Santa Monica College Faculty Association

Representative Assembly Meeting

October 16, 2003

Members Present: Maria Alvarado, Alan Buckley, Sandi Burnett, Fran Chandler, Tom Chen, Steve Contarsy, Tim Cramer, Gwen Dophna, Robert Flores, Mark Foster, Dennis Frisch, Martin Goldstein, Carolyn Holmes, Josh Kanin, Lesley Kawaguchi, Richard LaValle Ann Maddox, Ed Markarian, James Martin, Robert Massey, Kym McBride, Richard McColl, Suzanne McDonald, Colleen McGraw, Richard Mednick, Melissa Michelson, Mitra Moassessi, Lyle Nichols, Krystyna Oakes, Jim Pacchioli, Ernest Padilla, Pauli Peter, Juan Quevedo, Toni Randall,  Judith Remmes, Michael Schwartz, Lantz Simpson, Eleanor Singleton, Michael Soldatenko, Howard Stahl, Michael Strathern, Kathy Sucher, Sumy Takesue, Sal Veas,  Alicia Villapondo, Andrew Walzer, David Zehr, Linda Zwang-Weissman

Members Absent: Vini Angel, Garen Baghdasarian, Anthony Archer, Fariba Bolandhemet, Juanita Burris, Jim Croxton, Becky Curtis, Nick DiCamillo, Naja El-Khoury, Carolyn Feruzzi, Kai Ganado, Anneliese Gerl, Craig Hammond, Ridgeway Knight, Jim Lemmon, Arnold Lessing, Alan Litt, Fran Manion, Ben Martin, Sheila Mason, Jeffrey Miller, Elaine Morton, Brenda Ness, David Phillips, Paul Roberts, Audrey Roche, Mario Semere, Rita Soshnik, Marci Spiegler, Lydia Strong, Denise Travis, Robert Ware, Mari Womack,

Members Excused:  Robin Briggs, Don Emery, John Hoover, George Marcopulos, Ken Mason, Audrey Roche, Betty Wong,

Guests:  Espy Bolivar-Owen, Tony DiNiro, Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein

The meeting was called to order at 11:15 A.M.

I. President's Report-Lantz Simpson

A.  The demonstration on Tuesday October 14 was a success, thanks to the many people who worked hard to make it so.

B. Lantz announced that the Association has hired Kelly Hayes-Raitt as our public relations consultant. 

C.  Andrew Walzer stressed the importance of attendance at the SMC Faculty Association PAC fundraiser on November 8 from 11-A. M. -1 P.M. at the home of Nina Theiss.  The money will be raised to support Board of Trustee candidates in the November 2004 elections.

D. Lantz provided information concerning the UFCW strike and the lockout by two of the major food chains. 

     Alan Buckley made and Ernie Padilla seconded a motion to the effect that the Santa Monica College Faculty Association supports the efforts of the UFCW to obtain a fair contract.  We further urge all Faculty Association members to respect the picket lines.  The motion passed unanimously.

II.  Approval of Minutes of October 2

The minutes were unanimously approved as read.

III.  Job Action Task Force Report-Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein

A. Richard reported that the turnout at and spirit of the demonstration at the Library opening was excellent.

B. Josh Kanin has made available a copy of "Berkeley in the 60's" that can be shown to as an event.

C. Richard stressed the importance of involving the community in our goals and activities, keeping in mind that our goals are long term.  He encouraged all faculty members to join Santa Monica Renters Rights (SMRR) whether Santa Monica residents or not.  SMRR elections are November 16, and Richard will run for a seat on the board.

IV. Approval of 2003-04 Faculty Association Budget-Mitra Moassessi

The budget was unanimously approved as presented.

V.  Approval of Sandi Burnett as Benefits Committee Chair

Dennis Frisch made and Steve Contarsy seconded the nomination of Sandi Burnett as Chair of the Benefits Committee.  The motion passed unanimously.

VI.  Approval of Political Consultant Contract

Martin Goldstein made and Ann Maddox seconded a motion to approve the contract to hire Kelly Hayes-Raitt as public relations director for the Faculty Association for a stipend of $2000 per month and $5000 fee for "start-up" activities.

Ms Hayes -Raitt outlined short term goals, interim goals, and the long term goal of electing Board of Trustees members in the November, 2004 elections who are committed to academic excellence at the college and who are responsive to faculty, staff, and student concerns.

The motion to approve the contract passed unanimously.

VII. For the Good of the Order

James Martin recommended reading a Los Angeles Times article regarding the grocery workers strike.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Ann Maddox, Recording Secretary