The student news site of El Camino College

El Camino College The Union
The student news site of El Camino College

El Camino College The Union
The student news site of El Camino College

El Camino College The Union
Omar Rashad

Omar Rashad, Editor-in-Chief

Omar Rashad is the Editor-in-Chief at The Union. He has covered everything from local breaking news and state legislation to homelessness and education and is most interested in reporting on how religion and culture play into the lived experiences of minorities in the United States.

All content by Omar Rashad
The Math Business Allied Health Building remains closed as classes at El Camino College have moved online. Ever since mid-March, students and faculty have accumulated concerns about the quality and clarity of information sent out via email. Mari Inagaki/The Union

Communication ‘inadequate at best’: students unaware in-person classes may return in fall

By Omar Rashad, Juan Miranda, and Fernando Haro
June 12, 2020
Letter from the editor: We’re launching a newsletter

Letter from the editor: We’re launching a newsletter

By Omar Rashad
April 21, 2020
N95 respirator masks are a popular option for safeguarding against contracting the coronavirus while outside. N95 masks offer more protection than surgical or woven masks.

As coronavirus cases surpass 12,000 in LA County, students navigate racial disparities, information and safety

By Omar Rashad
April 20, 2020
Classes may remain online at California community colleges in the spring 2021 semester. Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley has advised colleges to be prepared to continue online instruction if that is the case. Omar Rashad/The Union

‘We could be in this situation in the spring’: Chancellor says prepare for classes to remain online

By Omar Rashad
April 15, 2020
A model of the coronavirus created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A member of the El Camino College community tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Monday March 23. Photo Credit: CDC

Officials confirm first COVID-19 case at El Camino College

By Fernando Haro and Omar Rashad
March 24, 2020
Letter from the Editor: We’re still here and we’re still writing

Letter from the Editor: We’re still here and we’re still writing

By Omar Rashad
March 20, 2020
The Schauerman Library is one of the few resources still open to students at El Camino College. In-person lectures have moved online for the rest of the spring semester as well as the entire summer session. Mari Inagaki/The Union

Classes moved online for rest of spring semester and summer session

By Omar Rashad
March 17, 2020
A model of the coronavirus created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 25 new cases of coronavirus were identified in Los Angeles County on Sunday, March 16. Photo Credit: CDC

8 new coronavirus cases in cities near El Camino College

By Omar Rashad
March 17, 2020
Classes have been cancelled from Friday, March 13 to Tuesday, March 17 at El Camino College. In-person lectures will move online from Wednesday, March 18 to Monday, April 20. Mari Inagaki/The Union

Health expert, students react to COVID-19 pandemic: ‘I’m so tired of the coronavirus’

By Fernando Haro and Omar Rashad
March 15, 2020

LACCD extends online classes until end of spring 2020 semester

By Omar Rashad
March 14, 2020
A model of the coronavirus created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As coronavirus cases continue to rise in the United States, California and Los Angeles, over a dozen LA County community colleges have announced in-person lectures will be going online. Photo Credit: CDC

The Union is covering coronavirus. Here’s how to keep up

By Omar Rashad
March 13, 2020
Warriors freshman pitcher, Jamie Garvey, prepares to throw one of many strikes on Monday, March 9 against Los Angeles Harbor College. The California Community College Athletic Association suspended games and practice outside of regularly scheduled classes due to concerns over the rising threat of coronavirus cases in California. Cameron Klassen/The Union

Sporting events canceled due to COVID-19 concerns

By Omar Rashad
March 12, 2020
President Dena Maloney addresses concerns regarding the transitioning of in-person classes to online platforms at a town hall meeting on Thursday, March 12. El Camino College is joined by a dozen others in Los Angeles County that are moving classes online due to a rise in coronavirus cases in Los Angeles. Molly Cochran/The Union

Coronavirus concerns force classes to go online

By Omar Rashad
March 12, 2020
A model of the coronavirus created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As coronavirus cases continue to rise in the United States, California and Los Angeles, over a dozen LA County community colleges have announced in-person lectures will be going online. Photo Credit: CDC

COVID-19 Task Force institutes ban on nonessential travel

By Omar Rashad
March 9, 2020
56 year-old artist Linda Detweiler Burner discusses her photographs with arts major Raudel Nava, liberal arts major Lajoy Watson. Burner's art exhibit, entitled "Moments," is composed of photographs, mosaics and paintings. Omar Rashad/The Union

[Photo] Local artist captures and celebrates fleeting ‘Moments’ in Los Angeles

By Molly Cochran
March 1, 2020
A black and white cat peers out of a bush next to the Schauerman Library on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Cats at El Camino College have historically controlled the rodent and mice population on campus. Omar Rashad/The Union

Following rumors of removing cats, public emphasizes importance of felines on campus

By Omar Rashad
February 19, 2020

Inglewood: a Gentrifying City

By Omar Rashad
December 6, 2019

Police Beat Nov. 11 to Nov. 17

By Omar Rashad
November 25, 2019
Students wait outside the Counseling Department at El Camino College for their appointments with counselors Tuesday, Nov. 12. Starting Monday, Nov. 25, counseling appointments for one week ahead will become available to students at 9 a.m. every day instead of midnight. Omar Rashad/The Union

Counseling appointments can now be reserved at 9 a.m. instead of midnight

By Omar Rashad
November 22, 2019
A student talks with the a representative at the Counseling Department’s front desk Tuesday, Nov. 12. The Counseling Department is where students have their transcripts evaluated, seek academic guidance and make educational plans for future coursework. Omar Rashad/The Union

Staying awake past midnight: students navigate the process of getting academic counseling

By Omar Rashad
November 14, 2019
The Coastal Coffees food truck sits adjacent to the Student Activities Center on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The truck offers food and beverage options beyond coffee including açaí bowls, smoothies and sandwiches. Omar Rashad/The Union

New food truck replaces Peet’s Coffee on campus

By Omar Rashad
November 14, 2019

Police Beat Nov. 4 to Nov. 10

By Omar Rashad
November 14, 2019

Police Beat Oct. 28 to Nov. 3

By Omar Rashad
November 14, 2019

Police Beat Oct. 21 to Oct. 27

By Omar Rashad
November 8, 2019
Inter-Club Council Director of Activities Makayla Propst (right) questions whether a dance is really the best way to satisfy and attract a larger, more complete part of the El Camino College student population with the funds allotted for a homecoming dance during an Inter-Club Council meeting Monday, Oct. 28 in the Distance Education Center. With it being three weeks prior to the set date for the homecoming dance, the Inter-Club Council has yet to produce a budget detailing how $4,500 allotted for homecoming expenses will be spent. Jaime Solis/The Union

Student organization still deciding budget for homecoming activities three weeks before events, officials say

By Omar Rashad
October 29, 2019

Police Beat Oct. 14 to Oct. 20

By Omar Rashad
October 24, 2019

Police Beat Oct. 7 to Oct. 13

By Omar Rashad
October 16, 2019
Students pull into Parking Lot H at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Car batteries were stolen from four Hondas parked at El Camino College parking lots including Parking Lot H within a two-hour timespan on Thursday, Oct. 10.

Batteries stolen from four cars on campus, police say

By Omar Rashad
October 16, 2019
Students complete assignments in the Schauerman Library's East Reading Room on Tuesday, Oct. 8. If students are inside a classroom during an earthquake, they are recommended to take cover underneath a sturdy desk or table. Fernando Haro/The Union

Getting ready for the big one: Drill to prepare Californians for earthquakes

By Omar Rashad
October 15, 2019

Police Beat Sept. 30 to Oct. 6

By Omar Rashad
October 7, 2019

Police Beat Sept. 23 to Sept. 29

By Omar Rashad
October 7, 2019
El Camino College Police Department Detective Thompson converses with a man sitting in the back of his patrol vehicle Monday, April 1. Drug abuse and weapon violation arrests have increased at El Camino College's off-campus sites and public property surrounding the campus. Rosemary Montalvo/The Union

Annual report reveals rise in reported drug-related arrests of non-students

By Omar Rashad
October 2, 2019
Students sit in the hallway of the third floor of the Art and Behavioral Science Building on Tuesday, Oct. 1. A drunken student was laying outside a classroom on the same floor Thursday, Sept. 19 at 8:56 p.m. and was arrested for public intoxication. Omar Rashad/The Union

Intoxicated student found lying on floor, police say

By Omar Rashad
October 1, 2019

Police Beat Sept. 16 to Sept. 22

By Omar Rashad
September 24, 2019

Police Beat Sept. 9 to Sept. 15

By Omar Rashad
September 17, 2019
Jean Shankweiler, vice president of Academic Affairs, explains an administrative policy at a College Council meeting on Monday, Sept. 16. The Council approved Administrative Policy 4240, which lessens the amount of time a student has to wait to be eligible for academic renewal. Jaime Solis/The Union

Students may be elligible for academic renewal after one year with new policy change

By Omar Rashad
September 17, 2019
Roxann Toshiko Tomiyasu heads over to the Schauerman Library to do homework for one of her classes Monday, Sept. 9. Tomiyasu is homeless and slept in her car in Parking Lot F but was asked to leave by El Camino College Police Department officers during the summer. Rosemary Montalvo/The Union

Bill that gives homeless students place to sleep is ‘weakened’ by amendments

By Omar Rashad and Jose Tobar
September 11, 2019

Police Beat Aug. 26 to Sept. 1

By Omar Rashad
September 3, 2019
The Los Angeles County Fire Department reported to a small fire that broke out on the second floor of the Pool and Classroom Building construction site Tuesday, Aug. 27. The fire was out before firefighters got to the scene, Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain Ernie Lopez said. Ryan Farrell / The Union

Small fire, power outage occur on campus, police say

By Omar Rashad and Ryan Farrell
August 27, 2019
From left, Board of Trustees (BOT) President Clifford Numark, Trustee Nilo Michelin, Secretary Mary E. COmbs and Trustee Kenneth Brown listen to EC President Dena Maloney at a BOT meeting on Monday, August 19. This BOT meeting is the first of the fall 2019 semester. Omar Rashad / The Union

Grant creating support program for formerly incarcerated students approved

By Omar Rashad
August 20, 2019

Man wounded in Dominguez Channel shooting, police say

By Omar Rashad
August 14, 2019

‘Destress with dogs’ helps students relax week before final exams

By Omar Rashad, Copy Editor
June 1, 2019
Perla Ruvalcaba does not want to take out a loan during her time at El Camino College. She wants to wait until she transfers to a four-year university before incurring student debt. Photo credit: Omar Rashad

Federal loans to be available next year

By Omar Rashad
May 31, 2019

Cafe Camino or McDonald’s: Students weigh in on fries

By Omar Rashad, Copy Editor
May 30, 2019

[Video] Homeless encampment removed from Dominguez Channel; residents displaced

By Omar Rashad
May 1, 2019
Chief Justice Mario Lopez speaks up at an ASO meeting Thursday, April 25. He explained that By-Law 105 could not be voted on because it was listed under the wrong section on the meeting agenda. Photo credit: Omar Rashad

Mistake on agenda pushes vote on by-law to next senate meeting

By Omar Rashad
April 25, 2019
Joseph Brazil gives a speech at Sladen Mohl's memorial before Nathaniel Graves, Zach Findlay and Ty Conrad speak sentiments of their own. Sladen Mohl was the Warriors' starting catcher. Photo credit: Delesia Jackson

Sladen Mohl honored in memorial at Warrior Field

By Omar Rashad
April 23, 2019
A vigil was held in memory of Warriors starting catcher Sladen Mohl, comprised of everything from candles and flowers to Mohl’s glove signed by teammates and the hat he was wearing the night of the incident. Mohl was remembered as a focused, religious and driven student athlete. Photo credit: Rosemary Montalvo

EC baseball player remembered as ‘one of the kindest individuals you’d meet’

By Omar Rashad
April 21, 2019

EC baseball player killed in suspected-DUI traffic collision

By Omar Rashad
April 19, 2019
Strolling through Alondra Park, Roxann Toshiko Tomiyasu comes back from using the park restrooms on March 20, 2019. She currently lives out of her green Ford Explorer. Photo credit: Mari Inagaki

New bill looks to allow overnight on-campus parking for homeless students

By Omar Rashad
March 27, 2019
Former encampment resident Jay Tran looks onto Manhattan Beach Boulevard on Oct. 3, 2018, about a week after last year's clean-up. Tran lived in the Dominguez Channel for about two years. Photo credit: Mari Inagaki

Homeless encampment removed from Dominguez Channel; residents displaced

By Fernando Haro, Omar Rashad, and Jun Ueda
March 27, 2019

EC President addresses swastika incident

By Omar Rashad
March 25, 2019
The Schauerman Library no longer has any book gates. They were taken down because of false alarms as students who were not carrying library materials were the subject of the gates' alerts to personnel. Thursday, March 22. Photo credit: Elena Perez

Book gates removed from library, makes for more ‘welcoming atmosphere’

By Omar Rashad
March 24, 2019
Members of The Union pose with the David L. Adams Apple Award. The Union received first place for 'Best Tweet.' March 13, 2019. Photo credit: Justin Traylor

The Union newspaper and Warrior Life magazine win awards at state, regional and national levels

By Omar Rashad
March 13, 2019

Middle school students visit EC for walking field trip

By Omar Rashad
March 4, 2019
EC actors sing "Alabanza," a song from "In the Heights," at a staging rehearsal on Feb. 21. Music and Vocal Director Anthony Moreno gives cues and instructs cast members on improvements. Photo credit: Mari Inagaki

Story of community, struggle presented in March musical

By Omar Rashad
February 24, 2019

“In the Heights” musical will make its debut at EC this March

By Omar Rashad
February 19, 2019
Nancilyn Burruss speaks with a student prior to administering a test during her English 82 class. (Omar Rashad/Union) Photo credit: Omar Rashad

Remedial classes will be affected by new statewide law

By Omar Rashad
December 6, 2018
La Faune Gordon, the licensed clinical psychologist who organizes the De-Stress for Survival Group, gets ready to head home in the evening on Oct. 29. Omar Rashad/The Union Photo credit: Omar Rashad

Stress Support Group Tackles Issue of Mental Health on EC Campus

By Omar Rashad
October 29, 2018

El Camino Forensics eyeing NPTE annual invitational following ‘mind-boggling’ season start

By Omar Rashad
October 22, 2018
Serving Mexican American fast food to the El Camino College community, the LA Mobile Catering food truck is ready to serve customers. Photo credit: Omar Rashad

Food truck relocation causes sales to ‘drop by half’

By Omar Rashad
October 15, 2018