Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Open Board of Directors Meeting
San Bernardino Community College District
114 S. Del Rosa Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Minutes
Present: Deborah Barmack, Peter Barmack, Carole Beswick, Mike Burrows, Ken Coate, Scott Davis, Louis Goodwin, Scott Hofferber, Matthew Isaac, Jay Jimenez, Erik Johnson, Lowell King, Bill Lemann, Sue McKee, John Mirau, Lou Monville, Tomas Morales, Brian Reider, Jan Remm, Paul Shimoff, Wendy Strack, Hassan Webb and Ray Wolfe.
Guests: Tricia Almiron, Juan Lopez, Vicki Ostermann and Todd Warden
Announcements: 1) Cal State University San Bernardino will host the Inland Empire Caucus on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 2) The Inland Action web site now has a password retrieval system on the member sign in page. Also added is an area for letters of support and opposition on the home page that is open to the public.
M/S/P: Minutes from September 29, 2015.
Appreciation was expressed to Senator Leyva for her push to get AB 914 (Brown) on the legislative floor and its subsequent passing. Additionally the Senator was thanked for her support of funding the Cal State University system.
Ken Coate introduced Senator Connie Leyva
Elected to represent the 20th State Senate District on November 4, 2014, Senator Connie M. Leyva is serving her first term in the California State Senate. The District includes the cities and communities of Bloomington, Chino, Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Montclair, Muscoy, Ontario, Pomona, Rialto and San Bernardino.
Raised in Chino, Connie Leyva has lived in the Inland Empire since she was very young. She has worked in the grocery industry for over 20 years. During that time she served as both Union Representative and President of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), helping grocery workers gain a stronger voice for fair wages and benefits. In 2004 she was elected President of the California Labor Federation which represents more than 2.1 million workers throughout the state. As the 1st woman elected to the position, she served 10 years in that capacity until her election. These experiences helped her hone her communication and negotiating skills, which are invaluable assets for her work in the legislature.
Although a long time labor representative, she is not tied to one ideal. Senator Leyva stated she will talk to anyone and address any issue. She stated that ideally there are no “winners” and “losers” but all sides feel understood and respected, so compromise can be achieved.
She stated that small business is the backbone of our economy in the Inland Empire. The Senator will continue to work conceptually and on legislation that will help small businesses access Cap & Trade monies. She recognizes the many challenges of doing business in California and encourages any business that considers closing or moving out of the area to contact her for options.
The Senator made brief statements regarding water, housing, energy, transportation and education. She indicated that she has many ideas but truly appreciates input from others. Senator Leyva serves as Democratic Caucus Chair of the California State Senate, as well as on the following committees:
· Appropriations
· Education
· Energy, Utilities and Communications
· Joint Legislative Audit · Rules
· Transportation and Housing
As a member of the Committee for Transportation and Infrastructure, she is well aware of the issues coming out of the Extraordinary Session. She does not favor a “drive more, pay more” approach. Senator Leyva indicated that it would penalize many in the Inland Empire who make a substantial commute in order to get to good paying jobs. She would like current transportation funds to be dedicated to the state transportation budget and is open to efficiency reviews of current spending.
Senator Leyva is committed to improving California’s schools, environment and communities, as well as creating quality jobs throughout the District. She expressed that she firmly believes California families benefit most when we invest in and help strengthen small businesses and other job drivers that create good paying jobs in our local communities.
A Q & A period followed.
Meeting adjourned at 8:29 a.m.