Vol. 69, Issue 3 March 26

FEATURES

EL CAMINO COLLEGE

A look at the archives room of El Camino College, P. 3

MARCH 26, 2015

SPORTS

SPORTS

Sand Volleyball continues pilot strong, sweep LBCC, P. 9

Profile on the up and coming rightfielder Alex Turner, P. 10

THE UNION eccunion.com

TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA

School shooting suspect remains in the hospital Former El Camino student is still recovering after being shot in the torso on campus in January after a fake hostage call

Jessica Martinez

Editor-in-Chief @ECCUnionJessica

T

he 19-year-old suspect in January’s on-campus officer-involved shooting remains at a hospital nearly two months after the incident, Sheriff’s Department Lt. Dave Dolson said in an email today.

Dolson said that although Peyton Dingman remains at a local hospital, he is not in custody. Dolson added no charges against Dingman have been filed yet but “he is looking at a brandishing charge.”

The Sheriff’s Department Inmate Information Center showed after the shooting that the charge would be a felony. Since then, the charge has been reduced to a misdemeanor. Dolson said today it’s most likely because the gun was not real, although it looked real, and “therefore no felony charge could be charged.”

On Jan. 22, Dingman, a former El Camino student, wandered around a campus parking lot for as much as two hours before he made a false hostage 9-1-1 call just after 11 a.m., Dolson said after the shooting.

According to a Nixle alert from the Sheriff’s Department at the time, Dingman pointed an Airsoft pellet gun at two El Camino Police Depart-

Photo from Facebook Peyton Dingman was shot by officers after claiming he had a gun and hostage on Jan. 22 on campus. He remains in the hospital.

ment officers when they responded to the call. The pellet gun was “completely” covered in black electrical tape and had the same size and shape of a semi-automatic handgun, Dolson added.

Dingman was shot in the upper torso, according to the Sheriff’s Department. He had notes to relatives in a backpack left at the scene after the shooting and he left a suicide note at his home in Torrance, according to the department.

Through a Freedom of Information Act request, the two officers who responded to the shooting were identified last month as Marcus Thompson and Leroy Enriquez. At the time of the shooting, Thompson had been with the department just over six years and Enriquez had been with the department for about a year and a half, Dolson said at the time.

Days after the shooting, two campus forums took place to discuss the incident and safety measure tips.

Dingman, who attended Bert Lynn Middle School in Torrance according to his Facebook page, was 18 years old at the time of the shooting.

Sheriff’s Department records show his birthday was March 11.

Check out the full story of the event on the day it happened and stay up to date with the story as more information is gathered at eccunion.com.

Models strut confidently for spot in the fashion show Construction stalls traffic Student and non-student models tried out for a chance to be part of the upcoming event on Crenshaw Boulevard

Chloe Chetty

Staff Writer @ECCUnionChloe

The Fashion Department hosted “Model Call” try-outs on Tuesday, March 10 and Thursday, March 12 in the Decathlon Room above the Bookstore.

Every year there is a fashion show allowing El Camino College fashion designer students a chance to show their work.

Models also get a chance to show what they got on the runway This year the 33rd Annual Fashion Show will be on Friday, May 8.

Each model was judged by the modeling committee led by president Lisa Luna, 20, fashion merchandise major, based on their runway walk. The judges looked for models whose attributes stood out during their try out.

“Confidence, attitude and remembering to always look up is what we look for in each model that is trying out,” Luna said.

The try out was open to anybody that was willing to model, all age men and women were welcome according to their flier.

Each model had to sign an application form which provided all the details needed if they were chosen, including their name, age, major and email address along with a

Gilberto Castro/ Union Chipasha Mulenga, 20, economics major, struts her stuff during the open model call for the 33rd Annual Fashion Show. signed model contract.

After the runway walk, models were brought to the side and had

pictures of their front, side and back taken for record.

Every year the try outs for the

fashion call get bigger and bigger.

“Last year there were only 20 models that came to the fashion call and this year the turn out has doubled,” Mai Fujita, 23, fashion merchandise major.

The first model to walk the runway was a male, Alfredo Sanchez, 18, communications major, and at the time he was the only male model .

“I was a little nervous but I do feel that I have a good shot of making the final cut because I was the only guy,” Sanchez said.

Walking the runway, starting with hands at the side but popping her hip to one side while placing her hand on her hip and walking with confidence, Tisha Brown, 26, nursing major, took her turn.

“I feel like I definitely have a great shot at making the final cut,” Brown said.

Dressed to impress, Chipasha Mulenga, 20, economics major, was a little nervous, walking the runway with as much confidence as she could hoping that among all the other models she will also have her chance to make the final cut.

“I was nervous today and I prepared by making my own little runway in my house, I feel like I did the best I could and believe that I have an equal chance,” Mulenga said.

Campus police assist woman who claimed to have been raped Sydnie Mills

Staff Writer @ECCUnionSydnie

NEWS LINE

A 20-year-old non-El Camino student claimed to have been raped in an apartment on Redondo Beach Boulevard in Torrance near El

Phil Sidavong

News Editor @ECCUnionPhil

Traffic will be congested for six to eight weeks on Crenshaw Boulevard, according to a newsletter from El Camino.

Primoris Services Corporation (PSC) has been contracted by the Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) to conduct the work for the Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan, which involves inspecting and testing high-pressure gas lines under the street, Jay Fleming, Se-

nior Construction Manager of Jacobs Construction, said.

The southbound No. 1 and 2 lanes of Crenshaw Boulevard will be closed during the work hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, while crews excavate the roadway and test the gas pipeline.

Although construction will be happening over the next six to eight weeks, maybe it will finish up sooner than expected because “we are ahead of schedule so that’s always good,” Fleming said.

John Fordiani/ Union Primoris Services Corporation is excavating along Crenshaw Boulevard as part of SoCalGas’ Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan. PSC is inspecting and testing the high pressure gas line underneath the roadway. Lane closures are expected for the next six to eight weeks.

Camino on the evening of March 13, police said.

The victim had been drinking with friends earlier that day, and later that night she reported being raped, Torrance Police Sgt. Paul Kranke said.

“After the incident happened,

she flagged down an ECPD officer who then contacted the Torrance Police Department,” Kranke said.

Reading from the police report, Kranke said the victim said that she knew the individual but the sex was not consensual.

Kranke said the Los Angeles

County District Attorney’s Office looked into the case and has decided not to file charges.

“The incident did not occur on El Camino’s campus,” ECPD Sgt. Dal Toruno said.

Toruno added that it happened in the Torrance area.

Guest speaker intrigues with book

Preparing students for the future

Resumes create job opportunities Workshop teaches skills and tips

The ECC Philosophy Club presents guest speaker Peter Mathews, who will speak about his book Dollar Democracy: with Liberty and Justice for Some. This event will be hosted in the East Dining Room (above the bookstore) on Thursday, March 26th at 12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The First Year Experience (FYE) department will be hosting a Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement Program (MESA) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program (STEM) workshop on Tuesday, March 31 at 1 p.m. in the Alondra Room above the EC bookstore. For more information on the workshop, call 310-6606936.

A resume writing workshop on Tuesday, March 31 at 3 p.m. in the Distance Education Center. This workshop is to provide students information on resume writing, researching various companies and gives insight as to what employers look for in applicants. For more information call 310-6603593 ext. 6137.

Ever been the victim of a hit-and-run accident on campus?

•

We want to hear from you for one of our upcoming stories.

•

Come by the newsroom in Humanities 113.

•

Or email us at ECCHitandRuns@gmail.com.

The Career Center will be hosting an interviewing skills workshop on Tuesday, March 31 at 5 p.m. in the Distance Education Center located near the library. This workshop is to help provide tips on how to perform well in interviews. For more information on the event, contact the Career Center at 310-660-3593 ext. 6137.

G eccunion@gmail.com /ElCaminoUnion /ECCUnion /ECCUnion /ECCUnion

NEWS

2 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION

POLICE BEAT

By Sydnie Mills

Marijuana possession leads to arrest March 5, 3 p.m. — Officers responded to the police lobby regarding a male student’s complaint against an officer.

After a sergeant gave the student a complaint form, he smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from him. The sergeant told the subject that his backpack would be searched and marijuana was found. During the search the subject pulled away from the sergeant and would not comply after being given a warning. He was arrested for failing to comply with an officer. He was booked and later released. The subject was arrested last week by ECPD after he caused a disturbance in the Student Service Center by throwing his water bottle against a wall and yelling about his class schedule.

Man assaults ex-girlfriend on campus March 12, 11 a.m. — An officer was waved down by a female student who said that another female student had been physically attacked by her ex-boyfriend. The boyfriend, a student, was located on the south patio of the Student Activities Center. When he would not cooperate or comply with the officer, back up was called.

Officers arrived and had a brief struggle with the man and then they were able to take him into custody. He was arrested for battery, making criminal threats, resisting arrest and disturbing the peace. He was booked by Torrance Police and will be referred to the Student Development Office.

MARCH 26, 2015

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH BEGINS Five consulting firms will be interviewed at a special board meeting Monday Jerome Casio

Staff Writer @ECCUnionJerome

El Camino’s president will be retiring in early 2016, and finding his replacement will be a task that the Board of Trustees plans to approach with the necessary steps.

In its March 16 meeting, the board decided on which five search-consultant firms that will potentially find the replacement for President Tom Fallo.

Community College Search Services, College CEOs, Ralph Andersen & Associates, Educational Leadership Search and PPL, Inc are the five firms to be interviewed.

Former trustee member Ray Gen was given a few minutes to comment on the search for Fallo’s successor.

Gen said that the search for Fallo’s replacement is indeed important, but expressed his views against bringing in a potential replacement from outside the state of California.

“We don’t have to do a national search,” Gen said. “We just have to find the right person who understands us (EC), understands Compton (the Compton Center) and knows how to move forward.”

In his address, Gen argued that the presidential position requires

Photo courtesy of Ann Garten President Tom Fallo will be retiring next spring after giving El Camino 25 years of his service and work.

someone who has worked with and is familiar with California procedures.

Gen also brought up concerns about the search process was conducted. Hiring a search consultant firm is not necessary, he said.

“I think we’re spending a lot of money,” he added.

Trustee member Cliff Numark thought that Gen’s comments had “good perspective.”

“I think the bottom line is that we want the best leader possible for El Camino,” Numark said.

Numark agreed that hiring someone who has extensive knowledge in California’s community colleges and EC’s procedures would be beneficial, but the board will have to look at all factors in order to find the right person.

“It depends on what the search firm comes up with,” he said. “We want the best people.”

When deciding on the firms, trustee Vice President Ken Brown said that he was looking for companies that were based in California and had California placement experience.

Bill Beverly, president of the board, mentioned he used a similar method and expressed his confidence in the selected firms.

“I think any one of these people can do the job,” Beverly said.

A look at this day in El Camino’s history Here is a blast from the past • On this day in 1971 The student newspaper reported the board of trustees approved construction of a new bookstore and a cafeteria north of the “Men’s Gymnasium,” known now as P.E. North.

• On this day in 1971 The student newspaper reported that all of the deans had contributed to form the college’s first “Dean’s List.” The article reported 433 students enrolled in 12 units or more received a 3.5 GPA or better for the previous semester.

• On this day in 1992 The student newspaper reported EC Police Chief Donald Morris would retire in the summer after 22 years of service.

News is constantly happening on and around campus. If you see or hear anything, tweet us with the #ECCUnion.

Check out our YouTube channel The Union for videos about things around campus, and subscribe.

Be sure to check out ECCUnion.com for other stories.

Musical talents gather to capture the audience Students and alumni alike gather to give a performance to remember Jerome Casio

Staff Writer @ECCUnionJerome

E

l Camino’s Campus Theatre will be filled with the sounds of opera, pop, musical theatre, jazz, rock and more as the Society of Music prepares to host this year’s Spring Student Recital.

The Society of Music Spring Recital will be hosted by the club Friday at 7 p.m.

The President of the Society of Music, Ivan Alcantar, 22, said that the recital will include a wide variety of music with hopes to capture the biggest audience possible.

“We (the club) pride ourselves in trying to have as much variety as possible,” he said. “We don’t just stick to one thing.”

While demonstrating the genres of music students are commonly

taught at EC — classical, opera, theater and jazz — the recital will also showcase contemporary music from genres like rock and pop, he said.

The final act will be performed

by Esai Saucedo, an EC alumni, and his band The Full Suns, Alcantar said, which will perform a set list of contemporary music.

Tyler Johnson, 21, music major, will be performing “Well You Needn’t” by jazz pianist Thelonious Monk.

Johnson said that he looks forward to playing with his jazz combo the Tyler Johnson Group, which includes Jon Aparicio, guitarist; Gavin Kellems, bassist; Srimal De Mel, pianist; and Walter Jones, drummer.

“Overall, I’m really looking forward to making music with my friends on stage,” Johnson said.

“Any day that I get play the music I

love, jazz, for others is a great day to me.”

“We’re all really passionate about our music, and when we’re all on stage together it’s just such an awesome feeling,” he added.

Gabriella Chea, 20, music major, is also looking forward to putting on a great show, this is her last Student Recital, and will be performing “My Love” by Grammy-nominee Sia. “I want to have fun and I want the audience to enjoy the recital,” Chea said. “It’s going to be a great one, and I want everyone who attends to see the hard work (the club) put into this.”

The Society of Music Spring Recital will start at 7 p.m. this Friday, March 27. Tickets will be on sale for $10.

All proceeds will go to the club in order to fund future events and help support the music department.

Committee seaches for talent to perform in show Jerome Casio

Staff Writer @ECCUnionJerome

The Maharlika Club, Inter-Club Council and SGI Buddhism Club invite all students with talent to audition for the upcoming EC Talent Show.

Auditions for the talent show will be hosted on March 25 in the Student Activities Center, according to a flier promoting the event.

The flier also informs students to bring proper student identification if they plan to try out.

Lewis Kingman, 25, psychology major, and Vice President of the Maharlika Club (the Filipino Club), said the Maharlika Club, ICC and SGI Buddhism Club are all heading the EC Talent Show.

Auditions for the talent show are publicly open for anyone to watch, he said, and judges are welcoming all kinds of talent.

“All we’re looking for is something that’s school appropriate,” Kingman said. “Something that’ll potentially appeal to the audience.”

When asked about what constitutes as a “school appropriate” performance, Kingman said that the judges are trying to avoid performances that may offend the audience.

“If it deems too offensive, then (the judges will) tell the performer to alter it,” he said. “(If they don’t) we can’t allow them to perform.”

Winners of the talent show will also receive prizes, but Kingman said that those have not yet been determined.

Manami Koizumi, 19, psychology major, and President of the SGI Buddhist Club, said that refreshments will be served at the event.

“We’re planning to serve bags of chips and soda cans from the Coca-Cola Company,” said Koizumi.

Koizumi is hoping that the tal-

ent show will give EC students a chance to gather and support each other.

“I would love for the Talent Show to be an event where many students can gather and bond to get to know each other more,” Koizumi said.

“Where each student can encourage each other to further shine with their talents.”

All of the clubs are aiming for a big turnout and plan to, if the event is successful, make it an annual event, Kingman said.

“Tell your friends,” he added.

“Tell everyone that wants to go, and we’ll make this an event to remember.”

Auditions for the EC Talent Show start on March 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the show will be hosted on April 3 from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Both events will be located in the East Lounge of the Student Activities Center.

Interested in being the

Student Speaker

for the 2015 El Camino College Graduation?

The Student Commencement Speaker must be a member of the graduating class and must submit and audition their speech to the selection committee. A speech of up to three minutes will be allowed, on a topic appropriate to the occasion.

Submit a typed manuscript in an unmarked manila envelope to the Student Development Office by

5pm on Monday, April 6th .

The auditions will be held Thursday, April 9th, from 2pm-4pm and Friday, April 10th, from 9am-11:30am, in the Student Development Office.

Selection will be based on content and presentation.

The selection of the student speaker by the panel is final.

Questions: For further information involving the Student Speaker application call (310) 660-3593 ext. 3394.

FEATURES

MARCH 26, 2015

EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION 3

Archiving the past Jerriel Biggles

Staff Writer @ECCUnionJerriel

El Camino has a rich history within the city of Torrance and inside the Schauerman Library contains a room that houses the school’s history.

The Archives Room is located next to the North Reading Room in the library. Mary McMillan, the college’s public access librarian, has been at El Camino for the past year and a half, since the former public access librarian, Ed Martinez, retired in 2013 after serving the college for many years.

“The archives opened up I believe in 2012, 2013,” McMillan said.”We have a little bit of history related to Torrance and the local area.”

An archived supply of cataloged collections including the first El Camino newspaper, which later became the “Warhoop,” and then finally became “The Union” in the 1990s. Also included in the archives are copies of “Warrior Life,” El Camino’s annual general interest magazine.

“The archive is here,” McMillan said. “It preserves not just the history of the college, but the history of the individuals that make up this college.

It’s their history as well.”

Editor’s Note: This article serves to introduce a new standing feature, making its debut on page two in this issue, titled “On this day in...” that will run every week with information we gather from issues of “The Union” and the “Warwhoop” from decades ago.

A Daily Breeze front page about the Dalai Lama’s vist to El Camino from 1979 is kept in The Archives Room.

John Fordiani / Union

Old aerial photos of the campus are housed in The Archives Room.

John Fordiani / Union

John Fordiani / Union

Bound books with newspaper clippings about El Camino line shelves in The Archives Room. The room houses pieces of history from photos to newspaper clippings and old class catalogs.

FEATURES

4 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION

MARCH 26, 2015

Robert Hart 22, theatre major, gives an emotional performance during a rehearsal of “The Laramie Project.” The production ran for two weekends last month and earlier this month.

Rosendo Vargas/ Union

Professional pretender enters stage right Hawthorne native Robert Hart portayed five characters of this month’s production of ‘The Laramie Project’ Leslie Veliz

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T

he first thing you notice when you look at Robert Hart, a 22-year-old theatre major is that he has a strong resemblance to Jimi Hendrix.

Cool and suave in a leather jacket, Hart is no stranger to the limelight. He is one of the stars in this month’s production of “The Laramie Project,” where he plaed five roles.

Born in Hawthorne, Hart began acting in high school.

“On a whim I auditioned for Dracula. My dad always told me to try new things,” he said. Although he was late to the audition, Hart ended up getting the main role of “Dracula.” It was after that experience that he knew he wanted to be an actor.

“I fell in love with acting because of the fact I was given the opportunity to tell someone’s story,” Hat said. “I am able to be someone else, I am able to inspire people and draw emotions out of them. It also gives me the chance to express little pieces of myself and give myself completely to the audience.”

At El Camino, Hart has been a part of “Electricidad,” the One Act Festival, and “Flowers for Algernon.”

“I want to act in any way I can. That’s my purpose, that’s what I’m here to do,” Hart said.

Directed by Jerry Prell, “The Laramie Project” focuses on the 1998 death of a gay student, Matthew Shepard. Hart decided to do “The Laramie Project” after speaking with Prell, who was “passionate about the subject matter.”

“Hate is something that as people we deal with all the time and we need to focus on loving one another, it’s a powerful piece,” Hart said. Hart believes the message in “Laramie” is what makes it so popular.

“At its base it speaks about basic human rights, rights for all no matter where you come from,” Hart said.

“I want to portray that message honestly and with the upmost respect.”

Hart’s biggest challenge in life has been “battling with my own self doubt and insecurities.”

“I don’t want to let anyone that’s special to me down. I have people who’ve doubted me throughout my life in various ways,” he said. “But I do have people on my side who support me and truly believe I have something special to share with people and I don’t ever want to make them feel as though I have let them down.”

Hart originally wanted to go into graphic design but now plans to become a theater teacher or acting coach. Besides acting, Hart enjoys writing poetry and playing drums. This is his final semester at El Camino and he hopes to transfer to Cal State Long Beach or Cal State Fullerton .

Diego Galeano is another actor who is part of the Laramie Project. The 22-year-old theatre major describes Hart as “an excellent actor who really handles his acting in a professional manner.”

Prell, who teaches theatre at both El Camino and Loyola Marymount University was invited to direct “The Laramie Project” by the theater faculty. Prell has found working with Hart and Galeano “a pleasure.”

“Robert and Diego have a strong presence on stage. They are definitely young actors with professional potential. Both are serious about the craft and bring imagination and creativity to their work,” Prell said.

Hart hopes to prove those who have doubted him.

“I want to exceed their expectations and I am going to prove anyone who thinks that pursuing your passion is pointless is wrong,” he said.

What will you find @CSUDH? CSUDH.EDU/FutureStudents

Learn about the El Camino College and CSUDH Pathways to Success Enrollment Partnership and view upcoming visit dates at CSUDH.EDU/CCPartnershipsVisits.

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Rosendo Vargas/ Union Hart portays Sergeant Hing as the rest of the cast of “The Laramie Project” looks on in the first act. In the production, Hart also portrayed Greg Perotti, the narrator, Baptist ministers and Dennis Shepard.

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EDITORIAL

6 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION

MARCH 26, 2015

Campus Insight

Ryan Decker Staff Writer @ECCUnionDecker

Two wrong options

Illustration by Eugene Chang/ Union

Talent is not always recognized the same just sport.

Talent is in everyone and it doesn’t matter what Let us ask, if you know who won this year’s Suyou do and cannot do that proves it. perbowl? Yes, you probably do.

But with all of the upcoming shows for talent But do you know who won the Nobel Peace Prize and design, is there enough recognition for these in 2014? events to overshadow the sports-driven school that The issue: You may know the answer, or may not. is El Camino?

We are simply trying to prove that differMaybe, maybe not. But it doesn’t hurt to try and Talent show going on at ent events, talents and awards are given different help those who would love to have their work recEl Camino amounts of recognition. ognized.

Whether or not something has more entertainSports drive the world.

Our stand: ment value or sexiness shouldn’t make one stray But talent is not just what you can do on the field, from being or doing what they want. court, ice rink, etc. and the world has always known Any talent should be But it does. that, but they haven’t always been given the same showcased.

The campus clubs do their best to present things recognition. like the 33rd Annual Fashion Show.

Kids grow up wanting to be like their favorite Designers, fashion majors and the model comquarterback, their favorite goalie or their favorite mittee put together the try outs to get models for point guard. their show. What they do is talented in and of itself.

From the NCAA to the professional scene in any Maybe they can’t get noticed as easily as sports, but country, there are sports for anything and talent is a that’s what we want. dime a dozen, but being great at a sport is the same Those who are writers and artists are encouraged as being great at something else. to submit pieces to the “Myriad” every year, and beEven recently within the gaming community, escause of all these things. We support everyone who ports is a huge thing.

Tournaments for League of Legends, Starcraft 2 and Call of Duty wants to show the world their stuff.

Although they are publicized less than other events and sports it have been happening around the world for fans to watch.

Whatever it is you do, if it isn’t athletic or sporty, it’s still talent and doesn’t change the fact that everyone is talented, and that everyone can and should showcase what they have to proceed to doing what they although the platform is never the same, you still love what you do.

From the first time someone won a Nobel Peace Prize and the first want.The El Camino Talent Show is having try outs soon and everyone New York Fashion Week show was set up everyone knows talent is not with a unique, school-appropriate, talent is encouraged to try out.

A change on board, a change in campus A new president should bring a breath of fresh air to EC With President Tom Fallo leaving and a new president coming to lead El Camino soon, changes are expected. And as in changes, we are only looking for improvements.

Just like any other school and public facility, the members (students and staff) have several complaints and opinions that wish to be heard.

It is difficult to say that our voices are being heard and taken action, when you see past the history.

As stated in the editorial of the first issue this semester, “The Union” strongly believes that the revival of the winter session will benefit EC as a whole. Not only that it will gain financial profits, it will be good news for students who desperately looked for classes during the winter. Also stated in the same editorial was that “The Union” acknowledges the cost of bringing

back winter session is high ­— however, it will result into bringing in more students in the long term. We hope to see this change finally happening under a new leadership.

Another topic that is frequently brought up to a change — recycling bins. Petitions to bring these into campus have been around since years before; and there are only a couple throughout the whole campus. The Associated Student Organization committee was granted permission to provide few of them in the natural science building, but as it is painfully obvious, it is not enough. The school needs much more recycling bins, with students bringing in their favorite drinks from outside, and buying some in campus from the vending machines and stores.

If the board decides to sincerely listen to the EC community members’ voices, they will real-

ize how many problems they have overlooked and neglected to take care of.

There are even more numbers of minor problems, such as the trash in parking lots. There are always students carelessly throwing away their trash on the streets, which is a shameful problem. An even bigger one is the school leaving those trashes out for a while and not cleaning it.

Cafe Camino not allowing credit card use for totals under $6 is also an issue. Many students are in tight financial situations where they have to spend money wisely. There are times when he or she has to use a credit card because of the lack of cash.

We hope to see immediate changes, after the new president arrives on board. We are eager to see adjustments on our campus.

THE UNION

Vol. 69, No. 3 March 26, 2015

Email: eccunion@gmail.com Newsroom: (310) 660-3328 Advertising: (310) 660-3329

Editor-in-Chief ����������������������������������������������������������������������Jessica Martinez News Editor ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Phil Sidavong Features Editor ����������������������������������������������������������������������Jessica Martinez Opinion/Editorial Editor ���������������������������������������������������������������� Jay Bamba Arts Editor...........................................................................................Celine West Sports Editor ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Rocky Rivera Photo Editor ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� John Fordiani Distribution Manager ���������������������������������������������������������Lorenzo Gutierrez Advertising Manager ������������������������������������������������������������������� Jack Mulkey Adviser ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������Kate McLaughlin Adviser ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Stefanie Frith Photo Adviser...................................................................................Gary Kohatsu

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America has never been more divided than before.

Every topic seems to be an issue of heated debate.

Opinion articles are a great example of this. Two viewpoints with no middle ground. Each side trying to prove themselves right and the other side wrong.

This is shown in people’s political ideals and party affiliation. According to a 2014 study by the Pew Research Center, 38 percent of Democrats and 43 percent of Republicans hold a “very unfavorable” view of the opposing party. These results become even more staggering when compared to the results of the same poll just over two decades ago. In 1994, these numbers stood at only 16 percent for Democrats and 17 percent for Republicans.

You may be wondering how such a dramatic increase in polarization took root. It is not a coincidence that this large increase closely coincides with the popularization of the internet. The opportunity to voice our opinions for anyone in the world to read has led to misinformation and misrepresentation of facts which can reinforce previously held beliefs, making opposing viewpoints seem less and less valid.

Nowhere was this more evident than in the aftermath of the Michael Brown incident in Ferguson, Mo. The demonizing of the opposition party destroyed any chance at seeing the other side’s opinion as legitimate. People who created and bought into the “hands up, don’t shoot” narrative clashed with people who viewed the situation as completely lacking a racial component. Even though the facts discredited both viewpoints to an extent, the vitriol between the two sides remains. When heated discussion over an issue results in the destruction of millions of dollars worth of property and even the murder of two NYPD officers, it’s time to reconsider the way we think and debate.

Even though people appear to be gravitating towards the poles of seemingly every issue, it is not too late to reverse this process or, at the very least, stem the growth.

As students, we have the opportunity to influence the minds of other academics. Just because you have a moderate position on a topic doesn’t mean you don’t have a position. Be sure to engage in conversation with fellow students and attempt to bring people together rather than push them apart. Speak up. Educate yourself and others on the nuances of issues. Try to see all sides of an issue.

It is our responsibility to lessen the vilification of people with opposing views. Because that is what they are, after all: people just like you and I.

THE UNION

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OPINION

MARCH 26, 2015

EL CAMINO COLLEGE 7

Campus viewpoints

Column

By: Monique Judge @ECCUnionMonique

Should students be dropped for excessive tardies?

Monique Judge

Columnist ECCUnionMonique@gmail.com

A spring break reflection I spent my entire spring break at work.

While most people I know were off enjoying beach days and shopping in the mall, I began a new position at work that sucked up all my time.

Because of that new job, I had no time for studying or completing any of the tasks I set for myself. I spent every single day last week at work, and by the time I got home each night, my brain shut down, and I was too exhausted to do much of anything else except tumble into bed and sleep before work the next day.

I went into spring break with such great plans. I was going to spend time studying for an upcoming math exam. I was going to finally get my room as clean as I want it to be. I was going to finally clean out that closet in the hallway that has gotten a little out of control and become something of a safety hazard when the door is opened.

I am often warned of little things getting in the way of plans I’ve made, but I have always ignored those warnings, and this time, that ignorance came at a price.

I am ill-prepared for my math exam, and I spent time on Sunday night scrambling around trying to get all of my assignments that were due this week done on time.

There is not much I can do about the demands at work. I have a set of tasks that I have to do when I am there no matter what, and because I have accepted the new position, I have to see it through.

It can be hard to find a balance when juggling the demands of school and a part-time job. The key to being successful is planning ahead.

Make time for the things that matter. When you know your work schedule ahead of time, it is easy to plan your free time around studies and family obligations if necessary.

If you know that you are going to be exhausted when you come home from work, why not tackle some of the tougher assignments and tasks before going into work? That way, when you come home, you can relax instead of stressing out about all the other things that need to be done.

Don’t overload or overbook yourself. If you know you have a test coming up, see about getting a few extra hours off from work to study for it.

If that is not possible, maximize your commute and your breaks; use that time to run drills and study the material you need to know for class.

When a school break such as the one we just had comes up, instead of using the free time during the day to hang out or work extra hours, consider using that time to catch up on schoolwork.

If this is going to impede on your social life, consider having a study date with your friends. Make a game of it and quiz or test each other on the information learned in class thus far. Spring break typically marks the midpoint of the semester, so there is plenty of information to choose from.

Build up a reward system to motivate you to get your studying done. Go ahead and watch that episode of “House of Cards” once you’ve finished all your math homework. Go out for that ice cream cone when you’ve finished your essay for English 1B. Remember that the biggest impediments to your success are you and your willpower.

Plan accordingly.

THE UNION

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Linell Avery, 28, electronics technology “No. You’re not giving the student an opportunity to pass or fail the class. If the student gives a valid reason, they should be able to stay.”

Illustration by Eugene Chang/ Union

Carmen Velasco, 21, undecided “No. Life happens. You can’t control what happens.”

UP FOR DEBATE Should students be dropped for excessive tardies?

Do not be a nuisance to others

Why give them more worries

If you’ve ever been distracted by a classmate who constantly comes late to class, we’re on the same page. If you’re that person, know lots of us are talking about you.

Latecomers are the bane of the existence of many college students. If a student is continuing to show up to class late, the professor should drop them the moment they decide enough Jessica Martinez is enough.

Editor-in-Chief When you walk into class late, @ECCUnionJessica you’ll most likely miss the beginning of a lecture or worse, a quiz. There’s usually no way to make up a quiz and getting notes from a classmate is something that requires a bit more effort not all of us always want to put forth.

Even if you do get those notes, who says you’ll be able to read them? Students are usually in such a rush to scribble down notes before the professor moves on to the next slide that words end up looking like another language. It’s probably just easier to try to decipher your own hieroglyphics.

Notes from a classmate might not be as detailed as yours would be and you’ve already begun the downward spiral to doing poorly in the class.

If you make a habit out of sauntering in late, your teacher will start to notice. In most cases, you’ll be stuck with them for 16 weeks. It’s rude and disrespectful and it looks like you don’t care about the class.

Without the latecomers there, teachers could and should devote their time and attention to students who care to get to class on time – and therefore most likely care more about the class.

If you have other obligations that prevent you from getting to school on time, maybe school isn’t for you this semester. Or at least maybe it’s not for you at the time your classes start.

Or, even if you do decide you must go to school this semester and have all those extra obligations that could and would make you late for a class or two (or three) each week, pick a prime seat that won’t disrupt everyone else.

Don’t choose to sit in the seat all the way in the back in the class with too-narrow aisles and squeaky floors as your classmates, and, let’s be real, your professor too, stare you down as you wiggle your way into the farthest chair from the door you could’ve picked.

Just don’t.

There are all sorts of reasons for being late or absent. So why should a teacher forcibly drop a student for some late appearances to their class when they have other things to worry about?

They shouldn’t.

Think about the student first and then about the teacher.

Of course the teachers usually Phil Sidavong have syllabi that explains to students News Editor that they will be dropped after @ECCUnionPhil a certain number of tardies or absences.

But what if those students have legitimate reasons for being late?

El Camino is just like any other college, university or trade school. There are students who work, full or part-time, who have families to take care of and/or have travel complications.

How is a teacher to assume that the bus will be late five or 10 minutes on the day their student walks in late? If their car broke down or they had to work a little extra, is it their job to call the student out for it?

No. Their job is not to worry about that single student, but to worry about teaching the rest.

Now that is just a couple of things to think about within the students.

Let’s talk about the teachers.

They have to deal with their own personal life, their families, their work and actually teaching the classes.

Why give them something else to worry about?

They shouldn’t have to. They do role call every class, they mark it down whether a student is late or absent, or at least they should. So why don’t the people doing the records make it a mission to tell whoever is in charge of that to drop someone?

They wouldn’t because that’s not their job and neither is dropping a student for teachers.

Think about it. They were once students as well; they also may or may not have been in the same situations and would have hoped their professor did not drop them.

At least the effort is made to actually go to class, late albeit, but it makes no sense to drop them unless they are also failing to do anything in the class.

It goes a long way and one can blame someone the next person or the person in charge, but in the end it all comes down to the student.

Cheyenne Tanner, 18, transfer studies “Yes, it’s the student’s responsibility to get to class on time. That’s a space that another student could have.”

Vanessa Suarez, 21, theater “No. Especially if you are doing well in the class. Tardies wouldn’t matter to me.”

Zionne Kowlessar, 22, nutrition “No. You don’t know what the issue is. Ten minutes late is nothing.“

ARTS

8 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION

International student puts color in black-and-white

ON THE SCENE Friday,

Narihiko Kumagae has only been in the United States for a year but is already winning awards

March 27

The EC Society of Music club will be hosting their Spring Recital tomorrow at 7 p.m. in the Marsee Auditorium. The students will be performing in a variety of styles including pop, jazz, classical, and more. Tickets for the event are $10 and they can be purchased at the Ticket Office. All the funds raised will go to the Music Department.

Friday,

March 27

The Torrance Theatre Company is putting on a performance of “The Curious Savage” on Friday, March 27 at 8 p.m. in Downtown Torrance.

The play, which also serves as a comedy, tells the story of a widow who was left millions of dollars by her late husband who is sent away to a sanatorium by her family members. The price of admission is $25 and the theatre is located at 1316 Cabrillo Ave in Torrance. Parking is free. For more information on the event, call at 424-243-6882.

Sunday, March 29

The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center will be hosting the Lunafest Film Festival which focuses on films made by women and catered to women on March 29 at 2 p.m. located at 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd in Redondo Beach. The tickets will be $35 for presale, $25 for students, and $40 on the actual day of the event at the door. For more information, call 424-225-2050.

Jerome Casio

Staff Writer @ECCUnionJerome

Imagine yourself in the streets of Los Angeles. You’re walking around. You’re on your way home from work, enjoying a date or just out for a stroll. It’s a beautiful afternoon. The sun’s still out and there are no distractions but the ambient noise of the city until you hear clicking.

You look ahead and see a stranger rocking a t-shirt and a dirty pair of Dickies pointing a camera at you – he does so discreetly, but you still notice. Who is this guy?

This guy is Narihiko Kumagae, 26, a photography student from Japan. Kumagae, a l s o known as Hiko, has only been in the states for a little over a year, but the impact of his work and personality makes him an honorary Californian.

Because of his passion for photography, Kumagae has traveled around the country visiting areas including New York, Portland and San Francisco.

There are times when people aren’t too keen on having their pictures taken. “Sometimes people kick me,” Kumagae said. “And I was pushed (in San Francisco).”

Thankfully, Kumagae does have a few tricks up his sleeve when he’s aggressively confronted.

“Sometimes I pretend I don’t

speak English,” he said.

Tim Trezise, owner of Syndicate Barbershop in Long Beach, has been friends with Kumagae for a long time.

“He’s just so likable and honest,” Trezise said. “An eager kid that everyone wants to work with.

Everyone loves Hiko.”

Darilyn Rowan, Kumagae’s photography professor, said that he’s “really at a graduate student level.”

“His talent was very obvious,” Rowan said. “He was an exceptional student, very hard working and (produced) beautiful work.”

Virginia Chavez, 21, sign language interpretation major, said that most of Kumagae’s work reminds her of photographs from the ‘70s.

Chavez is also a friend of Ku m a g a e.

Although she only met him this semester, they quickly became acquainted with each other — mainly thanks to his welcoming personality, she said.

“He just seems like you can click with him really fast,” Chavez said. “There are only a John Fordiani / Union few people who are like that.”

Narihiko Kumagae, 26 an international student from Japan, has been in the United States for only a year When she saw his work online, and is already leaving his mark.

Kumagae shoots black and white street photography with his Nikon film Chavez said her mind was blown by the strong resemblance Ku- camera. magae’s photos had to rich, blackhard to explain, but he mentioned process, Kumagae said that he is ing out in the streets making art and-white film.

“All the shadows come out that he found inspiration in his fa- ready to immediately take photos of his own. But that’s not how he and it looks like black-and-white vorite photographer, Daido Mori- when he arrives at his destination. describes it.

“I’m not doing art, but people yama. Moriyama is also well- However, when he’s been out for film,” she said.

Kumagae described his admi- known for his black-and-white a while he feels himself gradually in the street are doing art. I’m just “melting” into the city. capturing it,” he said. ration for black-and-white pho- street photography.

When he discussed his thought Kumagae said he enjoys betography as something that was

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MARCH 26, 2015

3/11/15 1:37 PM Lorinda Owens Ad size: 5.92 in x 10.75 in.

El Camino College

New director selected to lead EC’s Center of the Fine Arts Rick Christophersen plans to improve system for the purchasing tickets at Marsee Auditorium and the website to make it more user-friendly Grant Hermanns

Staff Writer @ECCUnionGrant

After Bruce Spain retired from the position of the director for the Center of the Fine Arts in September, Rick Christophersen was appointed as the new director in February.

Christophersen was previously the Director of Administrative Operations at Chapman University for 13 1/2 years before coming to El Camino. Christophersen describes his new position as an expansion upon his previous one.

“I have an expanded role here in the artistic programming,” Christophersen said. “I’m now primarily responsible for the direction of the arts.”

Christophersen said he has enjoyed his time at El Camino so far, describing the staff as terrific and very welcoming. He really enjoyed his first day, where the El Camino faculty held a luncheon to welcome him.

“It was nice,” Christophersen said. “It was a really good icebreaker for me.”

Christophersen said has been getting settled in at El Camino, trying to go around and meet as many faculty members as possible, as well as meet a lot of the students.

One of Christophersen’s biggest goals for El Camino is to interact with the students and get their input on what they are interested in. He said also hopes to engage more of the community members around El Camino, in addition to the EC community itself, in order to expand the crowds coming in.

One of Christophersen’s goals to help the fine arts division is to improve the ticketing system at the Marsee Auditorium in order to help the local community around El Camino have an easier time getting tickets to events. He also said he hopes to improve the fine arts website, feeling that it could use some polishing and make it more user-friendly.

Christophersen has really enjoyed interacting with the professional guest artists, as well as seeing them work with students.

“The satisfying part is working with the pros in their fields,” Christophersen said. “And also watching and seeing the students get something out of it [guest artists teaching students].”

Christophersen also hopes to really build the season of events well, trying to make sure to spread out the variety of events.

“It’s like putting a puzzle together,” Christophers-

Photo courtesy of the Office of Community Relations

Rick Christophersen, the former Director of Administrative Operations at Chapman University, started his new position at El Camino in February. en said. “I really want to make sure to spread everything out, and make it marketable.”

Christophersen said he hopes to bring a balance to the programs.

“It takes a lot of people to do it,” Christophersen added. “We have a terrific staff to help.”

Christophersen has found the location of his office at El Camino both a major advantage and slight disadvantage in his doing his job compared to Chapman University.

“The office’s pace is a lot more different here,” Christophersen explained. “At Chapman University, there was a lot more foot traffic by my office. It’s a lot quieter here, which gives me more time to focus.”

Christophersen has always wanted to share his love of the arts, and knew early on that he wanted to be on the managing side of the arts. Christophersen hopes to use his knowledge and expertise to help El Camino’s program grow, and to improve the patron experience.

SPORTS

MARCH 26, 2015

EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION 9

Sand volleyball turns up the heat and sweeps LBCC Mario Sosa

Staff Writer @ECCUnionMario

On a day that even the scorching hot sun came out to spectate and make its presence known, the sand volleyball team was able to cruise to victory against Long Beach City College.

EC swept Long Beach 5-0 on March 13, making it four out of six matches so far this season that the Warriors managed to bring out the broom.

“It’s a little hot so we have to prepare ourselves and drink a lot of water and eat before games but if we prepare ourselves it doesn’t really affect our game that much,” Jolene St. Pierre said.

St. Pierre thought that EC’s gameplay was “pretty good.”

“We were communicating really well. Practice yesterday really helped us,” St. Pierre said.

“We worked on cut shots and a lot of technical stuff and that really helped us play today.”

Sarah Pearson also spoke about the blistering ambience which she seemed to welcome as she said they were used to practicing in that sort of environment.

“I think it slowed us down a little bit, but since we work out so much in the sun every single day, it didn’t affect us as much as it would if we didn’t,” Pearson said.

Pearson also agreed with St. Pierre when she said she thought the team had a positive showing.

“I think our team played really well today,” Pearson said. “We

were able to minimize our errors and deal with the heat.”

The Warriors have only lost one meeting so far this season on March 6 when they fell to Santa Barbara College, 4-1.

The one win EC managed to pull off from that meet was earned

by Sadie Fraker and her partner, Laynie Thompson. They’re the only pair remaining in the sand volleyball team that have yet to suffer a loss together this season.

“I’m really confident in her and she’s really confident in me and it made it easier because we played together last year so we know how each other plays,” Fraker said.

“We’ve improved really well together since last year.”

Fraker also said that it took them time to adjust together from the world of indoor play to sand volleyball.

“We had to adjust to the weather,” Fraker said. “Like, if it was windy, we had to adjust to that and we have to adjust to the sun, too.

Jumping in the sand is a lot harder than jumping in indoor, so it took us a couple weeks maybe, but it wasn’t too long,” The updated overall record for the Warriors now stands at 5-1.

The next game will take place tomorrow when they hit the road for the first time this season and travel to Golden West College. It will be the Warriors’ third doubleheader this season.

EC will face off against Golden West College and Antelope Valley College; the first match will begin at noon.

Kaili Napoleon spikes the ball to Long Beach City College players on March 13. The Warriors defeated the Vikings 5-0.

Baseball team wins fourth in a row as Mt. SAC series begins EC is back to winning ways after sweeping Pasadena in a three-game series Grant Hermanns

Staff Writer @ECCUnionGrant

John Fordiani / Union

Warriors utility Joseph Cortez slides into second base on Tuesday. Cortez was ruled out after it was deemed that the ball hit his leg as he slid into second base. The Warriors defeated Mt. San Antonio College 6-5. The Warriors are on a five-game winning streak and stand at 4-6 in the South Coast Conference.

The Warriors baseball team hosted the Mt. San Antonio Mounties Tuesday in the first of three-game series, defeating them 6-5.

The team opened the game up strong against the Mounties when they scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Sophomore catcher Joey Notch was walked with bases loaded to bring in sophomore second baseman Joseph Cortez for the run.

The second was scored when sophomore shortstop Fred Smith hit a sacrifice fly to center field that brought in freshman rightfielder Jonathan Pasillas for the early 2-0 lead.

The Warriors followed that up with three runs scored in the bottom of the second inning when second baseman Joseph Cortez reached first off an error that brought in freshman third baseman Ricardo Serrano for the run.

They followed that up with two runs earned off a single by freshman first baseman Jake Sahagian for the early 5-0 lead.

Then, the team conceded three runs to the Mounties in the third and fourth innings, keeping the game close at 5-3. After pitching four good innings for the Warriors, sophomore pitcher Josh Norwood was relieved by sophomore Dalton Erb, who earned the win for his team.

Coach Nate Fernley felt that Erb was one of the key aspects of the win and that he really stood out in the game.

“I think [Dalton] Erb did a really good job on the mound today,” Fernley said. “We did a really good job executing with our pitching.”

Erb had a very strong five innings pitched, only giving up four hits, two runs, and two walks while also throwing an impressive seven strikeouts.

Sophomore center fielder Keyon Allen felt that Erb’s trip to the mound that “shut (the Mounties) out for five innings” was the real turning point in the game.

Toward the end of the match, the Warriors earned one final run.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, right fielder Jonathan Pasillas hit a sacrifice fly to center field that brought in center fielder Keyon Allen for the score which increased EC’s lead to 6-3.

Erb felt that by adding the run at the end of the game for “a lead by three runs,” it was a real turning point in the game.

After this final run, however, the Warriors conceded one run in the eighth and ninth innings that brought the Mounties close to tying it up at 6-5, but the Warriors were able to close the game for the victory.

The Warriors did well against Mounties pitcher Ethan Etchebarren, recording eight hits, six runs, and three walks against him. The biggest hitter on the day for the Warriors was first baseman Jake Sahagian, who recorded a perfect three hits of three at-bats.

The Warriors also were able to force the Mounties to make two errors that they took advantage of. Center fielder Keyon Allen felt that the Warriors really “capitalized on the mistakes” the Mounties made.

The Warriors record improves to 14-9, their conference record improving to 4-6, and their win streak extends to four games.

They travel to Mt. San Antonio Thursday March 26 for the second out of three-game series.

John Fordiani / Union

Brahmas falter to men’s volleyball team Phil Sidavong News Editor @ECCUnionPhil

The 12-1 men’s volleyball team visited the 5-7 L.A. Pierce College (LAPC) Brahmas on Friday.

LAPC looked right at home as they came out of the gates and beat the Warriors in set one, 25-20.

EC knew what to do in the second set. They came out toppling the Brahmas 25-20 and tied the match at one set apiece.

The Brahmas fell to EC’s attacking strength in set three and the Warriors won it 25-18.

There was no stopping EC after they got their momentum going, and they closed out the match with a 25-20 set four win.

The Warriors beat the Brahmas 3-1 in sets.

Track and field in full stride at UC Irvine Jed Fernandez Staff Writer @ECCUnionJed

The EC track team took a trip to the UC Irvine Invitational during spring break looking for continued success.

Sophomore William Ingram was back in top form as he captured first place in the high jump.

Sophomore Khalil Flemister was back on track as he finished with first-place in the men’s triple jump after his rough performance at CSUN a week earlier.

Sophomore Daniel York-Mouton follows up his first-place performance with a silver finish at Irvine in the men’s 400-meter dash.

Sophomore Hailey Heinemann also earned third in the women’s 3000-meter dash.

Both men’s and women’s 4x400 teams are still in sync as the men took second place while the women earned third.

SPORTS

10 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION

MARCH 26, 2015

Softball team trounces Vikings for sixth straight W Warriors are joint conference leaders with Mt. San Antonio after edging Long Beach City College on Tuesday Aryn Hicks

Staff Writer @ECCUnionAryn

Gilberto Castro / Union

Sophomore outfielder Alex Turner has been a standout player for the Warriors this season, with a team-leading .400 batting average and is 10th overall in stolen bases among all of California Community College baseball teams. Turner is on many professional baseball talent scouts’ watchlists.

Left-fielder stands out for Warriors baseball

Grant Hermanns Staff Writer @ECCUnionGrant

It’s a close game, his team is leading by one in the bottom of the fifth inning. Two of his teammates have already got on base, giving him a chance to give his team a bigger score.

Alex Turner steps up to the plate, having already struck out looking and been walked so far against the Tartars. He lifts his bat over his shoulder, swings and hits the ball, sending it to left field for a double to bring in third baseman Ricardo Serrano for the score, helping his team to add another run to their lead.

Nineteen-year-old Turner has had lots of practice over the years, starting to play as early as t-ball.

“I’ve been playing baseball for about 15

years,” Turner said. “I’m 19, so I started when I was about four.”

In addition to t-ball, Turner also played little league ball, Pony league, and high school ball, before eventually coming to El Camino to play for the Warriors.

Turner grew up playing all different sports, but baseball was the one that really kept him interested over the years.

“I played all sports when I was young,” Turner said. “But I guess just hitting the ball, hitting the ball. That’s what I liked the most when I was a little kid, and I just stuck with that ever since.”

Left-fielder Turner showed true potential his freshman year for the Warriors, having recorded 64 hits total and holding a .305 batting average. He also showed he had a lot of talent on the bases, stealing a total of 18 bases his freshman year.

Though his team has had a rocky bunch of games lately, Turner has continued to

show his talent in his sophomore year for the Warriors. He has recorded 20 hits so far this season, holding a .415 batting average.

He has also recorded 13 stolen bases so far.

Coach Nate Fernley has noted on multiple occasions that Turner was a player who stood out in games, especially against Imperial Valley and LA Mission colleges. Fernley was one of the key factors in Turner’s decision to come and play for the Warriors.

“I like [playing here] a lot,” Turner explained. “Coach Fern, he came to one of my high school games and talked to me and kind of persuaded me to come here. He seemed like a cool guy, he talked to me on the phone and I thought this was one of the best options for me.”

Turner’s teammate Fred Smith feels that Turner is a great asset to the Warriors.

“He’s a great player,” Smith said. “He’s had a really breakout season, and he’s a

very consistent player.”

Turner’s goal is to eventually play professional baseball, he hopes sooner rather than later.

“Eventually, one day, or as soon as possible,” Turner said. “But one day, I wish to play professional baseball, hopefully in the big leagues. That’s been my dream since I was a little kid and I enjoy playing baseball.”

While he hopes to get drafted right out of El Camino, he has been talking to Long Beach State about transferring there, and plans to visit there, as well as Cal State Dominguez, Cal State LA, and Cal State Northridge, but his main focus is whatever is the best option for him.

Turner’s hope for a pro team is somewhere in Los Angeles, possibly the Dodgers, so that his family could come and watch his games, but will play for whatever team needs outfielders.

Pep Squad rallies to win back-to-back state championships Phil Sidavong

News Editor @ECCUnionPhil

EC’s Pep Squad has been on the hunt for championships since adviser Diana Galias joined the fray five years ago.

Since her start as the adviser, there were a few years without much luck. That all changed in spring 2014, when the El Camino Pep Squad went on to win State Championships and bring home the title of the best in California.

It did not stop there, as this

year the team repeated their performance and brought back another banner. Along with some championship jackets for the members.

While continuing to do everything to help the team get better and better, Galias has coach Krystal Oropeza and a great team to help her out. “My coaches know what I want, I know what they need,” Galias said.

The team works well together and the “high school talent just keeps getting better and better,” Galias added.

She looked toward her head

coach for confirmation, and Oropeza said, “I agree, every year they come in stronger and more talented.”

Although the format of the pep squad is very segregated, in which they separate two-year colleges and four-year universities in competition. There are many things to look forward to, as the goal is to win a trophy, a banner and a jacket from the championship competition.

Transfer pep squad member Alyssa Campos is in her first year at EC and on the team. She said,

WARRIORS SCHEDULE Badminton: Friday, March 27 at Pasadena 2 p.m.

men’s tennis: Today vs.

Cerritos 2 p.m.

golf: Wednesday, April 1 at Palomar 9 p.m.

women’s tennis: Today vs.

Cerritos 2 p.m.

“So far, I really like (the team) and it’s a lot tougher because I haven’t done cheer in a while, but I feel like I’m progressing, the work is tough but it feels good.”

Another first year member, Jessica Taylor, said that being on the team is “fun” and that she is “very proud” about the progress of the team. When asked about the jackets and championship she added, “It puts a smile on my face and I know it was the work we did as a team. There is no ‘I’ in team.”

Galias was not shy, nor was she not confident, when she said, “We

are the best team. I can even prove it to you. We were sent a letter from a cheer program in Greenville, TN. It’s from a school called Tuscolum. We have never been sent an invite for our girls to attend a program before. And now it just makes us know we’re getting better.”

Oropeza was shocked, considering it was her first time hearing it, and several of the pep squad members were asking in the background if they could be the ones to go.

Coming off a spring break win against Cerritos College, the softball team battled against the Long Beach City College (LBCC) Vikings in their second match up of the season.

The Warriors defeated the Vikings 10-2 in five innings and EC had a big first inning, scoring six runs.

“I think we did really well adjusting to pitches they threw at us,” sophomore third baseman Danielle Bonsky said. “We played pretty solid defense, there [were] a few little errors but it’s going to happen.”

In the fourth inning the Vikings scored two runs but it wasn’t enough to beat the Warriors.

Sophomore center fielder Kirsten Romero had a stellar game.

Romero stole base twice, and had two doubles. Sophomore Jacqueline Gonzales had three RBIs. The Warriors did really well at bat and made good adjustments with the pitching.

“I thought our team did really well defensively getting the first out, “ coach Jessica Rapoza said.

“I thought Dani Bonsky had really good at bats today [and] a lot of us had really good at bats today.”

The Warriors were consistent throughout the game, made defensive plays and shut LBCC down.

“I think we came out here and executed the game we know how to play,” sophomore infielder Kathy Orozco said.

Just passing mid-season and with the playoffs nearing, the Warriors are on a six-game winning streak. Overall, EC is 20-6 and in their conference they 11-1.

Their next game is a home game on today against L.A Harbor College at 3 p.m.

“We were really focused because we knew we needed this one to go to playoffs,” Bonsky said.

The Warriors failed to reach the post-season last year and finished fourth in the conference.

This year sees a much improved side as EC leads the conference with 11 games to go in the regular season including nine conference matches.

Their upturn can be attributed to sophomore catcher Gabby Fordiani who has racked in six home runs and 26 RBIs. The softball team will face Long Beach again on April 16 and joint conference-leaders, Mt. SAC on March 31 and April 17.

For more stories on the Warriors softball team, go to eccunion. com.

WARRIORS SCOREBOARD badminton: Warriors 15 (2-2), Compton Center 6

men’s Tennis: Warriors (1-11) 0, Cerritos 9

For more information

Golf: Warriors finished 6th at Mt. San Jacinto

women’s tennis: Warriors 9 (9-7), Victor Valley 0

check out ECCUNION.COM