By Nanette Asimov, Chronicle Staff Writer

A state senator and an organization of journalists asked the University of California on Friday to explain why UC officials prevented a filmmaker from bringing his camera into a public regents meeting in San Francisco this week in apparent violation of the state's open meeting law.

"State law is clear - any member of the public has a right to film and record public meetings of state bodies," Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, wrote to UC President Mark Yudof.

Yee, who chairs the Senate's committee on Public Records and Open Meeting Laws, asked Yudof to explain not only why filmmaker Ric Chavez was barred from taking his video camera into the meeting, but why UC policy - which makes no provision for the public's right to film public meetings - "is in complete contradiction to state law."

Liz Enochs, president of the Society of Professional Journalists' Northern California chapter, addressed her letter to the regents, saying the group was "deeply concerned" that Chavez had been barred from the meeting.

She included a link to The Chronicle's account, published Thursday, of UC officials preventing Chavez from entering the meeting with his camera on grounds that he lacked a press credential.

The Chronicle story also revealed an e-mail exchange in which UC questioned Chavez about the content and purpose of his film, and asked for his full name as a condition of access, also in apparent violation of the state's Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act.

UC did not immediately respond to the senator and journalists.

But Charles Robinson, UC's vice president and general counsel, said in a statement that "the University of California strives to operate in as transparent and open a manner as possible."

He said that Yudof and Regents Chairman Russell Gould have asked him to review and recommend any needed changes to the regents' policy No. 1301, concerning rules for filming and recording meetings. Written in 1975, the policy pertains only to the press.

But Bagley-Keene, which ensures that anyone may film a public meeting, has been California law since 1967.

"It is our intention to ensure that going forward, this policy or any related policy or practice is fully compatible and consistent with California's open meeting laws," Robinson wrote in his statement.

The Chronicle also highlighted an incident outside the regents meeting Thursday in which UC police officers, who provide security during regents meetings, ordered Chavez to aim his camera away from them.

UC police Capt. Jon Easterbrook said later that he told Chavez, "You're on UC property, and you can't film our security."

UC police have had to deal with raucous protesters this past year, but on Thursday, the meeting was calm and sparsely attended.

On Friday, Michael Risher, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, said police in a public setting may not prevent anyone from filming them.

[ Source: SF Gate ]

By Nanette Asimov, Chronicle Staff Writer

In an apparent violation of the state's open meeting law, the University of California regents prevented a filmmaker from entering a public meeting with a video camera Thursday on grounds that he lacked a press credential.

An e-mail exchange also reveals that UC had questioned the filmmaker about the content and purpose of his film, and asked his identity as a condition of access - also apparent violations of state law, legal experts said.

"The regents had no basis to exclude this person from the meeting," said Peter Scheer, executive director of the First Amendment Coalition in San Rafael. "He has a right to be there, and to record the event, under the Bagley-Keene open meeting law."

That law says any person attending a public meeting of a state agency "shall have the right to record the proceedings with an audio or video recorder" as long as doing so isn't disruptive.

The same law prohibits state officials from requiring attendees to identify themselves.

Lynn Tierney, one of three UC spokespersons who questioned or barred filmmaker Ric Chavez, said the regents never allow anyone but the press to film or record public meetings.

"That's how we've been operating for years," said Tierney, who said she had never heard of Bagley-Keene. "If the way we've been operating is out of compliance, we'll give this to our general counsel and he'll help us draft a new policy that's consistent with the law."

The problem began on Wednesday. Chavez, who flew up from Los Angeles for the meeting, like many people, wasn't aware of that he had the right to film public meetings without permission. So, he e-mailed UC's public information office asking if he could film the regents meeting in San Francisco.

Spokeswoman Leslie Sepuka replied, asking what kind of shots he wanted. Chavez said he wanted general shots of the regents.

Then spokesman Steve Montiel weighed in: "If you're shooting film for a news story, or if you can provide more specific information about the documentary you're working on - who will air it and when, for example - we would consider accommodating you tomorrow. At a minimum, we would need your full name."

Chavez complied and wrote that he's spent a year working on a documentary about UC: "everything that makes them function, the good and bad - the current position the UC is in (and) so forth. I've been interviewing students and workers, as well as some potential interviews with a couple of the Regents themselves."

Chavez added that he didn't know when his documentary would air, but he would post it online and offer it to TV.

Montiel replied: "Ric, sorry, we can't accommodate you."

On Thursday, Chavez showed up anyway and set up his camera on a tripod outside of the building at UC's Mission Bay campus, where the regents were meeting.

UC Police, who act as security at regents meetings and have arrested raucous protesters many times this year, told Chavez to aim his camera away from them. He complied.

Thursday's meeting was calm and sparsely attended. A Univision TV crew was inside filming.

The police told Chavez he needed Tierney's permission to enter with his camera. Tierney gave permission - then withdrew it.

Chavez and a person with him asked why, as a reporter looked on.

"I had a lapse in judgment," she told them, her voice rising in anger. "The issue is you don't have any press credential. We don't know why you're bringing the camera in."

Attorney Michael Risher of the ACLU of Northern California called UC's action a violation of state law and said, "It sounds as if they need to update their policies."

As for screening Chavez by e-mail, "that's where they crossed the line," said attorney Stuart Karle, who teaches media law at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York. "The court is very clear that you can't discriminate based on viewpoint."

UC's general counsel Charles Robinson said he would study the matter.

"If there's an issue there, we'll take action," he said.

But Chavez wondered what would change and how soon. "The next time there's a regents meeting, will I go through the same thing as I went through today?"

[ Source: SF Gate ]

May 26, 2010

916/281-7170



20,000 Member UC Employees Union Endorses
Gloria Romero for Superintendent of Public Instruction

Oakland, CA - Representing 20,000 University of California workers including 
patient care workers, janitors, food service workers, bus drivers and other
 hard-working and low-wage employees, the American Federation of State,
 County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299 announced its endorsement
 of Gloria Romero for State Superintendent of Public Instruction today.



AFSCME 3299 President Lakesha Harrison said Romero's long history as a
 leader on behalf of working families and her commitment to quality, 
affordable higher education make her the best choice to lead the state's 
schools and fill a critical seat on the UC's Board of Regents: "Gloria
 Romero understands that the University of California represents a dream that
 we all share, and she will join us in fighting to make UC a model for both 
educational quality and fairness to its workers.  Gloria's commitment to
working families means she'll stand up for the rights of workers on the job,
 be the leader we need to protect fair wages and benefits, and ensuring that
our children have the opportunity to once again be a part of the dream that
 UC once offered to students regardless of income."



"Like all our brothers and sisters in labor, UC employees work hard to build
 a better future for our children. We've seen first hand Gloria Romero's 
commitment to holding UC accountable for executive salaries and perks that
 damage the reputation of the university we all care about and diminish the
 education our young people deserve. Gloria knows that UC is a vital part
of the state's education system and she will fulfill her role as a UC Regent
mindful that the 20,000 patient care workers, janitors, food service
workers, bus drivers that keep our university running are vital to UC's
educational mission and to California's economy."



###


After a year of bargaining for market rate on-call rates and a minimal 6 hour rest period, UCSD management still refuses to listen to workers regarding quality patient care and patient safety.

As a result of UCSD management’s lack of movement, workers held a rally in front of the hospital on May 20. They were joined by Juan Vargas, the AFSCME endorsed candidate for CA State Senate.

MRI Techs, Surgical Techs, Radiology Techs and other patient care staff are forced to work very long hours with little rest.  Patient Care Workers in AFSCME 3299 feel by not providing workers an adequate rest period, UCSD management is putting patients at risk.

"Not providing workers who do patient care with an adequate rest period between the time they are called in for emergencies and the start of their next shift creates a real safety concern for patients at UCSD," said Richard Smith MRI tech and Executive Board member.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Sanjay Garla, AFSCME 3299, 415-747-2328

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Assemblymembers Ira Ruskin, Fiona Ma, Professor Angela Davis Cancel UC Commencement Speeches, Join Low–Wage UC Workers to Honor Graduation Speakers Boycott.

Santa Cruz, CA – Calling attention to the human toll taken by a University of California (UC) administration that is out of touch with its students and the low-wage workers that keep the university running, a speakers’ graduation boycott will take place at UC Santa Cruz in the coming days.

Assemblymember Ira Ruskin (D-Redwood City), Assemblymember Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco), and retired UCSC professor Angela Davis are the latest civic leaders who have pledged to honor the speakers boycott until the workers and the administration resolve issues concerning layoffs and reduced hours.

“I am honored that I was asked to speak to graduating students at UC Santa Cruz, but I believe it’s important to stand in solidarity with the AFSCME workers and their families,” said Assemblymember Ira Ruskin.

Organizers of the boycott say the action is necessary because of UC administrators’ continued insistence on giving out executive increases while cutting student services through layoffs and reductions in hours for front line workers. On the UC Santa Cruz campus, low-wage service workers such as custodians and food service workers are receiving a 4-6% reduction in hours. Skilled workers such as carpenters, electricians, and plumbers are receiving a 20% cut in hours. According to the University administration’s own estimates, cuts to low-wage workers saves $7 million in expenses. During this same period of time, UC executives have received over $9 million in increases.

AFSCME 3299 has called on commencement speakers to boycott nine UC campuses. Last week, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-Garden Grove, CA) announced she would not speak at UC Riverside as planned.  Author Karen Joy Fowler, State Senator Gloria Romero, Asm. Warren Furutani, and Asm. Jose Solorio have also canceled commencement speeches at various UC campuses over the past two weeks.

“With the cuts in my hours, it has become increasingly difficult to provide for my four kids.  I find myself struggling to pay my rent, electricity bill and buy food for my family," said Martha Aguado, UC Santa Cruz Food Service Worker.

“These cuts have been devastating for low-wage workers,” said Lakesha Harrison, president of AFSCME 3299, “Layoffs and reduction in hours are only the tip of the iceberg. UC executives are now proposing massive cuts to our retirement. We may be facing a double whammy – a depletion of our savings now and a gutting of the income we were counting on for our future.”

###

AFSCME 3299 represents over 20,000 University of California service
and patient care workers

Senator Gloria Romero Honors Worker Boycott, Cancel UC Berkeley Graduation Speeches.

Pressure Builds on UC to Meet Worker Demands as Keynote Speakers Refuse to Cross Graduation Picket Lines.

Berkeley, CA - Senator Gloria Romero, the Chair of the Education Senate Committee, announced today she will not deliver the keynote address for the UC Berkeley Latino Student graduation ceremony this Saturday. Instead Senator Romero will honor a speakers boycott that has been called by UC workers and student organizations.

"It was with a heavy heart that I informed the UC Berkeley students and dedicated faculty and staff that I would not appear to deliver my remarks in person. What an irony I would have seen: on one hand, students in robes celebrating the overcoming of obstacles and staking their claim in the American Dream; on the other hand, I would have seen Latino workers-perhaps their own uncles and aunts, holding picket signs asking this internationally acclaimed university to simply pay them a living wage so that the graduates' younger "hermanitos" could one day attend the same university," says Senator Gloria Romero.

Romero joins other keynote speakers who will not be participating in upcoming graduation ceremonies at UC Berkeley until a resolution is reached on the issues:
. Karen Joy Fowler, highly acclaimed author, had planned to speak at the UC Berkeley's English Department Graduation on Sunday, May 23.
. Earlier this week, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-47) canceled her appearance at UC Riverside's College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Graduation on June 12.

"I have decided not to deliver the commencement address at UC Riverside's graduation. My family roots are in organized labor and, in good conscience, I cannot and will not cross the picket line to speak," Sanchez said. "I wish nothing but the best for this year's young graduates and hope they will respect my decision to stand in solidarity with my union brothers and sisters. In Congress, I will continue fighting to ensure that all American workers are treated justly and fairly."

The boycotts have been called, in part, because of mandatory reductions in hours for low-wage service workers, such as custodians and food service workers. These reductions have caused workers to lose 4-6 percent in take-home pay when some make as little as $24,000 a year. In some of the worst situations, workers whose cuts are concentrated in the summer will lose 20 percent of pay over three months.

The $7 million saved through work hour reductions for members of AFSCME 3299 is overshadowed by $9 million in increases gained by UC executives.

"These cuts have been devastating for low-wage workers," said Lakesha Harrison, president of AFSCME 3299, "Layoffs and reduction in hours are only the tip of the iceberg. UC executives are now proposing massive cuts to our retirement. We may be facing a double whammy - a depletion of our savings now and a gutting of the income we were counting on for our future."

The American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 (AFSCME 3299) represents over 20,000 University of California service and patient care workers. The UC Berkeley speakers boycott has also been called by the Union of Professional and Technical Employees; CWA Local 1 (UPTE 1) represents UC research support and technical workers.

###

Media Contacts:
Sanjay Garla, AFSCME 3299, 415-747-2328
Paula Winicki, graduating student, 323-821-8909

Rep. Loretta Sanchez Cancels UC Riverside Commencement Speech
Honors Graduation Boycott

Riverside, CA -- Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez announced today that she will not be delivering the commencement address at UC Riverside's June 12 graduation. This announcement is coming on the heels of a graduation speakers boycott that has been called by service and patient care workers at the University of California.

“I have decided not to deliver the commencement address at UC Riverside’s graduation. My family roots are in organized labor and, in good conscience, I cannot and will not cross the picket line to speak," Sanchez said. "I wish nothing but the best for this year’s young graduates and hope they will respect my decision to stand in solidarity with my union brothers and sisters. In Congress, I will continue fighting to ensure that all American workers are treated justly and fairly.”

Organizers of the boycott say that this action has been called because of UC administrators’ continued insistence on giving out executive increases while cutting student services through layoffs and reduction in hours for front line workers. “The pay cut has forced me to use up all my savings, my life insurance money, and now I have nothing left. I can barely afford to pay my rent, and I’m having trouble buying my food and medicines. The cuts may seem small, but they are causing a big negative impact for my family,” said Rebecca Mulay, a custodian at UC Riverside.

“These cuts have been devastating for low-wage workers,” said Lakesha Harrison, president of AFSCME 3299, “Layoffs and reduction in hours are only the tip of the iceberg. UC executives are now proposing massive cuts to our retirement. We may be facing a double whammy – a depletion of our savings now and a gutting of the income we were counting on for our future.”

UC Berkeley will be holding commencement ceremonies starting in the middle of the month. In advance of the ceremonies, two service workers have taken an unprecedented step of joining an ongoing student hunger strike. In addition to demands around immigrant rights, the hunger strike also calls upon UC Berkeley administrators to fully staff student services by hiring back laid off workers, and restoring hours to existing workers. The hunger strike has been going on since Monday, May 3.

###

AFSCME 3299 represents over 20,000 University of California service and patient care workers.

Dear Graduation Speaker,

First, I would like to thank you for your commitment to UC. As the President of AFSCME 3299, I write on behalf of 20,000 service and patient care workers at the University of California. We share your dedication to UC. However, we feel that UC executives are taking our University down the wrong path. For this reason, the service and patient care workers at UC have called for a speakers boycott. We ask for your support.

UC executives have chosen a path that forces low wage workers into poverty and forces students to pay more for less. UC’s service workers are being laid off, are having their hours cut, and in some cases, simply having their jobs privatized. In addition, UC executives have plans to severely cut back on workers’ retirement benefits.

Full time UC workers making as little as $12 per hour, or $24,000 annually are experiencing anywhere between 4% to 20% reductions in take home pay.

The state’s funding cuts to UC are undeniable, but UC executives’ misplaced priorities are shockingly apparent. According to executives, UC is saving $7 million through cuts to low wage workers, yet UC executives have received over $9 million in increases since the cuts were implemented. This means they are spending more on executives than what they are supposedly saving from cuts to low wage workers!

We know that graduation is a very special time for students and their families. We are asking that you stand with us by honoring the boycott. In 2008, service workers called for a speakers boycott to highlight the poverty wages that existed at UC. Notables such as Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and actor Danny Glover, along with countless other speakers, honored the boycott. These brave acts helped win an historic contract that began to move service workers out of poverty. Now we are asking that you join this legacy and help keep service workers out of poverty!

Sincerely,
Lakesha Harrison

[ download .pdf letter ]

By Nancy Mullane
March 2, 2010

Senator Leland Yee mediated on behalf of several protesting University of California students who participated in a sit-in in the office of Assemblyman Jim Nielson. The students refused to leave unless the Assemblyman promised to protect funding for higher education. Staff for the Assemblyman said he did not have time in his schedule to meet with the students. Five of the students were arrested, but at Yee’s request they avoided a stay in county jail and instead were “cited and released” by the California Highway Patrol.

“My hat is off to those brave students,” said Yee. “They conducted themselves in accordance with the principles of non-violent protest and ensured their voices were heard here in the Capitol. The use of peaceful civil disobedience among UC students is well documented and has proven successful on issues ranging from civil rights to open space to apartheid. I commend their bravery and urge them to continue to hold their elected representatives accountable for their votes.”

The five were part of a group of over 200 students who went to the Capitol yesterday to oppose further cuts to higher education. Throughout the day, groups of students approached the offices of legislators, asking to meet with them to talk about the financial crisis affecting thousands of UC students throughout the state. UC Student Association President Victor Sanchez addressed the crowd from the north steps of the Capitol. "Higher education needs a stable source of funding!" he cried as the students cheered. "I'm sorry, Sacramento, but we ain't done. We can't stop. We won't stop!" In meetings with legislators throughout the day, students urged them to create a dedicated funding stream for higher education, fully fund Cal Grants and roll back fee increases.

“Senator Yee was incredibly helpful,” said Claudia Magaña, a UC Santa Cruz student who was arrested. “We would not have felt as confident without his support. He understands our plight and his assistance allowed our voices to be taken seriously. His participation showed how strong of supporter he is for the student movement and public education.”

Students were expected to demonstrate on the steps of the Capitol building at around 1pm Monday as part of a planned assembly against student fee increases approved by the UC Board of Regents nearly four months ago. Students and faculty blamed cuts initiated by state lawmakers as the reason for drastic fee increases by the universities.

“Students have a crystal clear idea who ultimately will impact their success and are demanding legislators hold UC executives accountable,” said Lakesha Harrison, President of AFSCME 3299, which represents over 20,000 UC employees. “Senator Yee has been on the front lines holding UC executives to account. His commitment to stand with students and workers is unwavering.”

On Thursday, March 4, students and workers will conduct protests throughout the state to defend public education against budget cuts, layoffs, furloughs, and tuition hikes.

[ Source: kalwnews.org ]