In the wake of student fee increases and the UC’s budgetary shortfalls, students and university officials have been working throughout December on advocacy efforts targeting Sacramento.

The UC Davis administration is preparing its message in anticipation of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s budget release and with attention to the budget passed by the UC regents in November.

“Right now our primary messaging is surrounding the regents’ budget approved in November,” said Jason Murphy, UC Davis director of state government relations and advocacy. “The regents requested $913 million be provided to the university to fully fund our needs. Those are dollars that will help support student enrollment and student services and class sizes for offerings.”

According to Murphy, officials are considering a variety of plans that would bring students to the capital under various campus institutions, such as ASUCD. The university may also create seminars with student services on campus to teach students about advocacy.

“We want to recognize not all students want to get involved with the administration for whatever reason,” Murphy said. “We’re trying to provide them some tools they can use to lobby on their own.”

While Murphy is optimistic about his lobbying effort, he acknowledges that given the rough budget year, the state legislature may decide to maintain the cuts to education.

“I think students will be well-received and legislature will be willing to listen and be very understanding of the student’s stories and requests,” Murphy said. “But we’ll be seeing how they’ll react to their ability to do something about it.”

He expects plans to crystallize once the details of state government’s budget are revealed. Schwarzenegger is scheduled to present his budget to the California legislature by Jan. 10.

Students have also taken advocacy into their own hands. Alicia Edelman, a senior art history and technocultural studies major, has created Bike for a Future, a bicycle ride to rally at the capitol.

“I love biking with people, and I was kind of surprised that we, at UC Davis, are the UC closest to Sacramento, and we haven’t taken advantage of our proximity to the capitol,” Edelman said. “I thought adding a bike twist to the event would make this a very distinctively Davis thing to do.”

Edelman and the event’s participants will bike to Sacramento and deliver letters of students’ friends and family to legislators. She said the event is not intended to deflect blame from UC administrators but to appeal student concerns to the California government.

“Our goal is to restructure the university system because we feel at this point it’s not really working toward what we as students, graduate students and faculty really need,” Edelman said.

Likewise, ASUCD Controller Eli Yani hopes to coordinate both students and administrative goals through official channels. He wants to combine staff, students and faculty to form a lobbying coalition.

Yani believes such a group will be able to effectively lobby the legislature for secure funding for the university. He did not provide further details but expects developments as the state budgetary processes moves forward.

The UC Office of the President has also engaged its own advocacy planning, coordinating the efforts of several campuses. The UC is considering changing the venue of UC Day, an annual gathering of students, alumni and legislators, from its traditional dinners to a march on the capitol.

The date of the event will be set to maximize the effect of the rally and is expected to take place in March.

LESLIE TSAN can be reached at campus@theaggie.org.

Heated debate over ASUCD President Joe Chatham’s decision to veto Senate Resolution Nine dominated the last ASUCD senate meeting of the fall quarter.

Appeals to override Chatham’s veto proved fruitless, however. The senate remained divided when the veto was called to question, and its six to six vote did not meet the two-thirds requirement for overriding the veto.

The senate passed the resolution in question two weeks prior on the steps of Mrak Hall to show a stance of no confidence for UC President Mark Yudof. In addition to the senators and commission officers normally in attendance at the weekly senate meetings, hundreds of students that participated in the protest were present to voice their support for the resolution and objection to its veto.

Hours of heated exchange between members of the senate and public had the senate split between arguments on the wording of the resolution, whether or not the site of the protest was an appropriate forum for discussion and also how the outcome of this subsequent meeting’s veto decision would be perceived by the student body.

“It is disappointing that this resolution has been vetoed,” said Mo Torres, former ASUCD senator and author of SR #9. “This resolution was passed in a beautiful environment. Had it been passed in this room, it wouldn’t have been on AGTV and the news. It would not have had the same meaning if it was passed here.”

Chatham attributed his decision to veto the resolution to his belief that the senate would be making too broad a statement in addressing and reprimanding the leadership of the University. Chatham believed the resolution’s terms could be misconstrued to include the likes of Brett Burns, Mark Champagne, Bruce Campbell and other administrators known for working with pay-cuts to maintain the university’s quality.

“Making a vote of no confidence is not productive,” Chatham said. “It essentially calls for people to resign, and that’s not what we are asking for. I’ve written an alternative resolution that highlights some specific demands, including a fee reduction schedule, greater transparency and greater cooperation with the students. I think that students, staff and faculty need to partner with the regents to voice our opinions in Sacramento.”

Chatham also felt that Mrak Hall was not a suitable setting for passing the resolution, citing the inability of senators to voice their objections and potential amendments in the midst of the protest.

Yet some pointed out that there was ample opportunity for discussion following the protest, citing the senate’s return to the MU Mee room at about 10 p.m., during which no one voiced their concerns.

“When people announced that there was going to be an ASUCD meeting held, everyone [at the protest] was quiet,” said Jackie Limon, Academic Affairs Commission chair. “They wanted to hear what the ASUCD student government had to say. I thought they were really respectful. They were all waiting to hear the resolution. It’s not our fault that you were intimidated.”

Several speakers including Senator Trevor Taylor and Gender and Sexuality Commission Chair Sara Raridon suggested a compromise in the form of passing both resolutions.

“We’re talking a lot about the students who were arrested,” said Raridon, who was among those arrested at Mrak. “I got straight out of jail and someone handed me the resolution, and I cried. I was so unbelievably proud of this group of students. We can do both. We’ve already passed a resolution concerning the fee hikes. Joe Chatham does not have the final say in our advocacy.”

Despite unsuccessful appeals for the override of the veto and passing of both resolutions, senators and speakers addressed Chatham’s proposed alternative resolution.

Both Limon and Torres called Chatham’s resolution plagiarism for its similarity to SR #9, the latter requesting to be credited coauthor in spite of his distaste for the new legislation.

ARNOLD LAU can be reached at campus@theaggie.org.

Learning from world-renowned professionals isn’t anything new at UC Davis – unless the coursework includes hand-to-hand combat.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu, taught by Mauro Ayres, a Bronze Medalist in the 2009 American National Championship, is just one of Fitness and Wellness’ offerings to students, faculty, staff, alumni, retirees and student affiliates free of charge during Try Before You Buy week. A free preview event for Brazilian jiu-jitsu will be held on Jan. 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

All instructional classes, including dance, martial arts, group exercise or personal training are available to sample for free during Try Before You Buy week.

“We provide a lot of variety in hopes that people come in, try some classes, get a little focused in their workouts and maybe set some goals,” said Paul Dorn, marketing director for Campus Recreation.

Try Before You Buy is especially popular during winter quarter while students try to maintain New Year’s resolutions.

“It’s a time of year when a lot of people think about fitness, and try something they’ve never thought about before,” Dorn said.

Many students have appreciated the week not only because they have access to free exercise classes, but also because the week occurs during a relatively relaxed time.

“I’m a regular during the first week of school,” said Ryan Doyle, a senior civil engineering major. “Classes aren’t too fast-paced yet and there’s a lot going on at the ARC.”

Ayres, who came to the United States in 1998 and has been competing here ever since, believes that Brazilian jiu-jitsu can be that new form of experimental exercise.

“Some people don’t like the routine of working out listening to their iPod alone,” Ayres said. “In this class, you’ll get a great work out, learn submission techniques that everyone can execute and gain self-confidence and control.”

The main difference between Brazilian jiu-jitsu and other martial arts is the emphasis on using leverage and balance to counter strength and weight advantages. It begins where most martial arts end – on the ground, Ayres said.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu can improve cardiovascular fitness and serves as a total-body workout, because opponents are constantly moving. Ayres said beginners should expect to learn a few techniques, including discipline and respect for partners in a fun atmosphere.

“It is more than only a martial art, it is a lifestyle. It is a mix of sport, with self defense movements, with a new behavior,” Ayres said. “The sport helps you to have fun, self-defense to protect yourself and behavior to understand your limits and respect others.”

Dorn said Brazilian jiu-jitsu falls in line with Fitness and Wellness’ goals for Try Before You Buy.

“The hope is that people try some things during try before you buy and find something that’s rewarding and fun enough that they’ll stick with it throughout the quarter,” he said. “This is a great opportunity to get introduced to a martial art by one of the premier practitioners in the world at a very affordable cost.”

An all-inclusive group exercise pass, necessary for class continuation after the first week, costs $45 dollars for the quarter. More information about Fitness and Wellness programs can be found at http://campusrecreation.ucdavis.edu

MIKE DORSEY can be reached at campus@theaggie.org.

ASUCD Senate meetings are scheduled to begin Thursdays at 6:10 p.m. Times listed are according to the clock at the Dec. 3 meeting location, the Memorial Union’s Mee Room.

Meeting called to order at 6:10 p.m.

Joe Chatham, ASUCD president, present

Chris Dietrich, ASUCD vice president, present

Abrham Castillo-Ruiz, ASUCD senator, present

Joemar Clemente, ASUCD senator, present

Justin Gold, ASUCD senator, present

Don Ho, ASUCD senator, present

Joel Juarez, ASUCD senator, present

Andre Lee, ASUCD senator, present

Levi Menovske, ASUCD senator, present

Kevin Massoudi, ASUCD senator, present

Laura Pulido, ASUCD senator, present

Bree Rombee, ASUCD senator, present

Shawdee Rouhafza, ASUCD senator, present

Trevor Taylor, ASUCD senator, present

Previn Witana, ASUCD president pro-tempore, present

Presentations

Dietrich presented the Student Government Administrative Office’s Michael John Tucker Leadership Award to Zwald.

Dana Percoco of the External Affairs Commission (EAC) awarded Witana and Taylor Fleshman of the Outreach Assembly with the Senate Hottie-Hot-Hot Awards.

Appointments and Confirmations

The senate approved Avnish Brar and Nazir Sayed commissioners to the Business and Finance Commission (BFC).

The senate approved Ozzy Arce, Samantha Hayflich, Kevin Pascual and Bihter Ozedirne commissioners to the EAC.

The senate approved Riha Pathak and Jaspreet Dehar commissioners to the Ethnic and Cultural Affairs Commission (ECAC).

The senate approved Jess Lam and Matt Russo commissioners to the Environmental Policy and Planning Commission (EPPC).

Farewell Addresses

Former senators Jack Zwald, Erin Lebe, Laura Pulido, Mo Torres, as well as Fleshman and Max Mikalonis gave their thanks, farewells and advice for their new senators.

Consideration of urgent legislation

An Urgent Senate Resolution authored by Torres, declaring a vote of no confidence in Mark Yudof and the Regents of the University of California, passed unanimously.

Consideration of Old Legislation

Senate Resolution 9, authored by Torres, calling for a vote of no confidence in Mark Yudof and the UC Regents, was vetoed by Chatham. The veto remained with a 6-6 vote on whether or not to override it.

Senate Bill 14, authored by Nick Sidney of the ASUCD Elections Committee and co-authored by Hartstein, to change the deadline for which a candidate may withdraw from an election, was passed unanimously.

Senate Bill 21, authored by Mehnovinsky, to purchase a tape deck, tripod and shoulder mount for AGTV using Capital Reserves funding, was passed unanimously.

Senate Bill 23, authored by Hartstein, co-authored by Justice Ryan Meyerhoff of the ASUCD Court, to disallow ASUCD Court Justices from co-authoring legislation, was passed unanimously.

Senate Bill 26, authored by Jeff Williams, chair of the BFC, to allocate funding from Capital Reserves to purchase two gavels for use by ASUCD Commissions, was passed unanimously.

Urgent LegislationAn Urgent Senate Resolution, authored by Laura Brown, commissioner of GASC, to affirm that the Co-ops need to remain a student resource on campus, was passed unanimously.

An Urgent Senate Resolution, authored by Chatham, co-authored by Dietrich, Torres and ASUCD Controller Eli Yani, was withdrawn for further work over winter break and future discussion.

Unit Director Reports

Valentina Cekovski of Project Compost stated that there is a new place to pick up composting materials behind Academic Surge, and announced a composting workshop scheduled for Jan. 23 and a backyard compost workshop on Feb. 20, both of which are to be held in front of the Tri Co-ops.

Daniel Fontaine of AGTV reported improvements in AGTV production, including a renovated studio, a newly designed project workflow where videos are released individually and an improved business philosophy willing to accommodate student needs while working with ASUCD and The California Aggie for improved content and communication.

Other BusinessWitana was approved a member of the Internet and Networking Committee.

Meeting adjourned at 12:48 a.m.

ARNOLD LAU compiles the senate briefs. He can be reached at campus@theaggie.org.

Two UC Davis students were recently released from custody after being arrested at the Dec. 11 attack on UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau’s residence.

Fourth year art students Laura Thatcher and Julia Letman-Cleper were among six other individuals taken into custody for alleged rioting and other offenses. Bail was set at $132,500 for the eight individuals with orders not to return to campus if released.

“I was appalled to learn of the attack on Chancellor Birgeneau’s home, and that two of those arrested were UC Davis students,” said Chancellor Linda Katehi in a press release. “Such violence cannot be justified. It’s now up to the judicial process to determine appropriate action.”

UC Berkeley campus spokesman Dan Mogulof said protestors inflicted an estimated $18,000 in damages upon Birgeneau’s home, with 40 to 75 protestors present at the scene. While some carried lighted torches that were later thrown at police, others overturned planters, damaged windows and broke light fixtures outside of the home. The eight arrested were taken into custody early Saturday morning for suspicion of rioting, threatening an education official, attempted burglary, attempted arson of an occupied building, felony vandalism and assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer.

“This is what it looks like when a student group gets hijacked by extreme and violent elements in its rank,” Mogulof said in a statement released by the university. “There is no place in our community for such extremism.”

However, Thatcher and Litman-Cleper, along with the other six individuals, may never face criminal charges due to insufficient evidence. According to the Alameda County district attorney’s office, evidence of those responsible for the damages remains unclear due to the large number present at the late night protest. An ongoing investigation will be held by UC police to identify the active participants in the vandalism incident.

“The entirety of the protests have been nonviolent and have been about re-establishing what the UC used to be, before we started cutting education,” said fourth year Political Science major Sergio Blanco. “[Thatcher and Litman-Cleper] understand that these protests are not about being violent; as a matter of fact, they are not violent and really levelheaded. The whole incident seems unclear, so how can we come to any conclusions about the event if those investigating are unsure of the facts?”

“They are wonderful students: thoughtful, inquisitive, respectful, and supportive of their peers,” said technocultural studies professor Bob Ostertag in an editorial in The Huffington Post. “They are active in their departments and in the civics of their campus. Imagine what it is like for the parents to have to come up with $132,000 on short notice to make their daughters’ bail, and then: never mind. No charges. Where the police saw multiple felonies, the district attorney saw no case.”

The late night vandalism incident against the chancellor’s home was a recent development in a string of protests opposing the UC system’s implementation of a 32 percent tuition hike. The morning prior to the incident, 66 were arrested at UC Berkeley’s Wheeler Hall in a wider UC system weeklong protest. The students’ peaceful four-day occupation of the building was initiated to draw attention to increasing student fees, but was cut short as police made arrests on sleeping protestors at 4 a.m. for misdemeanor trespassing.

“We had to take steps to ensure that finals could go forward,” Mogulof said. “Our primary responsibility is to the campus’ core academic mission and the 35,000 students who are not participating in the protest.”

The eight individuals charged with vandalizing the chancellor’s residence were released during an arraignment at the Wiley Manuel Courthouse in Oakland, Calif., on Dec. 15. Charges will be delayed until further evidence is obtained.

REBECCA SHRAGGE can be reached at campus@theaggie.org.