ATTENDANCE: Zephyr Tate-Mann, chair; approximately 28 present

PROGRAM:

Merrill Ring introduced Dr. Jeanne Hamilton, Vice President of Student Services at Citrus College who spoke on the topic “The Importance of Community Colleges in California – and Fiscal Threats to the colleges and thereby to the State”

Dr. Hamilton informed us that in 1960 California developed a Master Plan for Higher Education at its public institutions:

The top 12% of CA high school grads are eligible for acceptance at University of California,
The next 30% of CA high school grads are eligible for acceptance in the Cal State system,
Everyone else can go to Community College

Community College has a broad mission to: (1) provide vocational certifications, (2) Provide an AA degree,
(3) Provide enrichment courses, (4) Prepare for transfers to a 4 year school, (5) provide basic skills
There are 110 Community Colleges in the California system with an average of 11,000-12,000 full time equivalent at each college. It is the largest educational system in the world. California’s philosophy for Community Colleges is to teach many students with fewer resources, choosing breadth over depth in order to answer so many differing needs by the student population. California tries to keep the fees very low (actual cost per unit is $190 while students only pay about $20/unit)
The college system constantly faces problems with the State Budget and since Prop 13 has had to rely on money for special projects that comes with strings attached. CalWorks is an education link with parents who are on aid. It is designed as a Welfare to Work program to get people into jobs and/or education. This money pays the fees of those unable to pay themselves.

Dr Hamilton suggested www.edsource.org as an excellent resource for non-partisan analysis of complex educational issues.

BUSINESS MEETING:

Welcome to new members, Barbara Riley and Susan Matthews!

Zephyr passed around the Committee sign-up sheet in case some people had not yet volunteered.

Zephyr introduced Democrats of the Year for the 59th Assembly District, Joseph Lyons and Carol Whitson. They will be honored on August 9, 2009 at the Eleanor and Franklin Dinner at the Airport Radisson Hotel which is the main fundraiser of the LACDCC. Tickets are $95 each and all are encouraged to attend. It is largely with these donations that LACDCC supports the campaigns of local Democrats, particularly in red districts.

Gar Byrum announced that he would like to begin tabling on Sunday mornings and requested volunteers.

MSA (Mike Davis/Gwen Carr) to approve an Amendment to the ByLaws allowing for expenditures of up to $250 between ExComm meetings when unable to obtain prior approval.

Our Club was requested to co-sponsor a resolution to be submitted to the State party convention. The resolution states that the Death Penalty should be replaced with a life-without-parole penalty instead. Discussion revealed that many people felt that the penalty did not allow for any hope nor change of a prisoner’s behavior.

Motion and Second, vote: AYE – 7, NAY – 13

MSA to refer this issue to the Issues Committee to prepare a Resolution which reflected our Club’s more merciful position.

Zephyr suggested that all members call the Governor’s office to request “DON’T veto what the Senate and Assembly offer for cuts to balance the budget”

Governor’s Office Phone: (916) 445-2841 or (213) 897-0322

Zephyr will request that the Issues Committee prepare a petition on Health Care which can be used at the July 4th Booth
Carolee announced plans for the July 4th parade and Booth. We are at Booth #27 and need volunteers to help kids with the Pet Ba-Rock. We are #60 in the parade and Carolee still needs volunteers for the banner and Fife and Drum.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm

Respectfully submitted


Carol Whitson
Recording Secretary