Meeting Minutes
Chicano Latino Caucus Minutes
Monday, February 9, 2009, Executive Board Meeting
Telephone Conference
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Telephone Conference Meeting:
I. Meeting called to order at 6:05pm by CLC Chair, Mickie Solorio Luna
II. Roll call of Officer
Present:
Mickie Luna, Chair
Cecilia Escamilla Greenwald, Region 1 Vice Chair
Luis Alejo, Region 2 Vice Chair
Rudy Rodriguez, Sgt at Arms
Steve Ybarra-Region 1 Vice Chair
Richard Ybarra, Region 5 Assistant Vice Chair
Paul Rasso, Region 3 Assistant Vice Chair
Ray Gonzalez, Chief of Staff
Absent:
Ruth Hermosillo, Secretary-excused
Tony Perez, Treasurer
Rafael Nadal, Parliamentarian
Sara Garcia, Region 3 Vice Chair
Chris Robles, Region 4 Vice Chair
Leticia Munguia, Region 5 Vice Chair- excused
Absent:
Assistant Vice Chairs
Ruben Marcareno, Region 1 Assistant Vice Chair
A quorum was established
Chair Mickie Luna welcomed all on the telephone conference call, expressed concern over CLC officers who had not called in on this important meeting and who not been active in their elected positions for several meetings. Two officers were excused. The teleconference will include the Assistant Vice Chairs in the absence of the elected vice chairs.
Chair Mickie Luna reported the phone conversation with Party Chair Candidate John Burton in which he supported the idea of change in the party and vowed his support to the CLC in assisting to find ways to raise funds for our caucus and other caucuses who felt that dues income is insufficient to party caucuses who want to outreach to statewide communities and increase voter education and registration as one of the priorities in the party.
Chair Luna informed everyone that John Burton would be calling in to personally speak with our CLC leadership in a few minutes. Feel free to ask him any questions.
Paul Rasso, Assistant VC for Region 3-Inland Empire reported on the March 21st event sponsored by the United Democrat Club.
III. Approval of Agenda
Agenda approved on a motion by Cecilia Escamilla Greenwald, second by Richard Ybarra, motion carried.
IV. Action Items
1. Minutes
Minutes of the January 26th Teleconference meeting were presented and approved on a motion by Richard Ybarra and second by Paul Rasso. Motion passed.
2. Treasurer’s Report
In absence of the Treasurer, Chair Luna gave a financial report received from the CDP which indicated a balance of $435.34 in the CLC account.
3. CDP Chair Endorsement
Party Chair Candidate John Burton called in at 6:25pm and spoke to the CLC officers on his candidacy for State Party Chair, he emphasized on the need to assist the Caucuses and to be more inclusive of new members on Party planning committees. He voiced his concern over planning committees being very large in membership and therefore his plan is to reduce those committees. Steve Ybarra requested the formation of a Voting Rights standing committee and members of the CLC to be part of it, John agreed that he would look into that possibility and encouraged others to make contact with his office on any suggestions. He asked for the support of local officials, school board members and other elected officials to participate in the party activities and support the party, his plan is build a CA Democratic Party for all people.
On a motion by Steve Ybarra to endorse former Senator John Burton for Party Chair, second by Paul Rasso, motion passed unanimously.
4. By-Laws
Chair Mickie Luna had forwarded the amended by-laws to each person on the Executive Committee. Everyone was asked to review the by-laws once again and provide input as the March 9th meeting will be the meeting when the CLC bylaws will be approved and forwarded to the Rules Committee for filing. Should any changes need to be made upon the Rules Committee Review a special meeting will be called to address any concerns. The CLC bylaws must be in place before the CDP convention in April.
V. Reports and Discussion
1. CLC Officer Caucus Dues-2009
Chair Luna noted that dues for 2009 are now due. She reminded all of the Executive Committee to please forward their dues.
2. Legislative Letters-Young Adults Sponsorships
Chair Mickie Luna gave a report on her visit to Legislator’s office to deliver a letter from the CLC requesting sponsorship for students who want to join and participate in our caucus. She thanked Steve Ybarra who accompanied her on several of the office visits. They were impressed with the many young latinos/as working as staffers for legislators. Some were very interested in joining the CLC. A response has already been received from Assemblymembers Pedro Nava and John Perez’s office in support of our request. Chair Luna is hoping to recruit about 300 young adults to the caucus with hopes that some of these young adults can attend the CDP convention in Sacramento in April.
3. State CADEM Convention Sacramento, April 24-26, 2009
Caucus Meeting Speakers
Chair Luna discussed the recommended meeting speakers for the convention, which was Joaquin Avila The Chair has been in touch with Mr. Avila and he is to appear on a Tulare Redistricting case in Federal District Court, he will know for sure by February 24th if he is available to attend the CLC Convention meeting. During the visit to the State Capitol and visit with Senator Dean Florez, he informed Steve Ybarra and Chair Luna that he would like to sponsor a reception in honor of Joaquin Avila in his Capitol office on Friday, April 24th at 2pm and would invite the Latino Legislative Caucus and the CLC officers. More details to follow upon depending on Joaquin Avila’s court scheduled dates.
Hospitality Room
Chair Luna noted that the cost to have a hospitality room would be about $3,000 and would be too costly for our caucus this year. With an added expense for a speaker, we would not be able to hold a hospitality room.
CLC Esperanza Legislative Award
Chair Luna noted that nominations were open for the Esperanza Award. Suggestions were made of Senators Gil Cedillo, who will be running for Hilda Solis’s seat when she is confirmed as Secretary of Labor for President Obama, Senator Gloria Romero, who is a candidate for State Superintendent of Education and Senator Dean Flores who will be a candidate for Lt. Governor. A final vote will be taken at the next meeting.
CLC Election Candidates
Chair Luna requested that all Executive Officer candidates let her know by the end of February on their intentions to run for CLC office. These include the offices of vice chairs and assistant vice chairs for each region. A letter will be sent out to all CLC members to see if any member is interested in running for any seat as well. A slate of officers is being compiled and will be sent out after the next teleconference meeting.
Resolutions
Ray Gonzalez re-submitted the green job resolution, it has now been submitted to Patty Mar with CDP and Resolutions committee party staffer.
5. La Voz News Alert Information
Chair Luna requested that anyone with information or news regarding their area to forward these to the Chair so that it can be put on the next La Voz Alert.
VI. Other Additional Reports
Tulare County Issues- No report
VII. Meeting Adjournment
On a motion Cecilia Escamilla Greenwald, second by Richard Ybarra, meeting adjourned at 7:10pm.
.
Respectfully submitted:
Ruth Hermosillo, Secretary
