Maurice Jones-Drew of the Jacksonville Jaguars by his father.

“He’s shifty and small like him and he can definitely catch the ball just as well as he does,” the elder Johnson said.

The younger Johnson will look to continue his season Saturday against College of The Canyons.

“I love football, I don’t feel I’m doing anything special, I’m just doing my job,” the younger Johnson said. “There’s nothing better than going out there and getting the job done.

I love to play.”

Sylwia M. Ozdzynski /Union Warriors Alondra Johnson, was named Northern Conference player of the week after rushing for 169 yards and one touchdown Oct. 1 against Palomar College. The Warriors won the game, 28-23.