Issue 7, Nov. 3, 2011

El Camino College

Serving the campus community since 1946

Union

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Dispute can lead to strike

Fingernails become a work of art in the cosmetology department Page 6

Torrance, Calif.

PrescriptioN Drugs can Kill

Elections to take place

Andrew Lim News Editor

Ashley Marie Patterson Staff Writer

By Thanksgiving Day, it is possible that all classes will come to a screeching halt.

As a contract dispute continues, because the faculty and the administrators are not able to find common ground, it might lead to a strike by the faculty.

“They’re asking us for everything,” Elizabeth Shadish, president of the Federation of Teachers that represents the faculty, said. “That’s not honest negotiations. They’re not saying that they can’t afford to pay but they’re still not paying us.”

It is anticipated that either tomorrow or Monday, a fact-finding report from a mediator will be released.

Then there will be a 10-day period where both sides can go over the report and talk about the proposals.

The report will remain confidential during the 10 days, Spencer Covert, chief negotiator of the administration, said. “(The two) parties will get back together and see whether the recommendations of the report will serve as bases for an agreement,” he said.

After the 10 days, if the two sides cannot come to an agreement, the strike is a possibility, which is the last resort, Shadish said.

There will be a vote among the general members of the Federation of Teachers whether to implement a strike or not.

“It’s just been an unfortunate reality,” Shadish said.

Some of the faculty members of the union can choose to not go on a strike, she added According to a recent Daily Breeze article, it was reported that of all the EC employees making more than $100,00 a year, 70 percent are faculty members.

However, Shadish said the faculty members do not make that much for the most part because they would have had to at least been a part of the faculty for 28 years.

“We’ve never been this far before (in the negotiatioin process),” Shadish said. “I’ve seen some contentious disagreements, but I’ve never seen us go this far.”

Members of the EC board of trustees are preparing for the election that will take place on Nov. 8.

The candidates are: William Beverly, governing board member and trustee of Area Three; Mary E. Combs, trustee of Area Two; and Kenneth Brown, trustee of Area One, and Wendy Doeh, a registered nurse from the Los Angeles area.

The board of trustees district is divided into five areas.

“The districts are divided according to the five high school districts as they existed when EC was built,” Beverly said. “Three of these areas are up for reelection.”

Beverly said the way of the districts that were built almost 50 years ago, are not valid anymore due to unequal representations.

For example, Torrance has a population of 150,000 with only one representative, in comparison to the 25,000 population of El Segundo with also one representative, Beverly said.

Beverly said he hopes to serve one more term so that he can address this problem of redistricting and solve it quickly.

Beverly also said that he wants to make sure that before he finishes his final term, that Compton Center has solid accreditation and becomes an independent district.

Brown, who represents the Inglewood and Ladera Heights district, said he also is looking forward to serving more terms on the board of trustees.

“I really want to change the atmosphere,” he said. “It has seemed to turn into such a sour atmosphere between the faculty and the administration because of the contract disputes. Once everything is finalized, I think there will be a healing time that we all need to get everything back on track.”

Combs and Brown are running uncontested, while Beverly is running against Doeh.

Doeh was not available for comment.

“I know that if I were not on the board, I would still place my vote for (Beverly),” Brown said. “He has been a student advocate. I am not concerned. If I see those two people on paper, I know for sure my vote is for him.”

Illustration by Vanessa Adams Viridiana Vaca-Rios Editor-in-Chief

Drug fatalities, which are claiming a life every 14 minutes, have outnumbered car fatalities in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

However, the drugs that are responsible for the rise in drug related deaths are not due to illegal drugs, but to prescription drugs.

The last place one would even think that an addict or someone looking to get high would be looking is in his or her own home.

But that is exactly where they are turning to, their own medicine cabinets.

“People think that just because they are taking a drug that is prescribed by a doctor, they think that it isn’t as bad as taking an illegal drug,” Debbie Conover, registered nurse and coordinator of the Health Center, said.

Even if a person is taking a pre-

scribed drug, the side effects can be greater especially if it isn’t one’s own prescription, she said.

According to a recent article on prescription drugs in the Los Angeles Times, in 2008, drug overdoses caused 36,450 deaths in the U.S. and one or more prescription drugs were involved in 20,044 of those deaths, CDC and Prevention researchers wrote in the journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

A little more than 10 years ago, only about 4,000 people were killed by overdosing on these drugs, according to the CDC. “Prescription drugs are given to a patient by their doctor,” Conover said. “That person can be of lower or heavier weight than the person abusing them. It is specifically prescribed to the patient, not for anyone else. If taken by anyone else, it can be very dangerous.”

Prescription drug quick facts Nearly half a million emergency department visits in 2009 were due to people abusing prescription painkillers.

Many more men than women die of overdoses.

Whites and American Indian or Alaska Natives are more likely to overdose on prescription painkillers.

In 2010, about 12 million Americans (age 12 or older) reported nonmedical use of prescription painkillers.

Please see ‘DRUGS’ PAGE 2

Students organize Occupy EC movement for more awareness Natalie Sripongkosol Staff Writer

Carrying signs stenciled with the slogan, “We are the 99 percent,” five students stood in protest between the Music and Art and Behavioral Sciences buildings Oct. 20.

They were shouting in unison, “We’re fired up! We can’t take no more!”

“It was relatively small but the message was powerful,” Robert DeWitz, 22, psychology and sign language major, said of the demonstration he’d organized the day before by word-of-mouth.

DeWitz said he is organizing the Occupy EC movement in solidarity with Occupy Los Angeles, because students need a forum in which to discuss the economic, social and political problems

NEWS LINE –Jorge Camarillo

that they face.

“The main focus of Occupy EC is education,” DeWitz said. “Those of us involved, believe that there are certain issues that we should be aware of.”

DeWitz said that the nationwide Occupy movement is trying to fight the disappearance of the middle class as economic turmoil forces people into the underclass.

“EC students are the future middle class,” he said. “But if we’re left in twice as much debt and with no jobs, the future of the middle class is kind of bleak.”

According to a 2010 report issued by the Federal Reserve, student loan debt had surpassed credit card debt in the U.S. and according to the Department of Education, the percentage of students defaulting on these loans is increasing.

re the We a nt! rce 99 pe

“Because of the bankruptcy of our political systems investing in the wrong places, we are not providing for our youth,” Alireza Ahmadpour, an associate professor of art and a member of the Objectives and Demands Committee for the Occupy L.A. movement, said.

DeWitz said that the attack on education, shown in budget cuts that have resulted in tuition hikes and section cuts at EC, is just one of the issues that the movement will address.

Through teach-ins, or open discussions involving guest speakers that will bring expertise to the topic while welcoming students to participate in the conversations, DeWitz said the movement will take shape.

Laurie Houske, political science professor, said that the success of Occupy EC will depend on, “students having

a high level of organization and clear goals.”

DeWitz said the strategy for organizing Occupy EC will be much like that of its L.A. counterpart, approaching issues using the diversity of skills and ideas brought to the movement by each of its participants.

DeWitz said he anticipates having about 20 fellow organizers involved within the next few weeks and plans to have a weekly meeting on campus, most likely set on Thursdays DeWitz said people can get involved with the movement and get more information by contacting him through the Occupy EC Facebook page.

“Occupy EC will give people the opportunity to be a part of the change,” DeWitz said. “To really have our voices heard.”

Inter-Club Council will host Spirit Week

UCLA will host a transfer conference for students

Students can get help with UC applications

Financial aid information is available for students

Homecoming Spirit Week club competitions will take place from noon to 2 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday on the library lawn. Go to the EC website for more information on the various ICC events.

There will be a UCLA Transfer Conference which will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at UCLA. For more information, interested students can contact the Transfer Center, 310-660-3593, ext. 3408

UC application workshop will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday at the Alondra Room.

For more information, go to www. universityofcalifornia.edu for tips on applying.

There will be a financial aid online workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Student Services Center Room 204-G. Students will learn how to complete the financial aid application online.

2

NEWS POLICE Skateboarding safety is an issue on campus BEAT

November 3, 2011 / El Camino College Union

Andrew Lim News Editor

Male cheerleader loses consciousness Oct. 26, 8:30 p.m.—While the cheerleading team was executing a maneuver, four cheerleaders threw a female up and when she came down, she struck one of the males in the chest, resulting in the male cheerleader passing out.

Paramedics were called and he was transported to a local hospital.

Officers find male lying down in Parking Lot H Oct. 25, 12:30 p.m.—Officers responded to a male who was at Parking Lot H. The male was lying down unconscious, but was breathing. Two empty bottles of alcohol were found next to him. Paramedics were called and he was transported to a local hospital.

Male student’s jaws lock in open position Oct. 25, 2:15 p.m.—Officers responded to a male student in the east lounge of the Student Activities Center. He was participating in the EC Honors Society Social when he was playing a game where he had to bite a doughnut off of a string. While he was playing, his jaws locked in the open position. Paramedics arrived and he was transported to a local hospital.

—Andrew Lim

Clunk!

Thud.

Swoosh!

Skateboarders are flying by on the concrete and doing tricks on the various ramps located on campus.

They make turns around the buildings and zoom past students like the skateboarders themselves are the only ones who exist.

“When I see them, (skateboarders), I ask them to watch out, and they don’t even act like I’m there. Or that I’m in a wheelchair, “said Tony Williams, 31, business and music major.

Students with disabilities, either in wheelchairs, with mobility devices or with canes, have

concerns regarding students using skateboards on campus, Julie Land, learning disabilities specialist to the Special Resources Center.

“As a Disability Specialist, I have seen some alarmingly close calls,” Land said. “Skateboarders using the wheelchair ramps (next to) Schauerman Library and the Communications Building for skateboarding maneuvers while students with low vision or mobility impairments are nearby,” Students, including Justin Johiro, 18, public relations major, sometimes skateboard to campus, either from home or from the parking lot and are aware of the hefty fine imposed if caught riding while on campus.

“I ride my skateboard to school,” Johiro said. “It’s more convenient for me. I’ve been doing it for about a year, even though I have a car.”

“When I see (skateboarders), I tell them to watch out.”

—Tony Williams, business and music major He said he’s respectful of others, and doesn’t want to cause a problem to other students.

“I don’t see a lot of skateboarders riding on campus,” Johiro said. “Once in a while I’ll

see a rider on campus, when the police isn’t around.”

Land said she is concerned because she thinks the skateboarders have a disregard for safety of others.

“To me, skateboarders, especially those using cell phones as they skate, pose serious risks for those who cannot dodge out of the way in time,” Land said.

Land added that she would like the entire campus community to be involved in efforts to eliminate skateboarding on campus to promote safety.

Kyle Murray, 36, undecided major, said he makes his way around the campus in a wheelchair using the ramps, which are located at various locations, to allow students with wheelchairs

Transferring to UCLA made easier DRUGS

Continued from Page 1

Nicholette Raecke Staff Writer

For students who are looking to transfer to UCLA, a helping hand is right around the corner.

David Portillo, who is on campus Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lobby of the Student Services Building, is available for students who make appointments or students who drop by.

Many students, including Danielle Washington, 23, English and African American studies major, has questions for Portillo who said that he wants to be the bridge between the EC students and UCLA. “I want to know exactly what I have to take,” Washington said. “I want to know if there’s anything more that I can do. Next semester is my last.”

Washington, like many students, said she is heading towards her goal of going on to a four-year college.

With the recent number of budget cuts and decreased staff-

ing, it’s more difficult to transfer to universities, Portillo said.

He said he is well aware of what it’s like to attend a community college because he went to EC, transferred to UCLA and graduated.

“I was working hard to get good grades and I knew I needed more information,” Portillo said.

“At the time I was here, I had great instructors and counselors.

I had such positive people working with me. They wouldn’t let me believe I couldn’t do what it took,” he added.

Portillo said he has made a commitment, with the Center for Community Colleges Partnerships (CCCP), to be on campus to be available for the future of other students who started attending a community college just like him.

He said he has a few ideas for those wishing to follow in his footsteps: get good grades and then keep the GPA as high as possible.

“CCCP is an outreach for first generation college stu-

dents, especially low-income students,” Portillo said. “To become a part of CCCP is a great plan. Throughout the year there are many programs going on, and emails always keeping students up to date with what’s going on at UCLA.” Kelsey Iino, counselor, said she is grateful that Portillo is available for students on campus who need help with transfers and she said his arrival comes at a time when it is really necessary.

“As a counselor, I’m appreciative of the services he provides, especially during a time when student services are being cut so drastically,” Iino said.

Portillo said that nothing should get in the way of the students moving on to higher education.

“I’m booked for the next two weeks,” Portillo said. “But students can come by, fill out cards for email updates. Someone was there for me and I’m happy to be able to pass the good work on.”

According to the National Drug Abuse website, the most commonly abused prescription drugs are those that are prescribed to treat pain like opioids. These drugs are prescribed for the central nervous system which help to treat anxiety.

“And to know that one could die even with drugs given by a doctor is really shocking,” Jocelyn Atacio, 18, science and biology major, said.

By looking up symptoms on the web, a person can report back to their own physician and get the prescription they desire, Conover said.

“The truth is, people can find a doctor who will give them what they are looking for,” she said. “They can go through a number of doctors, but in the end, they will find someone.”

According to the CDC website, the reason that opioid drugs are addictive and easily abused is because the drug in-

or disabilities to access buildings without any problems.

“I saw a skateboarder riding on campus who was asked by a police officer to stop riding,” Murray said. “As soon as the officer turned to do something else, the rider continued to use his board.”

Williams said that skateboarders should respect the safety of others and not skateboard on campus.

“One day I had to wait an hour and a half, watching them ride on a ramp I needed to use to get to an appointment,” Williams said. “When I returned to (the ramp after the appointment), four young men were using it, so I was unable to leave the building.” duces euphoria by affecting the brain regions that mediate what we perceive as pleasure.

The feeling is usually intensified for people who abuse opioids when taken other than directed. OxyContin is known to be snorted or injected by abusers in order to enhance its euphoric effects and while at the same time increasing the risk for an opioid overdose.

While some people obtain these drugs illegally, some people get addicted to these prescription drugs after they have been prescribed to them, Conover said. For example, athletes who have injuries are known to get addicted to painkillers as they rely on them heavily in order to perform.

The Health Services Center offers free information for people looking for more information about prescription drug abuse.

“A lot of people are constantly using them,” Tiare Nguyen, 20, sign language major, said. “It’s causing deaths.

A friend of mine used a lot of prescriptions and eventually became deaf.”

FEATURES 3

November 3, 2011 / El Camino College Union

Now playing: Diane Vay Staff Writer

The hottest tunes and how students find them

With a click of a button or a tap of a finger onto the newest touchscreen computer, almost anyone is able to gain access to music electronically.

From iPods to Zunes students can access any genre of music and can listen to it at anytime.

Whether they’re downloading music illegally, purchasing it online or at the store, music has become apart of their lives.

“I download my music from Piratebay,” Christian Tiratira, 19, criminal justice major, said. “It’s just like Limewire, only the source has a less likely chance of getting in trouble because so many people leech off of it.”

By downloading music illegally, students have access to downloading the music of their liking for free as opposed to waiting for albums to be released for purchase.

However, music does not necessarily have to be downloaded illegally. Some students choose other methods of obtaining music such as checking out websites that offer music that can be legally downloaded for free.

Morgan Cole, 21, communications major, said

a few of the songs that he keeps were downloaded illegally. He said the rest of the music that he listens to was downloaded for free or came from albums that were never sold.

“Whenever I download music, it mainly depends on which website has the type of music or artist that I’m looking for,” Cole said.

Some websites and programs, like Pandora and Spotify, give listeners the option of streaming music on their computers or computer tablets for free.

They also recommend different artists and albums that are in the same genre of what the listener likes.

“I listen to KCRW, which is a radio station run by sponsors who run underground Indie music,” Kristina Soriano, 18, aerospace major, said. “I also go to Pandora.com which is an online source that presents different artists that play similar music that you listen to.”

While methods of listening and transferring music into portable devices may vary, so does the music that students enjoy.

The trends in music are constantly changing, and many students find what they consider to be un-

derground music the most appealing.

“I listen to a lot of happycore, which was introduced to me by my friends,”Cole said. “I was raised on classic rock and Gaelic folk music which is Irish music.”

Happycore is a genre of music known for its fast tempo and upbeat lyrics. It is just one aspect of music in the new rave scene.

“I know that there is a new movement with rave and techno music,” Caitlyn Lombardo, 18, business major, said. “Even Britney Spears is adding techno into her music.”

Whether online or through friends, one may be introduced to various genres of music as well as experience some of the latest movement in music.

“I listen to Indie, alternative, and classic rock, mainly because it is different,” Soriano said. “It’s more meaningful and not as annoying as the music that is on the radio.”

While some may pay attention to the latest changes in music through the radio, others prefer to listen to their own music with portable devices that allow them to adjust or create playlists to their liking.

While the list of portable music devices grows, some students are concerned about prices as well as what the different portable device may offer the listener.

“I don’t really listen to the radio,” Tiratira said.

“I just ordered a Sansa, which I think are better than iPods because they are cheaper and have almost all of the same functions of an iPod.” Tiratira said the Sansa offers the ability for the listener to adjust the equalizer as well as hold more memory for a more affordable price.

Students are not only using portable devices

to listen to their music, but portable tools such as speakers.

“I use whatever is available to listen to my music,” Cole said. “I use portable speakers as well as speaker headphones.”

While most students may think that listening to music electronically allows them to become closer to the genre and style, there is much more that music has to offer.

“I listen to music electronically, but I still think that playing the instrument is better than just listening to it,” Clarence Chatman, 18, music major said.

Chatman said playing an instrument shows accomplishment and allows individuals to become more in tune with the music as opposed to just listening to it. He said playing music is completely different from just listening to it.

“I think that playing instruments is more effective,” Chatman said. “You can get an understanding of the rhythms and you often find yourself analyzing the music that you are listening to even more.”

Chris Mello, guitar instructor, said that music affects people emotionally and allows them to connect through the experience of listening to it.

“As a musician, I can’t imagine listening to music in any other way,” Mello said. “Listening to it is a powerful medium which can change millions.

However, being a musician allows you to experience emotions as well as share messages to other people.”

Cole said not only do a many people listen to music electronically, but they are playing Guitar Hero rather than the actual guitar.

“With music being more computer generated, electronics are making it harder for acoustic artists,” Cole said.

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

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

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

4 EDITORIALS

November 3, 2011 / El Camino College Union

Prescription drug abuse pose fatal risks

Illustration by Ashley Marie Patterson

Prescription drug deaths are outnumbering car fatalities in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of deaths to prescription painkillers also outnumbered those involving heroin and cocaine combined.

Prescription drug abuse is the use of a prescription medication in a way not intended by the prescribing doctor.

This includes everything from taking a friend’s prescription painkiller for your backache to snorting ground-up pills to get high.

However, this is not a new problem, but one that deserves renewed attention. Prescription drugs pose serious health risks related to their abuse.

Prescription drugs can become addictive, especially when they are used for reasons not prescribed.

Those prescription drugs being abused include narcotic painkillers like OxyContin or Vicodin, sedatives and tranquilizers like Xanax or Valium, and stimulants like Dexedrine, Adderall or Ritalin, and steroids.

In 2009, about 43 percent of hospital emergency admissions for drug overdoses happened because of misused prescription drugs.

According to NIH, drug addiction is a biological, pathological process that alters how the brain functions.

Prolonged drug use changes the brain in fundamental and long-lasting ways.

It is as though there is a figurative

The issue:

Prescription drugs are legal and available but pose the risk of drug abuse.

Our stand:

The issue needs more attention; prescription drugs can be more harmful than helpful.

“switch” in the brain that “flips” at some point during an individual’s drug use.

When someone decides to take prescriptions that are not prescribed specifically for them, it will always be dangerous.

Whether studying for college level classes, having family problems that are too much too handle or simply looking for alternative ways to get high, prescription drugs can be just as deadly.

Simply because they are prescribed and legal, doesn’t make it any less dangerous or wrong.

If someone is abusing prescription or other drugs, they are encouraged to get help and the services offered at the EC Health Services Center has many available resources and options for a student to use.

There are available workshops that can be of help to anyone in need of help against prescription abuse by checking the Student Health Services Center newsletter.

One can also call the Substance Abuse Information and Hotline 310-660-6437.

—See related article on Page 1

Students should occupy themselves with education Occupy Wall Street has arrived at EC. After weaving its way from New York to Oakland to other cities across the nation, the movement has made its way onto our campus.

The movement which has been hard to define by anyone has become an epidemic.

Seen on every news station and being talked about on most radio stations the need of these protest is running out of control.

The small movement which was seen on campus is an example of how unnoticed and how uninterested college and others are with this movement.

The protest,which was outside of the Art and Behavioral Science building last week, had a handful of people in attendance which shows the real significance of this movement.

If students need something to protest or fight for, the students need to pay attention to the contract negotiations between the administrators and the faculty.

With the possibility of a strike if talks go south, students need to prioritize and think about what really matters and what will eventually impact them in the end.

Occupy Wall Street is a flailing topic which is getting the word out for the movement, but is going nowhere in terms of action being taken.

The movement has effectively caught the attention of the public and also the attention of celebrities, such as Kanye West, who made an appearance at a demonstration.

The emergence of celebrities has helped broaden the support for the movement, which has been taking on Wall Street supporters companies that have been seen to have corporate greed in the eyes of Occupy Wall Street.

While some of the supporters views are on base, some are completely irrational.

According to a recent survey of Occupy Wall Street protesters done by forbes.com, 93 percent of the survey takers believe that all student loan debt should be forgiven.

Also, 98 percent of the people who took the survey be-

Professors are more than teachers My name is Jordan Nelson and I am a music performance major. I previously attended Alabama State University.

As a transfer student, I can honestly say that I have been fortunate to have outstanding faculty at EC who have invested their time into helping me grow as a student, and more importantly, as an individual.

In my opinion, a great teacher is a teacher who loves to teach. Often enough, I will enroll in a course and the professor is either aloof, docile, or mundane (or sometimes all of them combined) and it seems the last thing on earth they want to be doing is teaching college students. Having to spend a whole semester with a professor who has the qualities comparible to a three-toed sloth can be unbearable.

Conversely, having a professor who has a passion about what they instruct is almost infectious. Even when I did not have any particular interest in the given subject, I noticed that I was more motivated to learn (and attend class).

In addition, I also believe that a great teacher is more than willing to invest in a student’s life if that student is serious about progressing in their particular area of study.

During this semester at EC, in particular, some of my professors have set me up with great career advancing opportunities, written excellent letters of recommendations on my behalf and done many other selfless acts of support.

Without the help and support of my professors, it is very likely that some of the profound

El Camino College

Union Vol. 65, No. 07 Nov. 3, 2011

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

CAMPUS INSIGHT

opportunities that I have had probably would have not happened, and for that reason I am very thankful. Through these past experiences, I have realized that my professors just might actually be human beings with lives outside Jordan Nelson of their career. As trivial music performance major as this may seem, I feel most students do not appreciate or respect their professors and the staff at EC. If we make a conscience effort to apply ourselves, then surely a good professor would be willing to accommodate the hardworking student.

In conclusion, great professors are extremely rare, but when a good one comes along who displays excellent teaching skills and has a passion to help students become better individuals, I urge you to take full advantage.

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.

lieve health care should be free.

While the intentions of the protesters are reasonable, some of their ideas are wildly outlandish and unrealistic.

The survey also found that some of the people among the protesters demonstrating were tourists and photographers.

This information alone shows that this movement has become the trendy thing to do and people want to be a part of something that is receiving attention not for the cause of its own.

As this movement will gradually lose its thunder people will again go in search looking for the next thing that everyone is doing and what will likely be another aimless attempt to make things happen.

College students have bigger things to worry about on campus and need to start focusing on what really matters and what will effect them in the future.

—See related article on Page 1

Crazy names can hinder a child’s future According to In-Gender.com, there has been a recent rise in unusual baby names, causing banned names lists to pop up in different countries.

Celebrities have been known for naming their newborns outrageous names.

The list of outrageous celebrity baby names include Kal-El, the son of Nicolas Cage, Pilot Inspektor the son of Jason Lee, Fifi Trixibelle, the daughter of Bob Geldof and Paula Yates, and Apple the daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin.

However, that trend has now trickled down to the masses and non-celebrities are now joining in on this new fad. It is not only a problem in the United States, but also in other countries such as New Zealand, China, Sweden and Malaysia.

According to Global Post, the list of “worst baby names that are banned” by New Zealand’s names registrar includes Lucifer, Duke, Messiah and 89. Also not approved were names that were too similar to titles: Bishop; Baron; General; Judge; King, Knight and Mr. According to Yahoo! Lifestyle Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116 is an actual name a Swedish couple tried to bestow upon their son in 1996.

The parents said the name was to be pronounced Albin, and the parents chose it as a protest against Sweden’s admittedly strict naming laws. It is as if the parents were using their son as a backlash to government rather than caring for him as their own.

According to the New York Times, the Swedish ‘Naming Law’ states that parents must get government approval of the names they wish to give their children.

Also according to Yahoo.com, a couple in China called their baby the ‘@’ symbol – in Chinese charac-

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 ters, it apparently looks like ‘love him’. However, the authorities were less sentimental and publicized the moniker as an example of citizens bringing bizarre names into the Chinese language.

DeAnna Calloway Although a country should Staff Writer be able to regulate what parents should or should not name their children, it is the responsibility of the parent to name their child something that they will not be embarrassing and hinder a child’s progress through life.

Parents, including celebrities are getting carried away with their creative license when it comes to naming their children.

The parents are not thinking about the future of their children or how hard life will be for someone to be taken seriously if Kyd is their name (child of David Duchovny and Tea Leoni).

Although some parents want their children to stand out, there is a boundary where a name goes from being unique to just plain ridiculous.

Parents should be more responsible about the futures of their children, including their names.

Names are the labels that their children will have to live with forever.

If the name is ridiculous, the person will not be taken seriously, have a tough time through their school years, and in the end, will have to work harder to prove themselves to be more than the result of an irresponsible parent.

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.

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

OPINION

November 3, 2011 / El Camino College Union

UP FOR DEBATE

Is an age gap limit important in relationships?

A large age gap can result in many problems.

Tayani Davis Staff Writer

Finally, your child agrees to bring home someone they’ve been dating for a while. The pressure is near, you’re eager to meet their new spouse. Before you know it, the doorbell rings, the door slams and dead silence fills the room and you notice their spouse is old enough to be your parent. In situations like this there should be an age gap limit when it comes to dating.

People across the world were astonished when a story ran in Fox News this past summer about a mother of a 16-yearold girl, Courtney Alexis Stodden who approved of her daughter marrying her manager, 51-year-old Doug Hutchinson, who Fox News describes as, a lost actor, When viewing the couple on TV, viewers thought about every issue they could face if they were in the same situations.

From lack of maturity, to friends seeing them as unacceptable, to a lack of performance and possible public humiliation.

Nowadays dating someone who is significantly older or younger than you is viewed as trendy, but after seeing Stodden and Hutchinson appear on a few daytime TV shows such as “Good Morning America,” “TMZ” and “The Clicker,” this brings questionable thoughts. What is too old and what is too young?

Dating someone 30 years apart versus dating someone closer in age could result in a generational gap. Meaning because they have such a significant age difference the other person can have a lack of knowledge about new technology or current trends where you find yourself teaching the other person about today’s changes.

Lack of maturity can also play a major role in the relationship. Either one person has a lot of wisdom and can handle situations with much thought or the other can just take risks and make unwise decisions.

Their lack of maturity will show how they handle each other, creating an unbalanced relationship.

Another reason why there should be an age gap limit is because one may see themselves as the superiors. They would act more like a parent instead of a spouse.

In addition, one spouse can keep reminding the other of the age difference between

Love should be the only thing that matters.

Andrew Lim News Editor

the two, making too young jokes or too old jokes.

Whether it’s a man dating an extremely younger woman or a man dating an older woman or vise versa it is still not right.

By setting an age limit, couples can avoid situations like these so before anyone thinks about dating that older woman, younger man or vice versa, make sure they take every issue into consideration.

Age is just a number these days.

As long as you love someone dearly, who cares about other people questioning your motives on marrying someone a lot younger or a lot older?

It shouldn’t matter whether the age gap is five, 10, 15 or even 50 years. As long as you love and care for that significant other, that’s all that matters.

Honestly, as long as both people are

of legal age and if everything is within the law, without harming others, it shouldn’t be anyone else’s business.

Recently, five years ago, people questioned other people when there was an age gap of more than 12 years.

However, if you look at today’s society, having a big age gap is not weird as long as you truly love that significant other.

Just look at Tom Cruise, 49, and Katie Holmes, 32; they have a 17-year age gap.

Michael Douglas, 67, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, 42; they have a 25-year age gap.

Sometimes, as women grow up and go from high school to college, a lot of them look for men to connect with.

However, men around that age would be either partying, doing drugs and wasting time.

A lot of times, men who are at a younger age might only think about sex and think about how to get into woman’s pants.

Sometimes women want men who are mature enough physically, spiritually and mentally. They want men who can take care of them.

People in today’s society who are disgusted with big age gaps only look at the outside appearance of the couple and get grossed out.

However, you really need to look deeper. You really need to see what kind of advantages there are in having a big age gap.

As long as the couple shares the same vision, has common interests, similar goals and feels attracted to one another, then why not?

I’m not saying everyone on this planet should marry someone 50 years older or younger. There is no such thing as a too big of an age gap in relationships.

People say that in order for couples that have big age gaps to be successful, it is imperative that they keep an open line of communication and they really need to be dedicated with each other.

So are couples with small age gaps exempt from this rule?

I don’t think so.

Illustration by Jennifer Oh

Domestic violence should never be acceptable A serious problem often hidden behind closed doors has been pushed out into the open.

As many of you already know, October was National Domestic Awareness Month. The reality of this type of violence against women affects them a lot more than we realize. Domestic violence affects women of all ages, races, ethnicities and religious backgrounds.

It doesn’t discriminate based on socio-economic or marital status. And contrary to what its name may suggest, domestic violence impacts women outside the home and affects all aspects of their lives like relationships with family and friends, employment, as well as physical and emotional health.

Statistics show that one in four women in the U.S will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime. Many more cases go unreported and are not reflected in this statistic. In fact, domestic violence is one of the most underreported crimes in the nation, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

In an abusive relationship involving domestic violence, the perpetrator has one goal: to gain and maintain complete control over the other person. This can be done in a number of ways. While physical abuse is often the first example to come to mind, dominance and control can be carried out through emotional and verbal, as well as

sexual, abuse.

According to the Kansas City Star, 30 domestic abuse suspects are walking free in northeast Kansas because different arms of government couldn’t agree on who should pay for their prosecution. On Oct. 11, Topeka’s city council voted 7 to 3 and took the startling step of repealing the local law that makes domestic vioEman Elshiyab lence a crime. The move is aimed Co-Opinion Editor at making sure the city isn’t stuck with the bill for domestic violence cases.

Can you believe it’s no longer illegal to abuse a spouse if you’re in Topeka, Kan., at least under city law? I absolutely do not understand it. It’s really outrageous that they’re playing with family safety to see who blinks first. People could have died while they were waiting to straighten the law out.

Domestic violence can be physical, sexual or emotional. Whether it is slapping, punching, shoving, beating, kicking, threats of harm or any pattern of behavior that causes emotional harm is violence. Violent behavior toward others is wrong; it is against the law no matter who

COLUMN

CAMPUS VIEWPOINTS

does it. Most acts of violence are committed within the family circle and most people who abuse their intimate partners appear to be just like us. They are present in any community, religion or class. They can be your co-worker, the charismatic coach or a member of your family. The characteristic they have in common is the need to control an intimate partner using abusive verbal, psychological and physical tactics.

In order to prevent domestic violence, we each need to change how we view abuse within families and intimate relationships. Too often we think we have no business commenting on the personal lives of others. The truth is, that we all have a responsibility to prevent domestic violence. The economic costs to employers, health care systems and criminal justice systems are high. The emotional costs to a community are higher still. The impact on children who witness domestic violence is long-lasting and, without intervention, will continue the cycle of domestic violence for generations.

Each of us can and should play an important part in a community response to domestic violence by taking action when we learn about abusive behaviors. People can work together to identify, report and prevent this terrible problem and not only during National Domestic Awareness Month but always.

5

CAMPUS CORNER

Anthony Ramos President Salsa Club Anthony Ramos is the president of the Salsa Club. With 60 to 70 active members, the club meets in the South P.E. Building, Room 233 every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p. m.

What responsibilities do you have as the president?

I manage and promote the Salsa Club. I come up with choreography, I’m responsible for what goes on in the club and everyone’s behavior within the club.

What are the requirements to join the club?

There aren’t any specific requirements. No dance background is needed and anyone who is an EC student is welcome to join.

What kind of music do you dance salsa to?

We dance salsa to whatever the members feel like, but we mostly listen to Flamenco and Bachata, which is a style of music from the Dominican Republic.

What goes on during a club meeting?

We begin with warm-up steps, we also make sure to stretch before dancing. After that, we go through basic steps and small combination steps. After we dance, I will lecture for a bit and just let the club know about certain promotions or upcoming festivals.

Are their any events coming up?

No. We are just practicing every week for a competition in April where we plan on performing and hopefully competing in the College Salsa Congress.

What are the clubs goals for this year?

Right now we’re just trying to promote the club as much as possible. We’re also teaching our newer members basic salsa fundamentals so that we are ready to hopefully compete in April in the College Salsa Congress.

Are there any perks in being in the Salsa Club?

Our club is sponsored by Very Fine Dance Shoes and all of our members get 50 percent off all dance shoes, which is great. We also have an alliance with the Salsa clubs at Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Long Beach, which is always good for networking with other salsa dancers.

—Carly Michael

Is an age gap limit important in relationships?

By Diane Vay

Kenneth Mason 19, history major

Ashlee Withers, 19, biology major

Jose Zarate, 20, arts major

Miranda Gagnier, 19, communications major

Joshua Wilson, 18, communications major

Gio Montero, 19, arts major

“No. I don’t think age matters as long as they are both happy in the relationship. I don’t see the problem, I would be fine with it.”

“Yes. Because in a relationship you learn from one another. You need to have similarities and be able to share knowledge.”

“No. Women should get with older men mainly because of maturity. Especially if they are looking for a steady relationship.”

“Yes. If they’re the same age with each other it makes them more compatible. They could relate to one another’s lives better.”

“No. If you are in a relationship with a person, it shouldn’t matter how old they are because you are comfortable with that person.”

“Yes. Couples look for someone with the same perspectives in life. Not someone who won’t understand one another.”

6 ARTS ON THE SCENE

Nail art in fashion

Art

‘Recuerdos Vividos’ exhibit ends today The exhibit “Recuerdos Vividos” or “Vivid memories,” features sculptures and images from various artists on display in the Art Gallery. The Art Gallery is open from noon to 8 p.m. and admission is free. For more information, interested persons may call 310-660-3010.

Performance

‘Death of a Salesman’ at the Campus Theatre Based on the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning drama by Arthur Miller, “Death of a Saleman” debuts in the Campus Theatre tomorrow at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information, interested persons may call 800-832-ARTS. Music

Symphony orchestra at Marsee Auditorium Including music from Mozart, the choral group, together with the symphony orchestra, will perform in Marsee Auditorium Saturday at 8 p.m.

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

‘Songs for Sam’ benefit concert for EC student

November 3, 2011 / El Camino College Union

Vanessa Adams / Union Rhinestones create 3D art on fingernails.

Eman Elshiyab Co-Opinion Editor Ashley Curtin Arts Editor

Crystal balls, zebra patterns and flowers aren’t the only designs adorning fingernails and toenails. Together with sparkles, rhinestones and bright nail polish, nail art is the newest trend in cosmetology.

Consisting of jewel piercing, painting intricate designs and applying adhesives, nail art is currently taught at the basic and advanced level in the cosmetology department. Many students are passionate about the new fashion trend and plan on making it a future career, Patricia Gebert, cosmetology professor, said.

“In today’s society, nail art is in demand,” she said. “It is a fashion trend and is in style, so we must follow what is in style.”

Nail art, which dates back more than 5,000 years, started in India with traditional henna paintings on hands, feet and nails using plant extracts, according to Nail Magazine. Over time it evolved into modern beauty practice in America.

“I love the beauty nail art gives to the nails,” Jennifer Guzman, 19, cosmetology major and nail art technician, said. “We are going to be able to do even more with it in the future.”

With many different forms of nail art, students can perform 3D art, encapsulated art as well as rotating ball and spiral tip designs on fingernails.

The 3D art is a design painted in multiple layers in which the design is raised above the surface of the nail.

Encapsulated art is when art work is drawn under an acrylic nail and then glued onto the real nail. Therefore, the design is seen through the nail, Guzman said.

“This is my favorite style of nail art,” she said. “It really makes the nails stand out.”

Rotating ball and spiral designs are the most intricate out of all the nail art

Vanessa Adams / Union Jennifer Guzman, 19, cosmetology major, creates colorful designs on a client’s fingernails.

Sheila Broussard Staff Writer

Photography

Student photography exhibit at Paul’s Photo

—Natalie Sripongkosol

Shontel Leake / Union Bright nail polishes make nail art designs.

new designs and techniques.

“I have many clients who come to my house and I get paid to do their nails,” Galvan said.

Guzman said she keeps herself busy with about six clients a day and loves to challenge herself with creative nail designs.

Nail art is a decorative way to express personality or compliment a special occasion or holiday, Guzman said.

“I really love designing nails because it’s a form of art and art is so expressive,” she said.

Depending on what type of design the client features on their nails, Guzman said it takes time and patience. Client appointments range from one to three hours.

“It can be stressful at times because I want it to be perfect,” Guzman said. “But the end result is my favorite part.”

The cosmetology department, located on campus, is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. and on Friday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

“These students are so good at what they do and no one should miss out on this fashion,” Gebert said.

Jazz pianist earns scholarship to Berklee College of Music

Featuring music students and community musicians, the concert will help raise funds for Sam Salgado, music major, to attend Berklee College of Music this fall.

The concert will take place tomorrow at 8 p.m. at Peninsula Community Church in Rancho Palos Verdes. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information, interested persons may call Sam Salgado at 323-6367603

“Celebrations” will feature student photography including black and white and color images. A reception will take place tomorrow at Paul’s Photo from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information, interested persons may call Darilyn Rowan at 310-660-3593, ext. 3326.

techniques, Guzman said. It is when an object is placed directly onto the nail and has a complete range of motion.

“We actually put a miniature disco ball in the middle of the nail and it spins when you touch it,” Guzman said.”

Stephanie Galvan, 22, cosmetology major and nail art technician, is one of the students who hopes to one day become a professional nail art technician.

“I’ve finally found something I love and it has become my passion,” she said.

Both students discovered their talent for nail art through the cosmetology curriculum, Gebert said.

“These students really love what they do and it shows in their work,” Gebert said. “They are hard workers and continue to learn new techniques in nail art.”

Practicing nail art on family and friends is one way Galvan said she learned

Vanessa Adams / Union Sam Salgado, 23, music major, recently participated in the World Tour Auditions at Berklee College of Music and was awarded a scholarship.

As he stared at his computer screen, “accepted” was the only word that registered in his mind.

He read the email over and over again. His dream had come true.

Recently admitted into Berklee College of Music and awarded a partial scholarship, Sam Salgado, 23, music major, will soon pursue his musical dreams on the East Coast.

“This is my greatest challenge,” Salgado said. “But I am really looking forward to it.”

Berklee is a prestigious university located in Boston that has a national reputation for producing the best musicians. With students from all over the world auditioning for acceptance, the competition for admission is very tough, Salgado said.

“It took a lot of hard work, struggle, faith and help from others because talent can only get you so far,” he said.

Musically inclined at a young age, Salgado said he was determined to one day study music in a manner that would sharpen the skills he worked so hard to develop over the years.

“I remember thinking, ‘If I could go to Berklee, I would be

the happiest person on earth,’” Salgado said.

Salgado, who grew up in Los Angeles, said he taught himself as a teenager how to play on a small, inexpensive piano that his father bought for him.

Upon entering Washington Preparatory High School in Los Angeles, Salgado was forced to play the trumpet since the school band already had a pianist.

“It was fun to learn a new instrument,” he said. “I could now

RISING

STAR add trumpet to the list of instruments I played.”

But he didn’t give up his passion to become a pianist.

Enrolling in EC’s music program in 2009, Salgado said the program prepared him to audition for Berklee. He is a member of the jazz band, works with the choral as well as many of the other ensembles on campus.

“Sam Salgado is an outstanding jazz musician,” Dane Teter, music professor, said. “He is extremely talented.”

Many faculty, staff and stu-

dents of the music department are helping Salgado raise funds for the other half of the college’s tuition not covered by the world tour scholarship.

Together with his peers and mentors, “Songs for Sam,” an evening of music, will take place tomorrow night at 8 p.m. at Peninsula Community Church in Ranchos Palos Verdes.

“Sam is an extremely talented student with an incredible ear,” Joanna Nachef, music professor, said.

Also participating in concerts at local venues and being part of his family’s band, which consists of his father, uncle and brother, Salgado is inspired by many artists. But it was meeting his music idol, Ray Charles, which influenced him the most.

“It was amazing to meet Ray Charles,” Salgado said. “This man played with so much intensity, I was stunned.”

Salgado said he wants to continue his passion and become a music teacher.

“I want to give back to the community,” he said.

While he feels very fortunate for his previous education and experiences, Salgado said he is ready to move to the next level.

SPORTS

November 3, 2011 / El Camino College Union

7

ON DECK

Warriors are victorious Volleyball team sweeps East L.A.

Men’s Water Polo

Sheila Broussard Staff Writer

Friday and Saturday at Mt. Sac College (Conference Championships.)

Women’s Water Polo Thursday and Saturday at Mt. Sac College (Conference Championships)

Football Saturday at 6 p.m. vs. Ventura College

Women’s Volleyball Friday at 6 p.m. at Cerritos College (Gahr High School) Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Pasadena City College

Women’s Soccer Friday at 3 p.m. at Pasadena City College Tuesday at 3 p.m. vs. East L.A College

Men’s Soccer Friday at 1 p.m. at Pasadena City College Tuesday at 1 p.m. vs. East L.A College

Men’s Basketball Tuesday and (Tourament)

Wednesday

Cross Country Friday at 8 a.m. at Ontario College —Shane Utton

RESULTS Football The Warriors won, 31-7 against Bakersfield College last Saturday.

Women’s Volleyball The women’s volleyball team swept East L.A. College, 25-12, 25-12 and 25-14.

Cross-Country The men’s cross-country team finished second in the South Coast Conference Championships last Saturday.

Men’s Soccer The Warriors beat Los Angeles Harbor College, 2-0 on Tuesday.

Women’s Soccer The women’s soccer team won, 1-0, against Los Angeles Harbor on Tuesday.

—Ashley Curtin

The Warriors raced through the second and third quarters racking up points.

In true Warrior fashion, EC Shaw caught a touchdown conquered the Bakersfield Col- pass in the fourth quarter; he lege Renegades 31-7 on Satur- took the opening kick and ran it day. straight up the middle of the field The Warriors scored a touch- to the end zone. down on opening kickoff and it Shaw’s touchdown catch was uphill from there. The de- made the score 24-0. fense played with conviction, Cole Webb, quarterback, and after losing to Cerritos last passed 11 yards to Jeremy Anweek the presderson to make sure was on. it 31-0 with 6 Top 5 teams J a r r a d minutes left in in southern California Shaw, wide rethe game. ceiver, returned Bakersfield 1. Riverside the opening managed to 2. Mt. San Antonio kickoff 92 yards score a touch3. Saddleback College for a touchdown in the 4. El Camino down, while last 4 minutes 5. Palomar Ivan McLenof the game, nan, linebacker, but was unable to rally against and the defense limited the Ren- the Warriors. egades to 6 rushing yards and The offense didn’t have to forced them to punt 10 times. work that hard, but they did a Omar Herrera, quarter- great job protecting quarterback, back, who was performing on a Herrera. sprained ankle, threw a 71-yard The defense was on fire, pass to Luckner Brady, which set helping carry the team to victory up Ricky Johnson’s 2-yard scor- adding to an overall exceptional ing run, giving EC a 14-0 lead. performance.

Shane Utton Staff Writer

The Warriors remained undefeated showing their dominant ways at East L.A. College, winning 25-12, 25-12 and 25-14.

EC is still undefeated in conference at 8-0, and with the strong play of middle blocker Lauren Edwards and setter Sarah McFadden the Warriors look to stay undefeated for rest of the season.

“The overall performance tonight was excellent,” Coach Le Valley Pattison said. “We passed well and we played hard.”

Game one looked to be tough in the beginning, tied up at 2-2, but it all changed from there. The Warriors went on a run going up 7-4.

From there, the Warriors didn’t look back and kept a good lead against the Huskies.

With strong plays from middle blockers Katie Child and Lauren Edwards, the Warriors won 25-12.

“I do whatever it takes, and I didn’t want to give them any momentum to win,” Edwards said. “We played well as team too, our passing was spot on.”

Game two showed the Warriors’ toughness.

EC started the game 5-0 showing no weakness, however the Huskies showed some life by scoring, but it wasn’t enough.

At 15-7, EC went on 10-0 run to close the game thanks to strong play from libero Keely

Stevenson, middle blocker Nigeria Owens and McFadden.

“I have really good hitters, so I am thankful for that. We played hard and our passing is getting better,” Mcfadden said.

Game three looked to be the same as game two in the beginning, with EC taking the lead at 5-1.

At 17-6, it looked like the Warriors were going to have total control of the game, but East L.A. started to come back.

With a burst of energy, the Huskies went on a 7-1 run to make the game interesting.

However, the Huskies lost momentum with the strong plays of outside hitter Kaitlyn Edwards and middle blocker Teuila Barnes.

The Warriors closed the game on a 7-0 run to win the game 25-14.

“They were coming back, but they were taking advantages of our silly mistakes. I tried to block more balls, but it’s difficult when you have bad knees like I do, but you try,” Barnes said.

Pattison did say that East L.A needed that momentum because they haven’t been playing well as of late. She said they have yet to win a single game in conference play.

Lauren Edwards had 12 kills to go along with eight digs, Mcfadden had 33 assist to go along with a block and five kills.

Barnes had five kills and 6 digs and Stevenson had 13 digs.

Warriors ready for victory this season despite young team Shane Utton Staff Writer

The men’s basketball team was disappointed with last year’s 3-7 conference record and is determined to improve from last season.

“We have to play better defense and we have to play as a unit,” Michael Fenison, men’s basketball coach, said. “We are really young but they work hard. Our youth might hurt us a little but we just have to see how that plays out.”

Fenison said that there were some games that the Warriors had “in the bag,” but lost them in the end.

“We have to improve rebounding,” Fenison said. “We lost a game at south West and Cerritos that should have been our wins.”

At the moment the back court is lacking players because of injuries to guards Christian Clark and Joshua Wilson.

“I’m hurt right now, but all I want to do is come back and contribute,” Clark said. “I have been working on every part of my game since the summer and I just want to play basketball.”

The front court is stacked with many

David Ward/Union From left, Joshua Wilson, David Howard, Jamar Cannon, Cameron Gray, and Shawn Ray plan to lead the men’s basketball team to victory this season.

strong freshman and a few returning sophomore, Fenison said.

Sophomore forward Cameron Gray

and freshman forward Shawn Ray will provide a shooting presence around the perimeter. Sophomore center Julian Da-

kdouk is looked at to rebound, Fenison said.

“Cameron can guard almost any position, because of his athleticism and his ability to score from the perimeter,” Fenison said. “Shawn has improved tremendously since the summer and Julian is a big body, very wide, but athletic.”

Fenison added, the back court, even though injured, is deep. Besides Clark and Wilson, there are two other incoming guards that can make some noise, Jamar Cannon and David Howard, Fenison said.

“Jamar is a really good scorer and you can’t get enough of those guys,” Fenison said. “David is a good defender. It’s going to be interesting to see how they both play.”

“Defensively we are looking to be a good team,” Gray said. “But offensively we have so many weapons and everybody brings something different.”

The Warriors start their season next week at home participating in the Paul Landreaux Classic Tournament in the North Gymnasium.

The team is determined to start the season off with a win at home and make a presence in its conference, Gray said.

Setter leads women’s volleyball team Shane Utton Staff Writer

Setting the volleyball to her teammates on a nightly basis, 5-feet 4-inch sophomore setter, Sarah McFadden, stands out as both a team player and leader in the South Coast Conference (SCC).

“Sarah McFadden is critical,” Le Valley Pattison, women’s volleyball coach, said. “Obviously you need a good setter and she might not be the biggest out there, but she jumps well. She is starting to realize how much she can help everybody on the court.”

Currently holding many records in the SCC, McFadden is in first place in assists averaging 9.69 assists per game. She ranks sixth in assists in the state and is also in sixth place for total assists by a setter at EC. She was recently inducted into the Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame.

McFadden is considered to be one of the best athletes on the volleyball team, Pattison said.

“She is very strong and can jump really high,” Katie Child, freshman outside hitter, said. “She blocks really well for her size.”

McFadden is also very well-respected by her teammates.

“She is really calm and collective and it makes you calm and collective,” Child, outside hitter, said.

“Sarah is a great leader on and off the court,” Lauren Edwards, middle blocker, said. “We can always count on her to give us a great set and she works hard every day at practice on and off the court. She is a great teammate.”

Before game time, McFadden said she likes to take a nap at her teammate, Teulia Barnes’ house and then have a team lunch, which create a bonding experience.

“There’s no music involved,” McFadden said.

“I just enjoy getting lunch with the team and making jokes and laughing.”

Currently there are no prospective universities recruiting McFadden, but she is aspiring to become a flight attendant and travel the world.

“If something were to happen to Sarah, we wouldn’t be the same team,” Kaitlyn Edwards, outside hitter, said.

David Ward/Union Sarah McFadden has been a leader for the women’s volleyball team’s success this season.

8 ADVERTISEMENT

November 3, 2011 / El Camino College Union