Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Open Board of Directors Meeting
San Bernardino Community College District
114 S. Del Rosa Drive San Bernardino, CA 92408
Minutes
Present: Dimitrios Alexiou, Peter Barmack, Carole Beswick, Erin Brinker, Ann Bryan, Ken Coate, Bill Easley, Mark Kaenel, Lowell King, Ed Lasak, Bill Lemann, John Mirau, Lou Monville, Charlie Ng, Beverly Powell, John Prentice, Ty Schuiling, Kristine Scott, Paul Shimoff, Phil Waller, Stan Weisser and Ray Wolf.
Guests: Robbie Broedow, Pam Langford, Larry McCallon, Sue McKee, Nathan Miller, Mayor Pat Morris and Frank Reyes.
Announcements: 1) The A.K. Smiley Library in Redlands archives historical materials from Inland Action and other clubs. On the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Archives and Special Collections division, they invite members of Inland Action to a special exhibition featuring historical materials from Inland Action and other organizations. Sunday, April 15, 2012 from 2p.m. -5p.m. in the Redlands Heritage Room located in the library. A private reception will be held at 4p.m. in the Assembly Room. Members will receive an e-mail with further information. Rsvp to admin@akspl.org or call 909-798-7565. 2) If you plan to attend the trip to Sacramento May 21 & May 22 please complete the reservation form and submit as soon as possible.
M/S/P: Minutes of the April 3, 2012 meeting
Mark Kaenel introduced Chris Carrillo, Sr. Field Representative for Senator Dianne Feinstein.
Chris Carrillo discussed some of the regional issues that Senator Feinstein is tracking and weighing in on.
UCR School of Medicine
State funding is needed for the University of California Riverside Medical School. Although not a federal issue Senator Feinstein sent a compelling letter to Governor Brown in February requesting the ongoing $15 million in annual funding to sustain the school. Citing its readiness, existing funding & partnerships, the need in the region for access to care and that the school will be an economic driver for both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties she encouraged the Governor to support the allocation.
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) litigation affecting Inland Empire small businesses
There has been an epidemic of predatory disability lawsuits filed against small businesses under the 1990 ADA. California is one of only 3 states that permit the recovery of damages for noncompliance. The “shakedown” tactics pursued by a small group of plaintiffs and lawyers “threaten the viability of small business in our state”. In a letter to California Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Senator Feinstein has requested he use his leadership to help advance legislation that will address this problem. Senator Feinstein has also stated that in the absence of such legislation she will consider introducing legislation in the U.S. Senate.
Ontario Airport
For the next few months Chris Carrillo will look into the operation of Ontario Airport in order to brief Senator Feinstein. The Senator believes that Ontario Airport is an important facility for the region and wants to see it succeed.
Desert Protection Act-update
The list of bi-partisan support continues to increase. Recently the President & CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce endorsed the bill stating that it is a “win both economically and environmentally that will serve for generations to come.”
A Q & A period followed
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 a.m.