The Union Vol. 80, Issue 10

The Union

Student caught filming in women’s bathroom

Suspect expressed “urges” to film, admits to recording in multiple restrooms

By Alexandra Quintana

An El Camino student was caught recording another student in the women’s restroom on the third floor of the Math, Business and Allied Health building on April 21.

The student that was recorded noticed a camera appear above a stall, yelled, and ran out of the bathroom seeking assistance. She then re-entered the restroom and came out holding the suspect by his right arm, according to the incident report.

“She’s dragging the guy into the classroom with us, he was a younger kid, he looked like he was like nineteen...I guess ...he tried to come into her stall,” business major Janette Diaz, 29, a classmate of the student said.

The suspect expressed an “urge” to film the El Camino student and admitted to

having another video of a woman in a bathroom offcampus, according to the incident report.

The suspect was an ECC student and was charged with an “invasion of privacy,” and has a court date coming up.

Diaz said that her classmate has not returned to class ever since the incident

occurred.

“The teacher has… tried to convince her to come back but she didn’t want to,” Diaz said.

Over the past six months, El Camino has had four reported cases that involve camera recordings in bathrooms.

One of the cases occurred two weeks prior to the April

21 incident. The two cases have no connection, except for similar bathroom designs.

Diaz said now that when students want to use the restroom in her class, they are on edge and check underneath the stall before using the restroom.

To read more of this story check out eccunion.com

Accused El Camino killer agrees to a speedy trial

Trial soon to be set for a man accused of killing a women at El Camino College

By Madison Moody

The man accused of attacking and killing a 65-year-old woman at El Camino College in December 2023 is still undergoing medical appointments to see if he is eligible to stand trial.

Students navigate a lack of healthcare

Campus perspectives discuss healthcare with funding cuts

By Madison Moody

About 30% of young adults in America are uninsured.

Partly due to significant changes in Medicare in 2023, when continuous enrollment ended, affecting millions, according to the National Library of Medicine.

The number of young adults without healthcare benefits and resources has significantly skyrocketed in recent years.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” act that was signed in 2025 by President Donald Trump cut funding off the Affordable Health Care Act by billions, and created stricter eligibility requirements.

The Union spoke to students and staff on campus to see how the decrease in health benefits and resources has affected individuals.

“It matters if your income is not on the level or adjusted to where you have the extra money to come out of pocket for the co-pay to see a physician and if you don’t have that co-pay, you have to think of other alternatives such as free clinics,” business administration major Shanta Woodson, 54, said.

Woodson last visited the doctor a year ago, when she went in for a Complete Blood Count, which takes a look at overall health in the body.

Three months after the appointment, received a bill in the mail for over $1,200 for X-rays and blood work.

Judge Kelly M. Kelley, issued a firm warning to resolve outstanding medical delays by July 22, or the case goes to a jury trial.

Jeffery Davis, 43, is accused of fatally attacking Torrance resident Junko Hanafusa at El Camino College on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. Since the last court hearing in December 2025, Davis has been prolonging the process due to medical issues and uncooperative behavior while at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles.

“I believe the delays have much to do with Jeffery Davis... which is resulting in this case going forever,” Deputy District Attorney Kelly Fritz said.

Davis agreed to his right to a speedy trial, meaning the case should be brought before the court within a reasonable time frame. The court will set the next trial date, and bail will not be set.

“$600 was already applied to the bill, but I still owed another $634,” Woodson said.

To read more of this story, check out eccunion.com

To read more of this story, check out eccunion.com

To the night custodians, recognizing your greatness

By Union Editorial Board

There are approximately 30 people responsible for making sure that over 30 locations spread across 126 acres of campus are cleaned and ready for the next round of classes the following morning.

Armed with trash bins, mops, walkie talkies and more, they face a monumental task.

They come pulling up to classroom buildings just as students and faculty take leave for the night.

Custodians are the unsung heroes of the campus, especially those who work on the night crew.

“The majority of work happens at night,” night custodial supervisor Joseph Contreras said. “Whatever does not get done during the day, we do it.”

The Board of Trustees meeting that took place Wednesday, May 20 acknowledged the classified night shift custodians for their services as part of an appreciation week.

Members of this small group used the public comment to express their concerns.

One member raised issues such as under-staffing following employees taking early retirement in the midst of budget cuts, lack of help after hours, poor building maintenance and more.

“We’re doing everything we can with the tools we have,” custodian Leyna Bernal said.

The night custodians pull in eight-hour long shifts, starting from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., which is a direct attack to the body’s natural biology.

According to UCLA Health, night shift workers have an increased chance of developing cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal disorders, which can affect mental health.

Working nights interrupts the circadian rhythm, which is the body’s natural, 24-hour clock that regulates biological processes, including sleep cycles and behaviors.

Graveyard shifts are not for the faint of heart. With recent staff layoffs and early retirement

packages that reduced the nightly staff size from 45 to 30, custodians on shift are expected to cover more ground than before.

The graveyard shifts deal with fewer people because of the fewer classes offered at night, but they are in charge of locking buildings and responding to medical emergencies involving individuals who are in the building when they are not supposed to.

Cadets often stay late, until about 11 p.m., to help patrol the grounds.

There is less activity at night, but that slow pace can fluctuate with events like the FIFA World Cup or night performances.

“Most calls for service are in the daytime. We like to concentrate on those times,” Sergeant Ruben Lopez said.

Some custodians have expressed to police they’d feel safer working in empty buildings. Custodians sometimes run into individuals who are not supposed to be in those buildings at that time.

El Camino College is open to the public, which means anyone can enter at any time.

In one incident, a night custodian recounted how she had to flee into the Humanities Building at midnight after being chased down by an intoxicated man who was following her.

“There’s always concerns, especially at night, where people are generally concerned when night time comes,” Lopez said.

Regardless, night custodians The Union spoke to like working nights. There is a sense of calm and peace on campus after hours.

“When we’re short, it gets tough because it’s a lot of work, but other than that, it’s a good experience out here,” night custodian Larry Veazey, 62, who has worked for the college for 18 years, said.

If you happen to be on campus late at night, and you see a member of the night shift crew, thank them for their service.

Union staff thoughts: Thumbs up, thumbs down

Thumbs down to reckless driving with e-bikes and cars around campus.

Thumbs down to students and staff on campus not picking up after themselves.

Thumbs up to the Art Gallery exhibits and events that took place throughout the semester.

Thumbs up to LGBTQIA+ Pride Centers’ annual Pride Week that offered a festival, drag show and prom

Erica Lee EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Eleni Klostrakis NEWS EDITOR

FEATURES EDITOR

EDITORS STAFF

Oriana de Quay

Madison Moody OPINION EDITOR

Staff Writers

Ana Gamez

Isaac Ramirez

Michelle Claire Pentreath

Photographers

Donovan Harris Ryan Hirabayashi

Alexandra Quintana Interns Kaitlyn Estrada

Brande Mathews

Cassi Medina

Diocelina Ordonez

Evelyn Wimberly

Frances Que

Gael Gallardo

Grant Blizzard

Jesse Jennewein

Lincoln Stock

Matthew Beck

Maya Ochoa

Michaelangelo Lucero

Mun Leong

Patrick Martinez

Riley Abrams

Tulsi Read

Zaire Miranda

ADVISERS

STUDENT MEDIA ADVISER

Stefanie Frith sfrith@elcamino.edu

PHOTO ADVISER

Nguyet Thomas nthomas@elcamino.edu

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Jack Mulkey elcounionads000@yahoo.com

JOURNALISM PROFESSOR

Kate McLaughlin kmclaughlin@elcamino.edu

Gerard Burkhart

Joseph Difazio jdifazio@elcamino.edu gburkhart@elcamino.edu

Jessica Martinez

INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS jemartinez@elcamino.edu

EDITORIALS:

LETTERS

“I’m happiest when I’m making music and when people like you come up to me and you have to make your own happiness in life.”

“Games make me whimsical. Quips make me whimsical as well. To be whimsical is having the confidence to be weird.”

“I’m the happiest when I’m playing “Dungeons and Dragons” with my friends. It’s a chance to collaborate and story-tell with my friends. I’m usually a pink Tiefling Bard with horns.”

“I enjoy being whimsical! By the way I express myself, like my aesthetic and art. Also the way I dress. [Whimsy means] just being true to yourself and being very happy and expressive.”

Whimsical wonders at El Camino College

By Madison Moody

From trinkets and charms to smiles and styles, it can be easy to dismiss the small moments of cringe and joy in life. Being whimsical means to creatively explore different things in life, no matter the scenario. Whimsy is also being spontaneous such as dancing vigorously in public while listening to music or role-playing as a different person to strangers. The Union sent out reporters Wednesday, May 14, to ask the ECC community their viewpoint on how to channel their inner whimsical ways!

MC Harris,

“Whimsical means to be a goof ball and crazy, enjoying life and watching stupid [expletive] on Tik-Tok.”

Jason Murphy, 20, photography major

“I’ll be walking on the street, and I don’t really care what people think, so I’ll just be like dancing as I’m walking and stuff, I have a little pep in my stuff.”

The Union staff writers Ana Gamez, Isaac Ramirez and Michelle Claire Pentreath and intern Christian Alexander contributed to this Campus Viewpoint.

Best photo contest spring ‘26

Photojournalism students compete for the best photo this semester. Vote online on Instagram: @eccunion.

Voting is open until June 9. Scan to go to the ballot.

El Camino students’ age demographics are changing

Teens surpass 20 to 24 year olds as El Camino’s top age group

By Gilbert Sanchez

F

ree tuition, the rising cost of education, and post-pandemic enrollment are reshaping the age makeup of the student body.

In 2011, students aged 19 or younger made up 29% of El Camino College’s enrollment, today, they make up over 40%.

Over the same period, the 20to 24-year-old group — once the backbone of the college — has shrunk by over 21%, while students 30 and older have been enrolling at rates ECC has not seen in years.

Enrollment data from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Datamart shows that El Camino is going through a shift that is gaining more younger and older students, while the students in the middle decrease.

“There is no typical El Camino student,” Dr. Kristina Martinez, acting dean of enrollment services, said. “ We have anyone from a student that’s fresh out of high school to a parenting student, to someone who is coming on nights after working a full-time job. That’s the beauty of El Camino.”

The shift is significant. ECC enrolled 13,056 students aged 19 or younger in 2023-24, compared to 9,770 in 2011-12, a 34% increase.

Martinez points to the South Bay Promise Program as the driving force. The program covers tuition for first-time full-time students regardless of financial need.

Accounting major Cazzie Waller, 19, is one of those students. He enrolled at El Camino right after graduating from North Torrance High School.

“I enrolled directly after high school, and I chose El Camino because of the South Bay Promise that granted free tuition, compared to a university,” Waller said.

While teenagers have been dominating enrollment numbers, young adults, 20 to 24-year-olds have been fading.

Police Beat

By Diocelina Ordonez

From 2010 to 2020, ECC averaged 12,221 students in that range per year. In the 202021 school year, the number dropped to 9,559, a 21% decrease.

Martinez ties much of the decline to COVID-19 and its effect on traditional college culture in that generation.

Elias Aispuro, a registration associate at CSUDH, noticed the same shift. “With the current economy and a shift in the overall view of college education, I have seen a slight decline in our younger students enrolling,” Aispuro said.

Students 25 to 29 have also followed an uneven path. El Camino saw its biggest drop of 16% in that group comparing the numbers between 202122 and 2022-23 school years.

“Those would also be students that were a little bit older from COVID,” Martinez said. “When I stepped into this role, we focused a lot of our energy on high school students... we’re trying to change so that we have services available for students like returning adults.”

On the other side of the age spectrum, El Camino is seeing a smaller, yet significant pattern amongst older learners.

Thursday, May 14, 2:18 p.m.

A hit-and-run involving a car was reported at Redondo Beach Boulevard and Crenshaw Boulevard. The case was turned over to an outside agency.

Enrollment in students aged 50 and older crashed to 811 total in 2020-21. That group has since recovered, now enrolling 1,381 in 2024-25, a 70% increase.

Students in the 40 to 49 age range had a similar decrease of 47% decrease from 2010 to 2020, followed by a 54% increase from 2020 to 2025. The 30 to 34 age range at El

Friday, May 22, 10:40 a.m.

A hit-and-run with a car was reported on Crenshaw Boulevard and El Camino College Way. An outside agency report was filed to Gardena Police Department.

Camino saw a 44% increase in enrollment from 2023-24 to 2024-25 alone, an outlier when comparing any age group with local community colleges. Martinez sees this spike as a delayed impact from COVID. That age group would have been in their mid-to-late 20s when the pandemic hit. Colleges across California are searching for ways to

Sunday, May 24, 12:41 a.m.

Outstanding warrants were reported at 16500 Crenshaw Blvd. The case resulted in arrests.

accommodate students at every stage of life.

The cost of tuition is the biggest barrier for students of all age groups. “I think one key factor for the delay is money... working here has really opened my eyes to the real cost of an education,” Aispuro said.

To read more of this story, check out eccunion.com

Tuesday, May 26, 12:23 p.m.

A battery was reported at Lot L. The case was unfounded.

Thursday, May 14, 10:58 a.m.

A hit-and-run with a car was reported at Lot C. The case is closed.

Wednesday, May 20, 11:23 p.m.

Indecent exposure was reported at the Natural Science building. The case is closed.

Saturday, May 23, 10:24 a.m.

Battery was reported at the Marsee Auditorium. The case was unfounded.

Tuesday, May 26, 10:36 a.m.

A drug law violation was reported at ECC Commons. The case was unfounded.

Wednesday, May 27, 1:01 p.m.

A disturbance of loud arguing was reported at Lot C. The case was unfounded.

No Membership Needed: Top workout spots in the South Bay

Fitness shouldn’t have come with fees, yet, Americans are on track to spend $60 billion on gym memberships in 2026.

In a recent survey by healthcare staffing website Nursa.com, California was ranked No. 8 among the Top 10 fittest states, which was determined by factors including obesity and smoking rates, diet and how much sleep and exercise residents get on average.

Millennials and Gen Z are fueling this latest iteration of the fitness craze, but gym prices aren’t always accessible for the college and the communities, who are feeling the crunch of the cost of living crisis.

With fees ranging from $15 for a basic membership at Planet Fitness to an eye-watering $350 at Bay Club, it can add up to one’s monthly expenses. Especially when school and work find you unable to take a break and hit the treadmill.

From a fully equipped gym on the El Camino College campus to peaceful wooded trails to beachside fitness parks, here are some of the best spots around the South Bay where you can get in a free workout.

After taking a jog along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, why not pivot to the Veteran’s Park at the corner of Torrance Boulevard and Catalina Avenue.

Located just off the Redondo Beach Pier, the Veteran’s Park is a serene spot to stretch out under the shade of the fig tree near the Community Center or just dive into the Fitness Court next to the piratethemed playground.

The Fitness Court, which is part of a National Fitness Campaign to establish 5,000 locations across the United States by 2030, comes equipped with a free bodyweight circuit training center.

Rings and bars to steps and planks, the outdoor gym allows users to rotate through seven workout zones: core, squat, push, lunge, pull, agility and bend. Unsure where to start? The Fitness Court has a free app you can download that unlock workout ideas. For 43-year-old Redondo Beach resident Stephen, a regular who has been visiting the location for five years and who declined to give his last name, the Veterans Park Fitness Court has a bit of everything.

“It’s got a wide variety of stuff, and it’s right next to the beach,” he said.

Physical Education Building

Located on the first floor of the Physical Education Building, the El Camino College Fitness Center is like having a personal gym.

Equipped with everything from treadmills and stair climbers to squat racks and weight machines, the space has something for everyone to meet their wellness goals.

Because the space is mostly used for fitness classes, hours are limited to early morning Monday through Friday and at night Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Anyone looking to get a workout in before class can start their morning with a 10 minute warm up at the track just around the corner before coming to the Fitness Center, where they have free range of the gym equipment as long as they use the gear properly and sign a waiver.

“We want to provide our students with an opportunity to use our wonderful facilities and stay in shape or to meet a goal,” Jeff Baumunk, ECC interim dean of kinesiology, athletics, and public safety, said.

The Hermosa Valley Greenbelt is a 3.7 mile stretch of wooded trail that runs from Redondo Beach and at the intersection of Valley Drive and Sepulveda Boulevard, near the Manhattan Beach Village.

The dirt trails softened by wood chips and sand makes a 10k run feel manageable. The shady trees are an asset when doing strenuous runs on hot days.

Workout equipment ranging from old-fashioned rail and plank structures to more modern metal apparatuses are spaced along the trail. Runners are free to go to any of the parks or downtown shopping districts along the way, including Bruce’s Beach.

Local residents, such as 42-year-old marketing director John Rossell, like how accessible, clean and safe the Greenbelt is.

“It’s a nice, enclosed trail... It’s long, so you can get a good size workout in,” Rossell said. “When I’m not part of a gym, I take advantage of all these free access workouts, then run the beach or run this trail.”

Please note that sometimes coyotes can be spotted on the trail. In addition, there are no outdoor lights along the way, making a nighttime run a little more difficult to accomplish.

Campus’ first drag event

Pride Week began with a snatched performance

Past bubbles and rainbow tinsel that framed the entrance of the Social Justice Center, the on-campus kickoff celebration for Pride Week brought drag and dance to the LGBTQIA+ students.

“Drag has always held an important place in LGBTQ cultural history. It is art, fashion, storytelling, creativity, performance, resistance, selfexpression and joy all wrapped up into one,” Student Success

invited last minute, delivered audience members a Lady Gaga act, emerging dramatically from the tinsel at door.

At many points during the performances the room exploded with energy. Students waved rainbow fans and flags, tossed their single dollar bills in the air and crowded the drag queens and kings who commanded the room.

“Many drag queens and kings are doing important work in their own neighborhoods and communities, creating spaces of joy, visibility, healing, and belonging,” Simkins said.

Coordinator Kenneth Simkins said.He said this was the first drag show held at the college.

Performer Chi Chi Charlas opened the show in a fluffy white sheer skirt, bold gold jewelry and a headscarf adorned with a jewel as she waved a Mexican flag fan and performed “Don’t Cha.” Next, Johnny the Gentleman entered with Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” and provided a humorous presence throughout.

Performer Cyclops followed with Beyoncé’s “Diva,” delivering bold expressions.

The final performer was European drag queen Rosilina

Cyclops, for instance, is part of a drag group that highlights and celebrates performers with disabilities in a group called Crip Club.

“Being able to have a space to have your freedom of speech is really cool,” Duron said.

For many students, it was their first drag show experience.

“It was so good,” student Ram Swati said, “Seeing all the queens and kings perform was so fun, and honestly, it made me really happy.”

The turnout exceeded expectations.

“My expectations were blown out of the water,” Simkins said. “This is why I do what I do.”

Campus social event helps students build community

Students make new connections during weekly event

By Alexandra Quintana

El Camino College’s Student Health Services hosts a weekly speed-meet social for students to converse and make friends in the Schauerman Library Collaboration Room.

The socializing event ran nearly every Wednesday of this semester from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. until June 3, 2026.

After signing in and grabbing a name tag, attendees of the

event take a seat at a small table across from another student.

Optional conversation cards are situated in the middle.

Participants have five minutes before switching to a next new potential friend.

Organizer and clinical psychologist at the Student Health Services, Jenn Jordan said she created this event to provide social support.

“I feel like it’s sort of breaking that habit and getting back to a place where people can just say hey or nod and smile or meet somebody new in passing without having that be awkward,” Jordan said.

Oftentimes, attendees will leave the event with a new friend, exchanging information like social media or numbers.

Warriors spring sports recap

Looking at the results of flag football, men’s baseball, women’s soccer and more.