El Camino College
Associated Students Organization
Senate Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2011
Activities Center West Lounge
I. Call to Order
Meeting Called to Order at 1:04 pm – Quorum was established.
II. Roll Call – following persons signed the roll sheet
Executive Cabinet
Present:
o President: Rebekka Asher
o Vice President: Jasmine Hormati
o Director of Stu. & Com. Adv.: Vincent Bui
o Student Trustee: Josh Casper
o Public Relations Officer: Melina Mossberg
o Student Services: Jack DeMont
o Region 7 Representative: Erick J. Hernandez
Absent:
o Director of Academic Affairs: Cindy Valdez (excused)
o Director of Finance: Kenji Tomoda (excused)
Senators by Division
Present:
o Behavioral & Social Sciences: Lena Yamaguchi, Brian Park
o Business: Brain Song, Brooke Matson
o Fine Arts: Nestor Rogel, Grace Haynes
o Health Sciences & Athletics: Dillan Hoston, Janelle Miller
o Humanities: Daniela Messarina
o Industry & Technology: Patrick Mondestin-Howard
o Mathematical Sciences: Andre Portilla
o Natural Sciences: Azucena Valadez, Nicholas Mitchell
Absent:
o Humanities: Nathan Wofford
Commissioners (Non-Voting)
Present: Sabeen Jafri, Ji Young Oh, Shayan Langha, Shyh-Herng Lo (James), Mark
Zelayaran, Janet Vu
Administrative Assistant (Non-Voting)
Present: Kevin Paxton
Student At Large (Non-Voting)
Present: Sharon Asher
Advisers (Non-Voting)
Present: Breanna Anderson
Absent: Rebecca Cobb
Guests
Present: Zachary Inouye, Sato Nagaw, Alfred W. Terry
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III. Approval of the Minutes
Kevin Paxton stated that under item 5.7 Cindy Valdez had voted “No.”

Motion to edit the minutes made by Rebekka Asher. Seconded by Erick
Hernandez. Nicholas Mitchell abstained. Motion Passed.

Motion to approve the Senate minutes from September 22, 2011 as amended
made by Rebekka Asher. Seconded by Lena Yamaguchi. Motion Passed.
IV. Approval of the Agenda

Motion to approve the agenda for October 6, 2011 as is made by Lena
Yamaguchi. Seconded by Rebekka Asher. Motion passed.
V. New Business
5.1 Finance Items – Rebekka Asher
5.1.1 Motion to allocate up to $500 AS Conference Attendance account (7155001-00-836103-7670) to fund the Network of California Community
College Foundations Symposium (NCCCF) made by Rebekka Asher.
Seconded by Erick Hernandez. Motion Passed.
5.1.2
Motion to allocate up to $50 from AS Hospitality account (71-5500100-836104-7670) to fund ECC Foundation Distinguished Alumni
Reception made by Rebekka Asher. Seconded by
5.1.3
Motion to allocate up to $200 from AS Supplies account (71-55001-00836101-7670) to purchase ink for the ASO printers made by Rebekka
Asher. Seconded by Brian Park. Motion Passed.
5.2 Appointments – Rebekka Asher
5.2.1 Motion to appoint Grace Haynes to the position of: Senator of Fine Arts
made by Rebekka Asher. Seconded by Nestor Rogel.
Motion Passed.
5.2.2
Item tabled until next meeting due to Michelle Kang’s absence.
5.2.3
Motion to appoint Shayan Langha to the position of: Commissioner of
Natural Sciences made by Rebekka Asher. Seconded by Brooke Matson.
Motion Passed.
5.2.4 Motion to appoint Shyh-Herng Lo (James) to the position of:
Commissioner of Natural Sciences made by Rebekka Asher. Seconded
by Azucena Valadez. Motion Passed.
5.2.5 Motion to appoint Vincent Chu to the position of: Commissioner of
Natural Sciences made by Rebekka Asher. Seconded by Lena
Yamaguchi. Motion Passed.
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5.2.6 Motion to appoint Anthony Andraws to the position of: Commissioner
of Natural Sciences made by Rebekka Asher. Seconded by Erick
Hernandez. Motion Passed.
5.2.7 Item tabled until next meeting due Billy Sanders’s absence.
5.2.8 Motion to appoint Michael Ramillano to the position of: Commissioner
of Health Sciences and Athletics made by Rebekka Asher. Seconded by
Vincent Bui. Motion Passed.
5.2.9 Motion to appoint Mark Zelayaran to the position of: Commissioner of
Humanities made by Rebekka Asher. Seconded by Vincent Bui. Motion
Passed.
5.2.10 Motion to appoint Janet Vu to the position of: Commissioner of Student
Services made by Rebekka Asher. Seconded by Vincent Bui. Motion
Passed.
5.2.11 Item tabled until the next meeting due to Lacoya Theus’s absence
5.3 Attendance- Rebekka Asher
Rebekka Asher stated that under the ASO constitution every member of ASO must
attend the Senate Meetings. Rebekka also stated that if you cannot attend the Senate
Meeting you must state so before the meeting by word of mouth or email; otherwise,
members that have three unexcused absences or more are removed from the ASO.
Rebekka Asher stated that she has the attendance records of everyone if they want to
know their status.
5.4 Movie Studio Fundraising Opportunity - Rebekka Asher
Rebekka Asher stated that ASO is invited to a taping of Melissa and Joey on
November 18th. The ASO will be in the audience, also that we are offered $10 per
member that is present to a maximum of 22. The taping is in Studio City. Rebekka
Asher wants to make this an ASO fundraiser.
5.5.1 Motion to approve the attending of the taping Melissa and Joey on
November 18 made by Rebekka Asher. Seconded by Andre Portilla.
Discussion: Daniela Messarina asked what time is the event, Rebekka Asher
replied 4-9pm and that they will leave at 3pm.
Nicholas Mitchell asked if there will be food at the taping? Rebekka Asher
stated that she does not know; however, no food can be eaten during the
taping.
Andre Portilla asked why the maximum of 22? Rebekka Asher stated that the
two vans that we are taking can only hold this many people.
Nestor Rogel asked what the show is about? Rebekka Asher replied that the
show is a comedy.
Brooke Matson asked if the 22 person limit was set by the show or by ASO?
Rebekka replied stating that ASO set the limit because they only have two
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vans to transport people in. Brooke Matson asked if members could traverse
on their own? Rebekka continued to say that others can drive themselves, or if
they have taken the good driver course they could then transport others
increasing that 22 limit.
Lena Yamaguchi asked if ASO only could attend or other people as well?
Rebekka Asher replied stating that this time is ASO only; however, in the
future ASO wants to open this type of event to other ECC student. Breanna
Anderson stated that there will be a safe driving class held on the 18th and
that it lasts for one year.
Nestor Rogel abstained.
Motion Passed.
5.5 Winter Session Resolution – Jasmine Hormati
Jasmine Hormati stated that there are copies of the resolution. The resolution is
fighting that despite the ECC budget allowing enough funds to have 75 courses it
is only providing for 50 sections. Jasmine continued to say that ECC should
provide the budgeted classes even if it had to dip into the reserves to do so.
 Motion for the ASO to approve the Winter Session Resolution made by
Rebekka Asher. Seconded by Daneila Messarina.
Discussion: Nicholas asked if this is the way that resolutions normally look?
Jasmine Hormati stated that this is a formal format that is used during
conferences. Jasmine also said that she wanted it as formal as possible because it
is meant to go to the Board of Trustees.
Andre Portilla asked about the reserves that Jasmine had spoken of earlier; she
replied that it is similar to a savings account for El Camino College.
Nestor Rogel asked how many classes was winter session supposed to have? The
reply said around 250-300.
Jasmine Hormati stated that the reason the sections were cut was due to the
increase in tuition fees. So instead of offering classes at higher price, they were
cut down in number. Joshua Casper stated that he heard it may even be lower than
50 sections.
Motion Passed.
5.6 Ad-hoc Advocacy Committee- Rebekka Asher
Rebekka Asher said this is for the Region 7 Representative, part of his duties is to
advocate on behalf of ECC. The Region 7 Representative needs to perform a lot
of research and this committee will help with research, and in other ways.
 Motion to approve a Ad-hoc Advocacy Committee for the Region 7
Representative made by Rebekka Asher. Seconded by Joshua Casper.
Discussion: Lena Yamaguchi asked if this committee will eventually become a
standing committee? Rebekka Asher replied that it will be a Ad-hoc committee
for now but yes in time it will become like the other committees of ASO. Jasmine
Hormati stated that in order for it to become a standing committee, the
constitution needs to be changed and the students need to vote on it during
elections.
Joshua Casper stated that this committee could be related to the external policy
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committee which also deals with state level policies. Rebekka Asher replied that it
was recommended to her by Rebecca Cobb, and that this committee’s work is
specific for research and appointments with legislators; allowing Rebekka Asher
and Erick Hernandez can concentrate on the overall decisions.
Motion Passed.
5.7 Room Change – Rebekka Asher
Rebekka Asher stated that the Senate has grown too large and that we will be
moving to a new room for future senate meetings. Rebekka said that the room will
be inside the Administration building room 131, if anyone has questions, to email
her.
Nicholas Mitchell asked about where that building is, Rebekka Asher replied it is
where the cashers office is. This change will take place next meeting on October
20th.
5.8 Ban of Smoking – Rebekka Asher
Rebekka Asher stated that the administration has decided to put a ban on
smoking; it will be taken to the Board of Trustees and voted on October 17th.
Rebekka Asher continued saying that ASO needs to have a stance on this issue.
Recently members of the ASO have been passing around surveys asking students
on whether or not smoking should be completely banned on campus. The paper
surveys were counted and the result of the survey is:
Out of 500 students 65% want smoking banned = 323 voted yes.
Out of 500 students 35% wanted it not banned = 177 voted no.

Rebekka Asher said that is a majority vote in favor of banning smoking on
campus, but now ASO needs to take a stance.
Motion for the ASO to support the ban of smoking on campus made by
Rebekka Asher. Seconded by Daniela Messarina.
Discussion: Janelle Miller asked if the ban on smoking does not pass at the board,
will the discussion of smoking areas be brought up again. Joshua Casper replied
yes, he believes that there should be designated smoking areas on campus. Joshua
Casper then said that however the Senate votes, that is what he will support at the
board meeting; also that we represent the students, smoking and non-smoking
alike. Joshua continued saying that if smoking was banned it would be difficult to
enforce since El Camino College has a very limited force of about 15 cadets.
Joshua Casper stated that he urges us to create smoking areas instead of banning it
completely; other schools have limited smoking areas with successful outcomes.
Dillan Horton said that if banning fails then creating limited smoking areas should
be the goal. Dillan stated that we should support the ban on smoking even with
difficulty enforcing it saying that other faculty that doesn’t smoke can help
enforce the new rule.
Nestor Rogel Believes that ASO should support the designated smoking areas
because it was a good way of finding a middle ground between those who want to
ban smoking and for those who want to keep smoking on campus.
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Rebekka Asher stated that the discussion is good and that no is against the
smoking areas; however, that’s not the topic on what is on the agenda. Rebekka
said that Dr. Fallo wants ASO’s opinion on the ban, we can bring up the
discussion again for smoking areas but we need to consider the ban for now.
Lena Yamaguchi stated that the smoking areas was already discussed and that no
one wanted it due to the extreme distances; that’s why it is now a ban on smoking.
Dillan Horton stated that it is unfair to represent the smoking students and ban it;
however, for the overall good of the students in regards to health smoking should
be banned.
Nicholas Mitchell commented that he believes the percentage of surveyed
students that voted to ban smoking was not high enough compared to those that
wanted smoking.
Brooke Matson said there is a law that says you cannot smoke within 75 feet of a
building and that if that was enforced than it would be better than it currently is
now.
Nestor Rogel stated the smoking areas that were discussed before were too far
away, saying no one would have enough time to be able to go outside traverse
across campus and come back in time for class. Therefore Nestor said he believes
ASO should go against the ban.

Joshua Casper calls to question, ending discussion.
Vote taken:
Members voted Yes - 8
Members voted No – 8
Members abstained -2
Motion Failed to pass.
5.9 Movie Night – Jack DeMont
Melina Mossberg stated that movie night will be on October 27 inside the Activities
center east lounge. Students whom have an ASB sticker receive free admission,
otherwise admission is $2. The Movie will start at 7pm
 Motion to have movie night held on October 27 made by Melina Mossberg.
Seconded by Janelle Miller. Motion passed.
Melina Mossberg then said the 3 movies that were voted on in the activities
committee were: Beatle Juice, Dark Knight, and Zombie Land. A vote was taken on
which movie to play:
Beatle Juice – 2
Dark Knight – 8
Zombie Land - 7
 Motion to play Dark Knight on movie night made by Melina Mossberg.
Seconded by Joshua Casper.
Discussion: Daniela Messarina asked why Paranormal Activity was not included
in the vote. Patrick Mondestin-Howard replied saying that the third movie will
coming out into theaters soon, and that the company has pulled the licensing;
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therefore, we cannot show Paranormal Activity at this time.
Daniela Messarina abstains.
Motion passed.
VI. Old Business
-None
VII. Reports
7.1 ASO Member Reports
 Patrick Mondestin- Howard reported that due to the winter class cuts, there will
be no Industry and Technology classes during the winter session. It was decided
to have as many as possible during spring instead.
 Nicholas Mitchell reported that next spring there will be no Chem 7A classes and
instead two 7B classes. Nicholas Mitchell wanted to know who to talk to in an
attempt to change this class schedule. Rebekka Asher replied telling him to visit
his dean.
 Rebekka Asher reported that all the new Commissioners need to meet with their
Senators and that all the Senators need to create their Division Councils very
soon; Division councils are required by ASO constitution.
 Joshua Casper reported that the next Board of Trustees meeting will be on
October 17th at 4pm in the Board room in the Administration building and that the
ASO is invited to attend. Joshua also stated that public comments on none agenda
items are not for ASO members to discuss items that do not pertain to the agenda;
ASO members reports is designed for this.
 Kevin Paxton reported that he had sent out an email earlier this week and will be
enforcing office rules regarding cleanliness. Kevin stated that everyone needs to
clean up after themselves, to throw away their trash in the offices; this includes
food and water bottles. He warned that water or food left out will be thrown away,
to place them in the refrigerator. Rebekka Asher agreed saying that everyone
needs to clean after themselves and not to destroy office equipment making the
Secretary upset.
7.2 ICC Reports
Sato Nagano reported that the ICC Club Mixer was a successful event. The Blood
Mobile will be on October 11-13th inside the Activities center east lounge from
9am-9pm, but the last day will be from 9am-8pm, and students can sign up in the
library.
7.3 AGS Reports
-None
7.4 Committee Reports
7.4.1 Activities Committee: Melina stated that movie night was already discussed
and that if anyone wanted to be a part of the Activities committee to come speak
with her.
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7.4.2 Fundraising Committee: Lena Yamaguchi reported that they going to start
soon and that she will be sending out emails with information.
7.4.3 Policy Committee: Joshua Casper reported that the first external policy
committee meeting will be next week.
7.4.4 Sustainability Committee: Jasmine Hormati reported that everyone needs to
empty their bottles and cans before they place them in the recycling bins.
Soda was spilled and the total accumulated for recycling was $5.38. The
Bins are for bottles and cans only no paper items. Jasmine stated that
meetings for the Sustainability Committee are Fridays at 12pm if anyone is
interested to email her or Joshua Casper.
7.5 Adviser Reports
7.5.1 Rebecca Cobb: Absent
7.5.2 Breanna Anderson: stated that when Senators start their division council
meetings that they need to make sure that either she or Rebecca Cobb
know and are able to attend.
VIII. Public Comments
Patrick Mondestin-Howard commented that this past Tuesday Steve Jobs pasted away.
Steve Jobs was the founder of Apple.
IX. Adjournments
 Motion to adjourn the Senate meeting at 1:55pm, made Joshua Casper. Seconded
by Rebekka Asher.
Motion passed.
Minutes Recorded by Kevin Paxton
Minutes Verified by:
_____________________________
Rebekka Asher, ASO President
_____________________________
Breanna Anderson, ASO Adviser
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