[00:00:01]
>> IF MY PARENTS GET SICK, I AM THEIR SUPPORT SYSTEM ALSO AND MANY DEPEND ON ME.
[1. Procedural]
NEXT COMMENT, EMMA [INDISCERNIBLE] ADJUNCT FACULTY.I HAVE TO BE AVAILABLE 24/7 TO TAKE CARE OF MY ELDERLY MOTHER.
NEXT COMMENT, WENDY WRIGHT, FULL-TIME FACULTY.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES, AS YOU CONSIDER DETAILS AROUND REOPENING THE CAMPUS AND A RETURN TO IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION, I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THAT CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO THE FACT AND KEEPING MY FAMILY SAFE, THANK YOU.
NEXT COMMENT IS FROM SUKINA, ADJUNCT FACULTY.
HOWEVER, THE PART-TIME REIMBURSEMENT FOR MEDICAL AND DENTAL COVERAGE SHOULDN'T BE THREATENED DURING A TIME CALIFORNIA HAS CLOSED ITS CAMPUSES FOR THE MAJORITY OF STAFF AND STUDENTS.
[00:05:01]
I'M HAVING SOME SEVERE DENTAL ISSUES AND COUNTED ON GETTING A MUCH-NEEDED ROOT CANAL WITH MY ALOTTED REIMBURSEMENT.I'M STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY AND THE ADDED EXPENSE OF A ROOT CANAL I SIMPLY CAN'T AFFORD.
NEXT COMMENT IS FROM KATYA DE LOS RIOS, ADJUNCT FACULTY.
EVERY PENNY COUNTS AND WE NEED SUPPORT MORE THAN EVER.
NEXT COMMENT FROM MARIANNE, FACULTY.
I WORRY ABOUT HOW I WILL TAKE CARE OF MYSELF AND MY FAMILY IF I'M SICK AND UNABLE TO WORK.
HAVE A COVID LEAVE POLICY WILL HELP THE MOST VULNERABLE OF US DURING A VERY DIFFICULT TIME.
NEXT COMMENT IS FROM JENNIFER ACOSTA, ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR.
I AM A PART-TIME FACULTY MEMBER AND CONTRACTED COVID NEAR THE END OF THE FALL 2020 SEMESTER.
BECAUSE MY FAMILY RELIES ON ME FINANCIALLY, I HAD NO RELIEF AND CONTINUED TO WORK THROUGH MY ILLNESS.
I ALSO DO NOT QUALIFY FOR HEALTHCARE REIMBURSEMENT THROUGH CERRITOS COLLEGE.
I DO NOT WISH THIS FINANCIAL INSECURITY AND ABSENT HEALTHCARE REIMBURSEMENT -- ABSENT HEALTHCARE REIMBURSEMENT UPON ANY OF MY FELLOW PART-TIMERS WHO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
I WOULD HOPE A COLLEGE I HAVE STAYED LOYAL TO FOR TEN YEARS WOULD NOT BE SO HEARTLESS.
WE SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND IN TURN WE SHOULD BE TREATED WITH RESPECT BECAUSE WE ARE YOUR COMMUNITY TOO.
THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION IS PRESSING AND WE'LL CONTINUE PRESSING TOWARD YOU IN A GREATER DEGREE UNLESS YOU ACT.
THIS VIRUS WILL BE WITH US FOR LONGER THAN YOU THINK.
IT IS THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT YOU CONSIDER WHAT STEPS YOU TAKE NOW TO PROTECT AND SERVE US, AS WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO SETTLE FOR LESS IN THIS PANDEMIC.
WE NEED THE ASSURANCE AND ACTION THAT YOU ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT OUR HEALTH AND FINANCIAL SECURITY.
NEXT COMMENT IS FROM IRVING, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR.
DEAR COLLEAGUES, I DON'T NEED TO TELL YOU, OR DO I, THAT WE ARE IN CHALLENGING TIMES.
MANY OF US ARE AFFECTED BY COVID AND DEALING WITH THE PAIN OF LOSING LOVED ONES.
AS A SINGLE FATHER, WHEN I BECOME ILL I NOT ONLY CARE FOR MYSELF BUT MY YOUNG DAUGHTER AS WELL.
I BECAME ILL AFTER DECEMBER 31ST AND CHOSE NOT TO USE SICK LEAVE AND CONTINUED WORKING TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY.
I WOULD HAVE SURELY EXHAUSTED ALL OF MY SICK LEAVE.
IMAGINE THE ADDED STRESS THIS CAUSED, THE NOT KNOWING, THE FEAR.
SADLY, I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS SCENARIO.
MANY OF MY FELLOW FACULTY HAVE HAD OR ARE HAVING VERY SIMILAR EXPERIENCES.
YOU ARE IN A POSITION TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE.
SET AN EXAMPLE OF SINCERE SUPPORT AND EMPATHY.
THESE ARE THE FOLKS THAT MAKE CERRITOS COLLEGE GREAT.
I ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO WHAT IS SIMPLY THE RIGHT THING TO DO.
HEALTHCARE REIMBURSEMENT FOR PART-TIME FACULTY AND TO OFFER COVID LEAVE.
THE NEXT COMMENT IS FROM DEREK ESTRADA, ADJUNCT PROFESSOR.
OUR NATION IS IN A STATE OF CRISIS.
IT IS ON EVERY CHANNEL AND NEWS OUTLET.
IT SEEMS TO BE PART OF OUR DAILY CONVERSATIONS.
TALKS OF OUR WEEKEND ADVENTURES HAVE TURNED TO LOSS OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
BUT WE DON'T NEED TO GO AS FAR AS THE NATIONAL SCENE TO FEEL AND SEE THE EFFECTS OF THIS CRISIS.
THE SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION ARE FAR TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT.
OUR COMMUNITY HAS FELT THIS DISCOMFORT.
YET HERE WE ARE DEBATING OVER THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF OUR COMMUNITY, AS IF IT IS DEBATABLE.
AND AS IF PROTECTING THE PEOPLE IS COLLATERAL DAMAGE.
[00:10:02]
WE ARE THE BACKBONE TO THIS EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY.WHY DO WE FIND OURSELVES BEGGING OUR TRUSTEES TO HAVE OUR BACK, TO PROTECT US AS WE ENTER THE FRONT LINES OF THE COMMUNITY.
IF YOU CAN ENSURE THAT WE WILL BE SAFE FROM THE CONTRACTION OF THE VIRUS, THEN YOU DO NOT NEED TO PROVIDE PAID LEAVE OR MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT, BUT IF YOU'RE ASKING US TO RISK OUR LIVES FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR BOARD SEAT, THE LEAST YOU COULD DO IS PROVIDE PAID LEAVE WHILE I BATTLE A LIFE-THREATENING VIRUS.
THE NEXT COMMENT IS FROM HENRY TRAN, ADJUNCT FACULTY.
IN MY OPINION, PART-TIME FACULTY IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE INSTITUTION.
THIS GROUP CARRIES IF NOT HALF OF THE CLASSES, VERY CLOSE TO IT.
IF THESE FACULTY MEMBERS ARE BEING AFFECTED BY COVID THAT THEY RECEIVE MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE OTHE EMPLOYMENT.
THANK FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION IN TAKING CARE OF THESE EMPLOYEES.
THE NEXT COMMENT IS FROM KAREN EMMETT, INSTRUCTOR.
AS WHAT BELIEVE WE ARE FRONT LINE WORKERS.
AS ADJUNCT FACULTY, WE KEEP THE MAJORITY OF THE CLASS MOVING FORWARD.
OUR JOBS ARE ALWAYS IN JEOPARDY, NOW MORE THAN EVER.
WE NEED SECURITY THAT WE WILL NOT LOSE OUR LIVELIHOOD IF YOU CANCEL CLASS DUE TO COVID.
ADJUNCT FACULTY ARE THE BACKBONE OF OUR HIGHER INSTITUTIONS.
ANYTHING TO SUPPORT US IN TERMS OF JOBS AND MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENTS IS IMPERATIVE.
AS A PART-TIME EMPLOYEE WHO ALONG WITH MANY OF MY COLLEAGUES AT CERRITOS COLLEGE, NO LONGER HAVE THE SAME NUMBER OF COURSES OFFERED TO US AS THERE WERE PRE-PANDEMIC, IT'S IMPORTANT WE BE GIVEN THE OPTION TO CONTINUE OUR MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT.
THE PANDEMIC HAS DRAMATICALLY CUT THE LABOR, THE NUMBER OF SECTIONS STUDENTS ARE SIGNING UP TO TAKE AND THE PART-TIME FACULTY ARE THOSE THAT ARE AFFECTED BY THIS THE MOST.
PLEASE CONSIDER BACKING OUR EFFORTS TO RETAIN A JUST AND EQUITABLE APPROPRIATION OF OUR MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT BENEFIT.
STEPHANIE ROSENBLATT, LIBRARIAN.
I'M ASKING TO SIGN ON THE COVID MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE INCLUSION OF PAID COVID LEAVE.
I UNDERSTAND THE FEDERAL LAW REQUIRING THIS PROVISION HAS EXPIRED BUT I ALSO UNDERSTAND OUR COLLEGE STILL HAS CARES ACT FUNDING THAT COULD BE USED FOR THIS PURPOSE.
MOST OF US ARE EXPERIENCING SOME SORT OF FINANCIAL HARDSHIP DUE TO THE FAMILY MEMBERS BEING SICK OR OUT OF WORK.
OUR CAREGIVING RESPONSIBILITIES HAVE INCREASED.
MANY PART-TIME FACULTY HAVE LOST CLASSES AND WILL NOT FINANCIALLY SURVIVE IF THEY BECOME ILL.
I HAVE BEEN COMFORTED THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN THE ONES DECIDING WHAT POLICIES TO ADOPT TO KEEP US SAFE.
I HAVE TRUSTED YOU TO MAKE THESE TOUGH DECISIONS BASED ON SCIENCE AND COMPASSION.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO TAKE CARE OF OUR CAMPUS COMMUNITY BY PROVIDING THIS LEAVE.
THE NEXT COMMENT IS FROM ROSARIO AGUILAR, ADJUNCT PROFESSOR.
GETTING THE REIMBURSEMENT HAS ALLOWED ME TO CONTINUE MY HEALTHCARE COVERAGE DURING THIS PANDEMIC.
THIS SEMESTER I AM WORRIED I WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT.
I WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED TO TEACH AN 18-WEEK COURSE BUT DUE TO LOW ENROLLMENT, IT WAS CANCELLED.
I'M SCHEDULED TO TEACH TWO COURSES BEGINNING IN MID-MARCH.
I'M CONCERNED THEY WILL BE CANCELLED BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF STUDENTS NEEDED.
IF CANCELLED I WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT.
THIS WILL IMPACT NOT ONLY ME BUT MY PARENTS.
SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS PANDEMIC I HAVE BEEN PROVIDING FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO MY PARENTS.
IT'S MY HOPE THAT THE BOARD SUPPORTS PART-TIME FACULTY WHOSE CLASSES WERE CANCELLED OR ASSIGNMENT LOAD REDUCED DUE TO THE PANDEMIC IN GETTING A PORTION OF HEALTHCARE REIMBURSEMENT.
NEXT FROM JERRY, PART-TIME FACULTY.
IT IS TIME FOR THE BOARD TO STAND UP FOR AND SUPPORT PART-TIME FACULTY.
MANY HAVE LOST CLASSES DUE TO COVID-19.
LOW ENROLLMENT AND OTHER ISSUES, PERSONAL HEALTH OR THE HEALTH OF LOVED ONES.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES NEEDS TO SHOW HUMAN COMPASSION DOES THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES.
THIS IS ABOUT MORE THAN A PIECE OF PAPER.
IT'S ABOUT SURVIVAL AND FINANCIAL STABILITY.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND COMPASSION AND PLEASE CONSIDER WHAT THE COLLEGE WOULD BE WITHOUT THE DEDICATION OF YOUR PART-TIME FACULTY.
[00:15:05]
NEXT COMMENT, ISRAEL ROSALES, INSTRUCTOR.I'M THE ONLY ONE WITH EMPLOYMENT AT MY HOUSEHOLD.
PAID LEAVES ARE IMPORTANT IN THIS TIME, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE KIDS AT HOME AND YOU NEED TO TAKE CARE OF THEM 24/7 WITH NO WAY TO HAVE THEM TAKEN CARE OF BY SOMEBODY ELSE.
MARIE BENSON, ADJUNCT FACULTY, DENTAL HYGIENE.
MY ENTIRE ADULT LIFE HAS BEEN SPENT A PART-TIME EMPLOYEE IN A SMALL BUSINESS DENTAL PRACTICE OR A PART-TIME FACULTY WITH N PAID MEDICAL BENEFITS.
THIS HAS BEEN MY CHOICE BUT HAVING REIMBURSEMENT AVAILABLE TO ME HAS BEEN A BIG HELP.
WITH COVID-19 AFFECTING MY STUDENTS' CLINICAL ROTATIONS, THIS TRICKLES DOWN TO AFFECTING MYSELF WITH NO TEACHING ASSIGNMENT.
I AM NOW ONCE AGAIN PAYING ALL OF THESE COSTS AS THE SOLE SUPPORT OF MY HOUSEHOLD.
THE NEXT COMMENT IS FROM SOLOMON, FACULTY.
HONORABLE TRUSTEES AND PRESIDENT FIERRO, I AM SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF YOUR UNION CCFF IN SUPPORT OF HEALTHCARE REIMBURSEMENT FOR PART-TIME FACULTY.
I'M SAD THAT DURING THESE TIMES THAT THE PANDEMIC MANY OF OUR PART-TIME FACULTY ARE FACED WITH HEALTH AND ECONOMIC STRESS FACTORS.
THEIR TEACHING LOADS HAVE BEEN REDUCED.
THOSE TEACHING TWO OR THREE CLASSES REDUCED TO ONLY ONE.
REDUCING THEIR SOURCE OF INCOME BUT ALSO LOST ELIGIBILITY FOR REIMBURSEMENT BECAUSE THEY FOLLOWED BELOW THE MINIMUM TEACHING UNITS NEEDED.
WHAT IS PARTICULARLY DISTURBING ABOUT THE DISTRICT'S DENIAL TO LOWER THE THRESHOLD IS THE DISTRICT HAS UNUSED FUNDS REMAINING IN THE $100,000 FOR REIMBURSEMENT.
THE DISTRICT WILL NOT BE SPENDING MONIES BEYOND ALREADY BUDGETED AND AGREED UPON BUT THE DISTRICT REDUCES TO HELP MANY OF WHOM HAVE LIMITED RESOURCES, FAMILIES AND WOMEN AND MINORITIES.
THE FUNDS WHEN THERE IS MONEY LEFTOVER DURING THIS UNPRECEDENTED PANDEMIC IS SIMPLY UNCONSCIONABLE.
WHILE STRESS LEVELS ARE RISING, THE DISTRICT RESERVES ARE PILING UP.
IN RECENT YEARS THE DISTRICT HAS DONE A GOOD JOB OF BRINGING TO THE FOREFRONT ISSUES OF EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE.
I HOPE WE CAN FOLLOW THAT UP WITH RESOURCES TO HELP THOSE IN DIRE NEED.
PLEASE CONTINUE LOWERING THE THRESHOLDS TO USE THE REIMBURSEMENT FUNDS THEY DESPERATELY NEED.
THIS COMMENT IS FROM MASSUD [INDISCERNIBLE].
AND IT'S NOT SHOWING HERE BUT HE'S AN EMPLOYEE, I BELIEVE IT WAS CAL STATE IN NORTH RIDGE.
I STRONGLY SUPPORT THE PAID LEAVE FOR FACULTY AFFECTED BY THE VIRUS AND PART-TIME REIMBURSEMENTS.
PAID LEAVE AND MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENTS ARE IMPORTANT DURING THIS CRITICAL STATE OF EMERGENCY.
NEXT COMMENT IS FROM [INDISCERNIBLE] INSTRUCTOR.
AND I HAVE FOUR MINUTES REMAINING.
AND I THINK ABOUT TEN COMMENTS LEFT.
I AM ASKING THE BOARD TO APPROVE PAID LEAVE FOR FACULTY AFFECTED BY THE VIRUS AND PART-TIME MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY CLASS CUTS OR DUE TO THE PANDEMIC.
FACULTY SERVICES, OUR COLLEGE, AND OUR STUDENTS AT THEIR DIFFICULT TIME IN THE CLASSROOM.
NOW WHEN THEY -- WHAT THEY NEED THE MOST AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME, IT IS ONLY HUMAN TO TAKE CARE OF THEM, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE COLLEGE IS FINANCIALLY ABLE TO.
BRUCE RUSSELL, ADJUNCT LIBRARIAN.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES, FOR 14 YEARS I HAVE BEEN AN ADJUNCT LIBRARIAN AT THE COLLEGE.
DURING THE TWO YEARS BEFORE THE PANDEMIC, I HAVE BEEN WORKING AT LOAD LARGE ENOUGH TO QUALIFY FOR HEALTHCARE REIMBURSEMENT BUT BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC MY WORKLOAD WAS CUT BY TWO-THIRDS, DISQUALIFYING ME.
MANY OVER PART-TIMERS EXPERIENCED CUTS WITH SIMILAR RESULTS.
MY HOURS HAVE FLUCTUATED DURING MY YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT.
SUCH FLUCTUATIONS ARE COMMON FOR PART-TIMERS.
PLEASE KEEP THIS INSTABILITY IN MIND WHEN CONSIDERING CHANGES IN THE LANGUAGES IN BYLAWS RELATED TO SERVICE REQUIREMENTS.
FACULTY MUST WORK A 40% LOAD, IN QUOTES, AT LEAST THREE SEMESTERS WITHIN A THREE-YEAR PERIOD, END QUOTE.
[00:20:02]
GIVEN THE FREQUENT CHANGES IN WORKLOADS IT IS IMPORTANT TO AT LEAST MAINTAIN THE SMALL DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY THIS LANGUAGE CREATES.ALSO, THE 40% REQUIREMENT MUST BE REDUCED TO 20%.
GIVEN ADJUNCT INSTRUCTORS TEACH TWO-THIRDS OF SECTIONS, IT SEEMS UNQUESTIONABLE THE COLLEGE SHOULD ADOPT A HEALTHCARE POLICY THAT KEEPS IN MIND THE DIFFICULT REALITIES CAUSED BOTH BY THE PANDEMIC AND BY SUBSTANTIAL WORKLOAD VOLATILITY.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, TO DISCONTINUE PROVIDING TEN DAYS OF PAID FACULTY LEAVE TO THOSE WHO CANNOT WORK DUE TO COVID-19 COMPLICATIONS SUCH AS INFECTION AND QUARANTINE IS OUTRIGHT INHUMANE.
WE HAVE NOT SEEN A HEALTH CRISIS LIKE THIS.
DO YOU WANT FACULTY TO NOT GET PAID WHILE THEY ARE SICK? THAT CANNOT BE.
PLEASE CONTINUE PRORATED HEALTHCARE REIMBURSEMENT TO PART-TIME FACULTY ELIGIBLE.
WHAT IS THIS MONEY GOING TO BE USED FOR INSTEAD? A 5% PAY RAISE FOR SOMEONE? ARE WE TRULY, IN QUOTES, IN THIS ALL TOGETHER.
OUR ADJUNCT FACULTY ARE NOT SECOND-CLASS CITIZENS.
HOW CAN WE CUT OFF ASSISTANCE TO MEMBERS OF OUR CAMPUS COMMUNITY? LET THIS CAMPUS BE KNOWN FOR HELPING ITS TEACHERS.
WHAT WOULD THE COMMUNITY THINK, WHAT WOULD THE STUDENTS SAY IF THEY FOUND OUT YOU CUT OFF HEALTH BENEFITS SO SOME FACULTY IN NEED DURING THIS CRISIS.
TRUSTEES, THE FACULTY WILL REMEMBER THAT YOU SUPPORTED THEM ON THIS DAY.
BETHANY AVALOS, PART-TIME ENGLISH FACULTY.
MY FAMILY HAS BEEN DEEPLY IMPACTED BY COVID-19.
WE BATTLED THE VIRUS OURSELVES A MONTH AGO.
MY HUSBAND WAS OFF WORK SICK FOR THREE WEEKS.
I HAD TO TAKE HIM TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR SHORTNESS OF BREATH.
HE REQUIRED ROUND THE CLOCK CARE AND WE HAD A TWO-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER AND THERE WAS NO OPTION OF FRIENDS OR FAMILY HELPING WITH CARE FOR MY HUSBAND OR DAUGHTER UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
THIS HAPPENED OVER WINTER BREAK SO I DID NOT HAVE TO TECHNICALLY TAKE OFF WORK, BUT HAD THE TIMING FALLEN A COUPLE WEEKS BEFORE OR AFTER, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OVERSEE MY CLASSES AND TAKE CARE OF MY FAMILY AT THE SAME TIME.
I LEARNED THAT I LOST THREE OF MY SCHEDULED CLASSES FOR THE SEMESTER DUE TO LOW ENROLLMENT.
THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO PICK UP A CLASS FROM A COLLEAGUE.
THAT MEANS I'M CARRYING ONE-THIRD OF MY EXPECTING LOAD WHICH TRANSLATES TO ONE-THIRD OF MY ANTICIPATED INCOME OVER THE NEXT FIVE MONTHS.
EMERGENCY SICK LEAVE AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR MEDICAL BILLS ARE AN ABSOLUTE MUST DURING THIS PANDEMIC.
NO ONE CAN SAY IF AND WHEN THIS VIRUS WILL AFFECT THEIR FAMILY BUT NO ONE IS GOING TO ESCAPE COMPLETELY UNSCATHED.
THE PANDEMIC HAS FORCED TO WORK FROM HOME AND TEACH ONLINE.
MANY STUDENTS STRUGGLED WITH THIS TRANSITION AND ENROLLMENT IS DOWN AND AFFECTS OUR LIVELIHOOD.
PART-TIME FACULTY NEED TO KNOW THE COLLEGE VALUES THEM AND WILL STAND WITH THEM.
I JUST HIT THE 20-MINUTE MARK.
I HAVE THREE MORE WRITTEN COMMENTS AND FOUR MORE AUDIO COMMENTS.
IS THAT NECESSARY OR -- >> SO MOVED.
SO THE NEXT COMMENT IS FROM LAUREN, LIBRARIAN.
I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR PART-TIME MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT.
I BELIEVE AN EXEMPTION SHOULD BE MADE FOR ADJUNCTS WHO PREVIOUSLY QUALIFIED BUT DIDN'T LAST SEMESTER OR THIS SEMESTER DUE TO CUTS IN THEIR CLASS LOADS DUE DIRECTLY TO THE PANDEMIC.
THIS IS HARDLY THE TIME TO BE PUTTING SOMEONE'S MEDICAL INSURANCE IN JEOPARDY.
THE NEXT COMMENT IS FROM NINA, FULL-TIME FACULTY.
WE NEED TO SUPPORT OUR PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS.
WITHOUT THEM WE WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO HAVE CLASSES.
THEREFORE, DUE TO THIS PANDEMIC, PLEASE SUPPORT EVERYONE.
I HAVE ONE MORE WRITTEN COMMENT, BUT I'M GOING TO SWITCH TO THE AUDIO COMMENTS SO I CAN TAKE A BREATH.
AND THEN I'LL FINISH WITH THE ONE LAST WRITTEN COMMENT.
>> HI, THIS IS INSTRUCTOR BEDOLLA, I'M CALLING HOW IMPORTANT TO KEEP THE REIMBURSEMENT.
[00:25:02]
FOR EXAMPLE, I'M WORKING PART TIME AND I DON'T HAVE INSURANCE.AND THAT SITUATION IS GETTING REALLY BAD.
SO THEREFORE I CAN'T AFFORD TO BE IN A MEDICAL [INDISCERNIBLE] NOTHING LIKE THAT BECAUSE I HAVE REALLY BAD EXPERIENCE LAST SEMESTER.
I GOT SO SICK, I WENT TO THE DOCTOR AND I NEVER WERE ABLE TO RECEIVE MY REIMBURSEMENT.
SO I THINK THAT SITUATION IS GETTING WORSE AND IT'S VERY, VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE THIS MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR US.
OTHERWISE, I GUESS IN THE FUTURE PART-TIMERS CAN BE LIKE A HOMELESS.
SO THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT SITUATION AND THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE FIGHTING WITH THE STATE OR PEOPLE THAT THEY HAVE THE POWER, THANK YOU.
>> HI, I WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR EMERGENCY PAID LEAVE FOR FACULTY AFFECTED BY THE VIRUS AND AS WELL AS THE PART-TIME MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENTS FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY CLASS CUTS DUE TO THE PANDEMIC.
THESE ARE VERY DIFFICULT TIMES FOR SOME FACULTY MEMBERS AND I THINK THE BOARD SHOULD CONSIDER TO PROVIDE THEM EXTRA MEDICAL AS WELL AS FINANCIAL HELP.
THANK YOU AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THE OUTCOME.
>> HI, I'M FROM CHILD DEVELOPMENT.
AND I BELIEVE IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR US TO HAVE MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT IN THIS DURING THE PANDEMIC TIME.
I REALLY APPRECIATE, IF THE BOARD APPROVES IT.
THIS IS MANUEL [INDISCERNIBLE] INSTRUCTOR AND I'M CALLING YOU TO ASK YOU PLEASE HELP US.
[INDISCERNIBLE] AND MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT IS EXTREMELY CRITICAL FOR US DURING THIS PANDEMIC.
WE HAVE FAMILY AND WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY KIND OF SUPPORT YOU CAN GIVE TO ALL OF US PLEASE, PLEASE.
AND THEN I'LL JUST FINISH WITH ONE LAST COMMENT FROM [INDISCERNIBLE], FULL-TIME FACULTY.
GOOD EVENING, I'M WRITING IN SUPPORT OF ADJUNCT COLLEAGUES LOSING HEALTHCARE REIMBURSEMENT AS A RESULT OF THE PANDEMIC, THE PANDEMIC THAT WE ARE ALL IN THE MIDST OF.
IN THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES, WE ALL NEED TO SEEK TO DO BETTER FOR EACH OTHER AND HELP EACH OTHER AS MUCH AS WE CAN.
IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY ALLOCATED FOR HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT IS NOT INCREASED BY INCREASING THE NUMBER OF FACULTY ELIGIBLE FOR IT.
THUS, THE FUNDS HAVE ALREADY BEEN ALLOCATED FOR THIS PURPOSE.
WHAT WOULD BE THE REASON WHEN THEY ARE DOING ALL THEY CAN TO SERVE OUR STUDENTS IN THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES? IT WOULD BE SHAMEFUL IF OUR COLLEGE SAVED WHAT IS THE NEGLIGIBLE PERCENT OF THE TOTAL BUDGET ON THE BACK OF THE FACULTY THAT MOST NEEDS HELP WITH PAYING FOR HEALTH INSURANCE THAT IS A NECESSITY? SHOW YOUR COMPASSION.
SHOW THAT YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS PANDEMIC HAS DONE FOR THOSE IN OUR CERRITOS COLLEGE FAMILY WHO NEED THESE FUNDS THE MOST AS THEY HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR HEALTHCARE.
PLEASE DO NOT BE THE REASON OUR ADJUNCT COLLEAGUES CANNOT SEEK PROPER HEALTHCARE DURING THE PANDEMIC.
I MUST ALSO MENTION THE COVID LEAVE FOR FACULTY.
YES, IT'S NO LONGER A LAW THE COLLEGE MUST PROVIDE RELIEF FOR FACULTY, BUT DO YOU NEED A LAW TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT AND JUST? I'M A FACULTY MEMBER WHO USED ALL OF MY SICK LEAVE TWICE IN THE 20 YEARS I HAVE BEEN TEACHINGS AT CERRITOS COLLEGE AND DONATED MY SICK LEAVE TO OTHER FACULTY IN NEED.
WE KNOW THAT IT'S ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY TO TAKE TIME OFF AND RECOVER OR TAKE CARE OF FAMILY MEMBERS UNFORTUNATE ENOUGH TO GET SICK.
[00:30:01]
PLEASE DO WHAT IS RIGHT AND PROVIDE PEACE OF MIND TO FACULTY WHO FIND THEMSELVES IN DIRE STRAITS WITH THIS VIRUS.NONE OF US WANT TO TEST POSITIVE FOR THIS VIRUS, BUT IF WE DO WE WANT TO KNOW CERRITOS COLLEGE IS THERE TO SUPPORT US, NOT HINDER US.
THAT'S MY LAST PUBLIC COMMENT.
AND THANK YOU, EVERYBODY WHO SUBMITTED COMMENTS.
NOW WE'LL MOVE ON TO OUR COMMENTS FROM -- COMMENTS AND REPORTS FROM CONSTITUENT GROUPS.
FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO CHECK IN WITH ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF CERRITOS COLLEGE.
>> I CAN DELIVER A REPORT FOR ASCC IF YOU WOULD LIKE.
>> IS THAT PERMISSIBLE? JUST CHECKING.
ANDREA OR [INDISCERNIBLE] IS THAT PERMISSIBLE?
>> OKAY, JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE.
GO AHEAD, STUDENT TRUSTEE WALLACE.
>> THANK YOU, TRUSTEE CODE BIRKEY.
TODAY THE ASCC SENATORS PROVIDED DISCUSSIONS AND IDEAS ABOUT A NEW CLUB OR A READING CLUB, A BOOK CLUB ACTUALLY REQUESTING FUNDING.
AND THERE WAS A VOTE ON THAT TODAY.
ASCC SENATE ALSO DISCUSSED CHANGES IN BYLAWS IN THEIR CONSTITUTION, ESPECIALLY IN RELATION TO THE UPCOMING ASCC'S PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, AND STUDENT TRUSTEE ELECTIONS.
SPEAKING OF ELECTIONS, ASCC STUDENT BODY ELECTIONS, APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN UP ON THE 10TH AND WILL CLOSE ON THE 10TH OF MARCH, NEXT MONTH.
THERE WILL BE AN ASCC ELECTION INFORMATION SESSION HAPPENING ON THE 9TH.
THAT'S HAPPENING NEXT TUESDAY.
I PARTICIPATED IN THAT WITH OUR ASCC VICE PRESIDENT ARMANDO AVILA.
ALSO SCHOLARSHIP WORKSHOPS OCCURRED YESTERDAY AS WELL AS ON THE 1ST.
CERRITOS COLLEGE FOUNDATION WILL OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS UNTIL THE 28TH, WHICH IS THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE.
ALSO, IT'S BLACK HISTORY MONTH.
SO THIS KICKED OFF WITH A MEETING GATHERING AROUND THE AUTHOR, AMY KNICKERSON.
THAT HAPPENED ON THE 26TH AT 6:00.
THERE WILL BE EVENTS HAPPENING ALL THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF COURSE.
AND THERE WILL BE ESPECIALLY IN OUR REGION, REGION NUMBER 4.
I'LL POST THE LINK IN THE CHAT FOR ANYONE THAT WOULD LIKE TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE UPCOMING EVENT.
FOR INSTANCE, TOMORROW THERE WILL BE CALIFORNIA AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSEUM EVENT HAPPENING AT 5:00 TOMORROW EVENING.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE THE INFORMATION FOR THAT, IT'S IN THE CHAT ROOM.
ALSO, NEXT WEEK WE CELEBRATE THE ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER [INDISCERNIBLE] AMERICAN ALL NEXT WEEK.
SO ALL THE FESTIVITIES THAT GO ALONG WITH THAT, VERY MUCH LOOKING FOR.
AND ALSO, THERE WILL BE MULTIPLE GAME NIGHTS WITH STUDENT LIFE HAPPENING FEBRUARY 5TH, WHICH IS ON FRIDAY.
AND THEN ALSO, THERE WILL BE ANOTHER ONE HAPPENING NEXT MONTH ON MARCH 5TH ALSO AT 5:00 IN THE EVENING, AS WELL AS APRIL 5TH AND MAY 7TH.
SO LOOK OUT FOR THOSE GAME NIGHTS THAT ARE COMING UP AT 5:00 ALL THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER.
NEXT, IF THERE IS A COMMENT OR A REPORT FROM FACULTY SENATE PRESIDENT DENNIS
[00:35:03]
FALCON.BEFORE I GIVE MY REPORT, I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE AN OFFERING AND MAKE A LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO THE [INDISCERNIBLE] PEOPLE WHOS LAND WE CURRENTLY OCCUPY AND TO MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS AND COUSINS, WELCOME AND BLESSINGS.
AND ANDREA, QUICK SHOUTOUT TO YOU.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR READING THE COMMENTS SUBMITTED BY MY COLLEAGUES RELATED TO THE ISSUE THAT HAD BEEN RAISED.
YOU DID AN EXCELLENT JOB AND I THINK YOU REALLY CONVEYED IN YOUR OWN VOICE THE SERIOUSNESS AND THE CONCERN BEING EXPRESSED BY FACULTY.
I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT, FROM ME TO YOU.
AND COLLEAGUES, STUDENT SUCCESS OF COURSE AND POLICIES OF THE DISTRICT THAT IMPACT STUDENT SUCCESS CLEARLY FALL WITHIN THE REALM OF THE TEN PLUS ONE, WHICH IS THE PURVIEW OF THE FACULTY SENATE.
AND WITH THAT IN MIND, I JUST WANTED TO REITERATE AND EXPRESS ON BEHALF OF THE FACULTY AFTER CERRITOS COLLEGE THAT STUDENT SUCCESS IS DIRECTLY CONNECTED TO THE SUCCESS OF FACULTY, THE SUCCESS OF STAFF, AND THE ENTIRE CERRITOS COLLEGE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING THE BOARD AND OU ADMINISTRATION.
FACULTY WHO ARE KEPT WHOLE ARE BETTER PREPARED TO BRING ALL OF THEIR EXPERTISE AND SKILLS TO BEAR, AS ONLY FACULTY CAN.
AND AS I COMMUNICATE TO FACULTY REGULARLY IN MY CAPACITY AS FACULTY SENATE PRESIDENT, I REMIND THEM THAT WE ARE ESSENTIAL WORKERS.
SO I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE BOARD IN ADVANCE, PRESIDENT BIRKEY, SUPERINTENDENT FIERRO, AND OTHER BOARD MEMBERS AND ADMINISTRATORS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION AND HAVE EVERY FAITH THAT YOU WILL MAKE A GOOD DECISION THAT HELPS TO KEEP OUR CERRITOS COLLEGE FAMILY WHOLE.
AND THAT CONCLUDES MY STATEMENT.
>> THANK YOU, PRESIDENT FALCON.
NOW MOVING TO CERRITOS COLLEGE FACILITY FEDERATION CCFF PRESIDENT DR. LYNN WANG.
I DO ECHO THE SAME MESSAGE THAT DENNIS SENT.
THANK YOU FOR READING THEM AND PLAYING ALL THE RECORDINGS AS WE ALL FIGURE OUT THIS PUBLIC COMMENT NEW PROCESS.
TRUSTEE MEMBERS, CCFF WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR FINALLY SENDING IN A FAIR AND EQUITABLE COVID-19 MOU FOR THE SPRING SEMESTER THA WE CAN ALL AGREE ON.
TRUSTEES LIU, PEREZ, AND DR. SALAZAR, THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LISTEN TO OUR CONCERNS.
BY NOW YOU HAVE HEARD OUR FACULTY ON HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO HAVE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE AND PROPER COMPENSATION WHILE RECOVERING FROM COVID.
WHY IS THIS MOU IMPORTANT FOR FACULTY? WITHOUT THIS MOU, FACULTY WHO ARE SICK WITH COVID-19 MAY GO UNPAID.
THE FEDERAL FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY LEAVE EXPIRED ON DECEMBER 31ST 2020.
WITHOUT THIS MOU, IF A FACULTY CATCHES COVID AND IF THEY'RE TOO SICK TO WORK, THEY MAY GO UNPAID.
WE'RE HAPPY THAT THE DISTRICT WILL CONTINUE TO HONOR THE PROMISE OF KEEPING FACULTY WHOLE DURING THIS PANDEMIC AS COVID-19 NUMBERS ARE STILL STAGGERING.
FACULTY AS A BODY RECOGNIZE THE ECONOMIC CHALLENGES IN THIS 2020/2021 YEAR, AS IT WAS REFLECTED IN OUR STATE BUDGET IN OUR ZERO PERCENT INCOLA.
BUT HAVING TO RISK GOING UNPAID WHILE RECOVERING FROM COVID SYMPTOMS IS NOT SOMETHING CCFF WILL TOLERATE.
BECAUSE OF COVID OUR ADJUNCT FACULTY ALSO EXPERIENCED A HUGE LOSS IN THEIR INCOME FOR THE FALL SEMESTER AND CURRENTLY AS WELL.
SOME FOLKS USED TO WORK CLOSE TO 60% LOAD AND NOW THEY'RE ONLY WORKING A 12% LOAD.
WITH THE HEALTHCARE REIMBURSEMENT POLICY THAT IS CURRENTLY LISTED IN OUR CBA, WHICH IS OUR CONTRACT, THESE FACULTY ARE NO LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR HEALTHCARE
[00:40:02]
REIMBURSEMENT PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT.CCFF IS HAPPY THAT THE DISTRICT IS WILLING TO ADJUST THE ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTHCARE REIMBURSEMENT DURING THIS TRYING TIME.
SO WE CAN TAKE CARE OF OUR MOST OVERLOOKED FACULTY, OUR ADJUNCT COLLEAGUES.
LASTLY, I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS MOU FOR THE COACHES.
OUR COACHES CONTINUE TO WORK AROUND THE CLOCK TO MAKE SURE OUR ATHLETES ARE READY TO COMPETE PHYSICALLY AND STAYING COMPETITIVE ACADEMICALLY AND HOLISTICALLY.
MANY HAVE WORKED THE ENTIRE FALL SEMESTER WITHOUT COMPENSATION.
THIS IS ANOTHER REASON WHY CCFF IS HAPPY TO RECEIVE AN AGREEABLE COUNTER FROM THE DISTRICT AT 5:00 PM THIS AFTERNOON.
FACULTY, THANK YOU FOR WATCHING THE BOT MEETING TONIGHT AND SUBMITTING YOUR PUBLIC COMMENTS.
I TRUST THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER SO WE CAN IMPROVE THE WORKING CONDITIONS OF ALL FACULTY, NOT ONLY DURING COVID TIMES.
NOW MOVING TO CALIFORNIA SCHOOL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION CSEA, PRESIDENT IRLANDA LOPEZ.
>> GOOD EVENING, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, CONSTITUENTS AND GUESTS.
I KNOW WORKING FROM HOME HAS BROUGHT CHALLENGES AND ADVANTAGES.
WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT THE COLLEGE ESPECIALLY DURING THESE TIMES.
CSEA HOPES IN THE FUTURE TO BE PART OF ORIENTATIONS FOR NEW AND FUTURE HIRES.
AS YOU HEARD DR. WANG FFCRA DID END ON DECEMBER 31ST OF LAST YEAR.
THIS AFFORDED OUR EMPLOYEES PAID SICK LEAVE FOR A DURATION OF TWO WEEKS OR UP TO 80 HOURS FOR QUALIFYING COVID-19 CIRCUMSTANCES.
THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION EXTENDED THIS UNTIL MARCH 31ST.
WE ASK THE DISTRICT CONTINUE TO OFFER THE BENEFIT ONCE OFFERED TO OUR EMPLOYEES.
I ASK THAT YOU CAN THIS EXTENSION FOR THE DURATION OF 2021 AS THIS FOSTERS A SENSE OF COMPASSION AND SUPPORT TO ALL DISTRICT CONSTITUENCY GROUPS.
I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO REPORT THAT I AM SADDENED THAT CSEA HAS LOST A MEMBER, [INDISCERNIBLE] ESTRADA.
HE PASSED AWAY ON THURSDAY THE 28TH AFTER A BATTLE WITH CANCER.
SHOULD ANYONE WISH TO MAKE A DONATION TO MR. ESTRADA'S FAMILY, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT TO ME.
WE SEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT FOR THEIR LOSS AND MR. DENNIS FALCON FOR THE RECENT LOSS OF HIS FATHER.
I WOULD LIKE TO ASK FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS.
THANK YOU AND THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT.
YES, WE WILL DEFINITELY CONSIDER THAT.
[2.01 Institutional Presentation: Recognition of Classified Employee of the Month]
NOW MOVING TO OPEN SESSION AGENDA ITEM 2.01, INSTITUTIONAL PRESENTATION: REGULAR IGNITION OF A CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF TH MONTH.>> YES, I'M CHECKING THE WAITING ROOM.
>> OUR EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH IS GOING TO BE WATCHING THE LIVE BROADCAST FOR THIS MEETING.
THE OUTSTANDING CLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEE SELECTION COMMITTEE NAMED ANDRES ZUNIGA AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE OUTSTANDIN CLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEE FOR DECEMBER 2020.
ANDRES BEGAN HIS CAREER AS A SENIOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT ESSENTIALIST FOR THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT.
AND APPROACHABLE AND ALWAYS PATIENT WHEN ASSISTING A STAFF MEMBER AND PERFORMS ABOVE AND BEYOND TO ASSIST THOSE AROUND HIM BY TAKING THE TIME TO EXPLAIN IN DETAIL HOW TO USE NEW TECHNOLOGY OR SO FORTH.
HE HAS TAKEN AN EXTRA STEP AND CREATED GUIDES FOR STAFF TO FOLLOW.
HE IS PROFESSIONAL AND ALWAYS HELPS WITH A SMILE ON HIS FACE.
ANDRES, YOUR DEDICATION, COMMITMENT, AND WILLINGNESS TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND TO MEET THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS AND STAFF ARE EXCEPTIONAL.
WE ARE PROUD YOU'RE A CERRITOS COLLEGE EMPLOYEE AND WE COMMEND YOU FOR YOUR OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND DEDICATION.
THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE.
HE GOES TO SPINNING CLASS, SO HE GETS EXTRA POINTS FOR THAT, TOO.
[00:45:11]
AND GIVEN THE FACT THAT HE'S JOINING REMOTELY JUST WATCHING, I GUESS DO WE HAVE ANY FURTHER CEREMONIAL PIECES THAT WE CAN DO?
>> WE WILL MAKE SURE HE GETS HIS CERTIFICATE VIA U.S.
[3. Consent Items]
ALL RIGHT, MOVING ALONG TO OUR CONSENT CALENDAR, DO WE HAVE -- I GUESS DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO EITHER APPROVE OR PULL ANY ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR?>> I WOULD LIKE TO PULL TWO ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REMAINING ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR?
>> MOTION TO APPROVE THE REMAINING ITEMS.
SO THOSE ARE -- WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND TO APPROVE ALL THE CONSENT ITEMS EXCEPT FOR ITEMS 3.01 AND ITEM 3.10.
ANDREA, CAN WE GET A ROLL CALL VOTE.
[3.01 Faculty Stipends for Distance Education Teaching Requirements]
>> AS PER ITEM 3.01, ARE THERE SPECIFIC ITEMS, DR. FERRIERO, YOU WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT FOR CONSIDERATION?
>> YES, WE WILL ASK VICE PRESIDENT [INDISCERNIBLE] TO GIVE AN OVERVIEW FOR [INDISCERNIBLE] AND TEACHING REQUIREMENTS FOR A TOTAL O $108,820 FOR COMPLETING THE CERTIFICATES.
>> GOOD EVENING, AND THANK YOU FOR ASKING FOR SOME INFORMATION ON THIS.
I'M ACTUALLY PLEASED I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BRING THIS TO YOU ALL, THE TRUSTEES.
THIS IS INFORMATION OF WHAT OUR FACULTY HAVE BEEN WORKING ON DURING THE PANDEMIC AS COORDINATORS, OUR FACULTY THEMSELVES, OUR DEAN OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS [INDISCERNIBLE], ALL WORKING FOR A LOT OF HOURS EVERY DAY DURING THE PANDEMIC TO MAKE SURE THAT WE PROVIDE DISTANCE EDUCATION TO OUR STUDENTS IN A COMPREHENSIVE MANNER.
AND WHAT YOU DON'T -- WHAT YOU HAVE NOT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR IS OUR ACCREDITING BODY, THE ACCJC, REQUIRES THAT ALL O OUR FACULTY AND ALL OF OUR DE [INDISCERNIBLE] COURSES AND THE FACULTY TEACHING HAVE TO HAVE TWO MINIMUM STANDARDS: REGULAR EXTENSIVE CONTACT AND ACCESSIBILITY.
SO WHAT YOU SEE HERE IS THE TRAINING TO ALL OF OUR FACULTY, BOTH PART-TIME AND FULL-TIME, FOR THE ENTIRE SPRING SEMESTER -- FALL SEMESTER, EXCUSE ME, ON THIS.
SO PART-TIME WERE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR FOUR HOURS OF TRAINING FOR THE MINIMUM.
FULL-TIME WERE COMPENSATED WITH FLEX CREDIT FOR THE MINIMUM.
HOWEVER, WE VALUE THE FULL CERTIFICATION, NOT JUST THE MINIMUM STANDARD.
THERE IS A CEILING AND THERE IS A FLOOR.
WHAT I FIRST DESCRIBED TO YOU WAS THE FLOOR.
NOW THE CEILING IS A FULL CERTIFICATION, WHICH HAS MANY MORE MODULES.
THOSE FACULTY WHO HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO THE FULL CERTIFICATION IN THE LAST MOU FOR -- COVID MOU, ALLOWED THOSE FACULTY, BOTH PART TIME AND FULL TIME, TO RECEIVE A ONE-TIME $500 STIPEND TO COMPLETE THE FULL TRAINING.
THE VALUE BEHIND THIS IS ONGOING SUCCESS FOR OUR STUDENTS AND BRINGING MORE THAN A MINIMUM STANDARD TO THE CLASSROOMS.
[00:50:01]
WHAT YOU SEE HERE IS THE LAST OF THE FALL COHORT FINISHING LAST SEMESTER AND THIS IS THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY WE'VE HAD TO BRING THIS COHORT TO THE BOARD TO SHARE.SO I WOULD BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS IF THERE ARE ANY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS.
SORRY, TRUSTEE BIRKEY, I DIDN'T KNOW IF I SHOULD CALL ON HER.
>> I JUST WANT TO THANK AND ACKNOWLEDGE ALL OF OUR FACULTY WHO COMPLETED THE TRAINING PROGRAM.
I'M GLAD TO SEE SO MANY OF OUR EMPLOYEES TOOK FULL ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY.
IN REGARDS TO THE FULL ONLINE CERTIFICATION, WHAT PERCENTAGE OF FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME FACULTY WOULD YOU ESTIMATE COMPLETED THE FULL ONLINE CERTIFICATION?
>> I WOULD HAVE TO GO -- I WOULD HAVE TO CHECK OUR NUMBERS ON THAT.
I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SHARE THAT BACK TO EITHER DR. FIERRO TO SHARE WITH THE ENTIRE BOARD OR BRING THOSE BACK TO YOU NEXT TIME.
I'M SORRY, I REMISS THAT I DON'T KNOW THOSE OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD, BUT I WILL HAVE THOSE -- HOPEFULLY I CAN SHARE THEM OUT BEFORE THE END OF THIS MEETING TODAY.
I'LL TELL YOU, NOT ONLY WAS THE FULL CERTIFICATION TRAINING OFFERED BY OUR OWN DISTANCE ED COORDINATORS ON TRAINING, BUT THERE WERE OTHERS THE FACULTY COULD USE AS WELL.
SO NOT ONLY LOCAL BUT OUTSIDE SOURCES.
AND I WILL ALSO TELL YOU THAT OUR DISTANCE ED COORDINATORS VALUED OUR OTHER COMMUNITY COLLEGE NEIGHBORS, OUR FRIENDS, OTHER CAMPUSES, IF THEY WOULD BRING THEIR TRAINING CERTIFICATION THEY RECEIVE THERE, OUR DISTANCE ED EVALUATED IF IT MET OUR STANDARD AND WOULD GIVE THE FULL CERTIFICATION.
I WOULD SAY THE CAMPUS AS A WHOLE AND DE COORDINATORS, ONCE AGAIN WE CAME TOGETHER ON THIS TO SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS THE BEST WE CAN.
AND THAT IS TO FIND ANY AND ALL MEANS TO CERTIFY FULLY WHEN POSSIBLE AND AT A MINIMUM.
SO WE CONTINUE TO OFFER IT, JUST SO YOU KNOW.
THERE IS TRAINING GOING ON AND I JUST GOT AN EMAIL TODAY FROM THE COORDINATORS OFFERING THE INTERMEDIATE INSTEAD OF THE 101 LAST SEMESTER FOR THE BEGINNERS.
NOW THERE'S INTERMEDIATE TRAINING.
WHAT'S IMPORTANT IS ONGOING TRAINING BECAUSE TOOLS CHANGE AND WE'LL NEVER BE THE SAME CAMPUS WE WERE BEFORE.
WE SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES.
THERE ARE A LOT OF STUDENTS WHO THRIVE AND LOOK FOR AN ONLINE EDUCATION.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO FIVE NEW AVENUES TO CONTINUE TO TRAIN AND DEVELOP.
I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THIS IS NOT A ONE AND DONE.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO BE SUPPORTING OUR FACULTY FOR STUDENT SUCCESS ON THIS.
SO THAT'S A LONG ANSWER FOR YOUR QUESTION.
I WILL GET YOU THOSE NUMBERS AND SHARE THEM WITH DR. FIERRO FOR -- TO GET TO ALL OF YOU.
>> YEAH, THANK YOU, TRUSTEE BIRKEY.
THE NEXT ITEM THAT TRUSTEE PEREZ REQUESTED IS 3.10, RATIFICATION OF THE MASTER AGREEMENT WITH ERICKSON LAW FIRM FOR LEGAL SERVICES.
>> WE NEED TO VOTE ON THE OTHER ONE.
DO I HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 3.01?
>> MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 3.01.
[3.10 Consideration of Ratification of Master Agreement with Erickson Law Firm A.P.C. for Legal Services]
SO 3.10, THE CONSIDERATION OF RATIFICATION OF THE MASTER AGREEMENT WITH ERICKSON LAW FIRM FOR LEGAL SERVICES.
THIS IS A RENEWAL OF A CONTRACT WITH MR. ERICKSON.
HE IS CURRENTLY PROVIDING DISTRICT REPRESENTATION FOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.
[00:55:03]
AND ADVICE AND LEGAL OPINIONS IN SOME OTHER MATTERS.BUT HIS PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY HAS BEEN WORKING CLOSELY WITH ADRIANA IN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, DRAFTING THAT AGREEMENT AND DOING THE LEGAL REVIEW FOR THAT.
HE DID NOT SUBMIT FOR A RATE INCREASE.
AND HIS RATES ARE BELOW WHAT OTHER COMPARABLE LEGAL SERVICES CHARGE.
AND HIS SERVICE IS [INDISCERNIBLE] OPINION AND EXPERIENCE OF HIGH QUALITY.
DO WE HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS ON THIS ITEM? SEEING NONE, DO WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS ITEM 3.10?
>> AND CAN WE GET A ROLL CALL VOTE?
>> YES, STUDENT TRUSTEE WALLACE.
[4. Information Items]
NOW WE WILL MOVE TO OUR INFORMATION ITEMS. THE ITEM 4.10, THE COLLEGE COORDINATING COMMITTEE MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 7, 2020.DO WE NEED TO RECEIVE AND FILE THIS?
>> YOU COULD RECEIVE AND FILE OR SIMPLY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT'S THERE.
>> OKAY, LET'S ACKNOWLEDGE IT'S THERE BECAUSE IT WILL ALSO RESULT IN THE SAME THING.
AND THEN ITEM 4.01, THE PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF PRESENTATION OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE INITIAL PROPOSAL OF THE CERRITOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT TO THE CERRITOS COLLEGE FACILITY FEDERATION CCFF FOR THE NEGOTIATION OF THE CCFF-DISTRICT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2021 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2024.
THIS ALSO HAS NO ACTION REQUIRED.
NOW WE'LL MOVE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS FOR WHICH WE HAVE ITEM 4.01.
[5.01 Adopt the Initial Proposal of the Cerritos Community College District to the Cerritos College Faculty Federation (CCFF), AFT Local 6215 for the Period July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2024]
THE ITEM IS TO ADOPT THE INITIAL PROPOSAL OF THE CERRITOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT TO THE CERRITOS COLLEGE FACILITY FEDERATION CCFF AFT LOCAL 6215 FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2021 THROUGH JULY 30, 2024.IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES DISCUSS AND APPROVE THE DISTRICT'S PROPOSAL FOR THE PERIOD IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 3547.
DO I HAVE ANY DISCUSSION ON THIS ITEM? ALL RIGHT, DR. FIERRO.
>> WE DO NEED A MOTION TO BE ABLE TO ACCEPT THIS.
>> ON THAT NOTE, DO WE HAVE A MOTION?
AND THEN WE'LL MOVE TO A VOTE.
>> AND I'LL GO BACK TO TRUSTEE AVALOS.
[01:00:04]
SO, WITH THAT, WE MOVE ON TO REPORTS AND COMMENTS FROM DISTRICT OFFICIALS.[6. Reports and Comments from District Officials]
SO FIRST IN CERRITOS COLLEGE TRADITION, AND WE HAVE STUDENT TRUSTEE WALLACE KICK US OFF WITH OUR REPORT.DID WE LOSE YOU, STUDENT TRUSTEE WALLACE?
>> NO, NO, I WAS GETTING SOMETHING TOGETHER AND I HAD TO COME BACK AND UNMUTE.
THANK YOU FOR THAT, PRESIDENT BIRKEY.
I WANTED TO LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT I WAS ABLE TO -- I WAS ABLE TO REPRESENT OUR DISTRICT IN A RECENT DISCUSSION WITH LEGISLATORS AND LATER ON, OF COURSE, OUR CHANCELLOR OAKLEY LATER ON CAME ON TO THE CALL.
BUT I WANTED TO JUST KIND OF ECHO SOME OF THE COMMENTS THAT WERE MADE BY THE STUDENTS THERE.
WE WERE EXPRESSING OUR SUPPORT FOR THE FULLY FUNDED CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM AND APPRECIATE THE EARLY ACTION EMERGENCY FOR FINANCIAL AID GRANTS AND RETENTION, ZERO TEXTBOOK PATHWAYS TECHNOLOGY AS WELL AS REQUIRED COMPLETION OF THE FAFSA AS ALLOCATED IN THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET.
ALL OF THESE ARE CRITICAL PRIORITIES FOR THE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS.
ADDITIONALLY, STUDENTS WOULD LIKE TO SEE BASIC NEEDS FUNDING BECOME AN ONGOING INVESTMENT TO SUPPORT ONGOING NEEDS AS WELL AS [INDISCERNIBLE] TO ENSURE THE TOTAL COST OF ATTENDANCE IS ACCOUNTED FOR, NOT JUST TUITION AND FEES.
[INDISCERNIBLE] SHOULD BE UTILIZED FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR STUDENTS.
AND I WANTED TO JUST BRING THAT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE BOARD BECAUSE RECENTLY THERE HAS BEEN A -- THERE HAS BEEN AN OPPORTUNITY WITHIN ASCC FOR INDIVIDUALS, STUDENTS TO JOIN IN ON DISCUSSION AS A -- AS AN OUTLET IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19.
SO THERE HAS BEEN OPPORTUNITIES TO KIND OF SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER IN THOSE GROUPS.
ALSO, ONCE AGAIN, I'LL MENTION THE ASCC [INDISCERNIBLE] THAT ARE COMING UP PRETTY SOON.
ONCE AGAIN, THE APPLICATIONS OPEN UP ON THE 10TH OF FEBRUARY AND CLOSE ON MARCH 10TH.
I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ECHO THE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE WITHIN THE CERRITOS COLLEGE FOUNDATION.
IF YOU'RE HEARING THIS, DEFINITELY APPLY, IF YOU'RE HEARING THIS AND YOU'RE A STUDENT, DEFINITELY APPLY FOR THOSE FUNDS THAT ARE AVAILABLE.
AND YEAH, I'LL PUT THE COVID SUPPORT GROUP MEETING ID WITHIN THE CHAT IF ANYONE WHO'S LISTENING WOULD LIKE TO JOIN IN.
AND IT HAPPENS EVERY OTHER TUESDAY.
AND IT WAS THE FIRST MEETING FOR THE COVID SUPPORT GROUP HAPPENED THIS PAST WEEK.
SO I'M SURE IT'LL HAPPEN AGAIN THE WEEK AFTER NEXT.
AND I'LL PUT THAT IN THE CHAT.
>> GREAT, THANK YOU, STUDENT TRUSTEE WALLACE.
DO WE HAVE A REPORT FROM TRUSTEE PEREZ?
THANK YOU, EVERYBODY, FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT.
AND I WANTED JUST TO ESPECIALLY ACKNOWLEDGE ALL OF THE EMPLOYEES WHO SUBMITTED PUBLIC COMMENTS AND AUDIO COMMENTS, AND REALLY APPRECIATE THE TIME IT TOOK FOR YOU TO SEND THOSE MESSAGES TO US.
AND WE'RE ALWAYS WELCOME TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS AND YOUR COMMENTS.
I APPRECIATE EVERYONE TAKE THE TIME TO DO THAT.
OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS, LOTS OF THINGS GOING ON, ALL VIRTUALLY.
I WAS ABLE TO LISTEN IN TO ALL OF THE THREE EARLY COLLEGE ZOOM PRESENTATIONS THAT OUR EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP TEAM PUT TOGETHER FOR WHITNEY HIGH SCHOOL, [INDISCERNIBLE].
LOTS OF INTEREST IN THE PROGRAMS. I WANTED TO ACKNOWLEDGE EVERYBODY PUTTING TOGETHER ALL OF THE SUPPORT FOR THIS PROGRAM NOT ONLY AT OUR COLLEGE BUT OUR K THROUGH 12 PARTNERS.
THIS HAS BEEN TWO, THREE YEARS IN THE MAKING, SO IT WAS REALLY EXCITING TO SEE AND HEAR FROM PARENTS WHO WERE EXCITED ABOUT THEIR STUDENTS BECOMING CERRITOS COLLEGE STUDENTS AS EARLY AS NINTH GRADE.
THE STUDENTS WEREN'T AS EXCITED, BUT THE PARENTS REALLY, REALLY WERE.
[01:05:02]
AND I THINK ALL OF US WHO ARE PARENTS JUST KEEP ON THINKING OF THE DOLLAR AMOUNTS THAT IT TAKES TO EDUCATE OUR STUDENTS HERE I THIS GREAT STATE OF CALIFORNIA NOW.SO I THINK A LOT OF THE PARENTS WERE VERY EXCITED ABOUT THAT POSSIBILITY.
SO AGAIN, I WANTED TO ACKNOWLEDGE ALL THE GREAT WORK ON THAT.
LAST WEEK, I THINK IT WAS LAST WEEK, WE DID THE VIRTUAL ANNUAL LEAGUE LEGISLATIVE VISITS.
AND WE WERE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE ON THAT.
SO WITH TRUSTEE WALLACE, TRUSTEE PACHECO, AND I WANTED JUST TO THANK DR. FIERRO AND MAYA AND [INDISCERNIBLE] FOR PUTTING TOGETHER THE BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR THE VISITS.
I THOUGHT THEY WENT VERY WELL.
WE WERE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BUDGETS AND ESPECIALLY THE DEFERRALS AND WHAT THAT MEANS FOR OUR EMPLOYEES HERE AS WELL AS OUR STUDENTS.
WE ALSO THANKED AND ACKNOWLEDGED THE STATE FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE HEALTH SCIENCES BUILDING RENOVATION, WHICH I THINK IS A REALLY IMPORTANT PROJECT FOR SO MANY OF OUR STUDENTS AND OUR EMPLOYEES HERE.
SO WE WERE ABLE TO TELL THE STORY ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STATE INVESTMENT IN BUILDINGS AND INFRASTRUCTURES ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES.
AND THEN WE ALSO TALKED A LITTLE BIT ABOUT DUAL ENROLLMENT AND HOW THE LEGISLATION THAT HAS BEEN PASSED IN SACRAMENTO HAS REALLY IMPACTED AND EXPANDED OUR PROGRAMS AT THE COLLEGE.
I WANTED TO THANK EVERYBODY WHO PARTICIPATED IN THAT AS WELL.
AND THEN TODAY I LISTENED IN TO THE CHANCELLOR'S OFFICE WEBINAR.
AND AGAIN, I THINK IT WAS -- THE REALLY KEY MESSAGE WAS FOR ALL OF US TO KEEP ON ADVOCATING WHAT WE WANT FOR OUR COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS IN OUR SYSTEM BECAUSE EVERYBODY IS WILLING TO LISTEN AND TO HEAR OUR STORY.
SO AGAIN, PLEASE WORK THROUGH YOUR VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS AND THROUGH YOUR VARIOUS CONTACTS AND TELL THE STORY OF CERRITOS COLLEGE AND WHAT COMMUNITY COLLEGE MEANS HERE IN THE STATE.
>> YES, JUST WANTED TO THANK ALL THE STAFF THAT MADE -- TOOK THE TIME TO REALLY EXPRESS THEIR CONCERNS AND THE SITUATION AND WANTED TO THANK DR. FIERRO FOR REALLY PUSHING THE EFFORT TO BECOME A VACCINATION CENTER AT CERRITOS COLLEGE.
>> I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO ON THE LEADERSHIP PANEL FOR THE ASCC STUDENT LEADERSHIP RETREAT.
AND I ALSO WENT ALONG WITH TRUSTEE AVALOS AND DR. FIERRO AND I'M BLANKING ON WHO ELSE WAS THERE.
I THINK THERE WAS ANOTHER TRUSTEE THAT WAS THERE AS WELL.
YEAH, MARIANA, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH.
AND SO, IT WAS A GREAT TIME TO TALK TO THE STUDENTS AND THEY DID SAY THAT THEY WERE INTERESTED IN ANOTHER SESSION LIKE THAT.
AND OF COURSE, WE COULD DO IT EVERY WEEK SO LONG AS THE STUDENTS ARE INTERESTED, WE ARE HERE TO SERVE THEM AND THEY ARE OUR PRIORITY.
SO I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO AS MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO SPEAK TO THE STUDENTS AS OFTEN AS WE CAN.
>> OH, I ALSO WANT TO APPRECIATE THE FACULTY AND STAFF PROVIDING COMMENTS.
>> JUST WANT TO SAY DITTO TO EVERYTHING THAT ALL MY COLLEAGUES HAVE ALREADY EXPRESSED.
BUT I DO APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT STUDENTS CONTINUE TO BE ENGAGED, PARTICULARLY IN THE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES THAT THE COLLEGE HAS AFFORDED THEM IN TERMS OF LEADERSHIP ACCESS.
I ATTENDED, LIKE TRUSTEE LEWIS MENTIONED, THIS LAST ASCC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE WITH THE STUDENTS.
KUDOS TO ALL THE STUDENTS, CERTAINLY THE STAFF AND FACULTY WHO ARE DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO MAKE SURE OUR STUDENTS DON'T GET LEFT BEHIND, DON'T FALL BEHIND, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY THEY CONTINUE TO GROW AS INDIVIDUALS AND STUDENTS AND CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THINGS HAPPENING WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITY.
SO THANK YOU TO OUR STUDENTS PRIMARILY.
AND MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE CERRITOS COLLEGE FAMILY.
DENNIS FALCON, YOU'VE HAD A REALLY TOUGH YEAR, HAVING LOST YOUR MOTHER, YOUR SON, AND NOW YOUR FATHER.
TRULY, MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU.
[01:10:02]
THAT IS A HUGE LOSS ALL THE WAY AROUND.AND SO MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES NOT JUST TO YOU BUT TO ALL OF THE CERRITOS COLLEGE FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED A LOSS DURING THIS COVID TIME.
I KNOW EVEN WITHIN OUR OWN COMMUNITIES, CITY OF BELL, A COUPLE OF OUR COUNCIL MEMBERS LOST BOTH OF THEIR PARENTS.
ALI, IF YOU'RE LISTENING ON, MY CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
CONTINUE SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER AND PRAYERS TO ALL THE FAMILIES WHO HAVE LOST SOMEONE OR DEALING WITH A DIFFICULT SITUATION.
JUST KNOW CERRITOS COLLEGE BOARD IS HERE TO SUPPORT EVERY WAY THAT WE CAN, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY TO SEND OUT GOOD VIBES AND GOOD WISHES AS WE CONTINUE TO START OUR FIRST SEMESTER IN 2021.
TRUSTEE PACHECO, DO YOU HAVE A REPORT?
I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE AT THE EFFECTIVE TRUSTEE AND BOARD CHAIR WORKSHOPS.
SO I PARTICIPATED IN SEVERAL WORKSHOPS LEARNING MORE ABOUT HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE TRUSTEE, ABOUT BUDGETING, FINANCING.
I FOUND IT WAS EYE OPENING AND THE WORKSHOPS GAVE ME A BETTER IDEA OF EXACTLY WHAT THE ROLE IS.
THE OTHER THING I ALSO PARTICIPATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS, THOSE THAT I COULD GO TO.
SO, AGAIN, ADVOCATING FOR THE COLLEGE AND MAKING SURE THAT OUR VOICES WERE HEARD TO WHAT OUR NEEDS ARE, WHICH I THINK IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.
AND TRUSTEE WALLACE DID AN EXCELLENT JOB OF MAKING SURE THAT HE REPRESENTED THE STUDENTS.
I THINK YOU DID AN EXCELLENT JOB FOR THAT.
>> ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU, TRUSTEE PACHECO.
I'LL DO MINE AND THEN I'LL HEAD OVER TO DR. FIERRO.
I REALLY DO APPRECIATE THE CONCERNS THAT WERE EXPRESSED BY SO MANY FACULTY STAFF HERE AND OUTSIDE INDIVIDUALS IN REGARD TO THE COVID ISSUE.
THERE'S SO MANY COMPLEXITIES THAT WE ALL BATTLE WITH ON THAT AND MAKING SURE THAT ALL THE VOICES ON THE TABLE IS A CRITICAL PART OF DEALING WITH THIS RIGHT NOW.
ON A SEPARATE NOTE, I HAD THE HONOR OF BEING ABLE TO SHARE IN CONGRATULATIONS THE END OF BELLFLOWER'S JUAN GARZA.
IT'S A ROTATING MAYORSHIP BUT CONCLUDES THE FIRST TIME WE'VE THAN A LATINO MAYOR IN THE CITY THAT IS A MAJORITY LATINO.
THAT'S AN IMPORTANT STEP THAT I THINK IS CRITICAL WHEN YOU LOOK AT A LOT OF OUR COLLEGE STUDENTS FROM BELLFLOWER AND THE SURROUNDING AREA BEING ABLE TO HAVE STRONG ROLE MODELS THAT ARE AS EFFECTIVE AS HE HAS BEEN IN TERMS OF VERY TANGIBLE IMPACTS ON THE CITY.
WE OPENED UP A BUILD AND OPENED UP A NEW HOMELESS SHELTER.
WE BUILT A VETERANS PARK AND A NUMBER OF OTHER ITEMS. SO TO THE VETERANS AND OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS THAT ARE IN OUR STUDENT BODY, HOPEFULLY THAT IS NOT ONLY A SENSE OF ENCOURAGEMENT BUT ALSO AN INDIVIDUAL THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW IS VERY WELCOME TO YOU IF YOU WERE TO REACH OUT AND SET UP A CUP OF COFFEE WITH SOMEBODY LIKE THAT.
NOW HE HAS SO MUCH MORE TIME NOW THAT HE'S NOT MAYOR.
AND THEN ALSO I WANTED TO ALSO EXTEND THE CONCERNS REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH DURING THIS TIME.
MAKE SURE THAT YOU USE THE RESOURCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU, WHETHER THEY'RE THROUGH THE COLLEGE OR ELSEWHERE, TO DEAL WITH A LOT OF THE DIFFICULTIES THAT ARE KIND OF PILING UP FOR A LOT OF US.
SO I APPRECIATE ALL THE PEOPLE THAT ARE WORKING WITH OUR FACULTY AND STAFF AND STUDENTS DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME AND ENCOURAGE ALL OF YOU TO USE THE RESOURCES THAT YOU HAVE.
AND WITH THAT, I'LL HAND IT OVER TO DR. FIERRO.
[01:15:04]
WE ARE CONTINUING TO OBVIOUSLY MONITOR THE NUMBERS AND THE SITUATION NOT ONLY IN THE COUNTY BUT AROUND THE STATE AS IT RELATES.
YOU PROBABLY HAVE SEEN THAT THE NUMBER OF CASES AT THE VERY LEAST IN THE L.A.
COUNTY HAS DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY BASED ON THE NUMBERS THAT WE HAD IN LATE DECEMBER AND EARLY JANUARY.
BUT THEY ARE STILL ABOUT TWICE AS MUCH AS THEY WERE BEFORE WE ENTERED THE HOLIDAYS.
SO IT'S NOT NECESSARILY THAT WE ARE OUT OF THE WOODS JUST YET.
IT'S JUST THE SITUATION IS GETTING BETTER.
JUST TODAY FOR THE FIRST TIME, WE ACHIEVED A MILESTONE IN THE COUNTRY.
WE HAVE VACCINATED A LITTLE UNDER 27 MILLION PEOPLE AND A LITTLE OVER 26 MILLION PEOPLE TESTED -- HAVE BEEN -- ARE NOW POSITIVE OF COVID.
SO ACTUALLY, THE NUMBER OF VACCINATIONS NOW ARE EXCEEDING THE NUMBER OF POSITIVE CASES, WHICH OBVIOUSLY IT IS GOOD NEWS.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE TO FOLLOW GUIDELINES AND PROTOCOL FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
WE ARE FORTUNATE TO SOME EXTENT TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO PERFORM OUR DUTIES, MOSTLY REMOTELY, BUT WE SHOULD DO TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES.
I RECEIVED TODAY AN EMAIL THAT YOU PROBABLY SAW GOING ON TO CAMPUS, A RELATIVE OF ONE OF OUR EMPLOYEES PASSED OF COVID-19.
AND WHEN I EXPRESSED MY CONDOLENCES AND I ASKED IF THERE WAS SOMETHING WE COULD DO, THEY ANSWERED IT IS WHAT IT HAS BEEN THE SAME AS ALL OF US.
THEY HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS ON A PERSONAL LEVEL.
I WISH EVERYONE WILL DO THEIR PART.
AND I THINK THAT IS THE MESSAGE THAT WE SHOULD TRANSMIT.
AND NOT THE FIRST TIME I HEAR IT.
I HAD HAD THE MISFORTUNE TO SAY THAT MYSELF.
I WISH EVERYONE DID THEIR PART.
AND I THINK WE SHOULD DO OUR PART AS WE MOVE FORWARD AND CONTINUE TO NAVIGATE THESE DIFFICULT TIMES.
WE ARE PREPARING, AS YOU KNOW, FOR THE FALL SEMESTER.
AND WE ARE DOING THE BACKGROUND WORK AS WE ARE -- AS WE WERE TO WORK ONLINE BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY WE HAVE TO TURN THE SCHEDULE AROUND.
HOWEVER, AS WE GET CLOSER, DEPENDING ON HOW THE NUMBERS CONTINUE TO LOOK AND HOW THE NUMBERS AND VACCINATIONS PROGRESS, WE COULD MAKE ACCOMMODATIONS.
IT HAS BEEN MENTIONED MULTIPLE TIMES, NOT JUST BY ME BUT BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, IS THAT WE ARE TAKING A CAUTION, A CAUTIOU APPROACH TO COMING BACK TO CAMPUS.
AT NO POINT WE ARE FORCING OR WILL FORCE PEOPLE TO BE HERE IF WE DO NOT THINK THIS IS SAFE.
THIS HAS BEEN THE WAY IN WHICH WE HAVE MADE DECISIONS FROM THE BEGINNING.
AND WE HOPE TO CONTINUE TO DO THAT.
SO TO THAT END, I HAVE TO GIVE CREDIT TO TRUSTEE PEREZ FOR GIVING US THIS IDEA.
AND WE'RE GOING TO START BRINGING AN OUTSTANDING ITEM IN OUR AGENDA TO TALK ABOUT EVERY MEETING WHERE WE ARE ON NUMBERS, VACCINATIONS, POTENTIAL ACCESS TO VACCINES FOR OUR EMPLOYEES, AND A POTENTIAL WAY TO REOPEN.
BUT AGAIN, WE ARE HOPING TO CONTINUE TO LOOK AT THE INFORMATION AND MAKE THOSE DECISIONS OF WHETHER OR NOT WE SHOULD BE ON CAMPUS AND HOW WE ARE GOING TO BE ON CAMPUS, BASED ON ACTUAL DATA.
IT CANNOT BE ON, YOU KNOW, A HUNCH.
IT CANNOT BE BASED ON WHAT OTHERS ARE DOING, BECAUSE AS YOU KNOW, WHEN WE LOOK AT OUR COMMUNITY, THE COMMUNITY AROUND US HAVE HAD SOME OF THE HIGHEST INCIDENTS OF COVID-19S.
IN FACT, AT SOME POINT, THE COMMUNITIES AROUND US HAVE THE HIGHEST INCIDENT IN
[01:20:01]
L.A.SO I THINK WE NEED TO THINK LOCAL AND MAKE LOCAL DECISIONS BASED ON WHAT WE KNOW.
WE CONTINUE TO WORK IN THE VACCINATION SITE FOR CERRITOS COLLEGE TO SECURE VACCINES FOR OUR EMPLOYEES.
AS OF LAST FRIDAY, IT SEEMS THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO BEGIN MAKING APPOINTMENTS AT SOME POINT IN MID-FEBRUARY.
AGAIN, THESE THINGS ARE RELATIVELY FLUID, BUT IT SEEMS THAT EDUCATORS ACROSS THE STATE ON THOSE COUNTIES THAT HAVE NOT OPEN, VACCINATIONS FOR EDUCATORS WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS AT SOME POINT IN MID-FEBRUARY.
AGAIN, THE HANGUP RIGHT NOW IS AVAILABILITY OF VACCINE.
WHEN WE WERE ON THE MEETING, I RECEIVE A LETTER FROM THE COUNTY HEALTH OFFICIALS ASKING EVERYONE THAT HAS VACCINES TO ROLL THE VACCINES OUT AND COUNT THEM ONE BY ONE AND GIVE THEM OUT AS FAST AS THEY CAN WITHOUT MEASURING FOR A SECOND DOSE.
IT SEEMS THEY ARE GOING TO BEGIN GETTING NEW SHIPMENTS OF VACCINATIONS THAT COULD POTENTIALLY OPEN APPOINTMENT SITES IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE.
SO THEY ARE TRYING TO MOVE THE VACCINE AS FAST AS POSSIBLE.
ON THE COMMUNITY END, WE'VE RECEIVED COMMUNICATION THAT BLUE SHIELD IS NOW GOING TO BECOME THE PROVIDER OF COVID VACCINES AT THE STATE LEVEL.
AND THIS IS PER THE DIRECTOR OF THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH.
SO THEY ARE GOING TO TAKE THE DISTRIBUTION TO THE LOCAL LEVEL.
WHAT THAT BASICALLY MEANS IS THEY ARE GOING TO USE LOCAL CLINICS, COMMUNITY HOSPITALS, DRUGSTORES, AND SO ON, TO BE ABLE TO DELIVER VACCINES IN SMALLER NUMBERS BUT IN MORE LOCATIONS TO TRY TO REACH A LARGER PORTION OF THE POPULATION.
THIS IS ACTUALLY GOOD NEWS FOR COMMUNITIES LIKE THE COMMUNITIES AROUND OUR INSTITUTION, THAT OFTENTIMES DO NOT GET ACCESS TO THE LARGE VACCINATION SITES BECAUSE YOU CANNOT DRIVE, BECAUSE YOU CANNOT BE AWAY FROM HOME FOR TOO LONG OR SO ON.
SO BRINGING IT TO COMMUNITY CLINICS, COMMUNITY HOSPITALS, AND DRUGSTORES ACTUALLY IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION TO BE ABLE TO REACH MORE AND MORE OF OUR POPULATION.
THE BAD NEWS FOR US IS THAT UNTIL THAT PARTNERSHIP IS COMPLETED, IT'S UNLIKELY THAT WE WILL BE DEPLOYED AS A COMMUNITY CENTER BECAUSE THEY'RE FOCUSING RIGHT NOW ON THE TRANSITION AND IN CONTINUING TO MAINTAIN THE SUPPLY LINES FOR THE MEGA POTS.
OTHER THAN THAT, AGAIN, THANK YOU, EVERYONE, FOR CONTINUING TO WORK WITH THIS.
PLEASE DO NOT LOWER YOUR GUARD.
IT LOOKS LIKE THE END -- THE LIGHT IS AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL, BUT WE CANNOT LET THAT SIDE TRACK US FOR CONTINUING TO TAKE ALL PRECAUTIONS.
>> THANK YOU, DR. FIERRO, FOR THAT UPDATE.
WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO NOW, AS WE GO AHEAD INTO OUR CLOSED SESSION, BUT JUST
[7. Closed Session]
BECAUSE WE'RE PROBABLY AT A CRITICAL MASS OF FOLKS DIALED IN, I WOULD LIKE TO CLOSE TONIGHT'S OPEN SESSION IN HONOR OF THE THREE INDIVIDUALS REQUESTED.SO TONIGHT WE'RE PROPOSING THIS FEBRUARY 3RD, 2021 OPEN SESSION BOARD MEETING IN HONOR OF [INDISCERNIBLE] ESTRADA, THE LOCKER AND EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST, ALFREDO FLORES, THE PART-TIME INSTRUCTOR IN MATHEMATICS, AND MARTIN ANGEL FALCON, THE FATHER OF DENNIS FALCON.
AND WITH THAT, WE'LL MOVE TO CLOSED SESSION.
LET'S DO 8:30 AS OUR TIME TO RECONVENE.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.