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El Camino College The Union •

El Camino cuts tennis, badminton and golf teams

El Camino College has made the decision to indefinitely suspend four athletic programs: the women’s badminton team, men’s golf team, and both the men’s and women’s tennis teams Wednesday, May 28.
The decision, which has not yet been accompanied by an explanation, has left students and coaches stunned — especially as all three sports have long standing histories at the college and continue to grow in popularity both locally and nationally.
Abi Francisco, interim athletic director, confirmed the c...
El Camino College The Union •

‘Distraught’ employee’s message prompts campus-wide response from El Camino

A campus advisory was sent via email to students, faculty and staff at noon Saturday, May 31, regarding an email between an El Camino College employee and campus leadership.
According to the advisory, the email “expressed concerns” and was sent by a “distraught” employee earlier that day, but that there is no safety threat or danger risk to the community.
Kerri Webb, director of public information, said approximately 70 campus managers— which includes directors, deans and administrators — had re...
El Camino College The Union •

Equations and elections: The story of Mayor Alex Vargas

Before he was elected Mayor of Hawthorne, El Camino College adjunct physics professor Alejandro “Alex” Vargas spent his days helping design defense systems at Raytheon and L3 Communications.
But even while navigating the world of aerospace engineering, he found himself drawn to something less predictable: public service.
Most municipal leaders follow a conventional path. Vargas has taken a different route — one that intertwines civic leadership, science and community service in uncommon ways.
“I...
El Camino College The Union •

Physics and Civics: Mayor and El Camino professor splits time between city hall and the classroom

Alex Vargas is a multifaceted public servant whose career bridges science, education, and government.
A former aerospace engineer with degrees in physics, Vargas now balances his role as Mayor of Hawthorne with teaching physics at El Camino College.
Vargas also teaches high school-level science courses to incarcerated students through the New Opportunities Charter School at LA County Men’s Central Jail.
Elected to the Hawthorne City Council in 2009 and as mayor in 2015, he has overseen major fis...
El Camino College The Union •

When the world feels heavy, nature helps me feel light again

When life gets overwhelming, deadlines are piling up, and I can feel stress physically weighing on my shoulders, there’s always one place that helps me reset: The outdoors.
There’s something almost magical about nature and how it can make everything feel a little less intense.
A walk through a quiet trail, a hike up a hill, or even just sitting under a tree for 10 minutes — it’s like my entire nervous system sighs in relief.
The noise in my head quiets. My thoughts slow down. The weight I’ve bee...
El Camino College The Union •

Slide over after class: The best slides near El Camino

Before there were tablets, trampolines, or TikToks, there was the slide.
Humans have always had a thing for sliding. From icy hills to sand dunes, we’ve found every excuse to turn a descent into a delight.
The first recorded playground slide is credited to Charles Wicksteed, a British inventor, who in the early 1920s, added a makeshift chute to his park in Kettering, England.
It was simple, a wooden rail and a grassy hill, but the reaction was instant: Kids loved it. A century later, not much ha...
El Camino College The Union •

El Camino employees involved in workplace threat

A workplace threat involving potential physical harm was made by a male employee against other employees at El Camino College, according to campus police.
The threat was made at the Facilities and Receiving Building at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 20, and was reported to the El Camino Police Department at 5:41 p.m. Authorities believe the incident to have originated from a verbal argument the prior day.
The ECCPD sent a safety advisory email to the campus community Friday, March 21.
Police Chief Matth...
El Camino College The Union •

Art students from Germany unveil mural in El Camino College Art Gallery

Twelve students from the University of Fine Arts Münster, Germany, unveiled their vibrant new mural in the Art Gallery on Monday, March 17.
The Art Gallery partnered with the Experimentally Structured Museum of Art extension to present the students’ mural as part of ESMoA’s “Stations” exhibition.
University of Fine Arts Münster student Finn Froböse, 27, fine arts major, shared that their main idea behind the mural was improvisation and collective creativity.
The students did not follow a strict...
El Camino College The Union •

Statutory rape involving juveniles reported at El Camino College

A report of statutory rape was made to the El Camino College Police Department regarding an incident which occurred on Feb. 18 at 10:33 a.m. The investigation is closed.
The incident involved two juveniles, a boyfriend and girlfriend, enrolled at the Environmental Charter high school in Lawndale.
The two individuals, while participating in a school walkout protest, engaged in sexual activity in a unisex bathroom on the second floor of the Social Science Building.
A mother of the female student r...
El Camino College The Union •

Artificial intelligence software bought to detect fraudulent enrollment at El Camino College

In 2023, El Camino College social science professor Akello Stone started a semester with a full roster of students, only to discover that 40 of them were not real.
Fraudulent enrollment has only worsened since then.
On Feb. 1, the El Camino Community College District’s Board of Trustees approved a $54,000 subscription purchase of LightleapAI Fraud Detection Module, an artificial intelligence software designed to detect fraudulent student applications.
Following a one-month trial period during M...
El Camino College The Union •

El Camino opens series with 3-1 win over Rio Hondo

After plays by outfielders Daniel Craig, Matt Hammond and infielder Lucas Bonham loaded the bases in the first inning, the Warriors swiftly got on the scoreboard during the match at Warrior Field on March 4.
First baseman Gil Solis drew a walk, bringing in outfielder Ryan Matsukawa for the game’s first run.
Warriors infielder Slater Nunez followed with an RBI single, allowing sophomore Bonham to score and extending the Warriors’ lead 2-0.
Freshman pitcher Cameron O’Neil delivered a stellar perfo...
El Camino College The Union •

El Camino men’s volleyball team snaps four-game losing streak

After a four-game losing streak, the El Camino College Warriors men’s volleyball team defeated the Antelope Valley College Marauders 3–2 in a five-set game at the ECC Gymnasium Wednesday, Feb. 26.
The Warriors took an early 1–0 lead, but fell behind at 2–1 after the Marauders won back-to-back sets, both 25–23.
Outside hitters Nile Harrell and David Buckley led the Marauders with 18 and 16 kills, respectively.
Despite a minor setback in the second and third sets, the Warriors climbed back in the...
El Camino College The Union •

Finding purpose in praise: A psychology major’s story about connecting with her faith through dance

On a Sunday morning at Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, the air buzzed with anticipation. The congregation settled into the pews, their eyes fixed on the front. The music began softly —a gospel song filled with reverence and devotion.
Jennifer Chambers, an 18-year-old psychology major at El Camino College, stepped forward. Born in Texas but raised in Inglewood, she has been part of Mt. Tabor since her family moved to California in 2007, calling the church her second family.
Dr...
El Camino College The Union •

Noodle your way over to these 5 ramen spots near El Camino

The South Bay is home to a variety of ramen shops, with each offering a unique take on the classic Japanese dish.
From rich tonkotsu broths to lighter soy-based options, these five establishments near El Camino College stand out for their distinct flavors and dedication to authentic preparation.
1. Hakata Ikkousha
With a head chef from Japan, Hakata Ikkousha in Torrance brings authentic Japanese flavors to its signature tonkotsu ramen ($14.50). The thick, savory pork broth is slightly salty and...
El Camino College The Union •

Living with ADHD: From medication to self-mastery

Every night, homework brought me to tears.
As my Mom patiently read test questions aloud, I’d answer them correctly. But on exams I’d often circle the wrong answer, unable to focus. I was constantly fidgeting, unable to stay still, which made learning an ongoing battle.
I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the fourth grade. As a child, my behavior was pronounced enough to warrant an early diagnosis.
Mrs. Van Duzer, my fourth grade teacher at Center Street Elementary S...

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