Second letter regarding proposed budgetary cuts in the CSUB academic programs.

October 25, 2009

Dr. Horace Mitchell, President
California State University Bakersfield
9001 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93312

email:  hmitchell@csub.edu

(click here for letter)

Dear Dr. Mitchell,

This is my second letter which I write to you regarding discussions currently being held regarding proposed budgetary cuts in the CSUB academic programs.  After I sent you my initial letter last week,  I have been observing a continuing growth in the number of letters and overall correspondence directed to your office and to CSUB.  It is because of the severity and enormous consequences that I write a second letter to you.

First, I realize that all campuses of the CSU system are facing difficult decisions.  No one wants to see programs or departments cut or eliminated from a campus, and to see campuses across the state debate and argue as what programs and or departments to cut or eliminate. It is widely recognized of the severity of the budgetary situation state-wide.  But at the same time, it is hoped that whatever actions are taken that they have the least negative impact and the most minimal effect  on the university and the community which is served by the university in question.  It has come to the attention  of the academic community at CSUB, and the community in Kern County and Bakersfield,  that the Department of  Modern Languages and Literatures (Foreign Language) and other academic connected classes like Chicano Studies are being considered to be eliminated as a result of deliberations now taking place now with the ultimate decision to be made by you in  December, as President, based on the advice and recommendations of your administrative staff.  Based on the information that has circulated throughout the campus, the “moratorium” being considered would effectively result in the elimination of the undergraduate language programs as well as the graduate level programs.  It is my understanding that based on a letter by one of your professors that the Dean of the Humanities & Social Sciences Division met with the Chair of the Modern Languages Department and informed him that he would recommend a moratorium on majors in their program – effectively killing the program.

As many other professors and scholars have written to you, the possibility of this action occurring would go contrary to the idea that CSUB has a comprehensive mission supporting diversity and excellence  in its curriculum and students.  It has been asked already, how can a modern California university with a huge Latino population where being bilingual and bi-literate is an asset and a sign of an educated society even consider such an outrageous proposal?  I am sure you already are aware that your Latino student population already constitutes 45%, that the Bakersfield City School District has a 76% majority of Latino students, the Kern High School District has reached 87,042 which is 50% of the total while the under 18 age group of Latino students is 35,683 or 61.9% according to the California State enrollments figures for 2000. The  total public Latino enrollments  in Kern County already constitute a majority of students at 56 % in 2006-2007.

These figures are offered to demonstrate that the population figures already constitute the majority of students in the County, that they will continue to grow and that eliminating the proposed programs at CSUB can only be interpreted as an attack on the student population at CSUB at 45% and the rest of the Latino population in this region.  Think of the thousands of high school students currently taking language courses at their high school.  Word has reached them of this proposed action, and not only are they stunned and in shocked, but they are  angered and bewildered by the potential disastrous impact this could have on their lives.

Secondly, it should be noted, according to sociologists and other social scientists, that such an action that is being contemplated  is tantamount to an institutional act of cultural genocide.  I realize that these words might sound harsh, but the reality is that this action can be seen as a means in which the power structure, institutionally speaking, decides to eliminate a academic, curricular program and this action results in a rejection of the idea of language diversity.  Institutional cultural genocide can be defined as the elimination (i.e., extermination) of  cultural traits, practices, values, or a language of a particular group that generally is powerless to the destruction to occur.  Most informed people are aware of the U.S. policy of attempting to wipe out the use of the indigenous languages and to try to “kill the Indian” not by a physical extermination which failed, but by attempting to destroy their culture and language by forcibly removing children by their homes and placing them in homes of white English speaking Americans and to make these Indian children “white.”

At CSUB there is not the presence of a sufficient number of Latino / Hispanic administrators to effectively debate, oppose, and block this action.  Everyone knows that the lack of  Latino /Hispanic administrators on your staff is a fact which at the same time in incredible in light of the fact that your administration has grown 45% since 2000 according to CFA statistics.   It has obvious that faculty have not been listened to,  according to reports that have come from the campus. Students oppose this action.   This  action of a university which goes contrary to its mission of reflecting the diversity of its community and student body in the programs it develops, maintains, and protects is highly troubling.  Hence, the potential destruction of the curricular program of languages and their academic connections to other courses like in education and Chicano Studies  at an institution of higher education where its’ study contributes to the following points listed below can be seen as difficult to comprehend and academically impossible to fathom.

(1) the language program contributes to our national security, according to several U.S.             Presidential task groups;

(2)  These language programs contribute to an economic, political, and social  necessity          where a huge percentage of our state, regional, and national population engages and      communicates  in Spanish and with the additional realization that Latin America has             several hundred million people whose mother tongue is Spanish;

(3) the study of languages also contributes to an understanding  and usage of another             language that contributes to the life-long enrichment of our students and community.

Analysis of the size of department enrollments and the use these figures as a justification to drop these programs is a bogus argument.  There are departments that are smaller on campus, and no other CSU campus is contemplating this action.  So everyone is asking  “What is the rationale for this proposed decision?”  “It can not be an academic curricular  one,” many students, faculty, and community persons declare.  “It can not be enrollments”- state and university statistics counter this argument.  Many people have argued that  this proposed action is a direct attack against the Latino / Hispanic community.  I personally hope and pray that this is not the case, although I must inform you that since the proposal does not make sense that many people have reached certain conclusions.

In the twenty-first century in California where there are projections for the continued growth of the Latino / Hispanic population in communities and schools at all levels where we are indeed seeing the “browning of America” demographically speaking, the elimination of these programs is unfathomable that they could even be contemplated. It should also be noted that cuts and elimination of these programs would effectively cut the number of Latino / Hispanic faculty at CSUB.

Thirdly, how can a university claim that the destruction or elimination  of a program that took decades to develop keeps intact its mission philosophically speaking aligned with the need to meet the standards of “diversity and excellence?”

I believe that in addition to having a dialogue on campus regarding this issue between your administrative staff and your faculty, you would be wise to consider involving students and the community.  Then no one could charge you with not being transparent and engaging all parties concerned with this profound and important matter.  I am available to assist with this task if I am called upon.  I feel deeply about this matter.

As the President of CSUB, you have two basic choices.  You can support the recommendations of your administrative staff which are flawed and contrary to the aims and mission of our local CSU campus..  Or you can make history and win the positive acclaim of the Latino academic and general community by rejecting these insane and ludicrous recommendations as dangerous and counter-productive to the aim and mission of a university.  If you choose to reject these academically corrupt ideas of contributing to an institutional cultural genocide you could be truly considered an enlightened and wise university president.  You have a choice.  Your decision will probably be the most important of your career.  How do you wish to be remembered?

Sincerely,

Dr. Jess G. Nieto

Executive Director

Heritage of America Educational & Cultural Foundation

CSUB – Modern Language Programs – Dr. Jess G. Nieto Executive Director Heritage of America Educational & Cultural Foundation

Dear Mitchell,

I was shocked and  dismayed to learn about the proposal for certain programs (foreign language programs, Chicano Studies and other ethnic studies programs)  to be eliminated at CSUB due to the current financial crisis at the CSU system.  I cannot understand why something of this nature is even being considered.

I will attend the  meeting planned for tonight at CSUB to learn more about the crisis, to protest theses actions, and I will distribute this information to others in the community.  I strongly urge that you not give in as President of the University to those around you who may have been advising you to support this action.  I assure you that this potential action would create an enormous tsunami of political and social protest from many different segments  of the community.  The University would be harmed irreparably and would create deep and profound community and academic wounds that perhaps would never heal.

Once again, as President of the University, I believe strongly that you  must provide leadership to see that these types of programs are not jeopardized or negatively affected.

Respectfully,
Dr. Jess G. Nieto
Executive Director
Heritage of America Educational & Cultural Foundation

Save CSUB Modern Languages Program

CSUB is facing a difficult budget situation.  Among one of the most striking proposed cuts is the complete dismantling of the Modern Languages Program.  The Modern Language program has been under fire for years by some Administrators on campus–and although, this program commands more majors than a few other programs on campus (100 majors–compared to others with only 20 to 60 majors)–this is the program they’re targeted for termination.  The Dean of HSS met with the Chair of the Modern Languages Dept. and said he would recommend a moratorium on majors in their program–effectively, killing the program.

I, like other colleagues and community members, am wondering how you can have a comprehensive university without a languages program?  If they implement plans to terminate Modern Languages at CSUB–our campus will be the ONLY CSU without a language program (all CSUs, with the exception of the specialized Maritime College, have substantial language programs).  In fact, even CSUs located in largely white, affluent communities have a strong commitment to language programs (CSU-Monterey Bay, CSU-Sonoma, CSU-Northridge…the list goes on and on).  Yet, at CSUB where Latino undergraduate students represent the largest plurality of students on campus, and the university is nestled within a sizeable Latino community, Administrators propose to eliminate a Spanish program that is so representative of our community?

This is in direct opposition to our University’s mission statement on “excellence and diversity.”  Perhaps this proposed cut of Modern Languages is in part due to our total lack of representation on the President’s cabinet–not one Hispanic on that Administrative board to speak on our community’s behalf (we’re down to zero representation of Mexican-Americans; notably the largest plurality on campus, in this region and in the state!; and this in light of CFA stats indicating a 45% increase in administrative positions at CSUB since 2000).  At a university where our community represents most of the student body (their enrollments in fact largely FUND this campus)–this proposed cut is outrageous.  The lack of representation given us is exponentially felt because if slated cuts occur Latino/a faculty (over the next years) could well be disproportionately hit by such Administrative actions (in Modern Languages and other programs as well).  This is very troubling.

The Modern Languages and Literatures program serves as an important entry point to higher education for a vital student demographic on campus, Latina students (who now represent the largest plurality in CSUB’s student body).   This student demographic has been historically underserved and if a moratorium on language majors is implemented this group will be most disenfranchised as a result of such an Administrative action.  It can’t be underscored enough that the Modern Languages and Literature program is unique in exemplifying through its curriculum, and more so than any other program on campus, the diversity of our student population and that of the local region (which remains the most significant contributor to campus enrollments).  It took decades to build this program within a community that has long struggled to secure access to curricular representation on this campus.

Cutting this program is tantamount to cutting curriculum in Women Studies, African American Studies and Asian American studies—because it would in fact terminate Spanish language and literatures and Chicano Studies on this campus.  How is the goal of promoting excellence and diversity served if the educational needs of single largest plurality, Hispanic students, at CSUB are dismissed by Administrators?  The potential to irrevocably harm the educational interests of Hispanic students and the local Hispanic community demands serious considerations.

In this multicultural era, it is unimaginable that Hispanic educational needs (proposed cut of culturally meaningful curriculum–the Spanish program and Chicano Studies) are being challenged at CSUB—when no such challenge exists at other CSU campuses.  Even CSUs serving affluent white communities have attempted to better represent Hispanic population interests (particularly since they’re now the largest minority group in America), yet Administrators on this campus plan to terminate this language program?

The mission of “excellence and diversity” must be seen in actions—not words.  Diversity means action, not rhetoric.  And any actions taken by the present Administration to undercut the curriculum delivery needs of Hispanics on campus will have longstanding negative consequences for this ethnic minority and for all students that are left without access to language programs that prepare them for participation in a culturally diverse society (a point well recognized by other CSUs as evidenced by their commitment to comprehensive language programs).

Please express your solidarity with the Modern Languages Program by attending the “Informational Meeting” that Jose Reyna has scheduled on Thursday, October 15, 2009 @ 7:30pm–YES it’s on FURLOUGH DAY (this way the meeting will not interfere with class time for students in the ML program).  Invite others to join us as well–all are welcome to attend this informational discussion…our colleagues on and off campus.

And/or send an email message directly to Pres. Mitchell to express your concerns about this proposed cut and ask him to NOT APPROVE THE MORATORIUM ON MODERN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES MAJORS that would terminate this program: hmitchell@csub.edu

CSU’s throughout the state are scheduling action days to challenge proposed budget cuts (www.calfac.org)…it’s correct to challenge our Administrators to find alternatives to such drastic measures that as history indicates, if implemented are irreversible.  To borrow a phrase being used by another CSU campus, “It took 40 years to build and 4 months to destroy.”  We can’t afford not to act in solidarity…we may not have much of a university left.

For more information on the problems we’re facing at CSUB, see the Californian’s recent article on Administrative Growth and Faculty Reductions: http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x544700063/CSUB-faculty-question-administrator-numbers

United We Stand,
Edna

What is the Mission of CSU Bakersfield?

CSUB is planning the elimination of the Dept. of Modern Languages
which teaches courses in Spanish, as well as Latina American Literature; Latin American Studies:
Chicano Literature; etc. (The Dept. also teaches French).

CSUB is classified as a Regional COMPREHENSIVE UNIVERSITY, its CSU Mission is to
serving the Southern San Joaquin Valley and beyond.

QUESTIONS:
– Can one have a “comprehensive university” that does not teach languages?
– In today’s world, and  especially in CALIFORNIA and the San Joaquin Valley,
does the elimination of language instruction make sense?
– How does this reflect and advance the CSU Mission?

***************************

As many of you may already know, the CSU is in a serious financial crisis that is affecting many people and many programs throughout the system. At CSUB, major cuts to academic programs are being planned for the very near future. Some of you may have also heard that one of the most important programs to be put on the chopping block is our beloved Spanish program — both our Bachelor of Arts program and our Master of Arts program. This would, of course, deal a devastating blow not only to our students and to this university, but also to the entire Latino community.
In order to provide the latest and most accurate information on the status of our Spanish program, and especially on the future of the department, I have decided to schedule an “Informational Meeting.”

Date: Thursday October 15
Time: 7:30 P.M.
Place: Business Development Center (BDC) Rm. 153 (large lecture hall)

José R. Reyna, Ph.D.
Chair and Professor of Spanish
California State University, Bakersfield
9001 Stockdale Hwy
Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099

CSUB Todd Madigan Gallery’s Art Exhibit: “Arte de la Gente: Mexican Masters”

The exhibit features works from Sacal, Diego Rivera, Vladimir Cora, Rodolfo Nieto, Raul Anguinao, José Luis Cuevas, Leonora Carrington, José Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueiros!

Opening Reception, Thursday, Oct. 2, 5-8pm

“ttp://www.csub.edu/art/gallery/present.html

_________________________________________________________________________

Come join the celebration: National Hispanic Heritage Month at CSUB

Hispanic faculty and students at CSUB invite you to join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by attending the Todd Madigan Gallery’s art exhibit, “Arte de la Gente: Mexican Masters from the Dr. and Mrs. Richard Zapanta Collection”! Come join the opening day festivities on October 2, 2008 from 5pm-8pm (free admission, food, drink, music and parking in lots B&C). The exhibit features works from Sacal, Diego Rivera, Vladimir Cora, Rodolfo Nieto, Raul Anguinao, José Luis Cuevas, Leonora Carrington, José Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueiros! The “Arte de la Gente” exhibit runs from October 2nd through November 16th (Gallery hours – Wednesdays through Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m.). More information is available at www.csub.edu/art/gallery (click on “Present” for exhibit flyer). Our warm thanks to Deanna Heikkinen, Gallery Director, for bringing the Mexican Masters collection to CSUB and the Bakersfield community!

Facts on Hispanic Heritage Month

Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson first established a national week of celebration of Hispanic culture and traditions in September 1968. Later, this national week of observance of the contributions of the U.S. Hispanic population was expanded to a month-long celebration (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15). Hispanics are composed of diverse cultural groups primarily with roots in Mexico, Spain, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. September 15th marks the start of this celebratory 30-day period, a date that is meant to commemorate the anniversary of independence of countries like: Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Hispanics are a significant and sizeable U.S. population that is presently estimated at 45.5 million – making it the nation’s largest ethnic population (15% of the nation’s total population). By July 2050 the population is projected to increase to approximately 132.8 million and will then constitute about 30 percent of the nation’s population. Hispanics of Mexican cultural backgrounds are the largest group (64%), followed by people of Puerto Rican backgrounds (9%), and of Cuban backgrounds (3.4%). California and Texas are home to the largest concentrations of the Hispanic-origin people in the nation with nearly 48 percent of the population residing in these prominent states (13.2 million in CA and 8.6 million in Texas). In addition, 44 percent reside in New Mexico, 30 percent in Arizona and 25 percent in Nevada. Also, Hispanic consumer spending power has increased significantly – it’s now estimated at $222 billion (up by more than 31% from 1997-2002); notably Mexican-origin people (Mexicans, Mexican Americans and Chicanos) own 44.6% of all Hispanic business firms.

By most measures, the Hispanic population continues to thrive and contribute to the U.S. economy and to the enrichment of the diverse, multicultural landscape of American life. Join us in celebrating our cultural diversity and our American unity!

CSUB’s Hispanic Excellence Scholarship Fund celebrates 25 years of student support

AUG. 26, 2008
CONTACT: Kathy Miller, 661/654-2456, kmiller26@csub.edu,
or Jaclyn Hernandez, 661/654-2138, jhernandez37@csub.edu

The Hispanic Excellence Scholarship Fund at California State University, Bakersfield will host its 25th annual awards dinner on Saturday, Sept. 20, at The DoubleTree Hotel at 6 p.m.

The HESF was established at the university in 1984 by CSU President Emeritus Tomás Arciniega to increase access to a college education for academically outstanding, financially needy, local students who demonstrate strong leadership potential. In its first year, nine students were awarded scholarships; since then, the program has grown and provided more than $2 million in scholarships to more than 1,000 students.

Thomas Martínez, chair of the public administration department, said the scholarship program has been very successful. “Due to the growing support of local businesses and individuals, the CSUB President’s Scholarship Matching Program, and endowment collaboration with the national Hispanic Scholarship Fund, our scholarship fund has become one of the premier scholarship programs of its kind,” he said. “This year 80 students will be awarded scholarship totaling $130,000. Most importantly, at the award dinner, the hard work and academic excellence of financially needy local students will be recognized.”

The HESF Advisory Board is comprised of local business, education, and community leaders. Supporters of this event include State Farm Insurance, Bright House Networks, Univision, Allstate and Chevron.

Arciniega will be the keynote speaker for this year’s event. Tickets for the dinner are $60. To purchase tickets or to obtain sponsorship information, please call (661) 654-3406 or log on to www.csub.edu/hesf/.

“25th Anniversary CSUB-HESF Scholarship Awards Dinner”
Saturday, September 20, 2008
6:00 p.m. Social ~ 7:00 p.m. Dinner
The DoubleTree Hotel
Rosedale Highway at Highway 99
Phone: 654-3406

HENRY’S POOR CHOICES COSTING CALIFORNIAN’S CREDIBLITY

Hello Friends,

This is a Special Edition of the Parra Notes. The following is a copy of a press release that I sent out today to correct errors and misleading statements in today’s Bakersfield Californian newspaper.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2008

HENRY’S POOR CHOICES COSTING CALIFORNIAN’S CREDIBILITY

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Nicole Parra (D-Hanford) released the following letter to the Bakersfield Californian in response to a misleading column in today’s newspaper:

“September 17, 2008

Lois Henry
Bakersfield California
1707 Eye Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301

Dear Lois,

It is with extreme disappointment that I read your article in today’s Californian. Disappointment because you seem to have completely dismissed the real impact of my tenure in the State Assembly and commitment to my constituents in the 30th Assembly District, just for one of your cheap headlines. Being an Assemblymember involves introducing and passing bills, which I have successfully done. But more importantly, being an Assemblymember requires one to introduce issues into public debate, and fight for your people and priorities. This I have done with much effectiveness, often bringing Legislative leaders from Los Angeles and the Bay Area into the District.

During my six years in office, I have brought a number of key policy makers into Kern County and the 30th Assembly District to witness first-hand the needs and concerns of my constituents. Rather than making decisions in a vacuum from their offices in Sacramento, I brought Assembly Speakers, Committee Chairs, and fellow legislators to the District so they see the impacts of their decisions on the fantastic people of the Central Valley.

Since you have blatantly failed to notify the readers of this newspaper, let me remind you of just a few of the things I have accomplished. Former Assembly Speakers Herb Wesson and Fabian Núñez, and current Speaker Karen Bass came to the 30th Assembly District to gain a greater understanding of the impact of water and agriculture on our communities.

Working with Occidental Petroleum and others, I brought a number of legislators on a tour of Kern County’s oil-producing lands and facilities. Kern County is the leading oil producing county in California and legislators were able to better grasp the economic importance of this energy activity on our towns.

I have served as past Chair of the Select Committee on Water Infrastructure and the Economy, holding an informational hearing on the status of the restoration of the San Joaquin River and its impact on surrounding communities. Last year, I brought together local potable water supplier entities in the 30th Assembly District and the State agencies of jurisdiction for an open dialogue to discuss water quality, reliability, and availability within the Southern San Joaquin Valley. The meeting included approximately 35 representatives from the District – from Alpaugh to Arvin – and numerous state agencies.

Any journalist worth their salt knows that the Valley cares about solutions, not ideologues. And my record of working across the aisle is both well known and very productive. Always working in a bi-partisan manner, as my constituents have repeatedly asked their elected officials to do, I have worked on important economic development issues. In 2005, I held an economic development conference in Bakersfield with State Treasurer Phil Angelides to address job retention, development, and tax credits. From getting Governor Schwarzenegger to sign the Executive Order creating the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley to leading the fight to protect jobs at Lemoore Naval Air Base from federal cuts, I have been there in the trenches for our communities when they needed it most – providing economic opportunities for our families and neighbors.

On the Assembly Floor, I have effectively and judiciously used my vote to protect the interests of Kern County and my constituents. When the Kern County Board of Supervisors asks me to oppose cuts to funding for critical services, I have stood firm in my opposition, even when that meant going against well funded special interests.

In short, I have been a dedicated stalwart for the people of Kern County and the 30th Assembly District. That is why I have been elected three times in three vigorous contests. The people recognize that I consistently stand up for their issues, for their concerns, and for their priorities, even when that means I have to buck my party and pay a high price in Sacramento.

Lois, get your facts straight. You have been sitting alone at your desk for over a decade. Get out from behind your blinders, get out in the real world, and you’ll see and hear that Nicole Parra has been a champion for the wonderful people of Kern County and my district, because these great people deserve nothing less from me.”

Sincerely,

NICOLE M. PARRA
Member of the Assembly
30th District

# # #

This Is What Happens To California Legislative Moderates

Joe Mathews -
August 18, 2008 – 4:30pm

Chief of staff, Derek Chernow, packs up the belongings of assemblywoman, Nicole Parra, from her office August 18, 2008. Assembly Speaker Karen Bass is kicking Parra out of her office at the State Capitol building because she failed to vote on the state budget Sunday. She will be relocated to the legislative office across the street. (Autumn Cruz / Sacramento Bee Staff Photo)

This picture from the Sacramento Bee is of the chief of staff to Democratic Assemblywoman Nicole Parra packing up her office after Assembly Speaker Karen Bass kicked her out of the Capitol. Parra’s crime? Showing a little independence. Parra, a Central Valley moderate Democrat from one of the few competitive legislative districts in the state, refused to vote for the Democratic budget proposal for a simple and good reason: the legislature refuses to pass a badly needed water bond even after it was presented with a bipartisan compromise fashioned by U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

So Parra becomes the only legislator to not have an office in the Capitol. This is not the first time this punishment has been used. The previous speaker and the current Democratic leader in the Senate, Don Perata, have also kicked lawmakers out of their offices for the crime of showing independence. Something like this might make a good ad for Prop 11, the November ballot initiative to remove the power to draw districts from the legislature.

Updated: A few sources and readers point out that Parra is defending her district’s interests, particularly the agricultural ones. Which is true. But that’s no crime, and shouldn’t get you tossed out of the Capitol. The point is that there is simply no room for independence.

Parra Kicked Out Of Her Office Juvenile Partisan Antics Irritates Voters and Demeans Legislature

http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_10255275

Rigid partisan antics
MediaNews editorial
Article Launched: 08/20/2008 11:41:21 AM PDT

IF CALIFORNIANS believe that the primary responsibility of their elected legislators is to represent the interests of the voters who elected them, they would be mistaken. At least that apparently is the view of Assembly Speaker Karen Bass.

Last Sunday, after Assemblywoman Nicole Parra, D-Hanford, failed to vote the Democratic Party line in support of a doomed state budget proposal, the speaker booted Parra out of her Capitol office and into one across the street.

Parra abstained from the budget vote because she wants lawmakers first to approve a comprehensive water package that would benefit her Central Valley farm district. The $9.3 billion bond measure was proposed by Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

But the speaker could not countenance anything but rigid conformance to partisanship. That is particularly galling, when everyone knew well in advance that the budget vote was a meaningless exercise.

Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked with the former opposed to tax increases and the latter opposed to spending controls.

Parra is not opposed to her party’s view on the budget. However, she put her constituents’ interest first in pushing for a vote on the water measure.

Kicking a wayward legislator out of his or her office is nothing new. Both parties have done it, but relocating a lawmaker to a different building takes such juvenile antics to an even lower level.

This is the kind of nonsense that understandably irritates voters and demeans the Legislature.

Perhaps if California had more competitive legislative districts, party leaders would allow lawmakers to have more latitude in representing the interests of those who elected them.

Unfortunately, that is not the case today as the speaker clearly demonstrated in penalizing a legislator for her independence.

Parra..principled politician, holding out for her constituents, unwilling to bend to the petty wants of her liberal Los Angeles masters

Big Daddy
By Big Daddy (published Thursday, August 21, 2008)
Hey Big Daddy, So, Nicole Parra is now politically homeless. What are your thoughts on the merits of moving her out of her Capitol office?

– Fran in Fresno

Hey Fran,

I understand the Democrats’ desire to throw Nicole Parra out of her office. She’s been openly flirting with Republicans, professionally flirting that is, for months. She’s all but endorsed Danny Gilmore in his race against the matriarch of the Florez clan, and we’ve even heard stories of Parra being ignored by her colleagues at a recent political dinner, and sitting instead with Republicans.

But really, Parra’s sins pale in comparison to say, a true political traitor like Benedict Arnold, Judas, or Joe Lieberman. And Parra’s recent trip into exile underscores a dilemma for Democrats across California.
Think back for a moment at the recent lawmakers to be punished by their legislative leaders. There was Juan Arambula, who was locked in a Capitol closet for refusing to support one of the Speaker’s pet bond projects.

Over in the Senate, Lou Correa, Gloria Negrete McLeod and Ron Calderon were all locked out of their Capitol offices for sins against God, country and Don Perata.

Now, what do these five legislators have in common? Anyone needing a clue can check out the handy-dandy Capitol Weekly political scorecard located in these here pages. They’re all moderates.

Yes, liberals like Patty Berg grouse that Parra “owes” her caucus her loyalty because of the millions of dollars they spent to elect her. Well, what exactly did they think they were buying? John Laird of Hanford? No, they were buying an assurance that Parra would vote with Democrats most of the time, not all. Now, it was Parra’s right to vote her conscience, and hold out for a water bond, just as it was Bass’s right to kick her to the curb – literally. But Democrats might want to think about how they’re spending their money before they start complaining about what they’ve got.

If you buy yourself a puppy, you can’t really get too mad when it poops in the living room, or eats your favorite slippers. That’s what puppies do. You knew that going in. Sure, you can try to train the puppy, and hope they outgrow it, but remember, puppies chew things throughout their first year, and since one dog year is equal to seven human years, and term limits for a new Assembly member are only six years, well, you do the math.

The truth is, throwing Parra out of her office is like throwing Br’er Rabbit into the briar patch. And she’s made the most of this so-called punishment. Political independence is a valued commodity anywhere – particularly in Yellow Dog country in the state’s Central Valley.  Parra now look likes the principled politician, holding out for her thirsty constituents, unwilling to bend to the petty wants of her liberal Los Angeles masters. It will serve her well if she ever runs for elected office again.

But it’s also a win for Bass. It allows the new speaker to look tough, and this administration needed some discipline points. There have been plenty of whispers about the lack of order in a post-Fabian Nunez Assembly. Exiling Parra helps Bass keep the liberals happy, as well as the Teutonic types who like to see a firm grip on the reins of power. Sure, Nicole Parra may have lost her office. But both Parra, and the Speaker who exiled her, gained something far more valuable.