EL CAMINO COLLEGE
THE UNION
No.1
MARCH 23, 2017
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Alexa Mancila
Intern @ECCUnionAlexa
E
l Camino’s Forensic and Debate top-ranked pair placed 8th in the nation at the National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence on Wednesday night, a member of the team said. The entire team is currently ranked No. 1 among U.S community colleges, and No. 4 among universities in the nation
and will begin competition at the National Parliamentary Debate Association today. The 17-year-old political science major-duo of Zara Andrabi and Curtis Wang are the team’s current top performers. “We’re the top community college pair in the nation and ranked 9th overall and we’ve been doing really well so might rank higher,” Andrabi said before Wednesday night’s award show. She adds that Wang is a great partner to have at her side.
“I love being partners with Curtis, we’re really good friends and work very well together so it’s a lot of fun,” Andrabi said/ Most ranked debate pairs are juniors and seniors attending universities and the duo are Top 10 in the nation as sophomores at a community college. Wang said that he and Andrabi would be the only ones competing at the NPTE. In order for teams to qualify for the NPTE, potential teams must earn at least 18 points. Andrabi and Wang have a total of 31 earned points, Wang said. Wang said that preparation for tournaments varies, depending on the caliber or time constraint of the competition. “For instance, NPTE is a topic area tournament which means they release the topics are released a month in advance and (Andrabi) and I have to write files for all (15 topics total),” Wang said. ECs debate team has seen their fair share of success this season and the sophomores will be leading the Warriors during the competition at the National Parliamentary Debate Association. EC was placed at second overall in the majority of attended
Stress, anxiety and depression all have one thing in common. They are signs that can potentially lead to suicide or suicidal thoughts. Feeling helpless with one’s situation and not being able to move forward from a problem make suicide the second-leading cause of death among college students nationally, according to a study from Emory University. Alison Brown, coordinator of The Center of Wellness and Wellbeing at Santa Monica College has been a college level psychologist for 13 years and have been visited by students each semester about their suicidal thoughts. “There are different levels of suicide,” Brown said in a phone interview, “It’s more common for people to have suicidal thoughts than to act on it.” At El Camino, there has been a total of four known reports of students feeling suicidal on campus in the last two semesters. On Feb. 17 a male student reported to a health center staff member that he was feeling suicidal, according to the police logs.
One in 10 college students have made a plan to commit suicide, according to Emory University, students between the ages of 18 to 25 have a higher chance of making plans, having suicidal thoughts, and having a suicidal attempt. Last semester, there were a total three suicide attempts, according to the police logs. There were two fatalities in two attempts since 2015. In the fall of that year, former student Porchua Vang, 22-year-old of Torrance, died by suicide after jumping off of Lot H hours before his birthday. In fall 2016, former student Jonney Tran, 20-year-old of Hawthorne and respiratory care major, was found dead in his car after missing for two weeks, as first reported on eccunion.com. “If I was a faculty member (at El Camino) I (would) talk with the student who is feeling suicidal and try to figure out if its more of a thought or if they are really feeling suicidal,” Brown said. Brown added that there are other ways faculty can help students. “Walk the student to the health office or call to make sure they made it,” Brown said. Thirty-three percent of students
said they either know someone who has or have felt suicidal. “If you are feeling down, talk to someone,” Michael Trevis, chief of
police said in a phone interview. “If you aren’t able to speak to someone go talk to Jan Schaeffer, the clinical psychologist we have.”
tournaments, beating top teams across the nation, just this semester. They will also be joining the rest of their teammates competing at the National Parliamentary Debate Association, NPDA, today. “For NPDA we have to do the research in the 20 minutes before the round, so we focus more on drills for speaking, speed, new arguments and efficient use of prep time,” Wang said. Wang added that he and Andrabi have advanced the furthest any EC pair has gone in a national tournament and any community college team has gotten since 2004. They’ve also advanced far enough this weekend that they have secured a place in the Top 10. Another member of the team, Damon Mitchell, a 19-year-old sign language interpretation/ deaf studies, communications, and psychology major, said that preparation for tournaments vastly ranges, depending on the type of competition. Mitchell said that staying wellversed in politics, memorization, and being prepared for anything is vital in a debate competition. “The results can determined based on what happens in the context of that round,” he said.
For more updates on what happens at the National Tournament, head to eccunion. com or keep up on Twitter: @ECCUnion.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students Assistant News Editor @ECCUnionKeith
G
No debate here: Forensics team takes top spot in the nation for community colleges
(Left) Forensics and Debate Team coach Joseph Evans, debate team member Curtis Wang, 17, political science major, debate team member Zara Andrabi, 17, political science major, and Brandon James Fletcher attended the National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence. Andrabi and Wang placed No. 8 in the nation at the awards ceremony on Tuesday, March 21. Photo courtesy of Zara Andrabi
Keith Francis
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA
Renee Galbavy, psychology instructor, and Schaeffer both declined to be interviewed due to the topic being “too sensitive.”
Student allegedly sends threatening texts to ex-girlfriend Keith Francis
Assistant News Editor @ECCUnionKeith
An 18-year-old male was arrested on March 18 after allegedly sending a series of threatening text messages to his ex-girlfriend, according to the police log. Los Angeles resident Kevin Valdovino, 18, was arrested after texting Jessel Perez, 18, a picture of a handgun and mentioning a body bag in another text, according to the police log. All of the threatening text messages were sent the night before Perez reported the incident to an EC Officer, according to the police log, the same day the incident was reported, EC police went over to Valdovino’s residence in Los Angeles. After officers conducted an interview he was arrested by EC police and transported to Torrance PD for booking, according to the police log.
Illustration by Phil Sidavong A total of 400 students were asked whether they have ever felt suicidal or know someone who has. Three-hundred and fifty students said they have never felt suicidal and 150 students they know someone who has or have felt suicidal themselves.
[See RESTRAINING ORDER, Page 3]
2 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION
POLICE BEAT By Keith Francis
Police arrest student for sending threatening messages Monday, March 13 at 7:37 p.m. A female student reported to an officer that a male student has sent her threatening text messages after being harassed since last semester. The male suspect then went to the police station the following day to speak to the detective on the case. He was arrested for threatening the victim and transported to Torrance PD.
Student flags down officer after feeling dizzy Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 2:55 p.m. A male student started feeling dizzy while sitting in his class which was located in Room 348 of the Arts and Behavioral Science Building. The instructor asked the student if he needed any medical assistance, the student replied and said yes. The instructor then notified ECPD. The paramedics were notified, but the student declined to be transported to a hospital, because he began to feel better, and said he will make an appointment with his personal medical doctor.
Construction worker files missing scissor lift Tuesday, March 14 at 1:51 p.m. A male contract construction worker stated that a Skyjack scissor lift was missing from their inventory on campus. The case has been forward to a detective for follow-up.
Student reports missing bike Wednesday, March 15 at 6:45 p.m. A male student stated that someone stole his bicycle from the bicycle rack located near the Math Business Allied Health Building. The case has been forward to a detective to follow up on the investigation.
Non-student with meth harasses female students Thursday, March 16 at 8:15 a.m. A male non-student was harassing female students while possessing a methamphetamine smoking pipe near the Distance Education Center Building. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and transported to Torrance PD for booking.
Man arrested for violating restraining order Thursday, March 16 at 5:41 p.m. A male non-student driver was stopped on the 17500 block of Crenshaw Boulevard for an equipment violation. The passenger, a female non-student, had a restraining order against her husband, the male nonstudent driver. He was arrested for violating the restraining order and transported to Torrance PD for booking.
NEWS
Continuing the legacy El camino’s student-run newspaper and won awards at the College Media Association’s 2017 spring convention
Dmitri Hansen
Staff Writer @ECCUnionDmitri
El Camino’s student-run newspaper was awarded second place for best two-year college paper and third place for best tweet at the College Media Association’s spring 2017 convention in New York last week. Some editors and staff writers traveled to New York City to represent the Union and to learn through the journalism workshops. “I really wasn’t expecting it,” Phil Sidavong, 23, editor-in-chief for The Union, said. “When we had already won third place for best tweet. I didn’t need to win any more awards. When they said (the Union won) second place for best two-year college newspaper, I was just so ecstatic.” The Union submitted two issues from the spring semester of 2016 and the last issue from the fall semester of 2016. “It just means all this work I’ve been putting in the last two years has been worth it.” Sidavong said. The convention had different workshops before the awards show on Tuesday, March 15. The workshops ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and consisted of meeting fellow journalists and learning from keynote speakers about certain types of journalism. “My favorite workshop was the networking workshop,” Jonathan Ortiz, 19, staff writer for the Union, said. “They had chairs on each side (that would be) facing each other. Every two minutes you would move down a chair and speak to the person (across from your) chair.” After the convention was over, the Union staff members got stuck in a snowstorm, so their flight was
delayed a day. Adviser for the Union Stefanie Frith knew the initial flights would be cancelled ahead of time. With the approval from El Camino supervisors, the editors and staff writers were able to stay in the same hotel an extra night. “I want to say thank you to the Vice President and deans of (El Camino) for (giving us) approval for one more night in New York City,” Frith said. Despite having to stay one extra night in New York, some students enjoyed seeing the snow that covered the city. “I finally understand why people who live in the snow are not too fond of it,” Ortiz said. “It was really difficult to get around, and the cold hurts.” The Union takes pride in being completely student-run. All work is done by editors and staff writers and all work is approved and published by the students that work for the Union. “This is a student-run publication,” Sidavong said. “We’re all trying to work to get better at what we do here.” Eric Ramos, 38, sports editor for the Union, didn’t mind the snow since Southern California doesn’t see too much of it, if any at all. “The snow was actually a bonus,” Ramos said, “We walked around Central Park ... and it made for some good photos.” The process of putting together any kind of newspaper is not easy and even with all the learning experiences, there are bound to be new things to learn and feel. “Phil and I have been part of the staff the longest,” Ramos said, “We’ve endured the highs and lows. Winning second place is a tremendous accomplishment.”
Karla Henry is one of seven brand new reporters for El Camino’s student-run newspaper. Henry visited the Brooklyn Bridge with her daughter during the trip. Photo courtesy of Henry, photo taken by Katherine Chavez.
The Union won third place for Best Tweet and second place for Best Two-year newspaper in the nation in New York.
The era of a women-run campus
After several retirements and a presidential election, El Camino has found itself with a new gender in power Reyna Torres
Staff Writer @ECCUnionReyna
It is currently Women’s History Month, a month dedicated to the contributions of women throughout our history. At El Camino most of our representatives are female-driven leaders. The president of EC and vice president of academic affairs shared their thoughts on campuses that are run by females. Dena Maloney, is the first ever female president of El Camino. “In the California community colleges there are many of female
presidents and the numbers are growing, if you look in terms of enrollments in the doctoral’s programs they are preparing people for these types of positions and it is quite balanced,” Maloney said. She chose to come to EC because it was closer to her family and the school history had a big role. “I think it is a wonderful opportunity for anybody, male or female to be able to lead a college.” Before coming to El Camino she was the former president of Taft College for about three years. “For me, I haven’t experienced the kinds of things that I think people traditionally think of as
barriers,” Maloney said, “I would think, for women and students, it might be exciting to see that there is a female president (at El Camino).” Jean Shankweiler, vice president of academic affairs, started off her career at El Camino in 1988 as a chemistry professor for 18 years and 10 months, according to her LinkedIn. “I think the perception of our campus is changing with a new administration. I’m not sure if it is because we are women or if it’s because it is just new with a different leadership style,” Shankweiler said. She became the vice president in
Non-student driver issued citation for illegal turn
Campus converts single-stall restrooms to gender-neutral stalls
Friday, March 17 at 6:06 p.m. A male non-student driver was stopped on the 16500 block of Crenshaw Boulevard for an illegal turn. The driver had a $26,00 warrant issued out of Hermosa Beach Police Department for a previous unlicensed driver violation. The officer issued him a citation for the warrant and released him.
Staff Writer @ECCUnionAlexis
For more police beats, go to eccunion.com
MARCH 23, 2017
Alexis Causey
El Camino now has singleoccupant, gender-neutral restrooms available for students and faculty. On Dec. 3, the Planning and Budgeting Commitee decided that the school would place gender-neutral bathroom signs in designated single-stall restrooms to create equality for transgender students. Valerie Fernandez, 19, film major, said that she doesn’t
consider herself gender-neutral, but she would use the restrooms if she could. In accordance with Assembly Bill 1732 which went into effect March 1, this requires all schools, businesses and the public to classify all single-occupant restrooms as “Gender-Neutral.” “I feel like this couldn’t have come at a better time,” Gilberto Moran, 21, undecided major, said. “With everything happening in the LGBTQIA+ community it’s a small win. Plus it feels good that our small campus community is
welcoming a big change.” You can see what students thought about the gender-neutral online at eccunion.com/videos.
Single-occupant restrooms available campus wide in the following areas: • Art Behvioral Sciences, Third Floor • Communications Building, First Floor • Natural Sciences - Life Science Wing • Student Health Center • Physical Education South
May 2015, replacing former VP of Academic Affairs Francisco Arce. “It’s kind of special, to have a female in the president and vice president’s office, it doesn’t happen all the time,” Shankweiler said. Some students on campus shared their thoughts on the idea of having a school run majority by females. “It’s empowering”, Elaine Hack, 19, liberal studies major said, “You don’t see that very often, you only see males as the leads of everything we do, so it is nice to see that we have women doing something, like being in positions of powers.” One male student thinks it’s just the campus becoming more diverse.
“It’s not just males running the whole thing. It’s different thoughts since guys and girls think different.” Christian Morales, 18, biology major said. “I don’t see the effects right now but probably there is difference and I don’t know them. It gives other girls a notice that not just only guys can do these types of careers. One student spoke about why it matters to have female leaders. “It matters to me because it makes me feel like someday I will be like them or more or become something else and not like how it was back in the days as just housewives,” Maggy Garcia, 19, criminal justice major said.
RESTRAINING ORDER,
She has said that she would prefer not to comment on the situation. In 2015, another female instructor requested a restraining order against her former student after he allegedly sent her threatening messages, according to the temporary restraining order. Dash Porter, former student, allegedly sent a former english professor 13 threatening messages through Facebook Messager. “I’m going to kill you tomorrow!!!! (Gun’s loaded)” Porter allegedly said in his final message to Somin on Dec. 8, 2015. If you are feeling threatened or harassed by anyone call 911 or ECPD at (310)- 660-3100.
Continued from Page 1
Valdovino was contacted via Facebook Messenger and school email, but did not respond. This isn’t the first time a male student received a restraining order this semester. Former student, Nicholas Flores, was served a trespassing warning after attempting to add the class and allegedly emailing an instructor numerous of times. The English instructor requested a restraining order against the student after “being too forward” with his emails, according to the restraining order.
NEWS
MARCH 23, 2017
EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION 3
Program focuses on diversity and success ‘Project Success’ aims to help students extend their education into four-year universities Victor R. Liptzin
Staff Writer @ECCUnionVictor
A
t El Camino a diverse program has been serving all students with different ethnicities to help them be successful by graduating and transferring to either the Cal-State or UC System. The group was founded by the following counselors Bill Cooper, Carolyn Kalil, Cheryl Beverly and Elaine Moore. The program called “Project Success” has offered counseling, math tutors, priority registration, scholarships, cooked lunches, book vouchers, book loans and field trips to various universities, Nikki Barber, counselor of Project Success, said. “This year is our 30th year of the program and students can enroll either in my office or Brian Mims Coordinator of Project Success here in the Counseling Center,” Barber said. Students enrolled in the program have to see a madaba which means mentor in Kiswahili in Africa and have to see them twice a month as requirement of the program, Barber said. “We are open to all students to join the program, we just run it through an African-American perspective,” Mims said. The classes that are offered by Project Success are available to other ethnic groups as well, Mims added. “We have had some Asian, Latinos and Latinas who have joined the program as well,”
John Lopez/ Union (Left) Zane Paully-Umeh, 20, computer science major and Augustine Akor, 20, biology major, are both tutors in the Project Success Program. After studying and mentoring in Student Services Building at El Camino, Nihjale Martin, 26, biology major, and Chris Sanders, 25, journalism major, come to visit the pair for a break. Mims said. “About two percent of students with different ethnicities have joined the group.” Students who enrolled in Project Success had this to say about the program. “It has been helpful the way they have been taking us on tours to really get a feel of what universities we would like to transfer to,”
Ashanti Harris, 19 chemical engineering major said. The program is very good for any student to attend and the help is vastly among all students. “They also have agreements with HBCU’s (Historically, Black, College and University), so that we can get in for a reduced price and a different amount of unit
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requirements,” Harris said. Other students who enjoyed the program include Briana Little, 23, Kinesiology major. “I wanted to be part of a program to help me stay on track and to be disciplined about my work and do my homework and study and set aside time to do other work than just my daily routine outside of
school,” Little said. Little has applied to a number of Cal-State Universities such as CalState LA, Cal-State Northridge, Cal-State Dominguez Hills, CalState Poly and Cal-State Fullerton. While Harris has a main goal of UC Berkeley as her transfer choice. Another student who is enrolled in the program, Armanti Weeks,
19, English major was introduced to Project Success through the KEAS program (Knowledgeable, Engaged, Aspiring Students) which is geared toward English and Math Students. “This program is very beneficial to me especially in my Psych 10 class which is African-American Psychology,” Weeks said.
4 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION
FEATURES
MARCH 23, 2017
A day in the life of the president An inside look at Dena Maloney as the first female president of El Camino Sydney Fajardo
T
Staff Writer
@ECCUnionSydney he first female president of El Camino spoke to The Union about what her daily life consists of. On the weekdays, Dena Maloney is the president of El Camino attending several meetings; on the weekend she is golfing with her husband and spending time with her adult son and daughter. “I’m very honored to be the first female president of El Camino,” Maloney said. “It’s a fantastic institution with such a great history and legacy.” Twice a month, Maloney attends a meeting as chair of the College Council that consists of faculty, administrators and students to discuss policy changes and campus wide planning. Maloney is also the chair for the Facilities Steering Committee which meets once a month to provide input and carry
information to groups on campus about new building projects and facilities on campus. She also has meetings with her cabinet that consists of various vice presidents on Academic Affairs, Student and Community Advancement, Administrative Services, etc. Maloney also meets regularly with the Foundation Board which deals with scholarships and the Promise Program which helps make college more affordable. “She was really interested and engaging since the beginning and supported us financially with donations,” Andrea Sala, executive director of El Camino said. Sala added that Maloney is very supportive of what they do and that she is a good cheerleader for the foundation and the campus. Walter Cox, associate dean of fine arts, said that from what he’s heard Maloney spends a lot of time in meetings and running the campus. Maloney works about 10 to 12 hours a day and about four hours on the weekend.
“The most challenging thing about my job is that there’s not enough hours in the day,” Maloney said. “Setting priorities and figuring out what’s most important is something you have to learn.” Maloney said her favorite part of this job is getting to interact with students and those that serve the students on the campus. “She very warm and approachable and is always ready to listen to faculty and the administration,” Cox said. Maloney has been married to her husband for 35 years. She met him while studying at Loyola Marymount University. Maloney enjoys eating Italian food, spending time with her family and listening to jazz music. She looks forward to attending the Jazz Festival in April. For Maloney, it is all about student success. “There is such a wonderful energy at El Camino College around student success,” Maloney said. “The best day every year is graduation.”
Alba Mejia / Union
Roy Garza / Union
El Camino President Dena Maloney with members of the Associated Students As president of El Camino, Dena Maloney attends various meetings daily and prides Organization (ASO) at the presidential meet and greet event last spring. herself in student success on this campus. Maloney said she loves interacting with students and those that serve the campus.
Get a free copy of The Union at any of the following locations
Northeast side of campus
- First floor of the Humanities Building - Humanities division office - Cafe Camino - Crenshaw door of the Humanities Building - Natural Sciences Courtyard - Library Reading Room - Natural Sciences division office - Switchboard Desk - Outside the front and back doors of the library
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Center and northwest side of campus - Student Activities Center - P.E. Courtyard - Student Services Center - Outside the front doors of the Bookstore
EDITORIAL
MARCH 23, 2017
EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION 5
Editor’s Thoughts:
How I was targeted with a scam
Thumbs up, Thumbs Down Curtis Wang and Zara Andrabi are the No. 8 debate pair.
Alexis Causey Staff Writer @ECCUnionAlexis It’s finals week and I was stressed on finishing up my essays and studying for final exams. This was the perfect moment to catch a vulnerable student and get paid. I received a phone call and usually If I don’t know the number I would ignore it, if it’s important I would receive a voicemail. I was left with a voicemail, so it must be important. The voicemail stated, “Alexis Causey, you have a warrant for your arrest to avoid this please call the IRS back at this number.” So I called back and someone answered immediately. The person on the other end of the line told me he was an officer gave me his name, badge number, and my case number. Then he proceeded to tell me I had violated three constitutional laws and I owed $3,540 in debt to IRS and if I did not comply with them today I would be arrested on the spot. I was scared and in a panic, I asked myself, “How can I not go to jail?” He then told me you can pay off everything today to avoid jail time. I only had $3,000 in my account and let him know I was only able to pay off $2,000 today. The “officer” told me it was OK and the way to pay was through Target gift cards. That should have been the red flag, it seemed suspicious to pay in gift cards but in a panic, I proceeded on my quest to pay my supposed debt off. In the end, I took three different Uber rides, going around to different Targets around me. I bought 4 separate gift cards,
As a part of Woman’s History Month, EC is now an all woman administration campus. EC has implemented gender neutral bathrooms on campus, allowing anyone to use it. Illustration by Mason Hardison/Union each containing $500 each. Finally I came to my senses and asked them, “why would the IRS payment through Target gift cards?” He responded, “The IRS has a relationship with Target.” On the back of Target gift cards there is an 15 digit card number and an access code and I proceeded to give him the information on all the cards. After I gave the information they told me to pay off the rest to visit the IRS office an Van Nuys and I have an appointment around 8:30 a.m. Getting off the phone I was crying hysterically.
I saw a familiar face and it turned out to be one of my best friends and her mother. I told them the situation and they told me it was a scam and these people target college students who believe they have debt from loans they pulled out. I went home immediately reported my cards stolen fortunately, the money was still available on the card. From the whole situation regarding this scam, I have learned a lot. These incidents occur in order to scam you out of your hard earned money.
What was learned:
•The IRS will never call you, they will bill you a letter •Target and IRS do not have a relationship •You can not pay you debt off with Target or prepaid gift cards •The IRS will never threaten to bring law enforcement if you do not comply
We dislike the wifi on campus, it’s still slow and does not reach many areas.
The Debate and Forensics Team is ranked No. 1 in community colleges.
CAMPUS VIEWPOINTS By: Selvin Rodas @ECCUnionSelvin Photos By: Selvin Rodas
Gender neutral bathrooms on campus
Charlotte Wilson, 19, studio art major: “I agree with the gender neutral (restrooms). I think that it should never have beenan issue to begin with because it’s simply a facility that everybody needs. I have come across several restaurants that use (gender neutral restrooms) and there is never a problem with public facilities.”
THE UNION Vol. 71, No. 1 March 23, 2017
Email: eccunion@gmail.com Newsroom: (310) 660-3328 Advertising: (310) 660-3329
Richard Anene, 20, biochemistry major “I feel that everyone should use (the restroom) they want to use. I think that if you identify yourself as a certain gender you should be able to do what people in the same gender do. I don’t think so much that people should tell you what you should do or should not do.”
Jasmine Torres, 20, psychology major: “I agree with (the gender neutral restrooms). I don’t think it’s a big deal and I don’t want to make someone uncomfortable. It’s fine if someone wants to go to a restroom where they feel comfortable and welcome.”
Editor-in-Chief �������������������������������������������������������������������������� Phil Sidavong News Editor ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Phil Sidavong Opinion/Editorial Editor ��������������������������������������������������������� Jimmy Nguyen Assistant News Editor......................................................................Keith Francis Arts Editor......................................................................................Jimmy Nguyen Sports Editor ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������Eric Ramos Photo Editor ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Jorge Villa Features Editor ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Alba Mejia Advertising Manager ������������������������������������������������������������������� Jack Mulkey Adviser ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������Kate McLaughlin Adviser ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Stefanie Frith Photo Adviser...................................................................................Gary Kohatsu
Pearson Mann, 19, business administration major:
Rubid Baltazar, 20, business major:
“I just found out what (a gender neutral restroom is) and right from the (start) I don’t agree with it, specifically because there are two different genders and I think they deserve their own special privacy and if you mix them together I don’t think it might go well because they are used to going to their own (specific restrooms).”
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.
“I think they are very great, I mean there are people here that are transgender and we don’t even know it and I think (the gender neutral restrooms) allow them to be equal. I don’t think there is anything bad about it (as long as) they don’t abuse it.”
College Media Association Newspaper of the Year Award 2015 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, 2014
ARTS
6 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION
Small art, big dreams
MARCH 23, 2017
Student Services’ worker Jenny Tran is an artist on the rise who hopes to showcase her work around the world Julio Rodriguez Special to The Union The evening breeze enters the classroom through a cracked open door, it brings with it a sough that blends with the sounds of Miles Davis’ “Freddie Freeloader” as a Princeton brush mixes blue and white paint on a palette. The cloudscape begins to take form with its bluish hue, the canvas rests on its easel, acting as a window to the outside world. “There’s no quick undo button with painting,” Jenny Tran said. “Digital is much more forgiving.” This is Tran’s second oil painting this semester, her instructor sees progression in her abilities. “Jenny appears to be able to focus on the concept and create paintings where she meaningfully demonstrates the different techniques and processes that we use,” Willie Brownlee, art professor said. At this point Tran has been on campus for the past 12 hours. This semester, she spends her time supporting the counseling and student success department. She contributes to their graphic design and marketing projects. “I just throw out ideas to her and she is able to visually lay out my ideas,” RISE Center Coordinator Julieta Ortiz said. “She really brings the artistic side to make an idea work.” In regards to her current work at El Camino, Tran said she is “redesigning” posters around the Student Services Center. While Tran continues to evolve as an artist through her work on campus, she has begun to have her digital work exhibited at two of the most popular pop culture galleries in the United States.
She made her Los Angeles debut at Gallery 1988 on Sept. 11, 2015 in “Guillermo Del Toro: In Service of Monsters,” which featured compositions paying tribute to the critically acclaimed director. “I felt absolutely honored, incredibly lucky, and really nervous,” Tran said “Gallery 1988 has a huge following and the fact that they wanted me to be a part of their show is a huge honor.” One of Tran’s prints, “When It Rains, It Pours,” was unconventionally sized compared to the rest of the pieces because it measured at 5 inches by 7 inches, while the rest were commonly measured as 18 inches by 24 inches. “I’m not one to command the attention of the entire room, I’m usually having fun chatting with someone in a corner, that’s how my art is,” Tran said “It’s small so it doesn’t need everyone’s focus on it but if someone stumbles upon my art, I like to think it’ll make them smile.” Culver City resident Eric Houtman, 29, purchased the print on the opening night of the show, “Once I spotted it on the wall, I knew I had to have it,” he said. The print sold out during the show resulting in Gallery 1988 inviting her to participate in an exhibit at the New York gallery Spoke Art NYC, this past September. The show featured art that payed tribute to the television show “Bob’s Burgers.” “It can expose me to a larger audience, which made me nervous,” Tran said. “But you have to put yourself out there in order to grow both as a person and an artist.”
Jorge Villa/Union Jenny Tran, illustrates fliers using pastel colors and minimalist shape structures in her work with her pad and pen. She mostly does digital drawings for the college and herself.
‘Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?’ tackles youth drug addiction A play that tackles youth drug addiction, racism and corruption Jimmy Nguyen Arts/Opinion Editor @ECCUnionJimmy
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play about teenage junkies in a rehab hospital who try to rise above the dark rims of drug addiction as well as trying to survive against racism, corrupt guards, is coming soon to El Camino this week. The play “Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?” directed by Jerry Prell, Prell is a director and an actor, being in films such as “American Sweetheart” and “Project 1091,” according to his IMDb.com profile. He mentions that the play will showcase tragedy, lost lives, desperation, as well as a loss of hope. “It really is a tragedy, but it’s about young adults who cope with drug addition,” he said. Prell adds that this show is a “different kind of play.” “It’s a different kind of show,” he said. “Edgy, drama, and some on stage violence.” The play will showcase the characters in a rehab hospital on an island, where they are there to get themselves clean and away from drugs. “The island (the characters) are stuck on is a metaphor for being stuck in this drug addiction,” he said.
In order for the actors to shape their characters Prell had former drug addicts who are now counselors come in and tell their story to the cast. “I wanted to show them what it’s really like to be an addict,” he said. Prell said college students can relate to this play due to all of the characters age range. When addressing how the actors should be on stage Prell mentioned about honesty and realism. “It’s tough getting the cast behind it,” he said. “They have to believe what they are saying.” Mario Sosa, 22, theater major said he went to Skid Row in order to do more research on drug addiction in order to shape his character even further. This will be his first acting role at EC. “I took a trip to Skid Row in Los Angeles to experience the life of an addict,” Sosa said. “My character is based on these traits such as the ups and the down moments as well as the moments where he’s generally happy or sad.” Sosa plays the character Ponti, a Spanish American who is recovering from a heroin addiction. The character is portrayed as if he had started at a very young age. “I hope former drug addicts can reflect back to my character,” he said. “Reflect back to what they used to be and why they stopped.” Sosa mentioned that the one
Upcoming shows: First Showing: The show will open on March 24 at 8 p.m. in the Campus Theatre.
Second Showing: The second showing will open on March 25 at 8 p.m. in the Campus Theatre
Third Showing: The third showing will open on March 31 at 8 p.m. in the Campus Theatre Jorge Villa/Union Students get in position as they rehearse the opening act from the first scene in the upcoming play ‘Does a tiger wear a necktie.’ thing he hated about his character is that he smoked cigarettes. “I hate the fact that he smokes cigarettes, because I personally don’t smoke at all,” he said. “I had to use an elctronic and a nicotine free one, in order to fit into my
character.” “I hope the crowd comes with an open mind,” he said.”Drug addiction is a sensitive topic.” EC student Dan Le, 22, music major said he heard parts of the play and was excited to see it.
“I
walked out of my class and heard commotion from the play,” he said. “It looked pretty exciting, so I’ll look forward to going to it.””
Fourth and Finale The fourth showing will be on April 1 at 8 p.m. and the finale will be on April 2 at 3 p.m.
SPORTS
MARCH 23, 2017
EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION 7
Warriors earn freshman, coach and player of the year Eric Ramos
Sports Editor @ECCUnionEricR
W
ith the El Camino women’s basketball team having its season come to a sudden end, the Warriors were recognized for their tremendous season by the California Community College Athletic Association. Coach Steve Shaw was named South Coast Conference-South Coach of the Year, as the Warriors finished 9-1 in conference play and earned a share of the SCC-South title. Shaw said he told his players all season the success of the team is going to determine individual recognition. “It’s a nice honor,” Shaw said. “It’s a compliment to the girls who did such a nice job for us to be conference champions.” Sophomore guard Meghan Peneueta had another solid season for the Warriors and was named SCC-South Co-Player of the Year. This makes Peneueta a two-time Player of the Year after winning the award last season. Peneueta, who finished the season with 14.4 points per game, 6.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and two steals, said winning the award is a great accomplishment. “It’s an honor to win this reward,” Peneueta said. “The goal for us this year was to win conference but getting Player of the Year was a bonus and it’s a great feeling.” Newcomer Kayla Bibb won the SCC-South Freshman of the Year award after averaging 12.1 points per game with 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists.
Jorge Villa/ Union
Kayla Bibb, Steve Shaw and Meghan Peneueta stand in unison on the basketball court. The Warriors won a share of the South Coast Conference south title after a 9-1 record. EC had three players named to the All-South Coast Conference South first team. Sophomore forwards Elise Allison and Jillian Thebodeau made the first team along with freshman guard Kasey Takahashi. Takahashi said coming into the season, she had no expectations of earning a spot like that. After
taking a year off from high school, Takahashi said she was lucky to even get a few minutes on the court. “I’m really grateful and proud that I was able to make first team,” Takahashi said. “Making first team wasn’t a conscious goal of mine, but it was a goal of mine to work my way up. This surpassed my
Jorge Villa/ Union
Sophomore Michelle Shimamoto attacks the ball during practice against sophomore Nina Wyer and freshman Melissa Euyoque while Micah Hammond looks on. Shimamoto and Hammond make up the No. 1 beach volleyball pair for the El Camino Warriors.
Dominating the competiton Phil Sidavong
Editor-In-Chief @ECCUnionPhil
Six of the top 10 teams in the state are all in one conference. Three of them are facing off in a four-way tournament style match on Friday, and all four are looking to make strides toward first place in the Pacific Coast Conference. The El Camino, MiraCosta, Rio Hondo and Long Beach City college’s beach volleyball teams will gear up for a tough day on the sand as LBCC hosts. El Camino will face MiraCosta and Long Beach, while MCC and LBCC will play one match against El Camino and then play Rio Hondo. RHC is in the same conference and based on record and strength of schedule can be considered a top 15, if not top 10, team. Here are three important things to note for El Camino, MiraCosta and Long Beach.
Note: Rio Hondo will not be included because the Roadrunners will not face EC. El Camino Warriors (9-1 overall, 1-1 in conference): 1) El Camino might just have the most balanced team in this threeway tournament, fielding a No. 1 and 2 pair that could both potentially make runs at the state individual tournament. Sophomore Michelle Shimamoto and freshman Micah Hammond are looking to make a comeback after falling against Grossmont’s No. 1 pair last Friday. While No. 2 pair of sophomores Taylor Brydon and Brooklyn Rubio look to continue their undefeated streak this season. The pair has not lost a single set, or match, so far. The Warriors’ coaching staff is still unsure of what to do with its No. 5 pair. There have been several changes to this pair and it could feature a multitude of combinations of Cassie Montani, Nina Wyer, Jolene St. Pierre, Melissa Euyoque and Glorious Owens.
Mira Costa College Spartans, currently second in the conference (9-2 overall, 2-0 in conference): 1) Costa has two losses against Concordia and CSU Bakersfield, both four-year universities. In terms of record, the Spartans are undefeated against community college teams and with 2016 individual state-runner up Cady Francis leading seven other sophomores, the Spartans are in a good spot to make a run. Long Beach City College Vikings, one of three undefeated team’s in the state (7-0 overall): 1) Misty May-Treanor. The legend of Olympic Beach Volleyball is the new Director of Volleyball and beach volleyball head coach. Treanor won three-straight gold medals along with former partner Kerri Walsh-Jennings in Athens, Greece (2004), Beijing, China (2008) and London, UK (2012). LBCC wasn’t even an official team in 2016 and now the team is 7-0 and is could be a real contender for the Pacific Coast Conference title.
expectations.” Sophomore forward Kourtney Noa was named to the All-South Coast Conference South second team after finishing the season with 5.1 points per game and 4.3 rebounds. This makes Noa a twotime All-SCC South second team selection. Two freshman earned All-SCC
South second team honors. Guard Hunter Noa averaged 6.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game while center Amiete Nyingifa finished the season with 7.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. “I was just overall thankful to even be recognized,” Hunter said. “I’m very happy that some of my efforts during the season paid off.”
Kayla Bibb, forward, earns Freshman of the Year. Steve Shaw earns Coach of the Year. Meghan Peneueta, guard, earns back-to-back Player of the Year honors.
SPORTS
8 EL CAMINO COLLEGE UNION
MARCH 23, 2017
Trust has been a key factor to the Warriors success during the first half of the season Eric Ramos
Sports Editor @ECCUnionEricR
Osvaldo Deras / Union
El Camino sophomore infielder Darrian Sylvester’s (No. 7) quick reactions lead to a doubleplay ending another inning during the Warriors game against Chaffey College on Thursday, March 9 at Warrior Field.
Five takeaways from the Warriors hot conference start Eric Ramos
Sports Editor @ECCUnionEricR
The El Camino baseball team is currently on a 13-game winning streak, including eightstraight wins in the South Coast Conference-South division. Here are five takeaways from the undefeated conference streak: The Warriors have a strong bullpen this season, led by sophomores Taylor Rashi (6-1) and Cassius Hamm (6-1). The onetwo punch of Rashi and Hamm have combined for 12 wins on the season. Rashi has a .247 ERA with 64 strikouts while Hamm has a .236 ERA with 61 strikeouts. EC opened conference play with a two-game series against Pasadena City College. The Warriors edged the Lancers, 4-3, in the first game with Hamm going eight innings while giving up seven hits with two runs and five strikeouts. Sophomore pitcher Jake Carr came in to close the ninth inning and secure the victory. In game two against the Lancers, Rashi pitched a tough eight innings. After a slow start, Rashi finished with 11 strikeouts while allowing four hits and one run to help the Warriors to a 9-3 win. On offense, the Warriors have
a .410 slugging percentage with 193 runs. During conference play, EC is beating its opponents in dominating fashion, scoring 67 runs runs while allowing 21. Sophomore catcher Trevor Casanova is tearing the cover off the ball with a .351 batting average and a .449 on base percentage. In 97 at bats, Casanova has 34 hits with 22 RBIs, including six doubles, four triples and two home runs. “If we keep working hard and getting better everyday, we will have a chance to do something special this season,” Casanova said. “Our coach (Nate Fernley) is doing a great job teaching us not to get caught up on our record.” EC is getting contributions at the plate from several players. Sophomore outfielder Ryan Eastburn is ranked fourth in the south division with a .361 batting average. Sophomore first baseman Angel Mora is tied for second in RBIs with Casanova. “Conference (play) has started off well,” Eastburn said. “We need to stay focused to finish what we started.” This season has seen a mix of sophomore and freshman players who have been key to the early success. Freshman pitcher Ricky Ramos is 4-0 on the season with a .321 ERA and 22 strikeouts.
Ramos said chemistry has been their greatest tool and the team is a family on and off the field. “There’s nothing better than trusting the guys around you as a pitcher,” Ramos said. “It gives my game so much more meaning; to not let these guys down.”
W. BADMINTON Friday at Pasadena City College 2 p.m.
SOFTBALL Today at El Camino-Compton Center 3 p.m.
MEN’S VOLLEYBALL Friday at Santa Monica College 6 p.m.
Community College Sports Information Association State Top 20 baseball poll on March 16. “Just like a family, we’ve broken each other down,” Ramos said. “We have pushed each other to our limits and it has really brought out something special.”
Don Perez/ Union
El Camino pitcher Ricky Ramos improved to 4-0 on the season after the Warriors’ 9-0 win against visiting Mt. San Antonio College on March 14.
WARRIORS SCHEDULE BASEBALL Today vs Cerritos College 2:30 p.m.
Another freshman playing a key role is outfielder Ty Conrad who has 26 hits with 19 RBIs and four stolen bases. After back-to-back wins against Mt. San Antonio College, the Warriors were ranked second in the inaugural 2017 California
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The El Camino softball team is having one of its best starts to a season at 20-5 overall and 3-0 in conference play. Through 25 games, the Warriors have scored 262 runs with eight home runs. After back-to-back losses to Grossmont College on March 4, EC has reeled off 11 straight wins. “The team as a whole has grown so much,” freshman Jazmyn Sancen said. “We all have become stronger athletes physically and mentally.” Offensively, the Warriors lead the South Coast Conference-South division with several players in the top 5 of the statistical categories. Sophomore outfielder Raelani Camez leads the conference with a .486 batting average. Freshman infielder Alyssa Wing sits behind Camez at second in the conference with a .475 batting average and 28 RBIs. Freshman catcher Ashley Machado is fourth with a .429 batting average and 20 RBIs. Machado said as a team, they are slowly gaining confidence and her teammates are finally starting to see the hard work pay off. “Since day one, the team has had great chemistry and we’re coming together more and more everyday,” Machado said. “I can see now the trust we have for each that wasn’t always there.” Sophomore infielder Kamryn Fisher said the team trust each other and what the coaches have taught them. The team has “bought in.” “We have been on the field with each other for almost nine months now,” Fisher, who is batting .381 with two home runs and 23 RBIs, said. “We all know everyone’s ability (on the team) and how to play with one another.” The pitching staff is led by sophomore Brooke Sarro, who is 9-1 on the season with a 1.57 ERA and 29 strikeouts. Fellow sophomore pitcher Haley Reed is 7-4 with a 4.28 ERA. The Warriors have speed to burn on the base paths with 102 stolen bases on the season. Machado leads the conference with 24 stolen bases while Camez is right behind her with 20. EC has the players to compete with any team in the conference and it has showed during the season with the multiple lineups the coaching staff has put together. “With the help of our amazing coaching staff, I believe we will continue to excel throughout the season,” Sancen said.
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