2007-2008
Budget Update

Donate blood to win a Day at the Ball Game

On January 10, Governor Schwarzenegger released his 2007-08 proposed state budget. The spending plan outlined by the Governor purports to eliminate the 2007-08 operating deficit through a variety of revenue enhancements, expenditure reductions, the successful conclusion of several court cases and-according to the Administration- results in a $2.1 billion reserve. 

Proposition 98: The Administration is proposing $56.8 billion for K-14 Proposition 98, and two significant funding shifts. The first funding shift reduces the Proposition 98 expenditure level by $627 million for the "Home to School" transportation program. This program historically was funded by Proposition 98 and the Administration is proposing to shift the fund source to the Public Transportation Account. The second proposed funding shift increases the Proposition 98 expenditure level by $269 million for CalWorks childcare. This program was previously funded by non Proposition 98 General fund resources.   

The Administration calculates Proposition 98 based upon Test 2, which increases the guarantee based upon the growth in state personal income and K-12 attendance. In 2007-08 state personal income is forecast to increase by 4.58 percent; however K-12 attendance is expected to decline for the third consecutive year, and the minimum guarantee is proposed to be reduced due to this enrollment decline.     

Community Colleges: The budget increases funding for community colleges by $377 million (a 6.4% increase in Proposition 98), including the following significant program augmentations:

Enrollment Growth: $115.4 million to provide 2% enrollment growth for the general apportionment and selected categoricals (EOPS, CARE, DSPS, and Matriculation).

Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA): $238.2 million to provide a 4.04 statutory COLA adjustment for the general apportionment and selected categorical programs (EOPS, CARE, DSPS, Child Care Tax Bailout, and Matriculation).

Basic Skills Redirection: $33.1 million redirection of surplus Basic Skills funding to support additional Matriculation and support services. Of this amount $19.1 million is targeted for counseling services to help assess career options, evaluate aptitudes, and form an academic plan of study for career preparation for at risk students.

Nursing Programs: $9 million one-time (current year) funding increase, and $9 million ongoing funds to support additional nursing program capacity was also proposed.

Enrollment Fee: enrollment fees remain at $20 per credit unit and $33.2 million is provided to offset the revenue loss from half-year fee reduction in 2006-07.

The budget proposes to provide 11.06% or 10.94% adjusting for the Home to School Transportation shift of Proposition 98 funds to community colleges.

Analysis: The budgetary solution is premised on the "best case" scenario of many independent events, and therefore should be viewed as optimistic. The most significant involve new spending commitments and general fund revenue enhancements and expenditure reductions such as the following: prepayment on the deficit-financing bond; redirection of transportation special funds to offset items previously funded through the general fund (i.e. Home to School transportation); General Fund savings resulting from Cal Works childcare redirection to Proposition 98; higher revenue due to amended tribal gaming compacts; and expenditure savings resulting from estimated double digit property tax increases which will offset state Proposition 98 funding.  In addition, the Administration anticipates the successful appeal of two court cases it lost at the Superior Court level involving retroactive COLA for CalWorks grants and the legitimacy of the sale of pension obligation bonds.  

The Governor's budget projects K-12 enrollment declines in both 2006-07 and 2007-08.  In addition, the Legislative Analyst's Office "Fiscal Outlook" (released in November 2006) forecasts K-12 enrollment decline in 2008-09 and 2009-10.  This projected enrollment decline translates into moderate Proposition 98 growth, and places pressure upon the Administration and the Legislature to fund projected community college enrollment and programmatic increases at the expense of K-12 priorities.  Such a situation has resulted in community colleges receiving a historic 11.06 percent share of Proposition 98 (10.94 adjusting for the Home to School Transportation shift) in the Governor's 2007-08 proposed budget.

The budget's proposal of 2% for enrollment growth will provide access to community colleges for an additional 23,000 full-time equivalent students. These resources -- along with restoration funds contained within the community college apportionment base -- may result in potential growth of roughly 4 percent.

While COLA and enrollment growth are funded, the budget does not invest additional resources for more full-time faculty, career development & college preparation, scheduled maintenance or instructional equipment. 

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Donate blood to win a Day at the Ball Game

To increase blood and platelet donations, the American Red Cross is offering donors a chance to win a “Day at the Ball Game” package for a Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Los Angeles Dodgers, or San Diego Padres baseball game of their choice.

Red Cross inventory levels have dipped to less than a 1/3-day supply for type O-negative blood; barely an eight hour supply. Currently, O-positive, A-negative and B-negative type bloods have approximately a half-day supply.  These levels are critically low and will only be sustainable with continued donor response.  A five to seven-day supply is generally considered adequate.

To encourage people to give blood in the coming weeks, everyone who signs up to donate blood or platelets at a Southern California Red Cross blood drive in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura counties during the month of February will be invited to fill out an entry form for a chance to win a “Day at the Ball Game” package which includes two tickets to a ball game, a parking voucher and a concessions gift card. Three winners will be selected, and each winner will be able to choose a game with their favorite team.  The package will have a maximum value of $100; all game tickets will be pending ticket availability.  The prizes are nontransferable and not redeemable for cash.   Entries will be accepted at all Red Cross blood drive locations and will be limited to these counties.  The winners will be announced by March 15, 2007.  American Red Cross employees are not eligible.

The American Red Cross urgently appeals to Southern California residents to donate blood. Any healthy person age 17 or older and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. 

All eligible donors are asked to schedule an appointment to donate blood by calling 1.800.GIVE.LIFE (1.800.448.3543) or by visiting www.GiveLife.org.

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EHS Safety Bulletin

Cell Phones & Driving

Californians who make use of cellular phones while operating their vehicles will soon be prohibited from doing so without a hands-free device.  Governor Schwarzenegger signed the new law (SB1613) on September 15, 2006, which will take effect on July 01, 2008.  California is the fifth state to enact such a law following the lead of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C.

“Public safety is the Governor’s No. 1 priority, and this bill makes the streets and highways of California safer by making sure drivers have both hands available for driving,” said Margita Thompson, a spokesperson for Governor Schwarzenegger. 

Data from the California Highway Patrol suggests that cell phones are the number one cause of distracted driving accidents, and hands-free technology has substantially reduced the number of crashes. 

The new law will impose a $20 fine for a first offense, and $50 fines for subsequent offenses.  An infraction does not however, add any points to an individual’s driving record.  The new law will exempt people making 911 emergency calls, emergency personnel using a phone as part of an emergency response and exempts commercial truck drivers and farm equipment operators. 

The delay in enacting the bill is to allow for the Department of Motor Vehicles to update its publications to include the new legislation, and also for the general public to get accustomed to the new restriction on cell-phone use while driving.

If you choose to talk and drive:

• Use hands free devices: Always use a hands free microphone or speakerphone when driving so that both hands are available to operate your vehicle. 
• Get to know your phone: Read your instruction manual and learn how to use features such as speed dial, voice dial, and memory dial.  Practice using these features before getting on the road, and learn how to operate your phone without looking at it.
• Know when NOT to talk on the phone: Do not use the phone in heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions. Let your voicemail pickup your calls and avoid making outgoing phone calls until it is safe to do so.
• Avoid dialing while moving: Dial when you are stopped (i.e. stopped at a red light, pulled off the road) or better yet, have a passenger dial for you. Use automatic dialing features whenever possible.
• Do not engage in distracting conversations: Stressful or emotional conversations are very distracting when you are behind the wheel. If a conversation has potential to divert your attention from the road, end your call until you stop the vehicle. Do not use the cell phone for social visiting while you drive.
• Do not take notes while driving: Pull off the road if you need to write down notes or look up information. If you are reading or writing you are not paying attention to the road and nearby vehicles.  

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Coming and Going--HR News

The District would like to welcome these new employees to their positions:

Garcia-Villanueva, Maria L., CCC, Corporate Developer
Hulbert, Steven F. , CCC, Campus Security Officer
Nguyen, Vu, GWC, Counselor Aide
Soedjono, Eng, GWC, Information Systems Technician Senior

Congratulations and best wishes on your retirement to the following employees:

Wells, Michael P., GWC, Operations/Coordinator, Instruction/Community Services

Mike Wells began his career with the Coast District on June 27, 1977 at Golden West College as a Groundskeeper I.  On October 1, 1977 he was reclassified to Groundskeeper II.  Mike was promoted to Head Groundskeeper on December 19, 1983.  On January 6, 1986 he was reclassified to Grounds Supervisor.  He was reassigned to Supervisory Staff Assistant, Senior on November 7, 1998.   Another reassignment placed him as Operations Coordinator from February 8, 2001 until his retirement.  Mike plansto spend time with his family and pursue his hobbies in his retirement.

Powers, Katia M., GWC, Nursing Clerk III

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60TH Anniversay Retrospective Now Open

Abdul-Jabbar to Speak and Hold Book Signing at OCC

OCC Captures Three 2007 National Cheer and Dance Titles

Orange Coast College captured three national cheer and dance championships Jan. 12-13 at the 2007 Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) National Championships staged at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla.

OCC finished first in the open dance category, first in open hip-hop competition, and first in the junior college cheerleading division. OCC's dancers have now won nine national championships, and the cheerleaders have garnered six national titles.

"Our cheerleaders and dancers turned in an amazing performance in Orlando," said OCC cheerleading advisor, Mike Reynolds. "We've won a lot of national titles over the years, but never three in a single year. This is unprecedented. I'm very proud of our students. They worked hard for this."

OCC's dance team finished ahead of 17 other institutions in the finals to win the open dance title. The University of Saint Thomas of St. Paul, Minn. was second; Lindenwood University of St. Charles, Mo. third; College of St. Benedict of Collegeville, Minn. fourth; and St. Cloud State University of St. Cloud, Minn. fifth.

OCC's dancers have now won a total of nine UCA national titles. Those titles came in 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007. The team is coached by Dan Sapp.

Orange Coast's hip-hop dance team finished ahead of the University of Saint Thomas and St. Cloud State University, which tied for second in the open division. The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire was third, Lindenwood University fourth and the University of Central Missouri fifth. The final field included 12 institutions.

Orange Coast College's cheerleaders captured their sixth national crown in the junior college division. Wallace State College of Hanceville, Ala. was second; Jones County Junior College of Ellisville, Miss. third; Snead State Community College of Blount County, Ala. fourth; and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College of Miami, Okla. fifth.

OCC's cheerleaders won their national championships in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2007.

In addition to this year's hip-hop crown, OCC's pep squad captured the national 2005 stunt team award, giving Orange Coast College a total of 17 UCA national titles over the past 12 years.

Last weekend's winning Orlando routines were video taped by ESPN and will be shown on the national sports network throughout 2007.

"That's why our cheer and dance teams have such strong national followings," Reynolds said. "They're regularly seen on ESPN throughout the year."

How does OCC consistently attract so many talented athletes to its cheer and dance squads?

"It's due primarily to our ESPN appearances," Reynolds said. "We annually receive dozens of unsolicited letters and emails from throughout the country. Our best recruiters are our former cheerleaders and dancers – they're all over the place – and they send good kids our way. They talk up our program, and we appreciate that."

Many OCC cheerleaders and dancers receive scholarships to continue cheering and dancing at four-year universities.

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60TH Anniversay Retrospective Now Open

Orange Coast College’s 60th Anniversary Retrospective Gallery Exhibit opened Feb. 2 in the new $6-milion Frank M. Doyle Arts Pavilion.

The grand opening ceremony and exhibition kicked off the college’s 20-month-long 60th anniversary celebration. The anniversary’s theme, “Building a Bright Future Together,” acknowledges the many new construction projects under way on campus.

The exhibit will run through Friday, April 20.

The retrospective is being staged in the Arts Pavilion’s Main Art Gallery, and in the Young Artist's Gallery. OCC’s new Starbucks Café is located immediately adjacent to the two galleries.
Admission to the exhibition is free.

The exhibition, which includes artifacts, photographs, illustrations, first edition posters, narratives, books, films and videos, will be open weekday evenings, several mornings and afternoons each week, and one day each weekend. For specific exhibition hours, phone (714) 432-5738.

In addition to the 60-year retrospective exhibit, activities over the 20-month anniversary celebration will include: a ceremony on April 19, 2007, to honor OCC’s past presidents; a musical production, staged during the summer of 2008; an Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony in the fall of 2007; the college’s 60th commencement ceremony in May of 2008; special homecoming activities next fall and in 2008; a big birthday bash featuring a huge birthday cake & in September of 2008, commemorating the opening of the first classes; an “orange tie” gala in September of 2008; and a host of reunions and special events throughout the celebration period.

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Abdul-Jabbar to Speak and Hold Book Signing at OCC

Basketball legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, will be on Orange Coast College's campus on Wednesday, Feb. 28, to discuss his new book, "On the Shoulders of Giants: My Journey Through the Harlem Renaissance."

Raymond Obstfeld

"The Harlem Renaissance was like a tidal wave washing through history, especially African-American history and, as a teenager, I was caught up in that massive wave," Abdul-Jabbar writes.

"It swept me along, as it did many other black men and women, and made us what we are today: proud and successful African-Americans who, because we know exactly where we came from, also know exactly where we want to go. We proudly and humbly acknowledge the shoulders we have stood upon to see our future road, and we now stand ready to be those same strong shoulders for others. Hopefully, this book will act as a set of tall and mighty shoulders."

With Abdul-Jabbar's visit, three of the best centers in basketball history will have visited OCC's campus. Boston Celtics' center, Bill Russell, spoke on campus in the late 1960s, and former Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers center, Wilt Chamberlain, played in an exhibition volleyball match at OCC in the early 1970s.

"On the Shoulders of Giants," published by Simon & Schuster, was released on Friday, Feb. 2.

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ABI program hosts walk for brain injury awareness and prevention

ABI program hosts walk for brain injury awareness and prevention

Saturday, March 10, 2007 Mile Square Park, Fountain Valley
Please join Coastline College's Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Program in their effort to raise awareness of brain injury and prevention. This year, in conjunction with the National Brain Injury Awareness Month, we are holding a walk-a-thon at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley.

This early spring day of hope, fun and community will begin with a quick check-in, a light continental breakfast and an invigorating warm-up. Participants will then take a 3 mile path through the beautiful tree lined park, returning to the Brain Pavilion and post-event festivities.

Register today! The Walk for Brain Injury Awareness and Prevention will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2007. Check in will begin at 8:00 am and the walk start time is 9:00 am. The registration fee of $10, can be either raised through donations or paid on your own. Each registered walker will receive an event t-shirt. In addition to our incentive program, each participant who collects $100 or more in donations will have their name entered into a drawing for some great prizes. Create or join a team, or walk as an individual!

If you are not interested in making the 3-mile trek yourself, there are other ways you can get involved and support the program. You can also serve as a volunteer the day of the event.  Either way, you be helping us to reach our fundraising, awareness and prevention goals.

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Banking for College program expands to 10 area high schools

Coastline Community College now offers classes on-site at ten area high schools within the Newport Mesa Unified School District and the Huntington Beach Union High School District. Participating high schools include: Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Estancia, Newport Harbor, Edison, Marina, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Ocean View, and Westminster High School.

This program, known as Banking for College, enables students to earn college credit while still in high school. To do so, students take college-level courses after school on their high school campus. The courses are taught by Coastline Community College faculty and include core classes that are usually required at any college. These courses are transferable to community colleges and 4-year universities, allowing the high school students to "bank" their units for later use towards a degree or certificate.

As an added benefit, community college per-unit fees are waived for high school students. This means that students can take college courses while they are still in high school at a savings of hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. However, the students in Coastline's Banking for College program are responsible for purchasing their books associated with the class/classes they are taking.

"It's been wonderful that both Newport Mesa and Huntington Union have welcomed us onto their high school campuses," said Shanon Christiansen, Dean of the program. "Next year, we hope to add high schools within the Garden Grove Unified School District so that their students will have the same opportunities."

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For the third year, Elmore Toyota has generously donated a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser worth $26,900 to the Golden West College Foundation for its 10th annual fundraising gala on March, 24, 2007. 

The donated 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser is diamond black with a white cap roof; two-wheel drive, automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, 17-inch, 6-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, roof rack, driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side bolster airbags, and front and second row side curtain airbags.

For a chance to win the FJ Cruiser a $100 donation ticket is all it takes—and only 500 tickets will be sold!
The winner will be announced at the Golden West College Gala and need not be present to win.  

40th Golden West College Anniversary Exhibition
by Cheryl Tittle

From February 6-23, Golden West College will host its 40th anniversary past and present art exhibition display with a collection of vintage photographs, campus memorabilia and selections from the permanent collection, the colleges own art collection. An artist opening reception will take place on February 5 from noon to 2 p.m.  

The oldest piece of memorabilia on display is the mailbox from the original farm where the Golden West College campus is now located.

The exhibition will also feature proposed changes to the campus with architectural renderings of future projects and a 3-D model of the new Health Science Building.

Other collection pieces include the commemorative quilts for the 25th and 40th anniversaries with signatures of former and current staff members done by the college's Hens and Chickens Quilting Guild. Retired graphic art instructor, Carl Glassford, has designed the fourth in a series of posters capturing the people, grounds, buildings and spirit of the campus. Previous posters were done to commemorate the 25th, 30th and 35th anniversaries of the college.

The exhibition is part of Golden West College's 40th birthday celebration that began September 12, 2006, the college's official birthday.

The Fine Arts Gallery will present another exhibition this spring that will include India: Miniature Paintings and Victorian Era Bronze Toys. This exhibition will be on view from March 13 - April 6, 2007, with the opening reception on Monday, March 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.

The final exhibition will be the XL Golden West College Annual Student Exhibition May 9 -25, 2007 with the opening reception Tuesday, May 8 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Location:
Golden West College, Fine Arts Gallery
15744 Golden West Street
Huntington Beach, Ca   92647-2748
(714) 892-7711 Ext. 51032

Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 10 am - 2 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday Evening, 5 - 8 p.m.
Friday by appointment only

For further information contact:
Cheryl Tittle, Gallery Coordinator (714) 895-8358.

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