Vol. 68 No. 7 May 1, 2014

After 21 years, Child Development Center closes

Union T h e

EL CAMINO COLLEGE

Trayvis Peters

Staff Writer @ECCUnionTrayP

For 21 years the Child Development Center (CDC) has been a second home to children from the EC family. With the Center closing after this spring semester its staff, parents, and children are left discomposed.

“I am very devastated. That’s the only word I can use to describe this situation,” Jennifer Montgomery, child development professor, said.

On October 21, 2013 the EC board of trustees voted to

eccunion.com May 1, 2014 Torrance, California

accept the President’s recommendation to authorize the closure of the CDC. This closure will take place effective June 30.

The CDC helped students attend school and gave children a safe environment, Montgomery said. It allowed students to continue with their education, knowing their children were taken care of in a safe environment. After the CDC closes, the building will be leased to a Head Start Program.

“I’m trying my best to help parents find a new place for their children,” Montgomery said. “As of right now I do not know were the students are going.”

Nursing EC’s accreditation woes

New summer sessions serve students Celine West

Staff Writer @ECCUnionCeline

lesser because of that.”

Since EC is not a four-year institution or regarded as a prestigious school, the team is even more motivated to perfect their game.

The new EC summer session, now divided into three terms, has been designed to attract incoming students and allow current students to earn more credits quickly, administrators said.

“We expect to have a robust summer,” Francisco Arce, vice president of Academic Affairs, said. “Within the summer session there are three terms: the [first] six-week session, the second six-week session, and the eight-week session.”

He believes that the reallocation of time away from the now-discontinued winter session allows students more flexibility in the summer.

“Summer is a longer period. Winter session was only five weeks long and there was a lot more pressure on students,” Arce said. “You have several more schedule options in the summertime: It can be the eight weeks if you need a little bit more time, or the first six weeks because you want to get it over with and then work, or if you want to work in the beginning of the summer then go to school, the last six weeks might be best. You just have a lot more choices packed into one session.”

Administrators also see this change as a means for ambitious students to earn more credits quickly.

“Say you are a two year student or a three year student. With these summer sessions, we have three terms within the summer session so a student could conceptually pick up 10 units pretty easily if they are motivated,” Arce said.

In addition, EC designed its summer session with the intention of allowing its spring semester students to transition smoothly into summer coursework.

“You can see that it is a very short turn around from the end of the semester to the start of the summer term, so we thought that it would benefit the group of students who are already enrolled here,” Arce said.

The sessions have the added benefit of encouraging high school students to plan out their educational paths.

“High school students who complete the matriculation process, which is orientation, assessment and educational planning, by March 31, are given priority registration,” Arce said. “These students will be in a good position to enroll in this second, six-week session.

What we are trying to do is give recent graduates a little bit of an upper edge if they go through the matriculation.”

Other administrators agreed that the new summer sessions cater to the needs of incoming students.

“Our placement of the second session is such that almost any high school senior who wants to get off to a good start and get a leg up can do so,” Thomas Lew, dean of Humanities, said.

A plethora of new courses have been added this summer in an attempt to meet varying student needs.

“We added almost 100 sections to the summer schedule,” Arce said.

“There are a variety of types of courses that we offer, and it will be a pretty comprehensive schedule.”

[See FORENSICS, Page 2]

[See SUMMER, Page 2]

Photo Illustration by Charles Ryder/ Union Effective March 10, EC’s nursing program voluntarily withdrew its bid for accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), but will continue to provide instruction while licensed by the California State Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).

Rocky Rivera

E

Staff Writer @ECCUnionRocky

C’s nursing program has voluntarily withdrawn from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) after years of failing to meet standards set by the accreditation service, according to a pair of letters from Francisco Arce, vice president of Academic Affairs to Thomas Fallo, president of EC. “Students graduating from nonACEN accredited colleges may not easi-

ly obtain employment in federal government installations,” according to a letter dated March 11. “Some private colleges may not accept transfer students from colleges that do not have ACEN accreditation; some specific grants and scholarships are only available to students attending ACEN accredited colleges.”

After reviewing the results of the last ACEN site visit from 2013, the Nursing Program faculty recommended withdrawing from the accreditation body.

“It is in the best interest of the program to withdraw from the ACEN accreditation process at this time,” according to the same letter. “This will

allow for program restructuring and development, as well as the opportunity to fully address and resolve the recommendations needed to meet the ACEN standards.”

In 2011, another ACEN site visit team evaluated the EC Nursing Program and recommended it be placed on warning status. After being given two years to resolve the initial deficiencies, the program submitted a self-evaluation report in the fall of 2013, followed by a site team visit that November.

“The team findings indicated that the Nursing Program does not meet the accreditation standards in three areas, and

recommended revocation of ACEN accreditation,” according to the March 11 letter.

The first of these unmet requirement was regarding “Mission and Administrative Capacity” issues.

“The ACEN site visit team observed limited documentation to support communities’ of interest (hospital affiliates, advisory committees) contributions to decision-making processes for program development,” according a second letter dated April 17.

[See NURSING, Page 2]

Forensics delivers on last chance to come first Celine West

Staff Writer @ECCUnionCeline

NEWS LINE

After incredibly successful results from their last tournament of the season, Phi Rho Pi Nationals in Denver, the EC debate team reflected on their eventful year as they prepared for the inevitable changes in their future.

“We won the Nation Championship in debate,” Francesca Bishop, director of forensics, said.

The team award was also accompanied by impressive individual results for its members.

“Abigail Watkins was third speaker in the nation,” Bishop said, “ and she took two golds, a silver, and a bronze,” she said, “Andrew Escalante won the Fellowship Award and was also top speaker in the Lincoln Douglas debate.”

Such results have been the norm, rather than the happy exception this semester.

“This is one of the best seasons ever,” Bishop said, “and last year was also spectacular.”

The team’s successes have set a tone through the country for the school’s rep-

Photo Courtesy of Francesca Bishop EC’s debate team posing with their awards after a first-place finish at Phi Rho Pi Nationals in Denver earlier last month.

utation.

“El Camino, as a collective, is typically well-known throughout our nation because of what we do through debate,” Frank Masi, 19, global studies major, said.

The debate team’s competitiveness

has even placed them above other elite schools.

“We typically do better than teams from UCLA, Chapman, and Pepperdine,” Masi said, “It makes people realize that even though we are a community college, that we should not be seen as

Honors Transfer Program Conference

Careers in science

Nursing info session

EC fashion show

Today the Honors Transfer Program Conference will showcase its members’ accomplishments and the hard work they devoted throughout the semester from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Distance Education Center. For more information, contact the program at 310-6603815.

Interested in pursuing a career in science? Attend a presentation today and learn about different careers in the field. The presentation will be held in the Natural Science Building Room 205 (NATS205) from 1 to 2 p.m. For more information contact the department 310-660-3593 ext. 5244.

Aspiring to become a nurse? Take another step toward your goal.

The counseling department will be hosting a nursing information session in the Distance Education Room on May 7 from 5 to 7 p.m.

For more information, contact the counseling department 310-6603593, ext. 6137

Come out and support the Tailor Made Fashion club as they present “Ikon.” The event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on May 9 at Marsee Auditorium. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door.

For more information, contact Dr. Vera Bruce Ashley at 310-6603593, ext. 3346.

/ElCaminoUnion

@ECCUnion

/ECCUnion

news

2 El Camino College Union POLICE BEAT

May 1, 2014

Honor society goes to state convention

Citation for suspended license April 17, 11:22 a.m.—An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for illegal tinted windows on Redondo Beach Boulevard, just west of the college. The driver was a female student, who was driving on a suspended license. The driver was given a citation for driving on the suspended license, and the officer allowed her to park her vehicle.

Medical aid call for student seizure April 17, 4 p.m.—Officers responded to the natural sciences quad area regarding a medical aid call. A female student was experiencing a seizure, and paramedics were notified. The student refused to be transported by paramedics, but her brother arrived shortly after to transport her to their primary medical provider.

Unrequited love no excuse for harassment April 22, 1:15 p.m.—An officer responded to the station regarding a possible harassment report. A female student stated she’s been harassed on campus by a male student she met in one of her classes. The male student keeps asking her for a ride home and has some romantic interest in the female student. The male student will be referred to the Director of Student Development regarding his actions.

Paramedics called for potential head injury April 23, 10 a.m.—Officers responded to the Administration Building regarding a medical aid call. An elderly, male non-student had fallen down the stairs on the north side of the building and struck his head. Paramedics were called, and he was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Photo Courtesy of Paul Rorie EC’s Alpha Phi chapter sent seven students to the Alpha Gamma Sigma, a California Community College Scholastic Honors Society, State Convention April 4-6.

Chris Lee

Staff Writer @ECCUnionChris

Motivated to hit the books and flex their academic muscles, members of EC’s Alpha Phi chapter represented EC at the Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS) State Convention on April 4 to 6. “[The convention] was very exciting. There was an atmosphere of congeniality but also competition between the chapters,” Paul Rorie, business instructor and Alpha Gamma Sigma advisor, said.

The convention hosted numer-

NURSING, Continued from

Page 1

EC disagreed with this ruling and issued a program response to explain their position.

“The Nursing Program supplied documentation demonstrating how two communities of interest provided input contributing to decisions for improving program learning outcomes and graduate satisfaction,” according to the April 17 letter. “A response was submitted to ACEN to correct errors of fact found in the

Debit card theft in Schauerman Library

FORENSICS, Continued from

April 23, 12:20 p.m.—Officers responded to the station regarding a theft report. A female student stated that her debit card had been stolen out of her purse, which had been inside the library.

“I think it is also because we are coming from a community college, that we need to prove that we’re not the dropouts from high school, that makes us so competitive, and typically we are incredibly competitive and we do very well at tournaments,” Masi said.

Since the team is only allowed to take approximately a dozen people to nationals, qualifying for one of these positions is triumph in itself.

“It is so competitive,” Brittany Hubble, 21, communications major, said. “There are only so may slots. Just making it to nationals is probably the most stressful part.”

While the debate team is at the height of their performance, there are concerns their trajectory could plateau.

“I think we have had the two best years, but I don’t think it’s going to last,” Bishop said.

Her worries center around maintaining the team’s performance despite changes in coaching personnel.

“Diana Crossman retired a year ago and it hasn’t been the same,” Bishop said. “We were lucky to get a part time coach to take over, and he is fabulous,

Bicyclist stops for no one April 23, 2:30 p.m.—An officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a male subject who was riding his bicycle against traffic on Manhattan Beach Boulevard, adjacent to Alondra Park. The subject tried to evade the officer by refusing to stop and continued to ride his bicycle southbound through Alondra Park.

The subject, a male non-student, finally stopped his bike and was arrested for evading a police officer and was transported to the Torrance Police Department, where he was booked.

Treadmill accidents April 28, 12:50 p.m.—An elderly female student walked into the Police station lobby and requested to have paramedics examine her. The student had been using a treadmill in her PE class when she lost her balance and fell to the ground, sustaining abrasions to her head, knees and arms. Paramedics were notified and when they arrived, they transported to the student to an area hospital for treatment.

Medical aid call for chest pains April 28, 1:38 p.m.—Officers responded to the pool regarding a medical aid call. A female student participating in her swim class was experiencing chest pains.

Paramedics were immediately notified and arrived on scene. The student was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Page 1

SUMMER, Continued from

Page 1

The design of the summer sessions was also meant to help students complete the courses that they need to graduate on time.

“Most students who plan to transfer wind up one or two classes short and the summer gives them the opportunity to take that class and focus on just that one course,” Lew said, “My daughter would not have been able to transfer after two years if classes were not available.”

Thus far, students believe that the advertised changes will indeed help them meet their goals.

ous seminars, lectures and competitions for 35 California community college AGS chapters.

In the competitions, EC AGS won awards for “Best Layout” for Publications Chair Gustavo Perez’s design of the EC newsletter and “Most Humorous Cheer” in the state, Omar El Adli, activities chair, said.

The EC chapter’s cheer was a spoof on Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the USA.” “It was suprising. Some of these schools had totally elaborate cheers but for some crazy reason we won Most Humorous

Cheer,” El Adli said.

The group won these awards in spite of being handicapped by budget cuts from EC, he added.

“The competition was incredible steep. Other schools had 20 to 30 people to compete. We were limited by finance, but we did the best we could,” El Adli said.

EC was able to send seven students to the convention, Rorie said.

Notably, one of the seven, Faizan Mehmood, AGS club president, was awarded the Ed Walsh Service Scholarship.

“This scholarship has been

awarded annually since 1970 to the AGS student who has given outstanding service to their college, chapter, and to their local community,” Mehmood said.

Other workshops showed students tricks to succeed, Dhanu Prathap, vice president, said.

“The better study habits workshop was really good for me since I’m transferring this semester,” Prathap said, “We did an in-workshop experiment and we found that we weren’t able to remember as much when you listen to music with words.”

The convention also allowed

the EC chapter to learn more about how to better serve the community.

“We had a chance to meet other chapter and exchange information and ideas to make our chapter at El Camino better,” Prathap said.

The ideas that the EC chapter plans to implement will help with serving the community.

“AGS does community service with actual interaction with people so we help the community directly,” El Adli said. “We try to cause a real change within the community.”

Site Visit Report.”

The second standard noncompliant with ACEN was related to “Faculty and Staff.”

“Some faculty files did not include necessary document to verify academic credentials as required by various governing agencies,” according to the second letter. “The team also noted that the ratio of full-time to parttime faculty was not in compliance with the standards.”

The third requirement not in compliance with ACEN standards dealt with “Educational

Outcomes,” which requires graduates to achieve standardized skills that adhere to an institutional mission.

According to the April letter, “The team stated that the SEP (Systematic Evaluation Plan) lacked aggregate and trend data to successfully inform program decision-making for student learning outcomes and graduate/ employer satisfaction. They also found a lack of data to confirm that graduates achieved competencies necessary for registered nursing preparation.”

Despite these alleged deficiencies, EC issued a press release on April 4 outlining its ability to continue providing nursing instruction.

“El Camino College is fully accredited by ACCJC [the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges] and with that authority is approved to offer a nursing program,” according to the press release. “The nursing program has been and continues to be approved by the BRN [and] ACEN accreditation is not required by the ACCJC

standards for accreditation.”

Rory Natividad, division dean of Health Sciences and Athletics, also made assurances that EC will seek ACEN accreditation in the future. EC is still accredited by the mandatory BRN. “We remain in solid standing with that,” Natividad said about BRN. “We don’t plan on changing any of that and we plan to still continue to educate students for jobs, transfers, and for graduations. We are here to serve students as best we can.”

but we’re not going to be able to keep him unless he gets hired full time.

“We might be able to keep him for a year, but after that, he’ll get a full time job somewhere, and we are not going to be able to keep this up. The program will have a big decline,” Bishop added. “If you are a good coach you don’t stay part time for long. It’s really hard to find someone good.”

In addition to faculty potentially leaving, the team will also be losing some top competitors who will soon be transfering out.

“We’re losing a lot of people this year, “Bishop said. “We’re losing eight out of 12 that went to nationals. We’re only getting three people back, so we need to recruit.”

The team will be losing many of these members to good fouryear schools.

“Two of our graduating members are going on a debate scholarship to Lewis and Clark, four of them got into UCLA, and one is going to debate at Cal State Long Beach,” Bishop said.

When key players leave, the team is left with the task of recruiting new players to replace them.

“It’s like any sports team where they have rebuilding years,” Bishop said.

“I think that it’s a great opportunity to take more classes and it works to our advantage,” Elizabeth Menegazzo, 26, business management major, said. “I think a lot of people can really take advantage of this.”

Students who hope to graduate sooner also feel they can make good use of the new summer session schedule.

“It will allow me to take more classes rather than cramming my prerequisites,” Brandon Neher, 30, radiologic technology, said, “I think the new summer sessions will help me get out of here sooner.”

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features

May 1, 2014

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1. Mango yogurt topped with bubble burst mango, strawberry, kiwi, pineapple, fruity pebbles, and gummy bears from Yogurtland. Photo by Rene Paramore. 2. Original tart with kiwi, pineapple, raspberries, blackberries, mango, strawberries, and mochi from Pinkberry. Photo by Rene Paramore. 3. Toppings at Cold Stone include M&Ms, sprinkles, and white chocolate chips. Photo by Amira Petrus. 4. A No. 4 Spin Waikiki includes strawberry and banana drizzled with condensed milk on top in the UFO size at Spin Shaved Ice. Photo

by Amira Petrus. 5. The Birthday Cake Remix combination at Cold Stone includes cake batter ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, a brownie, and fudge mixed together. Photo by Amira Petrus. 6. The newest combination at Get Shaved is Berrylicious, which has boysenberry, blue raspberry, and strawberry shaved ice with condensed milk drizzled on top. Photo by Amira Petrus. 7. The banana split from Handel’s has strawberry, chocolate and vanilla ice cream surrounded by bananas, topped with pineapple, strawberries, fudge, nuts, whip cream, and a cherry. Photo by Amira Petrus.

Lorilynn Lomeli Staff Writer @ECCUnionLorilyn

Handel’s anniversary is fast approaching, starting on a summer day in 1945.

The business, located in Redondo Beach, has gained recognition nationally, and has been called by many to be “one of the best ice cream parlors in the country,” according to its website. Its rich, sweet ice cream is made fresh daily, drawing in crowds of sweet-toothed customers. On Tuesdays, the line is exceptionally long since each cone is only $2, drawing in poor college students and business executives alike. From Graham Central Station to Peach – a summer only item – they have every flavor you have ever salivated for, especially on those warm summer days. Their natural approach is evident with each delightful bite. As the weather continues to further reflect the summer season, Handel’s is becoming an increasingly enticing option to help offset the hot weather. Handel’s is located at 1882 S Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach.

It’s common for toppings -- like syrups, candies, and fruit -- to be put on top of ice cream. For true ice cream enthusiasts, this presents a problem. Yes, at first it is like a symphony in your mouth; the taste buds are the musicians and the ice cream is the composer. The ice cream-totopping ratio is delectably tasteful. On the other hand, a few bites into the ice cream, there is not nearly enough toppings per bite. Cold Stone’s approach to ice cream fixes that problem. The Cold Stone artists thoroughly mix in the toppings into the ice cream, crafting every bite to have the optimal ice cream-to-topping ratio. Although there are not as many choices of ice cream flavors as Handel’s, this is offset by the variety of toppings, from graham cracker piecrust to apple pie filling. There is a wide range of signature creations including Mud Pie Mojo, a caffeine and chocolaty centered treat, and Strawberry Banana Rendezvous, an incredibly fruity and light tasting flavor. Cold Stone has locations throughout the South Bay, but the closest to EC is 17362 Hawthorne Blvd. in Torrance.

Yogurtland is a self-serve frozen yogurt shop that offers a wide myriad of flavors and toppings. The self-serve part is especially important since it allows ice cream enthusiasts to go especially crazy with toppings. The flavors are non-fat or low fat, and frozen yogurt is brimming with probiotics, vitamins, calcium, and active cultures. Although there are a great deal of traditional flavors – such as Geneva Chocolate and Blueberry Tart – there are many distinctive and unique flavors, including Mango Pina Colada Tart and Vanilla Chai Latte. Yogurtland is on a quest to provide flavors that represent cultures globally. This “taste of the nations” project continues until May 11, according to their website. Yogurtland has locations throughout the South Bay, but the closest to EC is 1753 W Artesia Blvd. in Gardena.

Although ice cream has a special place in many hearts, frozen yogurt is a healthier alternative for those who enjoy indulging in sweets frequently. Pinkberry produces both tart and fruity flavors – perfect for summer – and sweet and smooth flavors such as hazelnut. When Pinkberry first opened its doors, it was quickly named one of the trendiest places for frozen dessert; high profile celebrities were often seen indulging in Pinkberry desserts, the atmosphere was very modern, and the flavors were very unique. When it started up, there were not many flavors on the menu, and it stayed away from traditional frozen yogurt flavors like chocolate and vanilla bean. However, this has changed in recent years, but there is still an ever-present focus on fresh ingredients. Some seasonal favorites we can expect this summer are Pomegranate and Mango. Now, their menu includes frozen yogurt shakes, greek yogurt, smoothies, and, at select locations, shaved ice. Pinkberry has locations throughout the South Bay, but the closest to EC is 21157 Hawthorne Blvd. in Torrance.

Spin Shaved Ice is a hot spot in our local community for its zesty appeal to customers. The flavors are mouth watering, and the colors are vividly bright. The desserts are smooth and delectable, yet airy and light. There is a wide range of flavors, and they don’t skimp out on portions. The prices are modest – a small is just $3.50, and the atmosphere is very bright and cute.

The names are also wacky and creative like Aloha Spin and Maui Wowie, adding to the trendy appeal of this shaved ice spot.

Shaved ice is often referred to as snow ice due to the delectable and airy texture of the dessert. It is quite popular with condensed milk, which helps create a creamier dessert. For those taking summer classes, this close spot is ideal to get a shaved ice fix. Spin Shaved Ice is located at 16206 S Western Ave. in Gardena.

Incredibly scrumptious and airily delightful, shaved ice is becoming increasingly popular. Unlike its frozen yogurt and ice cream cousins, shaved ice is a song for both one’s taste buds and waist line. Shaved ice is a combination of finely shaved ice and creamy ice cream. It is often sweetened with condensed milk, and served with toppings like mochi or strawberries. Get Shaved is a popular place to grab such a treat since not only are the creations delicious, but they are very generous as well. As finals draw dauntingly close, college students become increasingly fixated on the fun-filled summers that are ever approaching. Get Shaved is very Hawaiian centric – since the owners developed a refined taste for Hawaiian style shaved ice before opening their franchise – and has an incredible array of mixes like Dragon’s Breath with Tigers’ Blood, POG; Pineapple Shave Ice with Li Hing Mui Powder and a dash of Pico Powder; and Aloha Rainbow with Hawaiian Punch, Blue Hawaii, and Pineapple Shave Ice. All of these creations are part of the secret menu at Get Shaved and are perfect to try in the upcoming summer months. Get Shaved is located at 1790 W Carson St. in Torrance.

EDITORIAL

4 El Camino College Union

DO NOT (NOT) RESUSCITATE

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ttention all present and potential EC nursing students: You may have trouble getting government jobs. You may have trouble getting accepted to some private universities you would like to attend.

Why? If you didn’t know by now, EC has voluntarily withdrawn from being considered by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

There are three areas of the nursing program that ACEN has reviewed and found to lack in areas that are necessary to be accredited by its commission.

Students should and have the right to be outraged by this; now EC has released in a statement that some scholarships and grants are only available to students that attend ACEN accredited schools.

How many scholarships are available to those that do attend ACEN accredited college compared to those that are not? This is information that the college should have available for students that ask.

The college needs to be upfront and provide the students with an avenue to succeed in the areas that they’d like to move into.

EC has been accredited by ACEN since 1997, perhaps the number of scholarships that students at ACEN approved colleges must not be that much now – to have not been a factor in this decision process.

Along with grants and scholarships, the college also wasn’t meeting requirements in regard to faculty paperwork, some faculty did not have necessary paperwork to verify academic credentials.

This brings up the question: Who is the college hiring to teach their nursing classes?

Now while most have all the credentials that they need, it’s concerning to know that a governing commission has found some of EC’s faculty lacking at all.

The college needs to be extremely proactive to make sure that this isn’t a long-term withdraw.

Yes, this is a voluntary opt-in accreditation commission, but there was a reason the college decided to join in the first place.

ACEN is to benefit any college student that attends a college that is accredited by it.

Even though the college has been warned in the past with its academic accreditation, it has always made valiant efforts to be compliant in all areas.

ACEN may be voluntary, but the sooner the nursing program is able to get back up to par the better.

It will not only benefit current students, but it will also provide future students with another incentive to join EC’s nursing program.

EC president Tom Fallo, once told the Union you can’t rest on your laurels and say “We’ve been a great college, and we don’t need to continuously get better.”

So, here’s to the higher ups over at the nursing program in hopes that it will once again and in the near future, be fully accepted by ACEN and will once again be a highly regarded nursing program in the state.

EC is known for having the highest quality programs and it’s expected that the nursing program will be back on top.

Voluntarily or not, the goal is to always be better.

That hoe ain’t loyal Ding-dong the witch is dead! Or at least, that’s how most people are reacting. Of course, the witch isn’t so much dead as black listed from the NBA for life. Not that anyone is advocating the murder of either witches or racists, but is this ban really all that much to get excited about?

As many of you may know, last Saturday an audio tape was released which contained a shocking flood of blatant racism and implied sexism from the mouth of Clippers team owner Donald Sterling. Then, on Tuesday, NBA Commissioner Alex Silver announced that Sterling would be banned from attending all NBA games, fined the NBA’s maximum penalty of $2.5 million, and that he would personally recommend that Sterling be forced to sell his team.

Well, it’s a start in the right direction.

However, not through any fault of his own or the NBA’s, Silver has effectively given Sterling a slap on the wrist.

Let’s start with the banning. They’ve just told a publicly outed racist and hypocrite that he can no longer attend events filled with thousands of people who’d like nothing more than to see him get his comeuppance. Really,

U N NIO EL CAMINO COLLEGE

Vol. 68, No. 7 May 1, 2014

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

the punishment seems more like a formality on a set of very good ideas for Sterling’s well being.

What about the fine then? After all, to the average joe on the street, $2.5 million is an impressive chunk of cash. Being the NBA’s highest possible fine, that’s got to be something pretty substantial, right? Not really. Already, analysts are predicting that Sterling could make as much as $1 billion from the sale of the Clippers.

Or perhaps Silver’s personal recommendation to the NBA board of governors that Sterling be removed then, is why everyone is excited. Finally, the nightmare of a racist, hateful old man owning the Clippers is at an end. Or might be, at some unspecified point in the future.

Unfortunately, for all of Silver’s personal outrage, Sterling’s removal is a process that will require the vote of three quarters of the league’s owners. Not that those owners are likely to want to keep Sterling around, but it’s a process that will take time, and could take even longer if Sterling decides to tie things up as much as possible in court. Meanwhile, Sterling will be laughing his way to the bank on the

Editor-in-Chief �����������������������������������������������������������������������Matthew Simon News Editor ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Eric Hsieh Opinion Editor ���������������������������������������������������������������������������Russell Lewis Editorial Editor....................................................................................Angela Yim Features Editor ����������������������������������������������������������������������Jessica Martinez Arts Editor ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Nadia Basich Sports Editor ���������������������������������������������������������������������������Matthew Simon Photo Editor ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������Amira Petrus Distribution Manager ���������������������������������������������������������Lorenzo Gutierrez Copy Editor ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� Thomas Schmit Advertising Manager �����������������������������������������������������������������Liliana Lopez Adviser ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������Kate McLaughlin Photo Adviser...................................................................................Gary Kohatsu

shoulders of the very players he’s demeaned and insulted.

It’s not that Silver and the NBA are at fault here. They’ve done everything they possibly could by the regulations of the NBA. However, those regulations don’t seem to take into account a situation quite like this one.

When the rules aren’t adequate for the current situation, it can only mean that it’s time to take a fresh look at them with an eye for making improvements.

Sterling has done more than offend people, he’s tarnished the name of an entire organization. While the NBA’s releasing of its constitution to the public online is a good first step toward making change, the public needs to let the NBA know it’s not satisfied with the paltry punishment levied on Sterling.

If Sterling refuses to sell his team, another boycott of Clippers games, or even a smaller, more symbolic boycott (such as no buying concessions) at all NBA games seems to be in order.

Maybe we can’t drop a house on Sterling, but just maybe we can throw a new, thicker rule book at him.

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

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

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

May 1, 2014

Editor’s Note

Finding your niche Matthew Simon Editor-in-Chief @ECCUnionMatt

Looking back at my time on the Union, I can only smile.

I’ve seen and experienced a wide variety of things including interviewing Kenbrell Thompkins, a former Warrior and current wideout for the New England Patriots, winning first place in a sports writing competition, and even getting kicked out of an interview.

Despite the long hours, tough decisions, harsh criticism and managerial struggles, journalism has taken me places I thought I would never go.

When I first started at EC in 2008, I was trying to find my way.

For two years, I took numerous classes but came away with only one credit for a Friday morning bowling class.

My biggest academic achievement? Bowling the highest score in class.

After that semester, I realized I needed to figure things out.

I indulged myself in the melting pot of classes the college had to offer, trying out film, cultural anthropology, and first aid.

During that time, I realized my dream of becoming a professional athlete was not realistic, so I looked for another way to connect with sports.

Enter journalism.

I took a Journalism 1 class and knew it was for me when I found myself waking up for an 8 a.m. class on Fridays.

After falling in love with journalism, I decided to dive in the following fall semester and join the newspaper.

After a lot of hard work and fierce competition from my peers, I was awarded the Jolene Combs Award for Excellence in Journalism. The award is voted on by the staff and given to the writer who sets the bar for the semester, to the reporter everyone feels embodies the work.

Looking back now, joining the newspaper was the best decision I’ve made.

It provided a foundation for my life that was needed in a time of uncertainty.

It gave me a sense of freedom because it supports democracy and helped develop my writing.

It challenged me to be better, to always improve.

It taught me the basics of how to be punctual, prepared, and present.

It changed me into the person I am today and will determine the places I go in the future.

Fast forward to last semester, using everything that I have learned, I became the sports editor for the second time.

I never thought that I would get the opportunity to interview an NFL player, but I did.

I never thought I would be winning awards for my writing, but I am.

I never thought I would be able to lead a group of 50 journalists and run an entire news organization, but here I am, editor-in-chief.

I can only look at my progression from staff writer to editor as the reasoning behind my ability to fill the shoes of every editor that has come before me.

I’m in a position where people look to me for answers, and I’m the first to catch the heat if something goes wrong.

This wonderful path is one that I won’t soon forget and I couldn’t have done it without help and guidance along the way.

To my adviser Kate McLaughlin, thank you.

Without telling me, you have shown me what hard work is and what it means to truly care for something. Leading this program by yourself for the last year is something I will always admire you for. Fall semester will be one for the books, and you’ll finally have the relief you deserve.

To Eric, Angela, Jessica, Thomas, Amira, Nadia, Russell and Sebastian, I don’t know what I would do without my editorial board. I was able to do this job because of the hard work and tireless hours you put into this. I know some of you won’t be back next semester, but you will all travel the road of success. You will always have a friend in me.

And to our readers, thank you.

Without you this wouldn’t be possible. We do this for you guys, and we can’t wait to be back at it in fall.

Until then enjoy our summer issue, and we’ll see you in September.

Associated Collegiate Press Regional Pacemaker Award 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2012 California Newspaper Publishers’ Association General Excellence Award 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005 Journalism Association of Community Colleges General Excellence Award 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

May 1, 2014

Opinion

El Camino College Union 5

Campus viewpoints By: Rigo Bonilla @EccUnionRigo

Photos By: John Fordiani @EccUnionJohn

Excited for summer school?

Rigo Bonilla

Union Columnist @ECCUnionRigo

First, let me take a selfie

I

nstagram recently surpassed 200 million users. The point of Instagram? To brag about all the great things you

do.

Get a new car? Instagram.

About to pay the rent in cash and have a bunch of $100 bills? Instagram. (Make sure to forget to mention that the money is soon to be gone.) Six-pack, nice butt or new clothes? Instagram!

It might have been the great philosopher Aristotle who said, “If you go to a sick show and you don’t Instagram it, did you really go?” Or maybe that was Nietzsche.

But let’s not condemn our vivacious Instagram sisters and brothers. After all, it has legitimately become human nature to document our lives via cell phone camera and social media. (Credit Freud with that one.)

Apps like Instagram went from non-existence to being in millions of pockets in the course of a few years. It makes sense that it would change how modern humans function in this society.

It fulfills a basic human need to document our journey through life. Not only is it nice to remember fun memories, but the likes.

Nobody can deny that the likes feel good.

There’s nothing wrong with creating a highlight reel of your best moments, but that’s exactly what it is: a highlight reel. Don’t believe the hype. Even the golf highlights on “Sportscenter” are pretty entertaining.

It’s easy to get caught up comparing yourself to your peers, especially in the college age. Most of us aren’t settled yet. Our lives are still up in the air. For most of us, it’s still possible to attain our wildest dreams and become successful, or live under the 405 sporting finger-less gloves.

There’s no worse insecurity than the one that comes with the uncertainty of life. It can get bad if you’re constantly comparing the mundane moments of your life with the perfectly-angled lightfiltered selfies of others.

Be fair to yourself. Realize that her selfie only looked good after 12 attempts and that his new car severely depreciated the second it left the lot.

But really, it’s easy to get discouraged seeing others get great internships and acceptance letters while grinding it out here at community college. It’s a big world out there. With University of California at Los Angeles graduates out there struggling to find jobs, it can seem bleak for an EC student who might not even know what major to choose.

Two-year schools are a chance for many to get everything straight before moving on to become functioning members of society. It’s like purgatory, except with more alcohol, drugs and social anxiety.

It’s important to recognize individual strengths and realize that we’re all going through this life just trying to figure it out, no matter how together some of our peers might appear.

Now, enough of this mushy positive stuff. When does this article come out? You better believe it’s going straight on Instagram.

Have fun at summer school Warriors and keep those cell phones ready. Follow @ECCUNION and tag us in any pictures that share your EC experience.

The views expressed in this column are those of the author. They do not represent the views or opinions of the Union, its staff, editorial board or advisers.

Karen Lopez, 22, biomedical engineering major “The classes are shorter, so it’ll go by faster and you’ll be able to take more classes. I think it’s a good thing.”

Illustration by Eugene Chang/ Union

UP FOR DEBATE

Michael Marquez, 29, fire tech major.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for students because summer is their time to take a break and travel and go do family stuff. Summer is a shortened semester so people don’t want to take important classes with a lot of material. You need more time to absorb the material.”

Is the new summer session going to work?

Winter is dead, bring on the longer summer

Stick with the crowd, bring back winter

Who takes classes during winter sessions anyway? Good riddance, if you ask me. I for one was never a fan of rushing back to school right after the holiday season.

Students are still trying to get that extra time in with the family rather than sitting in the same class for hours on end.

You’re waking up to freezing Jean-Paul Udeh weather, thinking about your bed and Staff Writer @ECCUnionJean that new pair of holiday pajamas your mother got you for Christmas.

You’re mad that you’re in class for four days straight for the next six weeks. Wishing you actually took the time off readjusting your brain before it goes into school overload and end up bombing all your classes.

This three-separate summer session schedule will not only revolutionize the community college school system, but the university level as well.

I see EC being the “Hallmark” of the academic calendar.

Students now have the opportunity to take a serious break from classes right after the spring semester and still have a chance to take classes in the summer.

Let’s be honest, two weeks between semesters just doesn’t even cut it.

Rather than showing up for classes May 21, students could choose to come back for either the eight-week session that starts June 16 or the six-week, which starts July 7.

The summer session is so spread out, that for the first time student are able to add a bucket load of classes. Take it from me; I’m already registered with 18 units for this upcoming summer.

Eliminating the winter session is not only in the best interests of students, but it will also save the school lots of money.

Not to mention that’s one less catalog the school has to print out, talk about being environmentally friendly.

The consensus from students around campus is that they’re happy with the new academic calendar.

The idea of having an early start for the summer should win over anyone.

I can’t think of any good reason for El Camino to reinstate the winter session, could you?

There’s something to be respected in most trendsetters. Those who are brave enough to break away from the established pack, and try to do things their own way. Of course, trendsetting comes with an inherent risk; sometimes, the trend doesn’t catch on, and the trendsetter is left alone in the cold. Or in this case, in a stuffy classroom in the middle of summer.

Thomas Schmit In theory, the idea of cramming Copy Editor @ECCUnionThomas three different sessions into a single summer doesn’t sound like such a bad plan. Transfer students can get their last few requirements in before the fall semester, and incoming high schoolers will be able to sign up for summer classes. That’s important, because EC is going to be in desperate need of those high schoolers.

The reason the fresh students are so needed is that in order to make room for these new summer sessions, EC has had to mangle it’s scheduling so hideously that it’s almost completely incompatible with those of other colleges in the area.

Once upon a time, if a class wasn’t offered at EC, students could spend the winter or summer at another college before coming back for spring or fall, and vice versa. Now students are pretty much left with the choice of attending only EC, or being able to attend everywhere else.

Now, with the flow of students from other schools seriously curtailed, it’s EC’s wallet that will feel the sting. Less students in our classes means less money from the state, and despite all of the fees students pay, the funds from the state is where the majority of the school’s money comes from. That couldn’t be a problem though, right?

Of course, it’s not like anyone took winter classes anyways.

Well, other than those athletes who have to spend their summers in training. I’m sure the EC hockey team wouldn’t mind if it actually existed. There’s also those crazy folks who would rather be sitting in class during the gloomy, cold parts of the year, rather than during the height of the world famous California summer. I’m sure they’ll be fine if they just pray to get classes in a relatively new classroom, rather than in ovens like those in the Administration Building.

On second thought, how about EC just goes back to following the crowd?

Roy Buchanan, 22, psychology major “I feel like there should be one section in the winter and one section in the summer. School should be year-round. It’s like jam packing everything into summer. There should be more of a balance.”

Adam Rudow, 20, computer science engineering major “I think we should just let it go, but then again families of the people who were on board the plane want closure, so it’s good that they are keeping up to date on it.”

Karen Carrillo, 22, undecided major “I don’t know, I think it would have been better to make one big summer session. I think it’s bad that there’s no winter session because now people won’t be able to get out of school faster.”

Arts

6 El Camino College Union

On The Scene

May 1, 2014

Album Review

Iggy Azalea sets the bar as a female rapper

Jazz Two Big Band on campus Director David Sills presents an arrangment of different vocal and instrumental classics featuring music by Oliver Nelson and more. The show will be playing at the Haag Recital Hall on May 5 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling 310-329-5345.

EC jazz ensemble joins Grammy award-winning pianist Grammy award-winning pianist, Bill Cunliffe joins EC’s jazz ensemble for a night of jazz, directed by Chris Mello.

Cunliffe is a Los Angeles composer of jazz and plays hard-hitting swing, and lush orchestral landscapes The show is on May 9 at 8 p.m. at the Campus Theater. Tickets can be purchased at the Campus Theater for $10.

EC Symphony Orchestra Director Dane Teter presents Symphony Orchestra performed by soloists from the Applied Music Program and more. The show will be playing at the Marsee Auditorium on May 10 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Marsee Auditorium box office or by calling 310-329-5345.

Echoes of Hawaii by EC Chorale Pianist Kenner Bailey and director Joanne Nachef will be hosting the 2014 Hawaii Tour featuring Hawaiian music favorites such as Eric Whitacre, Maurice Duruflé, Moses Hogan, and Stacey Gibbs. The show will be playing at the Campus Theater on May 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Campus Theater.

Cynnamon Baker

Staff Writer @ECCUnionCBaker John Fordiani / Union

Jared Sachs, 20, music major, has his wrist checked by student health services coordinator Debbie Conover. Sachs regualry recieves treatment for his carpal tunnel syndrome.

Jazz musician surmounts carpal tunnel syndrome

Rigo Bonilla

Staff Writer @ECCUnionRigo Jazz is unpredictable by nature; that’s what draws many people to it. Musicians practice meticulously to be able to navigate the ebbs and flows of the music, but nothing can prepare them for the uncertainties of life.

Jared Sachs, 20, music major, who plays in the Jazz One Big Band and the Jazz Combo Band at EC, started playing guitar at 10 years old because he was inspired by his father’s guitar playing. By age 16, Sachs was in his first real band.

“It’s all about improvising,” Sachs said. “Every time you play a song, it will turn out differently. That’s jazz. You’ve practiced so much, that when you get up there, it flows freely.”

Music had become essential to the young musician, so when playing was no longer possible, it left his life in a crisis.

“I had to stop playing for about a year because I got carpal tunnel syndrome,” Sachs said. “I didn’t know what to think because music was every aspect of my life, and it forced me to reconsider what

it means to live.”

Sachs was visibly moved while reminiscing on that difficult period.

“It’s an addiction for sure; people wouldn’t believe,” he said. “It’s like being in a relationship with someone.

People would say that’s a good thing,

right? But when you lose someone, it can really screw you up. So, I think we still have to do all of things we like to do, but we can’t let it destroy us.”

Sachs was forced to find happiness another way.

“I definitely reassessed my life,” he added. “I became Buddhist and it made me a happier person. I learned not to become dependent on anything to be happy.”

Sachs found a doctor to combat the carpal tunnel and said he is 90-95 percent

Travis Melvin, conductor of “The Corelli Ensemble” is conducting the “Overture” and “Dido’s Lament” from Dido and Aeneas Z.

pain-free now. He regrouped from his injury and came back stronger than ever.

“Jared practices a good six hours a day,” Chris Mello, professor of music, said. “He got accepted to the University of North Texas, which is an elite music school, a top 10 music school in this country. It has the oldest jazz degree in the country.”

Sachs’ dedication is obvious to everyone that knows him.

“He’s a hard worker,” Juan Rodriguez, 27, music major, said. “He had to drop out of the music program. It made him more focused. He took his time off and came back more mature and with a vengeance.

He came back killing it.”

Sachs will also be playing on campus with the Jazz One Big Band on May 9.

The next off-campus performance for Sachs will be at Suzy’s Bar and Grill in Hermosa Beach on May 29 where he will be opening for two metal bands.

To hear Sachs’ music, visit www. soundcloud.com/jarebear63.

Who said white girls can’t rap?

Australian-native Iggy Azalea put that stereotype to rest when her debut album “The New Classic” dropped on April 22.

According to iTunes, her debut single “Fancy” featuring Charli XCX made No. 91 on the iTunes Charts.

Her album embodied an eclectic mix of music closely reflecting the work of artists that share in this different sound.

Although she can’t quite compare to seasoned artists yet, musical masterminds such as Mike Will, Outkast, Kanye West, Ludacris, Eve and Gwen Stefani likely influenced the beats, acoustics and instrumentals in this album.

With a brilliant mix of many music genres, any listeners can find a way to “keep on turning it up” during the summer break. Having fun like they were still going hard at Coachella or twerking with Miley Cyrus at a concert.

Collaborations included rapper T.I., Rita Ora, Charli XCX, Mavado, and dubstep group Watch the Duck. Each artist sound helped diversify and solidify her unique voice as a rap artist.

The variety of “bangers” (hardhitting songs) created an extraordinary vibe that encompassed a mix of bounce, alternative, South Beach and West Coast rap.

Although the songs were upbeat, it mostly provided fans an insight to her life.

Songs like “Work” and “Impossible is Nothing” gave background to who she was, who she is and where she is headed.

Being a self-proclaimed hustler at the age of 16, Azalea gathered her belongings and moved to Miami alone to explore, live, and search for a better life.

“I know pressure make diamonds so I threw ‘em off in this chain” as she spit the verse in her song “Walk the Line.”

A diamond in the rough is what some call a person with a heart full of gold who grew from harsh conditions.

She learned to walk alone in her journey to America and took listeners on that bumpy ride with every verse.

Although life’s obstacles made situations harder for her, she just kept “living, breathing, climbing and reaching” her goals regardless if the world didn’t see it.

She said in an interview on Hard Knock TV that, “You can never know what people are going through. It could be paradise and you can still be completely miserable.”

It was apparent her passion for the musical art form has turned her story into a hard-hitting freshman album.

Every song on “The New Classic” album presents a new wing within the ever-changing hip-hop diaspora.

Cary Majano / Union

Society of Music orchestrates era of Bach

I

Kierra Norrell

Staff Writer @ECCUnionKierra

Cary Majano / Union

Anthony Moreno, Baritone, sings “Mache Dich, Mein Herze, Rein” from the St. Matthew Passion.

nfused with exciting performances, the Society of Music Club, presented “The Corelli Ensemble” orchestra featuring alumni of the EC’s Society of Music.

The orchestra wanted to do a performance at EC that consisted of soloists that attended the school and former members of the club.

“I wanted them to come so students that are in attendance can see where they could go as far as a music career.” Ivan Alcantar, president

of Society of Music Club said.

The orchestra tended to focus on playing baroque music from late 1600’s to 1750’s.

“Mainly we enjoy playing in the era were Bach was when he died that ended that era because no one could compete with Bach.”

Travis Melvin, conductor, said.

The dynamic orchestra have been preparing for this concert since February and they performed at a high level presentation.

The concert opened up with “Concerto Grosso Op. 6 No. 1” by George Handel which starred two violinist Jennifer Holly and Matt Brislawn and one cello player Sophia Momand.

Following, was former alumn Anthony Moreno who is a baritone (classical male

singer) whose voice lies between the bass and tenor voice types. He performed solos in Austria and Italy.

“It was a very surreal moment for me to come back here and perform.” Moreno said.

“It’s really nice to come back and play for the club because I was a founding member of the club.”

Moreno sang “Marche Dich, Mein Herze, Rein” from the St. Matthews Passion. He said that while singing he almost “laughed” because he felt like he was performing with old classmates.

“It’s a lot of motion, it takes a lot out of you, and I do have a bit of responsibility trying to keep the group together. “ Melvin said.

May 1, 2014

Features

El Camino College Union 7

The Trevi Fountain is considered the Crown Jewel of fountains and is located between the palaces of the historic center of Rome. The fountain was constructed around 19 BC and occupies half of Trevi Square. By tradition tossing a coin into the fountain means that you will return to Rome. Estimated 3000 Euros are thrown into the fountain each day and the money is donated to charity.

benvenuto Europa

Above: The Parthenon is a temple on Athenian Acropolis, Greece, dedicated to the maiden goddesAthena. Construction began in 447 BC when the Athenian Empire was at the height of its power.

It was completed in 438 BC. Right: The Pantheon is classified as a temple and was dedicated to all the Gods of Pagan Rome. It’s located in the center of Rome near the Tiber River. The Pantheon is famous for its architecture, which features a series of intersecting arches. The dome was built with a hole to allow light to showcase the beauty of the interior.

Westminster Abbey, formally titled the Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, is a church in the City of Westminster, London, located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious building in the United Kingdom and is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English and, later British monarchs.

Photos by Charles Ryder

8 El Camino College Union

feature

May 1, 2014

CRASH, THRASH, and RIDE

EL PORTO, California Written by: Nadia Basich Photos by: Amira Petrus

The beach is one of the go-to places to surf in the South Bay this summer.

located off Highland

Avenue and 45th Street

El Porto is located in north Manhattan Beach between El Segundo and Hermosa

Beach. The drive down to El Porto is breathtaking, the scenic drive down Highland Avenue is full of million dollar homes and a full landscape of the beach.

Aside from the oil refinery in front of El Porto, the strand is lined with a long

bike path, white sand, and pounding waves.

El Porto, also known as “surfer’s paradise,” is one of the top beaches to surf in

Los Angeles due to its wave consistency of gnarly blue waves. The consistency of the waves range from two to ten feet, and the line-up can get really crowded when those waves are shred-worthy.

The swells tend to open in every direction, always creating waves to surf. The

sand bars build up in some places of El Porto creating stronger waves, all depending on the swell.

Surf camps are offered at El Porto to all ages, to note for beginners, learning

proper surfing etiquette is a must.

Even though El Porto isn’t big like Costa Rica or Hawaii waves where tourists

and locals crowd around to watch, the infamous surf spot has competitions like Volcom’s VQS Seaslug Surf Series.

Last summer, professional surfers came to compete in their division along with

others including juniors, groms, and girls. Professional surfers like Chris Ward, Vini

Fornori, Dane Zaun, Hunter Lysaught and many more competed in last summer’s competition.

El Porto is a local spot for old timers and regulars to surf, you never know if you

will run into Dane Zaun at first morning light.

Cameron Brown, 23, of El Segundo shreds with a tail slide; El Porto, Manhattan Beach, California.

fEATURE

May 1, 2014

El Camino College Union 9

Sisters Nadia Basich, 21, arts editor, and Celeste Basich, 20, journalism major from Harbor College visits Naples Canals every summer to kayak and paddleboard.

Summertime in the LBC

W Written by: Nadia Basich Photos by: Amira Petrus

elcome

to

Beach,

California

(LBC),

notorious

for

being

Long

Snoop

Dogg’s hometown,

cruising down 2nd Street in Belmont Shores, visiting The Pike to ride the ferris wheel, and dining at Long Beach Cafe on Ocean Boulevard at noon to cure the hangover from drinking half yards at Yard House.

Being in the heart of the South Bay with righteous waves and partying on the pier, there’s nothing close to what Naples Canals has to offer for its beach-goers.

Jeff Beavers, 32, comes out every weekend for paddleboarding around Naples Canals.

Angela Yim, 26, editorial editor, treads through the open water with speed.

Tyler Sonsma, 16, rookie paddleboarding for his first time near the shore at Bayshore Beach.

Naomi Jenkins, 27, in perfect paddleboarding form paddles in from a tour through Naples Canals.

Naples Canals is a small neighborhood made up of three islands in Alamitos Bay, which the locals call Bayshore Beach.

Likewise, cruising through Naples Canals is a sight to see considering there are ravishing homes throughout the canals, crossing through miniature bridges connecting the islands, and inhaling the local beach lifestyle in the LBC. Bayshore’s calm crisp water with little boat traffic is great for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Along Ocean Avenue is the small dock and a tiny hut, Kayaks On the Water, that offers beachgoers kayaks and paddleboards for rent at an inexpensive cost.

Kayaking starts at $9 an hour per person and if there’s a group of twenty or more people, the cost is cut to $6. Paddleboarding is $25 an hour, including instructor if needed and $16 an hour for speed pass members.

Naples Canals is considered to be “the best kept secret between Los Angeles and Orange County” — but secrets are for everyone, so share the wealth and paddle through Naples.

From left Nadia Basich, 21, arts editor, paddles around Naple Canals with Angela Yim, 26, editorial editor on the right.

sports

9 El Camino College Union

May 1, 2014

Going above and beyond

Gilberto Castro / Union

Christu Villasor uses the spring board to express herself.

Diving for the moment Lorenzo Guitterrez Staff Writer @ECCUnionLorenzo

Line up position, in a blue diving suit, she waits on the 3-meter spring board with the slightest hint of nervousness.

Christy Villasor, sophomore, diver, qualified to competete in the championship for 1 and 3-meters boards April 12.

In fall 2012, attempting something new and in search of new experiences, Villasor took a spring board class. Having always watched the divers on the Olympics, it motivated her to take a chance.

“In high school I did track and field, and cross country; It was great (experience) I love running; for track I made it to CIF my junior and senior year in relay teams for track but that’s about it,” Villasor said. “I was average for both sports, but I love running, I’m still running too even though I’m doing diving, actually I did half marathon in February.”

Coach Corey Stanbury invited Villasor to be part of the diving team because she is was only talented but also a dedicate woman.

“I think [it] is awesome that she is able to progress from [her] first exposure to diving here at El Camino College in a spring board diving class,” Standbury said. “Her second season in the sport, making to state championship — is awesome.”

“I always pray, especially during the meets, [inbetween] dives I have my cross necklets with me and I always pray, I go to the bathroom I pray, I always pray – [I thank] God for everything,” Villasor said.

Although her plans for next semester are uncertain, Billasor said this will be her last season on the EC diving team.

According to the 2014 Swimming and Diving Schedule, Villasor will compete the state championship May 1-3 in the East L.A. College.

Gilberto Castro / Union

Freshman Syrea Hicks competing in the Women’s 100-meter high hurdles on Friday, March 7th, 2014 in the Cerritos multi-School Classic at Cerritos College. Hicks is a tremendous multi-event athlete currently ranked first place in the Women’s 100-meter high hurdles.

Succeeding despite challenges Lorilynn Lomeli Staff Writer @ECCUnionLorilyn

A mother nurturing her 1-yearold daughter. A student earning great marks in her classes. An athlete barreling down the track.

Whereas most people find it an arduous undertaking to succeed at one or two of these livelihoods, Syrea Hicks, 19, nutrition and foods major, excels at all three: a mother, a student, and an athlete.

Her task as a runner is multifaceted, because she competes in many different events.

“She’ll work on the sprint events then she has to work on the relay events and she has to work on the long jump and the triple jump.

That’s a lot of… different things to juggle… [and] I’ve never seen her without a smile” Dean Lofgren, head coach, said.

In the South Coast Conference Men’s and Women’s Track and Field event April 22 and 25, Hicks won the 100m hurdles, placed second in the long jump, placed fourth in the triple jump, and placed second place in the 400m relay.

Nationally speaking, Hicks ranks high amongst other athletes especially in the 100m hurdle.

“She is one of the best 100m hurdlers in the state, in the country, in any level... It doesn’t matter if it’s UCLA [or] USC; she is one of the best” Lofgren said.

Hicks has a lot of resolve and focuses on bettering her athletic ability frequently. She practices upwards of five days a week for five hours a day.

“She works really hard but she is a[n]… enthusiastic competitor…

She really enjoys the competition, I think. And that combined with her

talent and her work ethic is why she is successful” Kevin Hughley, assistant coach, said.

Despite all of her success, Hicks maintains her humility and keeps herself grounded.

“She is very humble, very modest. I mean she’ll win the race… [but] she just walks away with a smile” Lofgren said.

Her dedication and hard work ethic not only shows on the track but in her classes as well. Recently, Hicks has shifted more of her attention towards her studies.

She did not mark well in her classes before college. Her focus was primarily track and field, because she paid attention to what she already did well, Hicks said.

Now she does well in both an academic – taking 12 units and receiving A’s and B’s – and athletic construct. On top of all her accom-

plishments, she is also a mother.

She gave birth to her daughter, Sa’Nya, on 26 April 2013.

Although her biggest encouragements include a lot of people – such as her coaches, her mother, and her boyfriend, Antwon Parker – her biggest encouragement is Sa’Nya. “She’s probably my biggest encouragement because… I am actually doing it for someone. You know, make a better life in the future for me and my daughter,” Hicks said.

As she looks into the future, she contemplates the advice she would give to her daughter.

“If she loves something… keep doing it. Keep that fire in her heart you know and always stay humble… and understand that it’s not always going to be your time… you always have to be patient” Hicks said.

Urueta breaks two of college 50-meter swim records

Thomas Schmit

Copy Editor @ECCUnionThomas When Gregario Ivan Urueta, 20, mechanical engineering major, (Ivan to his friends) hit the water last February at the Mt. SAC invitational, he only had one thought in his head. That thought was “I don’t want to mess this up. I’ve got to make this turn” Urueta said later.

He was so focused upon his swimming that it wasn’t until after the race, when Urueta pulled himself from the pool, that he discovered that he’d broken a school record.

In fact, Urueta broke two school records that day; the 50-meter breaststroke, with a time of 29.40 seconds, and the 50 meter butterfly,

with 25.58 seconds. “I was really proud when I found out. It meant all of my hard work over the season had payed off” Urueta said.

Urueta, a car enthusiast who enjoys racing both in the water and behind the wheel, says he has been swimming since he was nine. “My parents sort of threw me into it, and I haven’t been able to stop since,” Urueta laughed, adding that it was Kyle Borden / Union “Sort of a love-hate relationship.”

Gregario Ivan Urueta broke two college records this season and was one of the Having joined the swim team top swimmers this season. last year, Urueta has already managed to collect an impressive list transfer to a 4 year college when he of victories, claiming the title in at records are just the beginning. least 8 different races this season The secret behind his success, finishes at EC, and while he’s still Urueta says, is mostly hard work trying to make up his mind, he says alone. and Stanbury’s trainin. that one of his current top choices is Of course, for a swimmer as Long term, Urueta plans to Arizona State University. passionate as Urueta, two school

Sports

May 1, 2014

Volleyball

It was friends and family who congratulated the players and coaches after Wednesday’s game; the team's heart and dedication was evident to everyone.

It was a season the men's volleyball team would never forget.

"It was really fun paying with the team, I didn't really care about the wins and loses," Basconcillo said. "All I cared about was just playing with this team and playing

volleyball."

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else besides here," Powell said.

"They [the team] helped me to develop into the player I am today, so I'm grateful, and I couldn't be happier."

El Camino College Union

11

Finish Your Bachelor’s Degree at Azusa Pacific University

Taking a swing at it, Hiehle finds his niche

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B.S. IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Joel Leon

Staff Writer @ECCUnionJoel He is the six feet inch four inch volleyball player who loves extra spinach in his sub; the player who is fascinated by cars and martial arts.

The guy who always fights to achieve victory; and the guy who initially was not a fan of volleyball.

In his second year playing for the EC men’s volleyball team, Brandon Hiehle, 21, helped his team have a great season by obtaining the conference title, having only lost one game the in conference play.

“He’s grown up in the last two and a half years,” coach Richard Blount said. “He’s a battler. He’s a competitor. He’s tough.”

It was several of Hiehle’s old high school friends who introduced him to the sport, they all knew Hiehle would be perfect for volleyball so they urged him to tryout with his high school.

“When I was in the ninth grade I wasn’t exactly the best,” Hiehle said. “We had a couple of kids transferring from different schools that played over me.”

Hiehle was overshadowed numerous times by players who he admitted were better than him, however, it did not discourage him.

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Gilberto Castro / Union

Brandon Hiehle has helped lead the team to the playoffs this year.

With his leadership the team won its first conference title.

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“I would see the kind of work they would put in to be where they were at,” Hiehle said. “And since I wanted to be better than them I had to put in this (more) amount of work.”

Another challenge Hiehle encountered was the hard reality that college was not a walk in the park, and during his first year at EC, he failed his courses and was not eligible to play.

“I really wanted to play because I love playing,” Hiehle said. “But it hurt me more knowing that I failed myself and that I didn’t do what needed to be done in order to play.”

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Hiehle’s love for the sport and his determination to redeem himself helped him become a starter and always prove his worth in every game, causing scouts from different schools, to come and watch him play.

“Playing for Elco is one thing.

Its fun,” Hiehle said. “I get to go to school, I get to learn, I get to get my AA degree, transfer to schools, and while at the same time get to play for this school. Playing for this team is tight.”

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Sports

12 El Camino College Union

May 1, 2014

Warriors advance to state finals Cynnamon Baker Staff Writer @ECCUnionCBaker

Making it count

Charles Ryder / Union

The Warriors celebrate their play-in victory against Mt. SAC on Tuesday April 29, 2014. The Warriors advance to the playoffs. The score is 2-1 Warriors.

W

Brian Camacho Staff Writer @ECCUnionBrian

in or go home. That was the situation the EC men’s baseball team found itself in Tuesday night against Mt. San Antonio College as both teams battled for the final playoff spot.

The Warriors clinched the No. 16 seed in the playoffs by defeating the Mounties 2-1 at Mt. SAC in a game that was hard-fought and evenly matched to the very end.

“We’re excited to be able to play after the regular season,” coach Nate Fernley said. “It was nice to prove to ourselves that we can finish games.”

Despite having dropped the final three games of the season, the Warriors were given the opportunity to make the playoffs by competing in a play-in game and they took full advantage of the situation.

“We were not going to lose. If we get a chance like that then we are going to take advantage of it right off the bat,” sophomore third baseman Jack Canady said.

“We’re making a playoff run.”

Sophomore starting pitcher Andy Burschinger had perhaps his best start of the season when it mattered most. Pitching a complete game while striking out 6 batters and only allowing 4 hits. Burschinger finished the regular season with a team-best 2.31 ERA in 66 innings pitched.

“For about five seconds I closed my eyes on the mound just thought about how far we’d come, how far I’ve come and what’s important right now,” Burschinger said. “I came to the conclusion that was the next pitch.

It’s always been the next pitch.”

Everyone was making contact as the team racked up 12 hits but had little to show for it as they left 10 runners on base. Luckily, the Warriors were able to get timely hits when they needed it most.

Sophomore second baseman Joseph Cortez started off the top of the 3rd with a lead off single followed by a sacrifice bunt by freshman center fielder Keyon Allen and a single by freshman left fielder Alex Turner.

Freshman shortstop Fred Smith brought Cortez home with an RBI single down the right-field line that gave the Warriors a 1-0 lead.

“It was a must-win today,” Smith said. “Win or go home. We needed this one and it was huge for us, Bursch[inger] pitched a great game.”

The Mounties would strike back in the bottom of 6th with a single into left field that would tie the game at one run apiece.

Although the Warriors would quickly respond in the top of the 7th.

Cortez once again led the inning off with a bunt single and a stolen base to get into scoring position.

Hatch would bring home the go-ahead-run with an RBI single into right field. This gave the Warriors a 2-1 lead that they would hold onto the rest of the game.

“You don’t really get second chances very often,” sophomore first baseman Dylan Hatch said. “We were going to make sure that we give it our all, 110 percent.”

The Warriors will certainly have their work cut out for them as they have earned a date with the No. 1 seeded team in the playoffs, Orange Coast College.

The two teams will open up the first round of the playoffs with a best of three series this Friday and Saturday, May 2-3, at Orange Coast College.

“We can compete against anyone,” Fernley said. “It’s just dependent on how we execute so that’s what we’ll have to focus on.”

Charles Ryder / Union

Andy Burschinger, Warriors’ pitcher, gets a victory shower after going the distance against Mt. San Antonio College on Tuesday April 29, 2014. The Warriors defeated the Mounties 2-1.

On your mark, get set, go.

The battle for the top spot begins. The EC men’s and women’s track and field teams competed to reach the state finals last week.

“There was no event more exciting than the others,” Dean Lofgren, track and field coach said.

“They were all good.”

The EC Warriors track and field team battled it out with six different colleges to grab third place in the South Coast Conference for both the men’s and women’s team.

The conference prelims took place on Tuesday April 22, and determined who advanced to the finals on Friday April 25.

The overall score for the team men’s team was 119.5 and 111 for the women’s team, trailing only Cerritos College and Mt. San Antonio College according to directathletic.com.

“Third is quite respectable in the conference,” Lofgren said.

“Our standard outstanding performers did what we anticipated.”

While the teams took third in conference, some athletes advanced to the SoCal preliminaries that take place on tomorrow and Saturday.

“Both teams are beast and honestly I can’t wait to see how far we go in these next few meets,” decathlete freshman Khalil McClain said.

Those advancing include Kiera Griffin, Michael Orrentia and Christopher Street.

“We hope they continue to move up,” Lofgren said. “We are hoping they do well in the finals and advance to the State meet.”

Crystal Lizaola, sophomore hurdler and EC 2014 Women’s Athlete of The Year, finished first in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 62.11 and also took third in the 400-meter dash with a time of 57.85 seconds.

Syrea Hicks, freshman hurdler, won the 100 hurdles with a time of 14.17.

Even if the expectations weren’t met, these Warriors strive for excellence to make their coaches proud.

“Hopefully we can give them more and show them that they didn’t waste a thousand hours for nothing,” McClain said.

Bonsky and Aguilar each knock in a pair of runs in season finale

Dream season comes to an end for men’s volleyball team

Rocky Rivera

Joel Leon Staff Writer @ECCUnionJoel

Staff Writer @ECCUnionRocky The mood was calm and the breeze cool. Nothing could sour the optimism in the air last Tuesday as EC’s softball team wrapped up the season with style.

Despite going down early against Long Beach, the Warriors scored all of their runs in the third inning and capped off the season with a 5-1 home win.

“We’re kind of known for feeding off each other,” freshman pitcher Danielle Bonsky said. “If one of us gets a hit then another, and another, and another, it just keeps rolling.”

Long Beach took the lead at the top of the first inning but the Warriors shut them out for the rest of the game.

“We had a slow start in the first two innings just because we knew we were all on the front,” freshman shortstop Victoria Garcia said. “I mean some of our hits weren’t as great as we wanted them to be but it came through and we scored those runs.”

The third inning was when EC got things rolling offensively. Freshman infielder Kathy Orozco singled to right field for an RBI equalizing the score.

Bonsky and freshman catcher Miranda Aguilar added two RBIs a piece to take a huge lead into the final innings.

“I really was waiting on it,” Orozco said about her RBI. “As I hit it I was like ‘it’s gone, they’re not catching it,’ and then that kind of just started the rally up. We scored four or five runs in that inning and that’s the momentum we took throughout the game.”

The Warriors did their defensive job to close off the game. Bonsky pitched the entire game earning three strikeouts and allowing three hits.

“I think Dani [Bonsky] had a day today,” coach Elaine Martinez said.

“The first time we played them [Long Beach] she pitched a one-hitter. Today she came out with a three-hitter, so outstanding job. She led our defense today and did a good job.”

Freshman Reina Trejo who hit four home runs this season missed her first game of the season to attend a family wedding, Martinez said.

The Warriors finish the season with a record of 11-10 in the conference and 1918 overall which leaves them in fourth place in the South Coast Conference.

This is EC’s best record since Martinez joined the coaching staff in 2011.

John Fordiani / Union

Sophomore middle blocker Karl Acres, spikes the ball to Santa Monica College, during the CCCAA state championships on Wednesday April 23, at Santiago Canyon College in Orange, California. The Warriors played SMC in a fierce match, which they lost 3-0.

“Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.”

This quote perfectly sums up what the El Camino men’s volleyball team were about this 2014 season.

Finishing in first place, as well as capturing their first conference title, the Warriors saw their season end as they lost against Santa Monica in the semifinal, last Wednesday.

“It was a great run, I’m proud of all of them,” coach Dick Blount said. “I told them I wouldn’t trade them for any kid I’ve seen all year.”

Despite having lost the game 3-0, the Warriors can leave with their heads up high, because against all odds, they proved their worth and were a top contending team.

“It was fun playing with the team. We really didn’t expect to get that far,” sophomore Errol Basconcillo said. “We love volleyball, and that’s what we

played.”

More than just playing volleyball, the team showed unity, which resulted in only one lose throughout the whole season.

“The team is great, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys. Everybody was dedicated, and everybody wanted to be there,” sophomore and captain Roy Powell said. “It’s bittersweet to see them go.”

Most of the starting team consisted of sophomore players who will not play next year, but who without a doubt injected the same will to win in the freshmen players.

‘I see promise, I see a lot of heart, I see a lot of dedication,” Powell added.

It was playing with heart, and staying dedicated that made it a promising season for the Warriors, and despite the lose, friends and family were proud of the team.

[See Volleyball, Page 11]