Tony Garcia, Phil Greer, and John Williams

aka "Brown Boy," "Orlando Boy," "Chucklehead"

     I just came across a blog post concerning John Williams that appeared on Art Pedroza’s blog (OC Politics Blog) nearly a week ago: Why are college faculty funding John Williams’ latest campaign? (Oct. 25)
     Pedroza briefly reviews Williams’ misadventures during his last year or two at the County. Then he writes:

     Now Williams is running for Area 7 of the South Orange County Community College District’s Board of Trustees. Thank God that he is opposed! But here is the kicker. Guess who is funding his campaign? The faculty union and South Orange County Taxpayers for Quality Education, which I believe is made up of Saddleback faculty members. Click here to see proof of this.

     Upon clicking there, one arrives at a pdf file comprising six campaign filings concerning Williams’ trustee campaign. You should check 'em out.
     Upon perusing these documents, we learn that Williams' own home houses “Friends of John Williams.” No surprise there.
     Williams' largest benefactor is “South OC Taxpayers for Quality Education.” Their address is 27121 Pacific Hts. Drive, Mission Viejo, ca 92692. (See notes at end.)
     I Googled that address and found that it is the headquarters of “Write Away Corp,” which is owned by one Anthony Garcia.
     That’s right. That’s Tony “Slime” Garcia, Saddleback College instructor and member of the notoriously secretive and unprincipled “Old Guard” Faculty Association crew of the mid-to-late nineties (c. 1994-2000).

Tony "Loogie" Garcia

     (I did a bit more looking and found that Garcia once owned the name “Empower Writer”—anyone who has ever read Garcia’s absurd scribblings will now snort—but he evidently lost ownership. See.)
     Another benefactor? “SOCCCDFA”—aka the faculty union—is listed as having given Williams $5,776 (on August 9). That chunk of change, of course, was the amount required by the OC Registrar of Voters when Williams filed.
     Of course, we already knew the union paid for that. (Nice work guys. It's because of you that Meldau bailed.)
     Evidently, Pedroza has not kept up with subsequent events: faced with growing outrage among members about the union's support of Williams, the FA subsequently backed away from endorsing the fellow. The Area 7 race proceeds sans FA endorsement of anyone.
     Among Williams’ campaign expenses is $1,000 paid to “The Law Offices of Phillip B. Greer.” Greer is a well-known, ethically-challenged attorney who has defended corrupt local Republicans, e.g., Chriss Street. Greer and the late Tom Fuentes seemed to be tight.
     He also represented Chancellor Raghu P. Mathur when the latter negotiated his exit from our district. Greer was paid $25,000 for that curious service. (I complained loudly about that at the time, but nobody seemed to care.)

Thomas L. Phillips

     And, of course, Greer was Williams’ attorney during Orlando Boy's struggles with the OC Board of Supervisors. (Greer has also represented 4 of the 5 Supervisors, natch.)
     Greer’s wife—Arlene C. Greer—is running against Bill Jay in Trustee Area 3. (See.)
     Oddly, Williams' campaign also gave $250 to the National Conservative Campaign Fund (for "literature"). The chairman of NCCF is Fuentes' old pal Thomas L. Phillips of Corona Del Mar. (Fuentes is still listed as one of NCCF's Directors.) The NCCF's National Advisory Board includes the likes of Ann Coulter and G. Gordon Liddy.
     So you'll be glad to know that the politics of the SOCCCD maintain their "funhouse" (or "madhouse") character.

     An article in the 4/2/98 Lariat reports that, according to Saddleback student Antonio Aguilar (the student who, months ago, challenged an explicit Holocaust denier during a board meeting), he was ‘spit at’ by English instructor Tony Garcia on March 30. Evidently, Garcia responded to the charge by saying that “I cleared my throat as [Aguilar] went by.”
     The article ends with a masterpiece of understatement:
     Richard McCullough, Saddleback College Interim President, said he would not condone this type of behavior from faculty if it did, indeed, occur.
     “That’s not what they should be doing,” he said.

—From Dissent 5, 4/14/98

SEE ALSO

• The board’s secret allies (OC Reg; Oct. 31, 1998)
• Adventures in Advertising: The real purpose behind gay-baiting at Saddleback College (OC Weekly; Nov. 15, 1996)
       The anti-gay mailer was paid for by Taxpayers for Responsible Education, a political-action committee (PAC) established by the Saddleback Community College District Faculty Association. The "taxpayers" are mostly Saddleback Community College faculty eager to elect a board that will cut a better deal with teachers when their contract comes up for renegotiation this year.
• South O.C. Seats Have 10 Trading Hostilities (LA Times; Oct. 31, 2000)
       [Robert] Kopfstein, a professor at Saddleback, has since become treasurer of the South Orange County Taxpayers for Quality Education, and is backing incumbent trustees Fortune, Fuentes and Williams. On invitations for a Sept. 29 fund-raiser, Kopfstein added a handwritten note to 20 vendors who had done business with the district. "We hope that you can help support the campaigns of these incumbent trustees who, in the past, have shown support for your business," he wrote.
• The infamous "SAME-SEX" flier & how we got to this sorry state (DtB)
• Additional Endorsements for Don Davis (SmartVoter; Nov. 2000) - South Orange County Taxpayers For Quality Education

Highlights of Tere's highlights

     Owing to a nasty cold, I was unable to attend last night’s meeting of the SOCCCD board of trustees.
     Nevertheless, as always, the indefatigable Tere Fluegeman, Director, Public Affairs and Government Relations, has provided highlights of the board meeting (last night). Check 'em out! (Streaming video of the meeting is available here.)
     Here are some highlights of her highlights:

PRESENTATIONS:
ACCOUNTABILITY REPORTING

     SC President Tod Burnett and IVC President Glenn Roquemore provided an overview of the colleges' recent Accountability Reporting for the Community Colleges (ARCC) Report, a requirement stemming from legislation (AB 1417) in 2004 to provide accountability data….
     Saddleback College Director of Research, Planning and Accreditation Caroline Durdella illustrated how SC [Saddleback College] outperforms the state on 5 of 7 indicators. Completion rates for CTE [i.e., Career Technical Education] are on par with state performance. Her overall assessment is that SC contributes to state performance but there is still room for improvement. SC will examine their strategic planning process for improvements to meet completion agenda initiatives.
     Irvine Valley College Director of Research, Planning and Accreditation Craig Hayward said IVC is a high performing college with 5 of 7 indicators ranking above peer groups, 5 of 7 showing improvement, and overall, above state average. Completion rates exceeded state performance. He said the ARCC [i.e., Accountability Reporting for the Community Colleges] reports provide an opportunity to examine progress and performance and make improvements. Both colleges stated that the student success task force outcomes will bring more focus to these metrics, especially in basic skills and ESL areas.

COLLEGE COMPLETION AGENDA - STUDENT SUCCESS TASKFORCE RECOMMENDATION #2: STRENGTHEN SUPPORT FOR ENTERING STUDENTS

     Both colleges provided an overview of Student Success Task Force Recommendation #2 – “Strengthen Support for Entering Students” and highlighted the colleges’ efforts in meeting these requirements. ... The first phase of the student success task force recommendation will increase access and success through effective core services such orientation, counseling, matriculation and assessment. Future phases include use of technology to guide students through planning their educational progress. IVC has successfully implemented these measures using small cohorts, now it’s time to expand these successful models to the larger student population, presenters noted….
     SC counselor Mike Engels provided an overview of past outreach efforts, mostly focused on parents, students and professional development and how that is changing by improving the high school to college pathway to success. He highlighted a recent pilot project to improve articulation between local area high schools and SC. The pilot projected involved offering Applied Psychology 140 at two high schools, resulting in an overall 98% pass rate and 68% persistence rate. This was accomplished through outreach efforts including early application, early assessment, and early intervention for low placement scores. … Added outcomes of the pilot program include permanent, focused efforts to align high school and community college curriculum, improved communication, and student to student mentorship. Using this model, students are much more prepared when they arrive on campus. Academic Senate President Bob Cosgrove added that SC is expanding this program to include all local area high schools. He stressed the need to use seasoned instructors for these efforts.…

THE BOARD APPROVED
     All consent calendar items and academic and classified personnel actions….
     Acceptance of a $120,000 Career Technical Education Teacher Preparation Pipeline grant renewal from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO)….
     Two Saddleback College transfer degrees: Associate in Arts in Mathematics for Transfer; and Associate in Arts in Geography for Transfer….
     (Etc.)

REPORTS
. . .
     President Roquemore on attaining a military friendly status for IVC. He called attention to both Veterans ceremonies on Nov. 8. Trustee Lang attended homecoming and joined Trustees Milchiker and Padberg for a meeting of the audit committee. He was happy that the district again received a clean audit, and commended business services for the fine work they do on behalf of our district. He called attention to the upcoming election, and encouraged everyone to learn about the issues and VOTE....
     Chancellor Gary Poertner invited everyone to attend college-wide forums at both colleges on Nov. 7. The forums will include a brief update from the Chancellor and Board followed by open discussion and Q&A. On Nov. 9, the colleges will have accreditation visits to discuss their follow up reports. He expects the visits to go well, following widespread progress made on recommendations….
. . .
     Human Resources - Vice Chancellor David Bugay’s report included: 37 classified employees will take part in the Supplemental Early Retirement Program for classified staff. These individuals will retire on or around December 31, 2012 and collectively represent hundreds of years of service to Saddleback College, Irvine Valley College or District Services and leave with their valued expertise and knowledge. We are working closely with our classified union for the replacement of these employees.

District Areas One, Three, and Seven prepare for trustee elections (Lariat)

Mr. Cockroach: outside our office today at IVC.
(Pic [& sign] by Rebel Girl.)

Williams: I’m the only Republican, so vote for me

     Earlier today, a friend forwarded a letter sent out yesterday by trustee candidate (Area 7) John Williams. It is entitled “The Only True Republican Candidate and RINO ALERT!”
     Typical Williams. He runs for a nonpartisan office by declaring his membership in the GOP.
     “RINO,” of course, abbreviates “Republican in name only.”
     Williams even shouts (in caps) “FORWARD TO ALL OF YOUR REPUBLICAN FRIENDS!”

     In his letter, Williams explains that “I retired completely from public service last January and now have the time and good health necessary to serve as your trustee again.”
     “Retired.” Sure.
     He declares his pride in having registered Republican for over 40 years. He reminds readers of his bid to become Area 7 trustee.
     Then he gets to the point:

     The race for this board seat has four candidates and I'm clearly the only Republican. … Mr. Jemal has very impressive Democratic Party credentials and you can see his extensive Democratic Party photo gallery online at his business website…. I've been advised that Mr. Jemal was a supporter of OC Democrats for Obama 2008 and is very active in OC Democrats for Obama 2012. I'm told he has been characterized as a "very good Democrat" and appears to be loyal to his party as he should be….

     I do believe that Williams is mistaken. Mr. Jemal has long been a “decline to state” independent.
     (Observe that Williams, as usual, is a dolt. If Jemal is a RINO, then, ipso facto, he's a Republican. But Williams clearly implies that Jemal is a Democrat. So which is it, Orlando Boy?)
     Oddly, Williams next lists some of Jemal’s endorsements, including Todd Spitzer, Don Wagner, Nancy Padberg, Frank Ury, and three Democrats. Spitzer, of course, has been accused of moderation most foul by local Neanderthals, but nobody would call the other three anything but conservative Republicans.
     Says Williams: “I believe Orange County Republicans, especially our elected Republican Party Central Committee Members, should support fellow Republicans running for office.”
     So he's a man of principle! Yeah, like the principle that you lay off the partisanship in campaigns for nonpartisan offices.
     He asks his readers to visit his website:

     You can read about recent legislation signed into law by Governor Brown and sponsored by the County of Orange that prevents individuals (in my case, a former disgruntled Irvine Valley College professor) selected to serve on grand juries from abusing their position by engaging in personal vendettas and attacking former employers as was my case with the 2008-2009 OC Grand Jury and their completely inaccurate reports.

     Don’t know what that’s about. Just who is this “former disgruntled IVC professor”? (I guess he's no longer disgruntled.) Evidently, he/she served on the 2008-2009 OC Grand Jury. I've been unable to locate a list of Grand Jury members. (UPDATE: for members, see here. Longtime IVC Emeritus instructor Cathey Bertot [or someone who shares her name] was a member. But IVC and Emeritus are pretty far removed from each other. A "Marilyn Reardon" was a colleague and defender of Steve Frogue, c. 1995--but that's at least two degrees of separation.)
     Anybody know who the Disgruntled One is supposed to be?
     Based on Williams’ record, one does best, I think, taking this accusation—of personal vendettas and conflicts of interest—with a grain of salt.

P.S.: Williams appears not to have a single endorsement. None appears on his website.

Rescued kitten

     My folks encountered this kitten, somehow lost in the mountains. They fed it for a couple of weeks. Then my mom used some Rube Goldbergian techniques to catch the little brat. Now, it lives in the back room. The brat's comin' around fast. Already, she tolerates our petting her, brushing her. She'll be playin' with us soon. She might end up at my place. UPDATE 10/29: we have determined that the kitten is male, and I have named him "Bugsy." He seems to become happier and livelier with each day that passes. I'll take him to the vet for a checkup pretty soon.

A video that appears on a Tim Jemal website:

DA Office coverup?

     Remember the Lapes “kickback scheme” scandal that involved various South County high school coaches and, as I recall, one Saddleback College employee (who, as I recall, was quietly reprimanded, or some such thing)?
     Well, the Lapes business is back in the news:

Public Defender: DA Investigator Involved in Kickback Scheme (Voice of OC)

     A court filing by the Orange County Public Defender's Office claims that the District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges in an alleged kickback scheme involving high school coaches and a sports equipment supplier apparently because one of its top investigators was involved in similar “criminal activity” with the same company.
     The allegation follows the DA's Office decision to not file charges against three Capistrano Unified School District coaches allegedly involved in a kickback scheme with Laguna Hills-based Lapes Athletic Team Sales. An earlier investigation by Capistrano Unified found that the coaches accepted bribes from Lapes Athletic Team Sales and stole more than $80,000 from the district.
     “The District Attorney’s Office has failed to pursue the matter despite sufficient evidence, giving rise to the appearance of protecting its own,” Deputy Public Defender Adam Vining claimed in a motion filed last month....

     Naturally, “The DA's Office says Vining's assertions are baseless.” But the DA’s Office has little credibility.

     As PBS SoCal and Voice of OC first reported last year, Bill Lapes, the founder of Lapes Athletic, is accused of orchestrating an elaborate slush fund and bribery scheme involving dozens of high school coaches across Southern California. Lapes allegedly siphoned off a portion of purchases into secret “slush” accounts from which he would write checks to coaches.
     All told, Capistrano Unified found that its coaches violated nine state and federal laws, including embezzlement, defrauding the district, and circumventing open bidding requirements.
     Despite the school district's findings, DA's Office declined to prosecute the case....

     Let's see where this goes.

Discussion items for Oct. 29 board meeting

Discussion items for Monday

This appears under "reports"

Prop 32 is yet another iteration of an old union-busting gambit, this time prancing furtively as a Trojan Horse. We've seen it here in OC before. It'll be interesting to see if our trustees, nearly all of whom are Republicans, have anything to say about it.

Tom would have been all over it.

Signs of the Times

     Be sure to check out Matt Coker’s excellent

OC Weekly 2012 Election Guide: South Orange County Community College District (Navel Gazing)

     —A nice review of the John "Pension Boy" Williams saga—plus an overview of the SOCCCD trustees race.

Cynicism and skepticism unbound

     I've been thinking lately about IVC President Glenn Roquemore's world. From my perspective, it seems very odd.

David Gatewood

     For instance: just what goes on in the curious world of foundations and "partnerships"? No doubt some of my colleagues are familiar with all these odd doings with career assistance firms, corporate sponsors, awards ceremonies, and the like. Not me.
     And so when I received an email today from President Roquemore, inviting me to attend Vital Link’s “23rd Anniversary Celebration Mixer” (Nov. 8), I could only say: “What’s all this about?”
     My office mate shrugged.

     First of all, just what is this “Vital Link”? In fact, according to Roquemore's email, if one were interested in attending the mixer—an event that will honor three individuals, including Dean of Fine Arts & Business Sciences, David Gatewood—one would be obliged to RSVP, not the college, but, well, “Ruth” at Vital Link!
     Rocky, as is his custom, shed no light whatsoever on the nature of this Vital Link. We are left only with our imaginations. Classic Irvine Vallitude.

     A "CAREER EXPLORATION EXPERIENCES" FIRM? It appears that Vital Link, which is located in lovely Costa Mesa, “provides hands-on, career exploration experiences for high school students, helping them carve out their own unique career path.” If you’re a kid who’s unsure of your future, you can attend Vital Link programs, and they will allow you to “sort through your interests, get excited, and literally try on a career for a day.”
     I like the "get excited" part. I wonder who came up with VL's "hey, kid, wanna play pretend?" idea? Frankly, it sounds like something Lucy Ricardo might hatch. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I love Lucy.
     On the Vital Link website, we’re told that

   Vital Link is the central point of contact between businesses and schools. Since 1989, the organization has developed successful career exploration programs in Southern California. By working with Vital Link, your organization can increase its impact and effectiveness in your education and outreach efforts.

Ms. Coil

     VITAL LINK HONOREES. Well, this year, VL has decided to honor our own David Gatewood with the title of “Mr. Innovation.” How come? Don't know. Rocky didn't 'splain.
     The “Vital Link Ambassador” title goes to one Ann Coil of Coil & Associates, a career coaching firm whose motto is the chirpy “Go to work happy.” Coil is on the VL Board.
     Mr. Lindburgh McPherson, the third human honoree, will receive the coveted “Above and beyond” title. Evidently, he is associated with (and lives at) “Wilcox Manor”—a Tustin Old Town mansion that is made available “to a considerable number of non-profits and others….” (Since that building is in a residential area, such usage has pissed off the neighbors bigtime. Why does McPherson get away with that? Dunno.)
     Near as I can tell, Mr. McPherson is also the Business Development Manager of Medic-1 Ambulance of Irwindale.
     OK, he works for an ambulance company and lives in a mansion that hosts non-profit events. Why not?

Mr. Lindburgh
McPherson

     McPherson is also a member of the board of the Tustin Community Foundation. That board “is responsible for grant allocations made from Foundation funds and provides overall direction and policy for the Foundation.”
     McPherson is also on the “Community Development Block Grant” Committee, whatever that is. I think that means that he helps to secure state money for grantular things.
     And that’s not all. McPherson is also on the board of the aforementioned Vital Link. So that's the second Vital Linkster who's being honored—by Vital Link.
     What does it all mean? Dunno.

     Recipient of the “Supporting a vision” title is the Orange County Fair Events Center, which runs(?) the OC Fair, I guess. Or maybe it just runs the center.

     Finally, recipient of the “Making a connection” title is none other than Cisco Systems, Inc. You remember them. They’re a highly successful maker of “specialized computers that route information through a network—acting as a sort of data traffic cop” (see).

     THE MYSTERIOUS POWERS OF SPORTS MEMORABILIA. Well, our tour through this particular quasi-collegiate funhouse isn't over yet. The mixer will be held at something called the Newport Sports Museum, a facility (near Fashion Island) housing a collection of sports memorabilia. The Museum’s mission is “to motivate at-risk youth to stay in school, off drugs and away from gangs through the use of its historic collection of sports memorabilia and well-known athlete volunteers.”
     Among the organization’s “driving principles” [?] is that

a panel of athlete volunteers would demonstrate to at-risk youth the important role that sports had on their lives, including their educational achievements and experiences with drugs, alcohol and gangs.”

     I’ve got a question. How do you “use” a collection of sports memorabilia to motivate kids to stay at school and away from drugs and gangs? I guess the youngsters are supposed to hang around the Museum, ogling the old sweat shirts and photos. That would do it, I guess.
     Sports heroes aren't what they used to be, it seems. (Well, obviously, sports hero-worship was always a dodgy business.) I wouldn't want my kid to hang around those guys, that's for sure. They're liable to hand you a Bible and get you deep into some bad car wash investment.

Wilcox Manor in Tustin

     FIVE-STEP PROCESS. Let’s get back to that Vita-Meata-Vega-Min—er, Vital Link—organization. At their website, we’re told of the “Vital Link five-step process.”
     What’s that? —Ready? Here it is:

[Young people] Imagine, Explore, Discover, Experience and Connect to their future” and, thereby, they can “achieve their Dream Career.”

     No doubt (ahem) the process is grounded in the latest psychological research. I mean, it's not as though people are just makin' this stuff up!
     Evidently, Glenn has taken the Vita-Meata process to heart, for his invitation/communication ends with the words

“Please forward this e-mail to a friend and help us support Students as they Explore, Discover, Connect to their future Career.” [Capitalization in the original.]

     That's our Glenn. He's so into science.

Vita-Meata-Vega-Min

South County Community College Candidate Tim Jemal Takes on John Williams (Liberal OC)

…What can we say about John Williams that hasn’t already been said? He personifies the worst kind of corrupt, crony, hypocritical politician that our county government management is loaded with. Putting Williams back in public office would be huge mistake and do serious damage to Irvine Valley and Saddleback College. Williams is not worthy of public service. Tim [Jemal] is a stand-up guy who works to bridge gaps and find common ground, and he’ll use these skills to do what is in the best interests of our community colleges.

The Reg regurgitates Raghu revisionism

Raghu P. Mathur

     A friend reminded me today that, about two weeks ago, the Register's crack Editorial Board endorsed two of five candidates running for Laguna Hills City Council, including—you guessed it—Raghu Mathur. (See.)
     Here’s what the Reg had to say about Mathur:

As a former chancellor of the South Orange County Community College District, Mr. Mathur had an uneasy relationship with employee unions after tough negotiations over compensation and benefits. Nevertheless, he lists "civility" in city government as one of his priorities on the council, along with transparency, accountability and ethical behavior.

     Golly, is that what all the fuss was about?
     Nope. Not even close.

Anti-John Williams press conference tomorrow!

     [UPDATE: event postponed as of 10/24]    
     I just received this “media advisory”:

MEDIA ADVISORY

     Ex Supporters of Former Orange County Public Administrator/Public Guardian John Williams to Voice Strong Opposition to his Bid to Return to Public Office

     Key Orange County Leaders Unite in Support of Tim Jemal for South Orange County Community College Trustee

WHAT: On Wednesday, ex-supporters for former Orange County Public Administrator/Public Guardian John Williams will voice strong opposition to his bid to return as a Trustee for the South Orange County Community College District. Several elected and public officials will warn that Mr. Williams has breached the public trust and should not be serving in public office. The elected and public officials will voice strong support for Tim Jemal to serve as the next Trustee for the South Orange County Community College District.

WHO: Todd Spitzer, Orange County Supervisor-elect

Don Wagner, State Assemblyman & former Board President, South Orange County Community College District [Republican]

Frank Ury, Mayor of Mission Viejo [Republican]

Gila Jones, Commissioner, City of San Juan Capistrano [Democrat]

Tim Jemal, Trustee Candidate, South Orange County Community College District [Democrat?DTS/Independent]

WHERE: In front of South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees Room
Health Sciences Building - 28000 Marguerite Parkway Mission Viejo, CA 92692

WHEN: Wednesday, October 24, Noon-12:30pm

2000: Williams questions WASC (accreditors)

A real Oldie but Goody

IVC accred report makes it to Novato on time! News at eleven!

"Gala" nets $16K

     Last Friday, denizens of Irvine Valley College received a gushing email from President Roquemore, who offered the astounding news that the recent “Veterans Angels Gala” netted an astounding $16,588 for the IVC Foundation.
     Sixteen and a half thousand? Gosh, that’s nearly enough money to buy, say, a new Dodge Dart!*
     Wait! Am I missing something? Isn’t that a puny amount of money for such a grand affair (as one of our readers suggests)?
     Naturally, Roquemore offered congratulations to those who made the event possible. I don’t doubt that these people are deserving of praise for their efforts. But surely the event’s outcome, whatever the reason, is nothing to write home (or the college) about.

2013 Dodge Dart

     Today, Rocky emailed us again, with a similar degree of celebratory enthusiasm, announcing that “the Irvine Valley College Accreditation 2012 Follow-up Report was delivered to the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) on schedule, as planned.”
     What? Our report made it all the way to Northern California, and ON TIME? How is such a thing even possible? Gadzooks! Alert the authorities!
     I fully expect to receive another Roquemoreian email, later this week, announcing the astounding factoid that most of the college’s sprinklers have been operating adequately all freaking day long.

Surely these folks' pocket change alone would have exceeded $16K

*Or 26 iPads

Death Watch: Can fundraising and foundations save California's community colleges?

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: In Thursday's installment of the ongoing Los Angeles Times front page series aptly titled "Fading Dreams," (described as "occasional articles about the challenges facing California's community colleges"), Saddleback's own Tod Burnett appears. The subject of this installment was fundraising.

excerpt:

...About 40% of community colleges in the state have only one full-time or part-time fundraiser, and most of the others have fewer than five, according to the Foundation for California Community Colleges. Those are tiny staffs compared to the development departments at most four-year colleges and universities. Now, however, some community colleges are adding personnel....

...Last year, Saddleback College in Mission Viejo received its largest gift — a $2.2-million unsolicited bequest from the estate of Dorothy Marie Lowry, who frequently took courses for older adults. The school is using that to expand its fundraising staff and to give scholarships to senior citizens. Saddleback expects to launch its first alumni campaign, reaching out to 112,000 former students.

Saddleback President Tod A. Burnett said his school and others should have taken such steps many years ago. "If community colleges had been doing what UC and Cal States were doing," he said, "we wouldn't be as bad off today as we are."

Click here to to read the Larry Gordon's article in its entirety, Hard-up colleges turn to donors.

The series itself makes excellent, if discouraging, reading, a sort of slo-mo death watch of higher education in California.

And now, back to grading.

*

Seen around town

Along the 5

The bad news: he'll likely win. The good news:
if he's busy in Laguna Hills he won't have time for us.
(Pic courtesy of Rebel Girl.)

As seen in my imagination

Post-forum wrap-up (Jemal y'all)

Jemal: only hope of a
non-Williamsian future?

     At this point, it seems clear that there are at least two—probably three—good candidates for that Area 7 trustee seat soon to be vacated by Mike Meldau. During today’s forum, both Tim Jemal and Jan Serrantino-Cox revealed themselves to be intelligent and articulate people with good values. Jemal is very polished, though less familiar with higher education issues. Serrantino-Cox is less polished, but seems closer to the faculty perspective.

Moderator

     Not sure about Mr. Mike Moodian. The answers he provided to the union’s questions were good. From what I've seen, it appears that he, too, is a good guy with good values. Admittedly, his recent “report” regarding trustees’ pensions was a bit of a stunt—that trustees get medical benefits is slightly sexy, but it is hardly a major issue—but you can’t really blame a candidate for trying to get noticed. I mean, it’s not as if he were making stuff up or revealing idiocy.

Did his learnin' in the Hawkeye State

     The latter, of course, is what Mr. Williams does. It’s what he did today at the forum. Reminded of his egregious late-90s Brown Act violations (Williams and his board appointed Raghu Mathur IVC Prez in a closed session and with the appointment item—unagendized!). Williams seemed to assert that all of those court rulings were overturned (!). Asked about the importance of clean and honest processes in hiring chancellors, Williams described his involvement in the Mathur chancellor hire as though it were a paradigm of openness and best practices. (After the forum, I spoke with a member of that search committee; he told me that he nearly asked Williams why the board hired Mathur when, in fact, he was ranked #22 by the committee!)
     In truth, Williams has been among the most egregious foes of “process,” transparency, and open government in district history.
     But I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that.
     Serrantino-Cox may be a very worthy candidate, but I don’t think she has a prayer in this race. Williams has name recognition (à la Robert Rizzo) and Jemal has bigtime endorsements (Todd Spitzer, William M. Habermehl, Carolyn Inmon, Loretta Sanchez, et al.). S-C has none of that.

Faculty perspective

     It’s hard to see how Moodian has much of a chance either. His biggest endorsement is probably Laguna Hills Councilmember Barbara Kogerman. (Who?)
     [10/19: today, reader GJ called to remind me that only Williams and Jemal's campaign statements will appear on voter materials sent out by the County Registrar. She also assures me that that's a $10 haircut on Jemal's head.]
     Today, Mr. Jemal acquitted himself well. But, as I noted in my conversation with him after the forum, there is a danger that he and Moodian will split the anti-Williams vote. He acknowledged that.
     And so I’m thinking that we need to get behind Mr. Jemal, a plainly good candidate who is probably the only one with a chance of beating that rat bastard John Williams.
     Is he the best candidate? Maybe yes, maybe no. But it does not matter. He is the only good candidate that has a chance of beating Orlando Boy.

Trustees Forum: live and direct!

     Well, here we are in the Ronald Reagan meeting room in beauteous Saddleback College, awaiting the start of the faculty union's trustees forum for Area 7 candidates: Tim Jemal, Jan Serrantino-Cox, John Williams, and Mike Moodian.
     Aha! Faculty Association Prez Paula Jacobs has started the shebang! Lee Haggerty is here to moderate. (Ken Woodward seems to be sitting in for Mr. Moodian, who, last I heard, had a conflict and won't be able to attend the forum. Ken will read M's written responses.).
     This event is not particularly well attended. There are perhaps 30 people in the audience--mostly, the usual suspects. The forum is not being recorded.
     Candidates will now introduce themselves:
     Each gives a minimalists self-introduction.
     Says Paula: all candidates were given the questions ahead of time. Ken will be reading Moodian's responses. (Moodian had a scheduling conflict.)
     There are five prepared questions. Each candidate will have five minutes to respond to each question (says Paula).
   
     Haggerty: "Welcome," etc.
     Order chosen at random.

Question 1: why run, etc.

     Janet S-C: there's been a lack of leadership, seeking community input, re decisions. I am a product of the CC system. Have taught in all levels of K-12. My focus is in education (ed degrees). Believes in putting students first. My experience will lead to innovation in the district. Good at problem-solving. Want to move the district to a new level.

     Mike Moodian: (Ken W reads): apologizes for being unable to attend. Had to go to conference, booked a month before heard about this forum.
     I'm a product of Saddleback College. Went on to secure BA and MA at CSUF. Now at Brandman U. Also on Catholic High School board. This is how I can give back to south OC. I know how to balance budgets and engage in strategic planning. Etc.

You were invited?

     John Williams: I served on this board for 18 years; vacated seat two years ago. Health reasons. "Retired" from public service last January. Better health now. Moved to CA 40 years ago. In Saddleback College's 2nd class. (Mentions activities as a coach.) Wife and kids attended SC too. Went to U of Iowa. MA at Pepperdine. I was invited to come back by some constituents. Heard that Meldau would not run again. I have utmost confidence in what the board is doing now. Great administrative team. "We don't own this seat." It's an honor to serve.

     Tim Jemal: I'm running because I love our community colleges. Students get a second chance. The crown jewel of our education system. Remarkable numbers. Need to provide the best education possible. One priority: training and retraining. Rep'd American Electronic Association. Have proven record of putting together public/private partnerships. (Gives examples.) (Jemal is sharply dressed; business suit. Expensive haircut. Articulate speaker.) We're destined to mediocrity unless we turn certain trends around. I'll bring energy. Bring to the next level.

     2nd question: personal experience with CCs.

     Mike Moodian: [Ken reads] graduated from CC years ago. Involved in European Union politics. Etc.

     John Williams: served as board president three times, etc. I made the motion to build this very building. (Gives details of that. He's obviously an idiot. Goes on and on about the story of getting this building built, as though that proved anything of any consequence.) Years ago, the board occupied library building. Was involved in putting in 3rd floor. No bonds: no new taxes. Against any new taxes. Back in 1993, I was selected to replace Iris Swanson. First thing I did was tell the Chancellor that we should have both students government leaders at meetings. Very proud. Gave students a seat at the table.

     Tim Jemal: I'm also a product of the CC system (in Michigan). I needed great teaching and I got it. I have two children who grew up in Mission Viejo. Talks about Emeritus Program--its importance to his father in law. Has monitored Sacramento talk of cutting this kind of program. I will fight for it. When I represented the American EA, I spoke with many leaders who told of importance of CCs. I've been involved in the Troops-to-Tech program. Our global leadership is under threat. Quality education is the key here.

     Jan Serrantino-Cox: I'm a product of the CCs. Went to Golden West College. Brothers in my family were supported, but not me. Wanted a nursing degree. Worked at Hoag Hospital. Supporting myself and going to college full-time was something I couldn't manage. Years later, I tried community college again. Struggled with algebra. Instructor changed my life through mentoring. Had confidence to go on with education up through doctorate. My children have also attended. (S-C is pleasant, speaks well. Seems to be familiar with issues from faculty perspective.)

     Question 3: what's your position on 30, 32, 38?

     John Williams: absolutely opposed to 30 and 38. If Gov and legislature were really concerned, they'd reenstate Prop 98. That ended in 1991. These props are taking money from education. Just put 98 back. Don't support 30 or 38. They're funding their favorite programs with 30 and 38. Fundamentally opposed to "raising taxes." Prop 32: I've got some problems with that. One group taking away another group's voice--don't like that. I think this will be declared unconstitutional if it passes.

     Tim Jemal: Prop 30: hate that Pub Ed is held hostage with this prop. The legislature has kicked the can down the road. There are going to be pressures from other community college districts (our abandoning basic aid?). Have not decided on 30. With regard to 32: again, haven't decided, but don't like the way it is written. Everyone is entitled to a voice in the political process. Silencing voices is wrong. Whoever wrote it, wrote it badly. Prop 38: can't support that. It focuses on K-12. Doesn't address higher ed. We need a holistic decision. One of my friends--actor James Olmos--will be disappointed that I'm opposed to it. (Jemal is not above a little name-dropping.)

     "Ann," says Haggerty.
     "Jan," responds Jan.

     Jan S-C: I am opposed to 38. Most definitely in favor of 30. I am distressed by the lack of funding in our state for education. I know that this basic aid district is not directly impacted. Impacts every child that goes to CCs. Impacts all of our colleges. Our public education system has gone from first to the bottom since the Jarvis property tax measure in the 70s.

     Mike Moodian: yes on 30, no on the other two.

Question 4: allocation of district and college resources in face of fiscal crisis

     Tim Jemal: yes, we're in crisis in the state. We do not get funding from the state for operational, except for categorical, as I understand it. (Reference to basic aid?) I understand that there is an allocation model that funds.... (He seemed to have a definite reform in mind re allocation of basic aid funds. Give money directly to colleges?) ...We have to be innovative with business partnerships. But must maintain our academic integrity. Refers to 50% law: I would favor exceeding that (spending more in classroom, less elsewhere).

     Jan S-C: understands the question differently. Always ask: how will it affect the students. We need to have our students engaged with the world of work. Partnerships, etc., will help students. Blah blah blah. (S-C seems to be a good candidate, as is Jemal.)

     Mike Moodian: will lead by example. Reject all health benefits for trustees. Need to make serious cuts to all non-essential travel. Will initiate fund raising plan that reaches out to alumni, etc. Can tap into alumni base.

     John Williams: the DRAC model is still working. It's a team effort: colleges funded on state apportionment model. Board set up this model, it works. All things in place now are fine. Colleges on same funding model (imposed by board) as nearby colleges. That's tough. Colleges appeal to board on case by case basis. Make their case, trustees decide. The district is sound; no danger of floundering. We've set things up just in case we lose basic aid. IF we lose basic aid, we'll be OK, though will have to tighten belts. If reelected, will continue what we're doing.

     Question 5: What is your position on shared governance, role of faculty?

     Jan S-C: shared governance works. It works when everyone understands the contribution employees make. Trustees need a positive relationship with faculty. Concerned about top-down approach, not consulting people who actually do the work. Yes, trustees need to set out guidelines, policies, but faculty perspective needs to be listened to. Without staff, the colleges would not operate. Need their input too. We need to listen to students. Shared governance means listening to all constituents, etc.

     Mike Moodian: faculty are the life's blood of every institution. Faculty will be valued, will fight efforts to limit faculty power.

     John Williams: on my first 18 years, we had two instances when we had problems with shared governance. 99.9% of time, groups agreed. Few instances when groups didn't agree. All in favor of open government, consulting collegialy. (I guess he forget about his egregious Brown Act violations.) We're policy makers. The Chancellor runs things. We're not the experts. We need to rely on the experts. (This is ridiculous. Williams will say anything, evidently.) Shared governance has been going on for 30 years now, has gone well. I would be a proponent of what we've done: shared governance.

     Tim Jemal: critical that we trustees have good relationship with faculty, et al. Faculty are the primary deciders about .... Need to have transparent processes. Don't want to foment distrust. Processes must be transparent to all stake-holders. I will be entirely accessible to all. I want to set a goal: be in the top 5 grad (transfer?) rates in the state. Given the quality of education, employers in the area, etc., no reason we can't be in the top 5. Recently, Leon Pinetta said biggest threat to country is failure to graduate enough .... Need to invest in education.

     Questions from the audience?

     A familiar faculty member asks: controversy about vouchers, charter schools. Have any opinions about that?

     Jemal: I don't think that vouchers are a good idea. Some charter schools have been successful. Case by case basis, some successful.

     Serrantino-Cox: never been in favor of vouchers. Public education can do the job.

     Williams: not that familiar about vouchers. I'm a product of public schools.

Another question: what steps will you take to represent the community, not just yourself

     S-C: I have no agenda beyond the district's colleges doing better, etc. Favors forums to get input from community, etc.

     Jemal: believe strongly in transparency. Will avail myself... even office hours. Want to gather input. Very active in business community, have been soliciting input there, also among residents, etc.

     There was a question regarding ATEP....

     At this point, my notes become sketchy in part owing to my participation in the Q & A.

     I eventually asked Williams some questions: how he squares his expressed fidelity to "open government" and to "shared governance" with his history as a violator of the Brown Act and, for instance, his actions, along with other trustees, of violating faculty rights with regard to a unilateral change in the hiring policy, contrary to state statute, etc.
     Williams seemed to claim that the district won the Brown Act suits (huh?). He didn't even address my point about the hiring policy. I noted that. He refused to say more. Lee H moved us along.

     I also asked about candidates' familiarity with the district's accreditation history. Got some good answers from Jemal and S-C. Williams seemed to say that "others" on the board made some bad decisions, not him. What can you do?, he shrugged. I looked him square in the eye. The old stink eye.

     Someone raised problems in the past with choice of chancellor, the process of hiring, residual issues from those bad old days. Got good answers from Jemal, S-C. These people tended to be very articulate, exhibited good values.
     Williams proved himself to be a bold liar and idiot. He spoke of his fidelity to process, etc. In fact, he was a chief violator of process, especially with regard to rounds of Mathur-hiring.

     At 4:30, the forum came to an end. More later.

This afternoon at 3:00

     As you know, today, at 3:00, the faculty union is hosting a “trustees forum” for candidates for the area 7 (Williams/Meldau) seat on the SOCCCD Board of Trustees. The forum will be held in the usual place: the Ronald Reagan room at Saddleback College.
     Don’t know who’ll be there, but here are the candidates (according to the OC Registrar’s Office):

JAN SERRANTINO COX
University Administrator
JOHN S. WILLIAMS
Orange County Public Administrator
MIKE MOODIAN
Instructor/School Board member
TIMOTHY "TIM" JEMAL
Business Owner

A German word

     Recently, Mr. Moodian made a splash, issuing a "report" critical of OC boards of trustees for their generous trustee benefits, which Moodian noisily opposes. (See also here.)
     Mr. Jemal seems to have the backing of some heavy hitters in the County (Republicans and Democrats alike) and does not seem to be connected to that rotten old Fuentesphere (although he does have Don Wagner's backing, though I wouldn't hold that against him).
     Serrantino-Cox appears to be the spouse of a manager at IVC. She seems to have kept a relatively low profile, though she did visit the two academic senates the IVC academic senate.
     Williams, of course, is a known rat bastard who might secure victory owing to “name recognition” caused by his notoriety as a failed, corrupt County administrator.
     There's no incumbent candidate--trustee Mike Meldau decided to resign--and so Williams is no shoo-in this time. On the other hand, Moodian and Jemal (the only serious contenders, it seems, beyond Williams) might split the anti-Williams vote, leaving Orlando Boy the winner.
     If Williams wins (but again, he's no shoo-in), look for the faculty union to cozy up to him, shamelessly.
     Why? You know why.

Is he still "not a teacher"?

Prosecutor: Man who left daughter in parking lot won't be charged (OC Reg)

Oops

     Prosecutors have decided not to file charges against a father who left his baby girl in an Irvine Valley College parking lot, authorities said.
     The Orange County District Attorney's Office has decided that Jason Buchea, 33, will not face criminal charges after prosecutors determined that he accidently left his 11-month-old girl alone at the campus, authorities said.
     Buchea was arrested on suspicion of willful cruelty to a child Monday afternoon, hours after police say witnesses at the college saw his daughter and couldn't find any adults claiming responsibility for her.
     The girl, who appeared to be in good health, was not in a vehicle but was strapped into a car seat, police said.
     As Irvine authorities attempted to find the girl's parents, Buchea reportedly contacted the Costa Mesa Police Department to file a missing persons report. Irvine detectives ended up taking Buchea into custody after interviewing him and the girl's mother.
     After reviewing the case, prosecutors determined that it appeared to be the result of an accident and that they would not be able to prove criminal charges, said Farrah Emami, a spokeswoman for the Orange County District Attorney's Office.
     Campus officials described Buchea as a "short-term temporary employee" at Irvine Valley College who worked as an accompanist in the music department. The girl's mother is enrolled at the campus as a student, authorities said.

University of Phoenix Closing 115 Locations (Inside Higher Ed)

… The news accompanied the release of Apollo's disappointing fourth-quarter earnings, with a 10 percent decline in annual revenue and a 15 percent dip in enrollment at Phoenix. The company also announced the elimination of 800 jobs, but not faculty positions. Phoenix last week introduced a tuition freeze for current and incoming students.

He’s not a teacher, she said (employee thrown under bus)

     Earlier, we reproduced an OC Reg report about the peculiar child care efforts of one Jason Buchea at an IVC parking lot. Buchea, or someone, left his baby—in a stroller detachable car seat—there and strangers discovered the kid. Buchea was eventually charged with lousy parenting or something. I looked up Buchea’s name in the IVC directory and found that he was listed as a “project specialist” with “Fine Arts Productions.”
     Soon thereafter, Navelgazing’s Matt Coker covered the story, evidently inspiring an exchange between Coker and IVC’s Diane Oaks:

UPDATE, OCT. 16, 1:57 P.M.: Irvine Valley College has alerted the media and the Irvine Police Department to clarify Buchea, 33, is not a teacher on campus.
     He is a "short term temporary employee," according to spokeswoman Diane Oaks.
     Asked what that means, Oaks replied, "For clarity, Mr. Buchea is a part-time accompanist. . . . He is not a teacher."
     Various websites mentioning campus musical productions note Buchea accompanied on drums.

     Well, OK.
     You can find a brief biography of Mr. Buchea here.

From the IVC Directory