By Michael Barragan Governor Jerry Brown’s approval of Senate Bill 946 on Sept. 17 is a step in the right direction for street vendors in California. The bill will change the law to legalize street vending in California, something that should have been done long ago. The law will allow for those with previous street vending convictions and pending citations to petition for dismissal. Under the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act,…
By Giselle Palomera The Academic Senate meeting held yesterday, reviewed the categorical funding issue which Gov. Jerry Brown is proposing be turned into a block grant. “The Governor of California wishes to consolidate programs which are currently categorically funded into block grant funding, and has requested that the Office of the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges bring him a proposal in time for the May revision,” according to the…
By Christopher Jimenez Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill to raise the age of buying tobacco to 21 on Wednesday. While the law does help to decrease bad health habits, it also has an impact on young adult smokers. California is the second state to raise the age of buying tobacco products, after Hawaii. This bill will take effect on June 9. As a 20-year-old student who has smoked cigarettes…
By Javier Lopez There is a petition meant to increase support for a bill titled AB 1366, which could make higher education institutions more inclusive for undocumented students. The bill could potentially create Dream Resource Centers in all Community and California State Colleges if passed. It states that the University of California do so as well. This bill could benefit students all over California, including students at East Los Angeles…
By Megan G. Razzetti Governor Jerry Brown recently signed SB 967, also known as the “Yes Means Yes” bill, changing the way sexual assault is investigated on college campuses in the state of California and how consent is defined. According to section one of the bill, the focus is mainly of “affirmative consent,” meaning all persons involved must have ‘affirmative, conscious, and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. It…
By Margarita Cancino and Maria C. Isidoro Governor Jerry Brown’s May Revise proposal will give students the opportunity to afford school and graduate with minimal financial stress. The 2014-15 State Budget proposal was announced yesterday morning. It includes a one-time increase of $50 million from Proposition 98’s General Fund, which is the annual funding provided to public schools and colleges in California. The May Revise promises to strengthen and expand student success…
By Vivian Ramirez Many East Los Angeles College students who have received Cal Grants in the past may no longer qualify for them due to proposed higher grade point average requirements. California Governor Jerry Brown released his proposal earlier this year in the 2012-13 state budget plan that will save the state an estimated $372 million throughout the year. The changes affecting Cal Grant A will raise the required GPA from…
By Lindsey Maeda California’s unpromising economic state is likely to trigger another round of spending cuts, which would mean a $10 per unit increase in tuition at community colleges statewide. The Legislative Analyst’s Office reported last week that the state has not received its desired budget of $88.5 billion. Therefore, the state’s $3.7 billion revenue shortfall will trigger a total of $2 billion in cuts to several state programs, some of which include the California Community Colleges, University of California and California State Universities. These…
By Megan Perry A disappointing display of student activism, resulting from a poor showing at the Occupy ELAC protest, raises the question of students’ priorities. Occupy ELAC is a movement of students who are tired of the fee hikes and who feel they deserve a free higher education. So, one would think that students would show up to support one another and demonstrate to the government that they are tired of…
By Yesenia Martinez Students that are angry with fee hikes and cutting of classes and the budget are taking action by occupying East Los Angeles College to ensure a fair and free education for all. The purpose of Occupy ELAC is to achieve the goal of getting student voices across to Governor Jerry Brown about the education crisis. They want affordable education for all students and to stop budget cuts that…