The Union
EL CAMINO COLLEGE
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1946 June 2, 2022
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Former El Camino police cadet sues over sexual misconduct Kim McGill
@KimMcGillLA
An El Camino College police car passes by as students walk across the Library Lawn on Wednesday, May 25. Ethan Cohen | The Union
Texas shooting sparks concern over gun violence
Gunman kills 22 at Uvalde elementary school; For ‘Generation Z’ school shootings are a regular ocurrance Ethan Cohen
@itsecohen
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tudents at El Camino College continue to walk to classes, mill around campus and proceed as usual even in the wake of a string of mass shootings that occurred in the month of May. Oscar Escobar, a 20-year-old nursing major, sat under the shade near El Camino’s Library Lawn feeling shocked as the news of yet another shooting occured within the United States. “I know that shootings are not that shocking anymore because it’s kind of
become weirdly condensed in society,” Escobar said with a grim look on his face. Dismayed by the news, Escobar said that the interaction highlights a growing normality that is the mass shooting playing out in communities, places of worship and schools throughout the country in the past two decades. The Uvalde, Texas shooting, perpetrated by an 18-year-old gunman, started with a dispute with his 66-yearold grandmother and ended with 19 children and two teachers being killed during the hour-long active shooter incident.
In 2022, the total number of mass shootings, defined by the Gun Violence Archive as the “numeric value of 4 or more shot or killed, not including the shooter,” is upwards of 231 incidents since January. Escobar told The Union that he is concerned about the trend of mental health issues and school shootings that have been plaguing the country over the past many years. “Since I’m in the nursing field, I can’t imagine how the nurses felt when they received those kids at the hospital,” Escobar said.
Sexual misconduct allegations led to a civil lawsuit between John Doe and El Camino College and El Camino Police Department. The complaint was first filed by a former El Camino College student and police cadet (referred to as John Doe to protect his identity) against El Camino College District, El Camino College Police Department and former El Camino College Sgt. Dalfiery Toruno for sexual misconduct on Sept. 11, 2019. In the original complaint found in court documents through an investigation conducted by The Union, Doe said that, “commencing on or about January 26, 2018, and continuing through January 3, 2019, while utilizing employer-issued equipment, Defendant Toruno sent graphic video and text messages to Plaintiff.” John Doe’s complaint filed with the court said that he suffered a mental breakdown as a result of the experience and was admitted to a facility for treatment. Among the court documents was a letter written by Jaynie Ishikawa, Director of Staff and Student Diversity, stating that Toruno was found to be in, “violation of District policy when he sent multiple, unwelcomed, pornographic, racist and homophobic text messages and videos,” to the 18-year-old cadet. SEE CADET PAGE 12 →
SEE SHOOTING PAGE 12 →
Board of Trustees member aspires to make his mark as Torrance mayoral candidate Cliff Numark aims to bring awareness about homelessness, city budget
Students need to return See Page 2 →
SEE CANDIDATE PAGE 5 →
Cliff Numark points to the area where Miramar Park meets Torrance Beach, a community he cares deeply about and wants to ensure is environmentally conscious on Thursday, April 14 in Torrance. Sharlisa Shabazz | The Union
Ukraine War Combat Medic See Page 5 →
Warrior Life Photo Essay See Page 6 →
SCAN ME
EDITORIAL
Moving to Torrance in 1999, Clifford Numark fell in love with the city, but was confronted with a difficult decision when concerns about the city’s environmental stability surfaced. Numark told The Union that he had no intention of becoming mayor, but he was “struck by the challenges of the city”. “I think there continues to be polarization throughout our community and I think that’s something
that is counterproductive for what we need to bring our community together,” Numark said. Declaring his intention to run for mayor a year ago, Numark has been involved in all things business for the past 24 years of his life. “I have been a part of community organizations ranging from legist to environment to economic development to business,” Numark said. Numark is the CEO of Southern California Blood Bank, which became the largest red cross in the south bay.
PHOTO
@eccunionSafia
FEATURES
Safia Ahmed
2 The Union
Editorial
June 2, 2022
Editor Viewpoints: Three editors set to transfer in fall At the end of the spring semester, Union editors Elizabeth Basile, Nicholas Broadhead and Maureen Linzaga will transfer to California State University, Long Beach. Before leaving, The Union got their thoughts on their overall expereince with the publication.
Luisa Paredes | Special to The Union
Students should come onto campus In-person classes offer better learning, resources and services for everyone Union Editorial Board @eccunion
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l Camino College is a diverse campus with a plethora of resources, services and opportunities. Vice President of Academic Affairs Jacquelyn Sims told The Union that El Camino College will offer 50% online and 50% in-person split of fall courses. The Union strongly urges students, faculty and staff take to campus rather than continue to work online. With World Back to Work aiding the campus entry process and with the COVID-19 Task Force passing mask and vaccine mandates, El Camino has been able to adapt to pandemic-related situations. As students are now able to be on campus safely, the opportunity for academic growth in-person is now available and will benefit students. Learning in-person is more constructive due to students’ direct participation and interaction with professors. In-person attendance allows for sounder interactions and connections between students, faculty and staff, which have been deprived of since social distancing started. When instructional faculty can easily
EL CAMINO COLLEGE
The Union
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1946
Vol. 76, No. 3 June 2, 2022
Contact: eccunion@gmail.com Newsroom: (310) 660-3328 Advertising: (310) 660-3329
evaluate student work, they are able to personally guide students, lead them to growth and witness their academic improvement over the semester. Although learning management systems like Canvas can facilitate discussions among professors and students, there are delays in responses. Learning within groups and studying with partners also pose a huge factor in student success and interest in a course, as students feed off each others thoughts and knowledge. In-person classes are also more suitable for students who have insecure housing, lack resources or access to steady technology. According to a report by the Public Policy Institute of California, 41% of low-income households still don't have full digital access to both the internet and a device for educational purposes. In-person resources such as accessible computers and tranquil study spaces offered in the Schauerman Library and tutoring hubs allow students to have less risk of falling behind. Students are also less likely to cheat, plagiarize or procrastinate on assignments and examinations that are less internet reliant. This challenges students’ critical thinking and avoids disadvantaging
those with infrequent internet access from grades and learning they deserve. Students, faculty and staff need to also take advantage of the resources, services, events and clubs on campus. Services such as counseling through Student Services, food from the Warrior Pantry and clothes from the Warrior Closet are back on campus and have zero cost. For parenting students and staff, spaces on campus such as the “Mothering Room” in the Student Services Building are equipped for mothers to nurse or pump for their babies in privacy, as well as providing changing stations in restrooms. Students should also take advantage of different clubs where they can explore interests, network and form connections for their career or beyond academic goals. In addition, theater and musical performances presented by El Camino’s Center for the Arts have also returned. As the El Camino campus reopens more classes and services, students, faculty and staff must take advantage of these resources, as they ultimately lead to success in the long run.
Editor-in-Chief Khoury Williams News Editor Elizabeth Basile Features and Arts Editor Maureen Linzaga Sports and Opinion Editor Nicholas Broadhead Photo Editor Vitor Fernandez Assistant Social Media Editor Ethan Cohen Assistant Social Media Editor Delfino Camacho Senior Staff Writer Safia Ahmed Staff Writer Khallid Muhsin Staff Writer Katie O’Brien Staff Writer Margarita Sipaque Intern Sebastian Lipstein Senior Photographer Greg Fontanilla Photographer Charlie Chen Photographer Naoki Gima Photographer Kim McGill Photographer Alexis Ponce Photographer Elsa Rosales Photographer Sharlisa Shabazz Photo Adviser Gerard Burkhart Advertising Manager Jack Mulkey Adviser Stefanie Frith
The Union is published on designated Thursdays by Journalism 11 and 14 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 necessarily 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.
Editorials are unsigned and are written and voted upon by the editorial board.
College Media Association Newspaper of the Year Award | 2015, 2016 (2nd) College Media Association Best Newspaper Website Award | 2021 (2nd) College Media Association Website of the Year Award | 2019
Elizabeth Basile, 21 News Editor
"While at The Union, I had the opportunity to cover a variety of stories, meet so many people and was fortunate to have such an amazing group of colleagues. I am going to miss being a part of this great team where I have grown personally and professionally."
Nicholas Broadhead, 21 Sports, Opinion and Managing Editor "The last two years at The Union have had its ups and downs, but it taught me not only the basics in reporting and editing, but also how to lead and bring people together. This experience has been breathtaking and I can't wait for the future."
Maureen Linzaga, 20 Arts and Features Editor "The Union taught me skills that are applicable beyond the newsroom. Learning to report, working with a team, and navigating deadlines all amid a pandemic has brought me a unique experience that I can use for my future ambitions." Photos by Greg Fontanilla Associated Collegiate Press Regional Pacemaker Award | 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2012 Associated Collegiate Press Best of Show Award, Online Edition | 2021 California News Publishers Association General Excellence Award | 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005 California News Publishers Association General Excellence Award, Online Edition | 2019 (2nd) Journalism Association of Community Colleges General Excellence Award | 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018 (eccunion.com), 2020 (both newspaper and eccunion.com), 2022 (eccunion.com) California News Publishers Association Online General Excellence 2-Year Colleges Award | 2021
June 2, 2022
Opinion
The Union 3
Do I want to have children in this violent world? The recent shooting in Uvalde, Texas made my wife and I reconsider if it's safe having kids
Delifno Camacho @eccunionDelfino
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s a young couple, my wife and I have had many conversations about our future kids. Usually we talk about issues such as costs, how we would like to be more financially stable before trying for our first child or even if we feel mature enough to be responsible to take care of another human being. These conversations are always framed as "when will" we have kids. On May 24, in wake of the horrendous tragedy that occurred in Texas that left 19 children and two adults dead, my wife and I had a sobering conversation. For the first time, we questioned, "should” we have kids? In that shooting, the 18-yearold gunman shot his 66-year-old grandmother before entering Robb Elementary School, ultimately killing children who were all between the ages of 9 and 11. Before that there was the high-profile mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, where 10 adults were killed while grocery shopping. What you might not have heard, and what gun violence archive organizations reports is that between the May 14 Buffalo shooting and the May 24 Uvalde shooting, there were 15 other instances of mass shootings spread out throughout the country, resulting in 11 people dead. Although it might seem hyperbolic or reactionary, the major increase in gun
violence in addition to our national and community leaders' failure to address and curb the unnecessary deaths have some young people questioning the idea of having kids. Before getting married, both my wife and I acknowledged that children were something we both eventually wanted. But there are new fears and factors to consider now and we are not alone. Oscar Escobar, 20, a nursing major at El Camino College said the event and others like them made him question his future family plans. "It just kind of makes me scared in the future. To have kids and send them off to school," Escobar said. “The fact that this guy was able to enter school grounds and do what he did...” My wife and I talked about the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting. We talked about the inevitability of it happening again. We discussed the fact that a generation of us were raised to expect events like this to occur. The inaction and irresponsibility of our leaders to address this issue has trained us to view tragedies like this as an inevitability. While my wife and I have not definitively decided if we will no longer have kids, the fact that we're even questioning our decision based on the fears of gun violence is an indictment on how this country has failed in protecting both citizens and children. To be a parent is to worry, that's normal. But to worry about your children being unsafe at school should never be considered normal.
Emily Whinfrey Bourassa | Special to The Union
Getting to volunteer at The Friendship Foundation was a huge blessing How a curiousity about the special needs community gave me the opportunity to learn and have fun with others Sebastian Lipstein @eccunionSebLip We see our special needs and disabled peers every day, but we may not ever know them. This spring, I wanted to learn more about this specific community, and learn their worldviews. How do they view the world that we live in? What do they think of events as they unfold? I found The Friendship Foundation, an organization based in the South Bay that provides fun activities and programs to the special needs community and welcomed volunteers. According to their website, the foundation started over 14 years ago as a group of eight special needs youths hanging out with teen volunteers once a month, at their "Sunday Circle." That "Sunday Circle" evolved into affiliated programs in over 40 schools at the public, private and charter levels, annually reaching nearly 2000 students. The foundation runs year-round, six days a week. Some activities offered include book clubs, yoga, beach and bocce, art, bowling and summer camp.
I’ll never forget when I had so much fun playing basketball with the kids at the Friendship Foundation. It didn’t matter if they had a hard time dribbling or shooting the ball. We were all happy, joking, and had genuine smiles on our faces. I admired their happiness, good nature, genuineness and eagerness in all of our activities. I find myself wanting to be more like my special needs friends. I've also met wonderful volunteers at the foundation such as Karrisa "Joei" Duran, a 20-year-old child development major at El Camino College. She's been volunteering at the foundation since she was 10 years old. She became a volunteer because her younger sister Sofia has down syndrome and being an “overprotective sister," Duran has embraced the special needs community beyond her sister. “Everyone is deserving of love and we all want the same thing, which is a friend," Duran said. "One buddy that really changed my life was Layla, who I met at summer camp. The joy we had dancing, cooking and doing anything together and bonding over
activities showed me the true power of friendship.” Over the last couple of months, I have spent many days with the participants and volunteers, partaking in “soccer golf,” yoga, parties and playing ball. In full transparency, I actually leave my computer science class early to be with my friends there. Experiencing funny conversations with Ricky and his immense curiosity for the world of soccer golf has brought joy and a shift of perspective into my daily life. But the joy doesn’t stop at Ricky. All the participants — Erin, Tyler, John, Joshua, Sean and the others are all beautiful and great in their own way. The time I spent with the foundation was like taking a step out of our highpaced, stressful society and committing yourself to genuine human interaction. It's taught me about the vibrant and wonderful special needs community. Some participants like John and Anthony actually take adaptive fitness classes at El Camino through the special resource center, walking the same hallways as us. Reach out to them. You might make some new friends and be glad you did.
Araceli Espinoza (left), Sebastian Lipstein (top center), Tyler Corron (bottom center) and Simone Thompson (right) take a break during walking club for The Friendship Foundation at Dale Page Park in Redondo Beach on Monday, May 16. This is just one of the many activities that the foundation does six days a week. Photo courtesy of Maddy Silver To read more, visit The Union website at eccunion.com
4 The Union
Features
June 2, 2022
Parenting students raise their children and their grades
El Camino is equipped with resources for mothers and fathers to succeed in college Elizabeth Basile
@Eliza_R_Basile
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ome students at El Camino College are raising children as well as their grades. Child Development major Anna Pulido, 26, was seven months pregnant when she started the Spring 2022 semester. Pulido knew that this semester would be a challenge. During the courses, she went to explain her anticipated due date to her professors. Pulido expected pressure to drop her classes, but instead received support and negotiable deadlines. El Camino College has support programs and resources that are meant to aid parenting students. The Warrior Pantry provides free food for infants as well as children and adults. One of the items they have in stock is baby formula, which has recently been scarce on store shelves. Norene Clark, Warrior Pantry assistant, said that workers will add to the food bags they give out when they see students with children. “So when they come to the drivethrough and the walk through and they have the little ones, we normally go and give them a little squeezy … they’re like apple sauce squeeze stuff and we also do, like for example the teething stuff … if it’s available,” Clark said. Clark said that diapers from size two through five are also distributed. The Warrior Closet is also a program that can prove helpful for parenting students, offering clothes for children as well as adults at no cost. Sharonda Barksdale, the creator of the Warrior Closet, said the kids’ clothing was something that CalWORKs, a public family assistance program, had as part of their plans to aid single moms. “When we first started the closet … [CalWORKs’ CARE Program] kind of felt ‘Let’s put everything in one place’ and so they kinda gave me two boxes of clothes that were kids clothes, from there we begin to take the donations to be able to help and support our parenting students here on campus,” Barksdale said. El Camino also accommodates the needs of parents on campus through facilities that set aside space for childcare needs. On the second floor of the Student Services Building is a room called the “Mothering Room,” equipped for a woman to nurse or pump breast milk in privacy and even store it in a refrigerator. This building is also equipped with changing stations in the women’s and men’s restrooms. Within the academic programs at El Camino College, the Child Development Program offers several opportunities for parenting students to talk about their experiences and to
Elena Carvajal stands with her infant daughter outside the East Dining Room on El Camino College Campus after the Presidential Scholar and Academic Achievement Awards Presentation on May 25. Carvajal received an Academic Achievement Award in Architecture under the Industry and Technology division. Elizabeth Basile | The Union
engage their children through play, activities and learning. Associate professor of Childhood Development and Child Development Club supervisor Cynthia Cervantes said that the Child Development Club facilitates several opportunities to help parenting students and their children. “We also have the ‘You and Me Playgroup’ and this playgroup is for children ages two to five and their parents,” Cervantes said. Events that the Child Development Club hosts for parenting students and their children include the playgroup and “Parenting Cafe.” Cervantes explained that the original age group was zero to five, but changed to ages three to five when the pandemic hit events moved online. “We don’t promote screen time for children under the age of two,” Cervantes said. Pulido said that resources from both the Student Health Services and the Child Development Club aided her parenting and academic experience. “Recently I did do the [You and Me Playgroup] and that was … really good, it felt so good … for my son to interact with other kids over Zoom,” Pulido said. The Child Development Club has had to change their functions to online because of the pandemic. Pulido said that her son participated a lot, something she did not expect, and that she was happy to see him, “not being shy.” On June 3, an event in the East Dining Room is also held for parents to learn about campus and community resources that support them, equipped with a kids activity area, guest speakers, care givers, raffle prizes and the Cosmetology department which will pamper attendees. The last Parent Cafe of the semester will be on the same day from 6 p.m. to
Shoes are on display in the children’s section of the Warrior Closet on May 10. The closet provides clothes, shoes and accessories to the El Camino community at zero cost. These shoes vary by style and age, including pink baby shoes and kids dress shoes. Elizabeth Basile | The Union
Cans of baby formula and baby food are on the shelf at the Warrior Pantry drive-through station on May 26. Other baby products distributed for free in the pantry to support parenting students include diapers. Elizabeth Basile | The Union
8 p.m. with the theme “Knowledge of Parenting and Child development” through Zoom. In addition to these services, Pulido said that the counseling offered by the Student Health Services aided her with mental health after losing her father, which eased the pressure as a mom and grieving daughter.
“I have been thinking about speaking to somebody like a therapist or something again, but when I did use [the counseling services] was … last year when my dad passed,” Pulido said. “ I … used that and I found that very helpful speaking to someone over the phone and you know just expressing how I felt.”
June 2, 2022
Features
The Union 5
Q&A with a Ukraine war combat medic El Camino alumni volunteers amid conflict devastating Ukrainians Ethan Cohen
@itsecohen
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eflecting on his time as a Ukrainian volunteer, Will Hogan recounts his experience in volunteering for the conflict and his on-the-ground encounters in the warzone of the Russo-Ukrainian War. The 20-year-old completed the Emergency Medical Technician program and some sign language communication courses at El Camino College in 2019 before he left to join the U.S. army. Q: Why did you decide to volunteer for the Ukrainian cause? A: “Good people need good people behind them to help. I could be driving trucks, I could be working in a medical tent, I could be digging ditches, I want to help.” Hogan said he got emotional before his flight as everything became real to him at that moment, communicating that this was the type of warfare that Europe has not seen since World War II. On his way to the airport, the volunteer base that he was supposed to head to was attacked by Russian artillery, killing numerous volunteers and soldiers. this was when he got cold feet.
Will Hogan (right) holds up a Ukrainian flag with other volunteers in Lviv, Ukraine, on Tuesday, March 22. Hogan volunteered in a medical tent and as a combat medic in the Ukrainian Foreign Legion. Photo courtesy of Will Hogan
For him, he knew that this could be a one way ticket. Q: What was the process of becoming a volunteer in Ukraine? A: “I found myself in a group chat called ‘Volunteers for Ukraine’ which was initially raising support for the conflict in Ukraine. Eventually, we got put into smaller groups based on speciality.” Q: What were your thoughts when Ukraine was first invaded by Russia? A: “Honestly, it just seemed like another attack on human rights and an attack on people who didn’t really deserve it.” The Ukrainian Foreign Legion is a foreign military branch of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine created in light of the Russian invasion. Q: What was your role with the Foreign Legion? A: “I was a combat medic. I wanted to help people and do the right thing.”
cont. from page 1
Emma and Olivia Crump, twin sisters volunteering for Cliff Numark’s campaign stand in front of the Schauerman library at El Camino College on Wednesday, April 6. “From day one [Numark] was very supportive of Emma and I. Even though we’re very young he never made us feel unqualified,” Olivia said. Safia Ahmed | The Union
Numark has launched programs for disadvantaged students such as South Bay Promise, a program that provides free tuition for students in South Bay. The 53-year-old businessman works as the chief marketing officer at Vitalitant, a biomedical organization, and also serves as an El Camino College
trustee, who are elected board members that set budgets for the school. “As a trustee, we are actively working with the superintendent to get things back and running and helping people enroll,” Numark said. Businesswoman Trisha Murakawa serves as an El Camino College trustee
While Hogan was on guard with another volunteer nicknamed “Siggie,” incoming fire wounded Siggie in the leg. Hogan dropped the food he was eating to drag Siggie to a safe place to administer aid. “He was an unlucky guy,” Hogan said, laughing. “That would be my first ever combat medical experience in Ukraine.” Q: What is it like experiencing the war firsthand? A: “When you’re out there experiencing war firsthand, you get humbled real quickly. You get humbled by artillery, you get humbled by rockets, you get humbled by the thing with your name on it that you don’t know has your name on it.” Q: Why did you end up coming back home after volunteering? A: “I was teaching medical instruction to paramedics and saw how inexperienced these guys were. I wanted to hold a class in one of the
bigger parts of the facility we were staying at but after all my requests to the Major, he felt that I was a threat to his authority so I was actually removed.” Hogan explained the toll being removed took on him. “People gave me their money, their trust and their respect and I had been a failure,” Hogan said. “It just hurt to be told that after all I had done for the [Foreign Legion].” After some time volunteering in Ukraine, Hogan finally felt “spent” and exhausted over the war currently devastating the country. “I feel like I could have kept going if I had swallowed my pride,” Hogan said. “I think looking back, that was the wrong decision because I got back here and I’m bored. I wish I was still in Ukraine.”
and first met Numark when he was running for Torrance City Council. She noticed he was very thoughtful and smart, which she feels is required of an elected official. “When you run for a position like mayor you’re on that large public stage every single day. When you’re a community college trustee you’re only on the stage once a month. There’s a big difference,” Murakawa said. Numark has also given back to the community in a variety of ways, including protecting the environment by saving money through an energy audit. Numark supported the formation of new businesses through the establishment of the South Bay Entrepreneur Center and advocates for open education resources, a program that keeps El Camino students from having to pay for educational resources. On the issue of the pandemic, Numark said COVID-19 potentially has the opportunity to bring the community together, but can also tear the community apart. “The pandemic was a gut punch. Every organization has to deal with this in some way shape or form. We
found a new way of doing things that ultimately is the silver lining for what we conceived very difficult previous years,” Numark said. In addition, Numark has supported the dual enrollment program which enables high school students to receive El Camino College credit while they’re in high school. Among his volunteers, twin sisters Emma and Olivia Crump, students at El Camino, have been supporting his campaign since summer 2021. The sisters found that a lot of Numark’s ideals matched their own. “He’s also really big on environmental policy more than the other candidate and that is something I look forward to in supporting a political candidate,” Emma said. Torrance City Council elections are on June 7, and ballots will be received in the mail in June. “There are no silver bullets, no magic wand to address these issues ... We only build a stronger community,” Numark said.
To read the full story, visit The Union website at eccunion.com
To read the full story, visit The Union website at eccunion.com
Photo Essay
6 The Union
June 2, 2022
A skateboarder pops a trick in the skate bowl on Saturday, May 25, at the Harbor City Skate Park in Harbor City. Gary Kohatsu | Warrior Life
WARRIOR W
Marcus Rodriguez stands in front of “Offering III,” an archival pigment print by artist Matt Lipps. Maureen Linzaga | Warrior Life
arrior Life is El Camino College’s student-run magazine that’s released every spring by students enrolled in the Journalism 9 course. Not to be confused with the college’s renowned newspaper, Warrior Life sheds light on the stories beyond campus news and on the lives of students, staff, or anyone involved in or around campus; hence the word life. The magazine has been awarded locally, statewide and nationwide for its excellence since it was founded in 1963. The next issue is coming out soon under the leadership of Editor-in-Chief Elsa Rosales. In past issues, Warrior Life has covered the top international bakeries in the South Bay to feature stories on personalities around campus as well as stories on punk legend Keith Morris, the history of the Gardena Cinema and a profile about Editor-in-Chief of Warrior Life Juan Miranda who died in 2021. In this upcoming issue, readers will have the opportunity to see a profile on college President Brenda Thames, a profile on Disney Channel actress Olivia Sullivent, a profile on Naginata sensei Helen Nakano, the top five boba and vegan places around campus and more. — Katie O’Brien
Her office walls adorned with photos and news clippings, Joanna Nachef, El Camino’s director of choral activities shares the history of her musical accomplishments. Gary Kohatsu | Warrior Life
El Camino College President Brenda Thames stands in front of the college’s Schauerman Library in late Spring. Gary Kohatsu | Warrior Life
June 2, 2022
Photo Essay
The Union 7
Local skateboarder Damian Turcios, 19, kickflips up the Euro-Gap at Marc Johnson Skate Plaza in Gardena on Nov. 27, 2021. Jose Tobar | Warrior Life
LIFE
El Camino coach Richard Blount reacts to a referee call during the March 11 volleyball match against Long Beach City College at El Camino College. The Warriors upset the No. 2 ranked Vikings to improve their conference record to 4-1 and 7-4 overall. Gary Kohatsu | Warrior Life
El Camino College defensive line football coach Kenneth Talanoa, better known as Ken or K.T., poses in front of the bleachers at Murdock Stadium. Talanoa will be heading into his 21st season as the defensive line coach this fall. Greg Fontanilla | Warrior Life
8 The Union
Features
June 2, 2022
Family overcomes COVID-19 with rock ‘n’ roll spirit Flashback feature: banding together and a boost from online orders saved this local torta business Delfino Camacho
@eccunionDelfino
The following article was originally written in November 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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he first thing guests hear as they enter Alexander’s World Famous Tortas is the jingle of the old-fashioned shopkeeper’s bell. The second is the music. Alexander’s, located at 937 East Rosecrans Ave in the city of Compton, is a rock ‘n’ roll-themed torta joint. Dine-in guests can expect to hear rock radio regulars such as WAR, Ramones, Blondie and The Beatles. Posters, framed photos and album covers decorate the walls throughout the dining area. On Tuesdays, the outdoor patio transforms into a stage where local bands perform. There is no shortage of things to look at, from Debbie Harry goofing for the camera to a portrait of Herman and Lily Munster. Right next to the pick-up counter, a painting showcases Mexican comedic superhero “El Chapulin Colorado.” Alexander’s World Famous Tortas is the brainchild of co-owners Omar “Alexander” Hernandez and Angelina Rodriguez, a married couple who first met in 2008. With an emphasis on rock ‘n’ roll, family and quality Mexican food, Alexander’s is uniquely them. The family has worked hard since the restaurant’s debut in 2013 to make their torta shop a must for both foodie and music fans and they insist COVID-19 is just another obstacle they will overcome together. The path that led them here first began with Flores’ father, Raul Flores. Officially Alexander’s has been open for nine years, “but my dad has had this location going on 20 years, it’s just that back then he did seafood [catering],” Flores said. It was during this period, before Alexander’s, that the couple met. Of course, they met at a music show. “A friend invited me to a show and just told me we were going to get picked
The view customers see of Alexander’s World Famous Tortas on November 5, 2021, located in the city of Compton. While Alexander’s has been operating for nine years, the property has been in the family for over 20 years. Delfino Camacho | The Union
up,” Rodriguez said. “He was sitting in the back seat and we just ended up talking the whole night.” That was 2008. In 2013 Raul Flores came to his son and his now daughterin-law with a proposition. “My dad asked me how about getting more involved in the family business,” Flores said. “At first, it wasn’t something I wanted to pursue because I didn’t feel cooking was my desire. But I brought in the whole concept of the rock n’ roll theme.” The family shut down their seafood catering business and set to work. Raul focused his attention on handcrafting their new restaurant’s menu, settling on the Mexican staple sandwich, the torta. Meanwhile, the couple focused on the theme of their restaurant. “His dad said if you’re going to open it, make it your own,” Rodriguez said. Flores, a musician himself, knew he wanted rock music to be a central theme. Besides the aesthetic, the couples organized a weekly open mic for local bands. The hard work paid off. Their carefully crafted menu and open mic nights created such a stir that they
began garnering local media attention. “When the L.A. Times came to the restaurant, it did blow up for a few weeks, but then the lockdown happened right after,” Flores said. The pandemic shutdown interrupted their momentum and would bring new hardships and challenges, but also some unforeseen support. “We had to kill our walk-ins actually because we had the door closed,” Flores said. “We were only taking orders from the window, to be safe. We didn’t really want anyone coming in.” Forced to shutter their doors, inhouse sales dwindled and the everimportant open mic nights stopped. “There was fear for the business,” Flores said. “Even right now there are so many businesses going out, so we were worried about that.” With a loss of in-store traffic, online delivery service orders started increasing. That boost became their saving grace. “The first few weeks [and] months the indoor [sales] stopped completely, but that’s when our tablets blew up. Uber, DoorDash, PostMates, GrubHub, all that delivery stuff,” Rodriguez said. The halt of the open mic nights was a major blow to Flores. In his eyes, the music had always been as important as the food. “The main negative impact I felt was when we couldn’t do events inside,” Flores said. “My dad [told me] since we own the patio just do it outdoors. It helped but it was a weird transition.” Now looking toward the future, Flores and Rodriguez muse on what will happen next for Alexander’s and their family. “It brought us closer. But we were used to it, you know,” Flores said. “I think other couples were not used to seeing each other all the time. But to us Angelina Rodriguez and Omar “Alexander” Flores, co-owners of Alexander’s World Famous it was just another day, we were already Torta restaurant, wear face masks and while filling out orders in their kitchen on Friday always together.” November 5, 2021. The pairs are also a married couple with kids. Delfino Camacho| The Union The couple have been together a
A photograph of the band KISS rests atop the KISS themed dining table at Alexander’s World Famous Tortas restaurant on Friday, November 5, 2021. The drumsticks above the frame are reportedly not from a KISS show. Delfino Camacho | The Union
long time, and besides the fate of the restaurant they have new responsibilities to their growing family. “Two kids later,” Rodriguez added with a smile. “A 12-year-old and a 5-year-old.” While the pandemic is not over, the couple feels confident that they have survived the worst of it. There is real pride in knowing COVID-19 could not defeat their dream and their family and they are eager to get back to their normal life, keeping their focus on family, food and music. “Music is everything. It’s everything. You have a good day you put on a certain song. You have a bad day when you put on a certain song. Music is a big part of our lives,” Rodriguez said. Flores looks toward his partner, both in business and in life, and they survey the restaurant they have built and kept afloat together. They hope to continue running their family business for years. “At first we didn’t take it as seriously, we were younger so we were immature. I think now that we’re older we kind of see this as our kids’ future,” Flores said. “We own the property now, and we work together because we love each other and we love our kids.”
June 2, 2022
Features
The Union 9
Students get some fresh air at the tables outside of the administration building at El Camino on Wednesday, May 25. More students could utilize these tables with El Camino planning to have 50% of classes in person during the fall 2022 semester. Sebastian Lipstein | The Union
Online and hybrid options are here to stay
The fall 2022 semester offers enrollment opportunities for online and in-person learning Sebastian Lipstein
@eccunionSebLip
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l Camino College is planning a 50-50 enrollment split this upcoming fall semester. Students, administrators and faculty have actively debated as to how best to go forward regarding in-person and online learning. Proponents of virtual, hybrid and physical learning each have valid points as to why their modality is most beneficial, but amidst the confusion and discussion, the reality is that online learning is here to stay at El Camino for the foreseeable future. At the beginning of the spring semester, many in-person classes were cut or converted online due to in-person enrollment missing expectations, surprising many faculty and administration. Vice President of Academic Affairs Jacquelyn Sims said that the college projected an enrollment split of 75% in-person and hybrid and 25% online for spring 2022. Quickly after students began enrolling, El Camino discovered that students preferred online classes more than anticipated. Thus El Camino’s administration pivoted, and Sims said the college decided to offer an even split of 50% online and 50% in-person courses this spring and fall semester to ensure students are enrolling in classes and engaging in academic content.
Yun Chu, a psychology professor at El Camino since 2014, believes these enrollment trends are here to stay. “I think the pre-covid modes of class delivery and in-person enrollment will not go back to pre-covid numbers because it’s a ‘new generation’ of students… These students are comfortable and used to online learning,” Chu said. Online classes are popular with students because they add freedom to their schedules since many students have jobs, are parents and have significant responsibilities. Students have the option of attending synchronous Zoom meetings throughout the week or work completely asynchronously at their own pace. “There is so much more flexibility and equity with online learning,” Chu said. However, many professors and students are concerned with student learning in the online modality, as it’s easy for the students to get distracted, cheat and simply not learn. Many believe it is far more difficult to achieve an academic community and collaboration virtually than in-person. Evelyn Uyemura, an ESL, English 1A professor and faculty member since 1985, thinks that online discussions and interactions are nothing like they were when students used to physically discuss the novel they were reading. “I can ask students to share a thought on a discussion board but in terms of interaction between students and
discussions, I have not been able to make them happen online anywhere close to how they would be in person,” Uyemura said. “There’s definitely advantages to online: It’s easier for me and the students. But is it as much learning? I don’t think it is for me and the student.” These concerns among faculty aren’t limited to humanities and discussionbased courses. Math professor Lars Kjeseth feels that teaching and learning online is harder than in-person for those studying “STEM subjects.” “I feel as a math instructor it was very, very much harder when I was purely online to sort of see what my students were thinking and evaluate their work,” Kjeseth said. Dr. Kjeseth is eager to teach inperson classes this fall and interact with his students. “I really miss going to the [white] board,” Kjeseth said. “As a math professor, I can say the idea of creating a space where the students are in community with each other and learning from each other is far harder to achieve online.” When speaking to both Sims and Chu, it was revealed that online enrollment has increased much more in humanities, social sciences and general education courses compared to the STEM courses. This sentiment is held by some students like Nina Saadeh, a 24-yearold currently completing her second bachelor’s degree in kinesiology.
“I think online should be kept for classes like sociology and English but for other things like chemistry, bio, math and classes that require hands-on help and more assistance should stay in-person. I don’t think it’s worth my time to come to campus for sociology since it’s not my major and doesn’t require lab work,” Saadeh said. Sims explained that there is comprehensive training for professors in order to ensure a high quality virtual education. “When we had to shelter in place and we went remote, for many of us, we never had any training at all. What does it look like to teach a class online? How do you engage students online? How do you make sure they are participating and not cheating?” Sims asked. “But thankfully, we have a great Online and Digital Education training session and now all faculty who desire to teach online must go through our training on how to teach online.” As a former dean of mathematical sciences, Sims half-jokingly added that “students, should also have a little more training in terms of discipline to be a good online student.” But in terms of the college online, it is actively researching student success and learning across different modalities. “We deeply care about student success. Fall semester we’re starting 5050 and the research and trends will help us go in whichever direction,” Sims said.
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Sports Photo Essay
June 2, 2022
The El Camino College Women’s Tennis Team celebrates winning the CCCAA Women’s Tennis State Championship after beating the Cañada College Colts at Bakersfield Racquet Club in Bakersfield on Saturday, April 23. This championship win marks the first in the history of the El Camino tennis program. Naoki Gima | Union Photo
That’s a Wrap! T
he El Camino College Warriors spring season came back in full force this semester for the first time since March of 2020 due to the pandemic. One of the most notable achievements came from the Women’s Tennis team which won the California Community College Athletics Association (CCCAA) State Finals capping off a perfect 17-0 season. Coach Steve Van Kanegan was named the South Coast Conference (SCC) Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year. Players Julia Jones, Kekoa Vaefa and Danay Holman were named to the All-SCC Singles First Team. Following that, the Beach Volleyball team’s 22-game win streak lead them to the CCCAA State Finals for a chance at the title but ultimately fell short as they were defeated in their pool. Coach LeValley Pattison was named the SCC Women’s Beach Volleyball Coach of the Year. No. 1 pair Lauren McCarthy and Fayth Rascon were named the SCC Pairs Team of the Year. Suffering a similar postseason fate, the Softball and Baseball teams put up a momentous fight but both ended up falling short of their chances at the state title. Softball player Alyssa Lujan was named to the 2022 National Fastpitch Coaches Association Cal JC All-America Team. Player Kayla Inzunza was named to the California Community College Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Region Team. — Ethan Cohen
Warriors Beach Volleyball player Nofu Selu (#4) dives to dig a ball from a Vikings’ spike that was sent over the net at the El Camino Beach Volleyball Sand Courts on Tuesday, May 2. The No. 5 pair lost their set 21-18 and 21-17 against Long Beach. Ethan Cohen | The Union
Men’s Volleyball setter Vladimir Kubr (middle) motions a call to middle blocker Spencer Isley (left) before they receive a serve from the Vikings on Thursday, April 21. The Warriors ultimately lost the match to the Vikings after four out of five hard fought sets. Ethan Cohen | The Union
El Camino College Women’s Softball player Jamelah Lewis (#10) readies up to swing at the ball during the Warriors vs. Seahawks game at the El Camino Softball Stadium on Friday, March 25. The Warriors scored in four of five innings and took the win over L.A. Harbor 12-4. Alexis Ponce | The Union
June 2, 2022
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CONGRATULATIONS GRADS
The campus Bookstore displays graduation gifts just in time for El Camino College’s 75th Graduation Commencement Ceremony. Gifts on display include teddy bears, mugs, gift bags, picture and diploma frames. Khoury Williams | The Union
The Union’s spring 2022 staff would like to congratulate all Class of 2022 graduates for their hard work, commitment and perseverance on making it through a difficult time. Whether you plan on transferring, taking a break or if El Camino College is your final stop, all graduates have accomplished a great achievement to be proud of. We look forward to seeing the Class of 2022 moving on to becoming engineers, doctors, politicians, designers, musicians, entertainers, creators, leaders, reporters and more. The future is in your hands and the world will be greater for having your contributions. - Khoury Williams
Graduation caps and gowns are on display at the campus Bookstore for students to purchase. El Camino College’s 75th Graduation Commencement Ceremony will take place at Murdock Stadium on June 10 at 4 p.m. Khoury Williams | The Union
THE UNION WANTS YOU TO JOIN Do you love writing? Is photography your hobby? The Union Wants You. The Journalism Department at El Camino College offers a variety of classes and programs that can take you from a college-level writer to an intrepid reporter. Our classes will provide you with a range of skills required by journalists, including writing, editing, designing and learning how to conduct interviews for both newspaper and online publications. Do you prefer images to words? We have you covered with classes that teach photography, video reporting and editing. Freedom of the press is as important today as it’s ever been. Our goal is to train the next generation of students for the newsrooms of tomorrow. Support The Union. Join The Union. If you would like to join The Union, contact Student Media Advisor Stefanie Frith at sfrith@elcamino.edu
The Union’s spring 2022 staff showcase their revised newspaper designs after being away for two years due to the pandemic. From left to right: Margarita Sipaque, Khallid Muhsin, Safia Ahmed, Khoury Williams, Maureen Linzaga, Delfino Camacho, Elizabeth Basile, Ethan Cohen, Katie O’Brien and Nicholas Broadhead. Photo provided by Stefanie Frith
12 The Union
News
June 2, 2022
Campus construction pushes through the pandemic Planning, demolition and rebuilding has been happening at El Camino College for over 10 years Margarita Sipaque
@eccunionms
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Facilities Master Plan Project has been in the works at El Camino College since 2012, with construction plans likely continuing for the next ten years after 2022. The following list includes numerous completed projects of both new and renovated buildings from the past ten years: • Math Business Allied Health (2013) • Athletic and Fitness Complex Buildings (2013) • STEM Center (2014) • The Industry Technology Education Center (2015) • Center for Applied Technology (2015) • Athletic Education and Fitness Complex / Murdock Stadium (2016) • Parking Lot F and Lot C (2017) • Student Services Building (2019) • Gymnasium (2020) Currently, El Camino College has ongoing construction projects for two new buildings, the Behavioral and Social Science Building, as well as the Arts Complex Building. The Union student-run publication spoke with Executive Director Jorge
Construction progress is underway on the Arts Complex Building at El Camino College. Recently, windows, stairs, and logos have all be added to the building that is currently scheduled for completion in fall 2022. Khoury Williams | The Union
Guitierrez and Bond Project Manager Khloe Campos for further information regarding the ongoing construction and the Facilities Master Plan Project. “The district passed a Measure E in 2012 and it was part of the facility’s master plan that was developed at that time. The plan had identified projects based on the facility’s needs,” said Guitierrez. In order for any plan to move forward, it had to be approved by the Board of Trustees. There was a budget set for both buildings which was funded by the Measure E bond. Campos said that the
Behavioral & Social Science was set at an overall rounded cost of $30 million while the funding for the Arts Complex was set at $40 million. The need to contract construction companies increased as the process moved forward. “The contractor that was rewarded is the same contractor for both buildings,” Campos said, “The general contractor is named ACC Contractors.” Before choosing their contractor, candidates needed to go through a bidding process before being awarded a contract. This process involves Guitierez and
Campos working with a design team to prepare drawings and specifications. They then bid the project information out to multiple contractors and they offer their costs to perform the work. “It’s a competitive process and The Procurement Services Department handles the bidding,” Guitierrez said. While contractors work, there is a project inspector that watches over to make sure that everything gets done. Project inspector Tom Lavia, 69, who is in charge of inspecting the Behavioral and Social Science building, mentioned his role in the project. “My function is to watch the contractors build the project and make sure they follow the drawings that tell them how to build it,” Lavia said. “We also have the specifications that give a narrative of how they’re supposed to construct [the project].” Campos said that before the actual construction started in 2020, there were years of design and submissions to review agencies for approval. Besides waiting for that approval for years, another step that was taken in order to actually start construction was to have the old Student Services and Student Activities buildings demolished. To read more, visit The Union’s website at eccunion.com
CADET cont. from page 1
Nursing major Oscar Escobar, 20, reflects on the violence in Texas on the Library Lawn on Wednesday, May 25. Escobar said he’s concerned about the trend of mental health issues and shootings plaguing the country. Ethan Cohen | The Union
Psychology major Elijah Capetillo, 19, contemplates the recent Texas shooting at Cafe Camino on Wednesday, May 25. Capetillo said that more needs to be done in restricting firearm purchases and protecting students. Ethan Cohen | The Union
Director of Athletics Jeff Miera thinks about his fiancé in the conference room of his office at El Camino on Wednesday, May 25. Miera says he doesn’t have answer to end all gun violence, but he knows that there has to be a change. Ethan Cohen | The Union
SHOOTING cont. from page 1 Other students, like Elijah Capetillo, explained the weirdness he felt when seeing yet another shooting happen in the country. “When I heard about [the shooting], I was like, ‘damn it happened again,’” Capetillo said. “In high school, everyone has a social awareness but in elementary school, they don’t know the darkness in the world.” The 19-year-old psychology major said there should be stricter laws on the ability to purchase firearms and there
be armed guards as security in schools. “I’d rather have five security guards with guns in our school than two security guards that [are unarmed] and talking to janitors,” Capetillo said. According to researchers at the Naval Postgraduate School, there have been a total of 505 cases of gun violence since 2020 at K-12 schools in the United States. Of the 505 shootings, 12 were active shooter situations and 493 nonactive shootings. El Camino Director of Athletics Jeffrey Miera said how heartbreaking
the recent shootings have been, alluding to the Buffalo, New York supermarket and California church shooting. “Unfortunately, we continue to hear way too many stories like this,” Miera said. “My fiancé is a first grade teacher, so it really hit home a little bit this time.” Miera said that there is no question that something has to be done to stop the string of mass shootings that are occurring in the country. “I don’t have the fix all. I wish I did,” Miera said. “But something has got to change.”
Police Beat
Saturday, May 18, at 10:10 p.m. A public disturbance featuring offense words and criminal threats occurred near the campus gymnasium on Saturday, May 18, at 3:45 p.m. The case is currently under investigation by the El Camino Police Department.
Friday, May 24, at 1:06 p.m. A vandalism incident occurred near campus Parking Lot B between the dates of Sunday, May 12 and Sunday, May 19 taking place anywhere from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. The case is under investigation by the campus Police.
There has been a total of 11 reported crimes since the last Police Beat update was published on May 19. The following listing of crimes include the three most recent cases to have occured.
Ishikawa also wrote that El Camino determined that Toruno violated El Camino College Board policies 3410, nondiscrimination and 3540, sexual and gender-based misconduct. Toruno, holding back tears, told The Union on Dec. 2 that, “This has been devastating.” He said he was out of money and no longer had the resources to pay for counsel. “I still love the college and everyone there,” Toruno added. Court records confirm that Toruno filed for bankruptcy. The Union reached out to various parties involved in the trial on both sides, they declined to comment. Maria Navarro, courtroom assistant at Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles, said that an undisclosed settlement was reached in the civil lawsuit. Navarro told The Union on March 3, 2022 that monetary and other damages were not shared and are not a part of the court record. The Union has been following the case since it’s first development back 0n Dec. 14, 2021. For more information on the situation, visit eccunion.com Friday, May 24, at 1:09 p.m. A public disturbance featuring offense words occurred near the Student Services Building on campus on Friday, May 24 at 11:30 a.m. The case has been closed and resolved by the El Camino College Police Department.