The Union Vol. 77, No. 3

Page 1

El Camino to be a voting center on election Day

El Camino College will become a polling station and offer early voting services to those in the community located in the south gymnasium starting on Nov. 4 until Election Day on Nov. 8.

The station will be open from Nov. 4 to Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Nov. 8 it will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. during Election Day.

Students and employees should expect the area to be busier than normal on the days of operation for the polling station in the south gymnasium.

There will be three kinds of voting services offered at the south gymnasium polling station for voters to use and get help from poll workers.

With early voting, a voter could pick up or fill in a voteby-mail ballot at this station.

A secure ballot drop-off box will also be available for voters to drop off their ballots.

Same-day voter registration will be offered at the station which helps Californians who did not make the deadline to register to vote or update their voter registration.

Eligible citizens can complete this process at the polling station and have their ballots processed and counted once the county elections office completes the voter registration verification process.

Vaccine mandate to be rescinded

The new campus policy lifts both mask and vaccine mandates

El Camino College’s vaccine mandate is in the process of being lifted as the college adopts a new policy following the guidelines set by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

The Board of Trustees voted unanimously in favor of the new COVID-19 policy replacement during its meeting on Oct. 17.

Currently, the LA County Department of Public Health encourages everyone to get vaccinated, however, should LA County decide to require vaccinations again for certain businesses and organizations, El Camino College will follow suit.

The Board of Trustees initially motioned to fully rescind the vaccine mandate but only achieved two votes. A counter motion to keep the vaccination policy in place also

received two votes.

The consensus on a decision for the vaccine requirement reached a stalemate until Trustee Cliff Numark proposed a compromise.

Numark’s motion to the board allows the college the opportunity to reinstate the vaccine mandate should the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations see another increase. The new motion was universally accepted by the board.

“I feel more comfortable with that, because then it could change if we have another surge, another variant, then we would require vaccinations,” Trustee Trisha Murakawa said. “I personally feel more comfortable with that [motion] as opposed to lifting and then having another variant.”

Free menstrual products to be more accessible

New state law requires colleges to offer tampons and pads

Free access to menstrual health products will soon be more accessible around campus.

Other factors such as a new state law, a growing social movement and renewed pressure from students contributed to El Camino

College working to provide free health products.

The Menstrual Equity for All Act says community colleges must provide an “adequate supply” of menstrual products, free of cost, on campus.

For several years, El Camino College’s Associated Students Organization discussed the possibility of providing

menstrual health products to students. Previously, the college was not supportive with their requests, citing costs and logistical challenges.

Student Trustee Sidney Lee said talking to school administrators has been difficult.

Signature gatherers violate campus policy

@eccunionSamQ

19-year-old nursing major Balen Pena walked down a long hallway on the third floor of the Math Business and Allied Health Building.

She kept walking until she got to the last classroom at the end of the hallway.

Checking her phone, she noticed she still had a few more minutes before class.

Taking a seat on a metal bench, she waited for her class to begin.

“Excuse me, can you sign this?”

Pena looked up to see a woman with a pen and clipboard motioning her to sign a paper.

The woman was a petitioner.

Pena skimmed the form, grabbed the pen and paper and signed her name. She included her phone number and address on the paper before giving the form back.

Taking back her signatures the petitioner continued to make her way through the building, all while asking other students to sign.

Petitioners have grown more assertive in how they approach students across El Camino College, interrupting conversations and even roaming inside campus buildings to obtain signatures for petitions.

@eccunion Oct. 20, 2022 eccunion.com The Union FEATURES SPORTSEDITORIAL SCAN ME
Brenda Thames, President of El Camino College said that there is both support and concern in lifting the campus-wide vaccine mandate during the Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 17. Greg Fontanilla | The Union
SEE VACCINES PAGE 4 →
Petitioners on campus See Page 2 → Mexican and Chicano art See Page 7 → Men’s soccer team 12-2 See Page 8 → SEE HEALTH PAGE 5 → SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1946 EL CAMINO COLLEGE
SEE SPOOKY PAGES 6 & 7 →
An “I Voted” sticker glimmers in the sunlight on Oct. 18. Students and employees should expect the campus to be busier in the next few weeks for the Midterm Election. Ethan Cohen | The Union Adam Jaor asks a staff member at the Halloween Costume Sale outside Marsee Auditorium for her signature on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Eddy Cermeno | The Union SEE POLICY
PAGE 4 →

Petitioners need to adhere to college policy

As El Camino College adjusts to on-campus classes and the number of students increases, an ongoing issue has continued in the form of assertive and disrespectful petitioners.

As Election Day approaches, the campus has seen an influx of petitioners asking for signatures in support for California’s propositions.

Harsh demeanor and constant badgering have become the expected reaction from those who ask for a signature only to keep harassing students and employees until they give in and take the pen.

The college’s administration

and petitioner employer must monitor and ensure that the established rules of solicitation on campus are followed to protect the community.

According to Title V, CA Code of Regulations, Section 42350.5, “Solicitation shall be permitted on a campus subject, however, to a reasonable regulation by the campus president as to time, place and manner thereof.”

El Camino College’s Administrative Procedure 3900 expresses that in areas generally available to students and the community, no petitions, leaflets and other printed materials shall be circulated “within 25 feet of doorways opening to outdoor areas of campus, all indoor facilities including,

Thumbs up to the Board of Trustees decision on campus vaccine mandates.

but not limited to campus offices, classroom facilities, libraries, performing art facilities, indoor or outdoor athletic facilities, parking lots, warehouses, and maintenance yards.”

Since the return to campus last spring, long lines and wristband stations became a likely target for petitioners to gather as many signatures as possible in a short amount of time.

Preying on busy and uncomfortable students was not an issue to petitioners that would openly tout that they were receiving payment per the signature on the dotted line. They would often ask for information on one clipboard, only to unveil a stack of others they would gleefully push people toward signing.

Thumbs up to menstrual products soon being widely available on campus.

Some petitioners have gone as far as to enter campus buildings where classrooms and other students reside to garner more signatures. According to one student, do we only have one person? Can we see if we can broaden this to show that it’s more than one person who experienced this experience.

Even The Union is not immune to the petitioner’s persistence, as on one occasion, a petitioner interrupted a reporter in the process of interviewing a student source where the student journalist was initially hesitant but signed to be left in peace.

The college administration should address the overt disregard for already established regulations and procedures and protect

Thumbs to therapy dogs Trixie and Molly for visiting campus.

the rights of students and employees from not being disrupted by the orderly operations of the college.

The employers of the petitioners should also endeavor to educate their employees on respectful social practices when approaching the El Camino community for its support in the free expression to petition of grievances.

All citizens deserve the right to openly petition their grievances by gaining support through signatures, but not at the expense of alienating students and employees from their right to feel comfortable.

Editorials are unsigned and are written and voted upon by the editorial board.

Thumbs down to intrusive petitioners on campus grounds.

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Editor-in-Chief Khoury Williams News and Photo Editor Ethan Cohen Features and Arts Editor Delfino Comacho Sports Editor and Copy Editor Gregory Fontanilla Opinion Editor Brittany Parris Photo Editor Ethan Cohen Assistant Social Media Editor Ethan Cohen Assistant Social Media Editor Delfino Camacho Senior Staff Writer Khallid Muhsin Staff Writer Samantha Quinonez Staff Writer Anthony Lipari Staff Writer Igor Colonno Staff Writer Jesse Chan Staff Writer Eddy Cermeno Staff Writer Khallid Muhsin Staff Writer Kim McGill Illustrator Ash Hallas Intern Will Renfroe Photographer Raphael Richardson Photo Adviser Chuck Bennett Advertising Manager Jack Mulkey Adviser Stefanie Frith Vol. 77, No. 3 Oct. 20, 2022 Contact: eccunion@gmail.com Newsroom: (310) 660-3328 Advertising: (310) 660-3329 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
received one week prior to publication in the Union office, Humanities Building Room 113. Letters are subject
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The Union SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1946
2 EDITORIAL Oct. 20, 2022
Ash Hallas | Special to The Union

FALL IN ALONDRA PARK

Home to migratory birds and butterflies, Alondra Regional Community Park is a sight to behold during the fall season.

The park is one of the largest in the area near the ocean which contributes to its functioning as a naturally landscaped habitat for migratory wetland and upland birds, according to its website.

The park is situated on the westside of El Camino College, just a short 10 minute walk along Redondo Beach Boulevard.

Harboring many amenities, the park includes skate parks, splash pads, picnic shelters, children’s play areas, memorials, day camps and more.

However, the true beauty of the park is in the wildlife that separates the congested suburban world and brings a glimpse of nature to daily life.

Oct. 20, 2022 PHOTO 3
Emil Desplancke, a South Bay resident, feeds the pigeons peanuts at Alondra Community Regional Park on Wednesday, Oct 12. Ash Hallas | The Union A swarm of ducks swim in a pond at Alondra Community Regional Park in Torrance on Wednesday, Oct. 12. Greg Fontanilla | The Union A squirrel rests on a branch at Alondra Park on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The park hosts a myriad of wildlife that migrate or resides within the park Ethan Cohen | The Union Waterfowls reside near the pond at Alondra Park on Wednesday, Oct. 12. Ethan Cohen | The Union

College to follow LA County on vaccines

The new policy marks a significant change for the El Camino community, ending the original year-long policy adoption that made vaccinations a requirement during the Sept. 7, 2021 board meeting.

Additionally, El Camino’s COVID-19 policy update also affects the mask mandate on campus with masking being encouraged but not required by the LA County Department of Public Health.

El Camino’s new COVID-19 policy follows a string of announcements that saw the college reduce the number of COVID-19 related protocols that were in effect.

At the beginning of the fall semester, El Camino

College loosened its COVID-19 protocols with the announcement that they no longer require students to check-in with health screening kiosks on campus to receive their wristbands.

On Oct. 5, El Camino announced that students and employees exempt from vaccinations are no longer required to test for COVID-19.

El Camino now joins other local community colleges including Santa Monica, East Los Angeles, Cerritos, Rio Hondo, and San Diego Mesa College in lifting their vaccination requirements.

While no specific date was given for when the new COVID-19 policy will be implemented, El Camino College’s President Brenda Thames said now that the board has set this new policy, it will go through the “appropriate delegation of authority” before its full implementation goes into effect.

“That was a policy vote we had and it’s obviously up to the administration to determine how and when that policy gets executed,” Numark said. “… the vote was had and we made a good decision but really, it’s up to [President] Thames to figure out how it gets executed in a way that makes sense for

El Camino goes ‘All American’

Title V of the California Code of Regulations, an official compilation and publication of state regulations, clarifies that solicitation must be localized so it doesn’t disrupt the orderly operation of the college managed by the campus president.

El Camino’s Administrative Procedure 3900 Speech: Time, Place, and Manner, states that no person may engage in the circulation of petitions, leaflets, and other printed matter in areas “within 25 feet of doorways opening to outdoor areas of campus” and “all indoor facilities.”

“They can’t set up shop like right in front of the library or, you know, they can’t block entrances,” El Camino

Police Beat

Police Sgt. Ruben Lopez said. “They can’t do it inside the buildings because that’s gonna start inhibiting the student learning.”

Lopez said that if petitioners do not follow campus restrictions, the police will try to get them to voluntarily comply.

“We normally get some complaints from people,” Lopez said.

“[Students] are not too sure about what people are asking for.”

Lopez said that sometimes petitioners do not do a good job of explaining what the petition is about or what the goal is, which leads to students not knowing what they are signing.

Adam Jaor, chief executive

the community at large.”

Student Trustee Sidney Lee said that she surveyed hundreds of students on campus over several days to find out their preferences in regards to El Camino’s vaccine mandate.

“I received 435 responses. Of the 435 [students], 229 or about 52.6% said yes that they would want El Camino to keep the vaccine mandate. 206 [out] of the 435 students [47.4%]

officer of Freeline Marketing and Consulting, told The Union that he has six to seven petitioners who ask students for signatures.

said they would not want El Camino to keep the vaccine mandate,” Lee said. While the data that Lee collected is more favorable in keeping El Camino’s previous vaccine mandate, she notes that she did not get the chance to survey online students.

Lee also said that the college’s vaccine mandate was negatively affecting student outreach for enrollment and college events.

into El Camino College buildings, Jaor said there is only so much he can do about individual petitioners who do their own thing.

“I tell them to stay outside and keep their distance from people until they want to sign,” Jaor said.

“I know that there’s a barrier preventing prospective students from engaging with El Camino and even in the general sense, before enrollment there’s application and if we’re not getting those applications, we’re losing enrollment,” Lee said.

Jaor said that he and his company have been to 20 different states, where depending on the state, they stay anywhere from two days or six to eight months.

Regarding some recent reports of petitioners going

Sunday, Oct. 2, at 5:30 p.m.

A hit and run which was reported in Lot D was made; the case is still open and under investigation.

Wednesday, Oct. 5, at 1:25 p.m.

A trespassing and petty theft incident occured outside of Cafe Camino; the suspect was arrested.

Some petitioners’ wages are earned per the number of signatures they obtain, the number of hours they work and the number of houses they go to ask for signatures.

Bookstore Assistant Director Andrew Nasatir said that commercial solicitation is tightly regulated on the campus because it promotes businesses, makes the company profits and generates

Monday, Oct. 10, between 7:50 & 12:15 p.m.

A vehicle was vandalized in Lot L; the case is still open and under investigation.

Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 12:14 p.m.

A trespassing and alcohol violation occured near the Administrations Building; a warning was issued and the suspect was released.

income for themselves.

“The campus can regulate where free speech can happen,” Nasatir said.

Because petitioners can also get paid per the number of signatures they receive it incentives them to push as many students and employees as possible to sign.

“It is an incentive that [petitioners] get paid,” Nasatir said.

Business administration major Desiree Martinez, 19, said that it is “misleading” getting signatures inside the building when they are not allowed in.

“I personally don’t feel comfortable providing my information to strangers,” Martinez said. “I won’t be participating in signing anymore.”

Friday, Oct. 14, at 8:17 p.m.

A report of an aggravated assault near Murdock Stadium was made; the case is now closed.

Friday, Oct. 14, at 9:51 p.m..

A verbal assault/disturbance occured near the Warrior Plaza; the case is now closed.

4 NEWS Oct. 20, 2022
Delfino Camacho | The Union A Warner Brothers production crew rigged cables, lights and set dressing to film scenes for the CW television show “All American” on Oct. 13 and 14. “All American” is a TV drama based on the high school football star Spencer James who lives in Los Angeles and plays across town at Beverly High. Information courtesy of El Camino College Police Department Student Trustee Sidney Lee speaks during the Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, Oct. 17. Greg Fontanilla | The Union To read more, visit The Union website at eccunion.com
The Union publishes police beats online with each newspaper release. Visit eccunion.com to read more.
“I personally don’t feel comfortable providing my information to strangers.”
— Desiree Martinez, business administration major
→ POLICY FROM PAGE 1

“Previous discussions with the administration were hard,” Lee said. “They felt there were other more pressing matters, and it was difficult without funding or backing from the state.”

Lee credited the administration for being more supportive and said that students should not have to ask for menstrual products.

“Menstruation products should be as common as toilet paper,” Lee said. “People shouldn’t have to pay for them.”

Lee and other Associated Students Organization members have also discussed why free and private access is especially important for transitioning and non-binary people who experience additional discrimination, barriers and safety issues.

Studio art major Mia Vargas said she forgot her menstrual products, but found someone who could help her.

“There were a couple of times at El Camino where they were in my car, but I forgot to bring them, so I had to go around and ask people,” Vargas said. “Luckily, every time, I found someone.”

Graphic design student Bianca Muñoz said that most people don’t carry spare change in today’s modern age.

“It would be really nice if El Camino bathrooms were stocked free of charge,” Muñoz said. “Especially with the world going cashless, we don’t carry around change as much.”

Faculty coordinator of Student Health Services Susan Nilles said she has been working alongside the Associated Students Organization and El Camino College’s administration to develop new policies and procedures for greater health equity on campus.

“I have recommended that we talk to students about where they want supplies,” Nilles said.

“Students should have access where they already are in the privacy of a bathroom and through the programs they are a part of.”

Nilles said that free menstruation products have long been available at the Student Health Center.

Nilles has been a nurse since 2008 and has been at El Camino since 2016.

She recognized that many students don’t know about the Health Center and that it’s likely they would not have the time needed to walk across

College aims to place products in bathrooms

campus to access the products, especially in an emergency.

“It’s essential that [El Camino College] stock basicneeds supplies in areas where students want them,” Nilles said.

In addition to identifying the difficulty of finding products on campus, students spoke out about the anxiety they feel discussing their menstrual needs and experiences with others.

Studio art major Zamira Recinos said it is difficult asking for menstrual products.

“[It’s] kind of nerve-racking,” Recinos said. “Especially if you have social anxiety or overall nervousness around strangers.”

Recinos added she has had to ask for products.

“I have had to ask around if I don’t have my own, and I’ve also been asked if I had any menstrual products as well,” Zamira said. “There’s never really any options other than asking.”

“Personally, I have never been to the nurse’s office here, and I don’t know if they give out free tampons or pads. That would be great if they did,” studio art major Mia Vargas said. “But I have noticed that there aren’t tampon dispensers in the bathrooms here, and that’s a shame. When you get in that place where you really need one, it’s like an emergency situation, and they should be available.”

A study examination on affording period products among college students was conducted by BioMed Central, a clearinghouse medical research company.

The data revealed that 14.2% of students surveyed were unable to purchase menstrual products during the past year and an additional 10% were unable to pay for products on a monthly basis.

The report found that many people “cannot afford menstrual health products and this may impact their mental well-being.”

Nilles wants students to use the Health Center to access free or very low-cost medications, birth control, preventive, primary and mental health care.

“Rather than ditching class all day to pay for the bus, parking, co-pays and medication, students can access health care here on campus,” Nilles said. “We are looking for you to be as healthy as possible in order to be successful as a student.”

Oct. 20, 2022 NEWS 5
→ HEALTH FROM PAGE 1
Faculty coordinator of Student Health Services Susan Nilles stands outside the Student Health center at El Camino College in Torrance on Oct. 18. Nilles has been working alongside the Associated Students Organiza tion and college administration to develop new policies and procedures for greater menstrual product access and says that free products have long been available at the center. Kim McGill | The Union Studio arts major Zamira Recinos poses with her art in her Life Drawing class at El Camino on Oct. 13. “Oftentimes, I have had to ask around if I don’t have my own [products] and I’ve also been asked if I had any menstrual products as well,” she said. “There are never really any options other than asking, which is kind of nerve-racking.” Kim McGill | The Union Animation major Alma Madrigal works on her midterm portfolio in the Life Drawing class at El Camino College on Thursday, Oct. 13. “Once I had nothing, and I couldn’t find anything. My friends were like go to the bathroom, they might have something there. But no, not even vending machines.” Kim McGill | The Union

Meet the VP: A Disney and Pokemon GO enthusiast

Saturday, Vice President of Student Services Ross Miyashiro heads down to SoCal Magic in the City of Orange.

Miyashiro is a “big gamer.” He plays Dungeons and Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, and board games.

He goes every Saturday, but not for long.

Miyashiro will retire on Jan. 1, 2023, after five years at El Camino and over 35 years of service to students.

The main role of the vice president is to bring leadership and direction to all student services programs. This includes student support services, enrollment management, recruitment, and other duties.

The Associated Student Organization’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Matt Schulz said Miyashiro has done much for El Camino.

“He’s gonna leave behind a very strong legacy,” Schulz said. “The new vice president will have very big shoes to fill.”

El Camino alumnus Giancarlo Fernandez, had an immediate reaction when first hearing news of Miyashiro’s retirement.

“It’s bittersweet,” Fernandez said, struggling to find words. “He was such a huge part of my success.”

Miyashiro grew up in Encinitas, California, north of San Diego as well as Oakland for a few years.

Miyashiro played soccer all throughout high school and in college. He first attended Palomar College in San Marcos, California.

After attending community college, Miyashiro transferred

to California State University San Bernardino, where he received a bachelor’s degree in economics, and a master’s in educational planning.

All while working at a pub on campus.

After college he worked in student services at CSU San Bernardino in 1985 in the outreach mail room.

Five years later, he married his wife Maria. They now live in Westminster and they celebrate their 32nd anniversary in December.

The couple has two children, both work at Disneyland.

“[It’s] good for me since I get in for free,” Miyashiro said.

For the Miyashiros, it’s a family tradition.

“We’re Disney Vacation Club members,” Miyashiro said. “So we do all of our vacations at Disney.”

In between rides Miyashiro also uses his time at Disneyland to play one of his favorite games.

“Disneyland is probably one of the best places ever for Pokémon Go,” Miyashiro said.

frightening films

After working at CSU San Bernardino, Miyashiro worked at Long Beach City College as the Dean of Enrollment.

After working at Long Beach, Miyashiro then worked at Coastline Community College as vice president of Student Services. In Sept. 2017, he started his job at El Camino.

One of Miyashiro’s first projects involved the South Bay Promise, a program aimed at creating affordable pathways for students.

“President [Dena] Maloney called me in and said she wanted a bigger promise program,” Miyashiro said.

Five years ago, the South Bay Promise had 150 students. Today it has about 1,500 students.

During his time at El Camino, Miyashiro mainly focused on diversity and equity. But his biggest accomplishment was the newly-opened Social Justice Center.

Fernandez, one of the biggest advocates for the center, said he enjoyed working with

Miyashiro on the project.

“It was like working with a best friend/mentor,” Fernandez said.

As for his retirement, Miyashiro will still go to SoCal Magic every week, but now on Thursdays.

In addition to his SoCal Magic games Miyashiro will continue to play guitar, write songs, and go to his singing lessons.

He has plans to travel the world with his wife when she retires. They want to go to Europe, Central America, China, and Japan.

Where will they stay? At a Disney Resort.

What will Miyashiro do at Disney? Play Pokémon Go.

While he travels and writes music, Miyashiro will deeply miss El Camino and its students.

“It’s a special place,” Miyashiro said. “This has probably been my favorite place where the students here are so unbelievable.”

Ross Miyashiro Career Timeline

Scary movie picks for Halloween from The Union editors

1Monster House

2scream

3Trick

4halloweentown

6 FEATURES Oct. 20, 2022
Vice President of Student Services set to retire in January
Ross Miyashiro during the open session of El Camino College’s monthly Board Meeting on Monday, Oct. 17. Raphael Richardson | The Union
Khoury Williams Editor In Chief
“The animation style really stands out.”
Greg Fontilla Sports Editor
“As a 90’s kid, this was my favorite horror movie.”
‘r treat
Delfino Camacho Arts & Features Editor
“If you like Tales From The Crypt, you’ll love this.”
“This movie takes me back to my childhood.”

‘Aqui y Alla y Mas’ offers stories, culture and more

Students helped organize exhibit that celebrates Mexican and Chicano art, open now in Art Gallery through Nov. 3 Delfino Camacho @eccunionDelfino

Dressed in all black except for his golden brown jacket, the musician had one foot on a chair and both hands on his guitar as he spoke to the crowd.

Hector Marquez, known for his distinct latin sounds, was giving the audience a history lesson about the Mexican folk song, “The Weeping Woman” or better known as “La Llorona”.

Then, with a strum of his fingers, the guitar came to life.

Marquez’s spoken words transitioned into melodic Spanish lyrics. Audience members, including painters and sculptors, sang along with the musician all while surrounded by art created and inspired by the Mexican and Chicano experience.

This was the opening ceremony of Aqui y Alla y Mas, the latest exhibit on display at the El Camino College Art Gallery which hosts a variety of art pieces created by local and international artists.

While the exhibit officially opened on Oct. 10, the gallery held a public reception on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Art Gallery Director and Curator Michael Miller said he was inspired by a previous 30-year-old art exhibit that was titled “Aqui y Alla.”

Miller said that the title, translated to “Here and There,” conveyed the way Mexican artists felt about Mexico and the United States. Their home is both here and there.

“My idea was very simple,” Miller said. “Originally I wanted just to be able to present to the campus and the community viewpoints of some of the artists from the Mexican, Mexican-American, Chicano, Latino, and Latinx

culture.”

Miller came up with the theme for the show, but insisted that this exhibit was a collaboration between him and fellow curator and El Camino student Dulce Stein.

Stein, who is Mexican, has deep roots in the Los Angeles art scene. The single mother of three was the curator for the Neutra Museum in Silver Lake for years before deciding to come back to school.

Although Stein and Miller were Facebook friends for over 10 years, the two did not meet until she came into the gallery, full of ideas.

“I walked into the gallery and I said, okay Michael, the students would like to collaborate,” Stein said. “I wanted to represent what I know and what I know is Chicano/Latino… this is what I happen to know best, to share my culture and to learn from other cultures.”

With the theme set, Stein came into the gallery and went straight to work. Miller credits Stein for making the show a reality and said it was her relationships with the featured

artists that made them eager to participate.

Stein said she credits fellow organizers Mary ClarkeCamargo and Juan Varela, as well as other members of the newly formed club, Centro Cultura Oaxaca, for their hard work.

The public reception opened with a detailed historical lecture on “rebozos,” a traditional Mexican garment similar to a shawl. The item has deep meaning in Mexican culture.

The lecture was given by historian and poet Miriam Quezado-Hagerman who is one of the foremost experts in the history of rebozos. As Quezado-Hagerman spoke, fellow artists and some volunteers walked around modeling different rebozos.

Guests were free to explore the gallery space as the opening lecture ended.

One of the first things visitors will see is a giant mural awash in gold, silver and black shapes.

While murals have significance in the Mexican and Chicano art world, artist

Zak Perez said his interest in them lies more with subliminal messages. His mural has the word “love” hidden somewhere in its abstract visuals.

The exhibit also features a traditional “ofrenda,” or offering, a display meant to honor ancestors and the people who have been lost on the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos.

Among the colorful candles and decorative skulls,

the bright yellow petals of marigolds littered the ofrenda base in the shape of a cross.

Work from Mexican photographer Reynaldo Rivera is also in the exhibit; he focuses on documenting the images and lives of the Mexican and Chicano queer community.

The intimate snapshots on display showcase the a rarely seen corner of the LGBTQ+ scene.

Artist Juan Varela focuses on extremely detailed embroidery. His pieces feature recreations of both Aztec and Mayan sculptures done with embroidery and some acrylic and resin for backgrounds.

Varela says he spent 3 years experimenting with threads in order to guarantee the textures and the colors he wanted. Details are important to Varela because he hopes viewers get lost in his work.

“My pieces are books, they tell stories, the legends of the gods,” Valeria said.

The exhibit is free to the public and closes on Nov. 3.

spooky songs

Scan the QR code to listen to the playlist Somebody’s Watching me

By: Rockwell

This is Halloween

Greg Fontilla Sports Editor

Graveyard Hill

Thriller

Oct. 20, 2022 ARTS 7
Artist Zak Prez in front of his mural, which is a part of the new “Aqui y Alla y Mas” art exhibit, on Saturday, Oct. 15 at the El Camino College Art Gallery. Delfino Camacho| The Union Artist Juan Varela shows off his hand embroidered vest on Oct.15 while in front of his two embroidery art pieces that are featured in the “Aqui y Alla y Mas” art exhbit. Delfino Camacho| The Union
With the Halloween season upon us, Union editors share their favorite
Khoury Williams Editor In Chief
“Rockwell and Michael Jackson make the perfect team.”
By: Danny Elfman
“A mix of Halloween and Christmas.”
Delfino Camacho Arts & Features Editor
“Underated, check out the spooky video.”
“Definitely a Halloween classic.”
To read more, visit The Union website at eccunion.com

Men’s soccer 12-2 after victory over Pasadena

In a South Coast Conference matchup, El Camino prevailed over Pasadena City 5-0, walking off its home field with four wins and one loss in conference play. This brings the overall record to 12-2 and their home record to 7-1.

Sophomore forward Mario Carlos finished the game with one goal on six shots and two assists. He played a total of 71 minutes.

“We have high expectations, for us, we need to win every game,” Carlos said.

Freshman forward Jovanny Mejia, who also scored a goal seven minutes and one second into the net during the first half on an assist from Carlos and Cabrera, praised his team on the win.

“I feel like today was a great win for all of us. We’ve built a lot of chemistry,” Mejia said with his hands on his hips.

“We definitely gained a lot of confidence from this match. It was a good win.”

The three other goals came from Cabrera, Carson Nguyen, and Ty Kerns.

El Camino will look to extend their four-game winning streak when they face a 5-9-3 East Los Angeles team on Friday, Oct. 21 at 4 p.m. at home in conference play.

“I feel like this is like any other conference, going in, trying to get to three points and come out with a win,” Mejia said on their expectations for this Friday’s game.

Football returns home to play Cerritos in conference battle

The El Camino Warriors will return to Featherstone Field on Saturday, Oct. 22 for a tough conference matchup against Cerritos Falcons who defeated Chaffey on Oct. 15. In their conference opener last week, the Warriors fell to an undefeated Mt. San Antonio team.

The Warriors offense was held to only seven points and 191 total yards.

The loss placed the Warriors fifth in the National Division Central Conference standings. The Central Division has two undefeated teams in Riverside and Mt. San Antonio, who are both 1-0 in conference play.

The Warriors’ largest margin of victory came after defeating Santa Monica at home 55-7 on Oct. 8.

During last Saturday’s match against Mt. San Antonio, the Warriors faced unprecedented difficulties.

“We were at the stadium for 8 hours with three extensive weather stoppages. We play in the toughest conference in the state.” El Camino coach Gifford Lindheim said.

The Warriors will be looking for their fourth win on Saturday against a team who dominated Chaffey 55-14, with 505 yards of total offense on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Sports calendar

Football

Oct. 22, 6 p.m., vs. Cerritos*

Oct. 29, 12 p.m., @ Riverside*

Cross Country

Oct. 28, 10 a.m., @ South Coast Conference Championships, Palos Verdes*

Nov. 4, 10 a.m., Southern California Championships @ Kern County Soccer Park, Bakersfield

Nov. 19, 10 a.m., CCCAA State Championships, Woodwark Park, Fresno Soccer

Oct. 21, 2 p.m., vs. East Los Angeles* (women)

Oct. 21, 4 p.m., vs. East Los Angeles* (men)

Oct. 25, 2 p.m., vs. Mt. San Antonio* (women)

Oct. 25, 4 p.m., vs. Mt. San Antonio* (men)

Water Polo

Oct. 21, 8 a.m., @ Santa Monica (women)

Oct. 21, 10:20 a.m., vs. San Diego Mesa (women)

Oct. 21, 12:40 p.m., vs. San Diego Mesa (men)

Oct. 21, 5:20 p.m., vs. Palomar (men)

Oct. 22, 10:20 a.m., vs. Diablo Valley (women)

Oct. 26, 3 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. vs. Cerritos* (women, men)

Oct. 28, 11 a.m., vs. Pasadena City* (women)

Basketball

Oct. 20, 5 p.m., vs. Santiago Canyon** (men)

Oct. 27, 5 p.m., vs. Glendale** (men)

Oct. 28, 5 p.m., vs. Santa Ana** (women)

8 SPORTS Oct. 20, 2022
*
**
Alek Palomares (right) attempts to get the ball around a Pasadena City defender during a home game. Greg Fontanilla | The Union Mario Carlos during an Oct. 18 game against Pasadena City. Greg Fontanilla | The Union Brendan Hodge lines up on the line of scrimmage during a Sept. 24 game against San Bernardino Valley. Greg Fontanilla | The Union
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