SDSA Membership Meeting

March 16, 2009

The meeting was called to order by co-chairs Roberto Flores and Lynne Armstrong at 6:30 PM at Grady’s Restaurant.

The first order of business was to have members deputized as registrars. Two petitions were circulated for establishing a Cesar Chavez Holiday and for support of the Non-Discrimination Bill that will be introduced by Mike Villarreal.

Ruth Ray from Registrar’s Office passed out packets to those interested in being registrars. Terms expire in December of even numbered years. She explained the contents of the packet: the oath, and registration applications. Members were sworn in and forms were turned in. Twenty-six people were deputized.

Judge Al Alonso was introduced as one of our members. Olga introduced 4 new members.

Peg moved that the minutes of the previous membership meeting be accepted as posted on the web, Bryan seconded and the motion passed.

Treasurer, Larry Stallings, reported $6145.01 as the current balance. A motion was made and seconded to accept the treasurer’s report.

Diane Stallings, Program, Fundraising and Events, introduced some of the members of her committee. The banquet date is October 10 and the guest speaker is Matt Foreman, former director of the Gay and Lesbian Task Force. They are still looking at possible venues, Oak Hills Country Club, Radius, Magnolia Gardens, the Dominion and Retama. The committee is seeking door prizes for the banquet.

The speaker for next month is Karl Thomas Musselman who will be talking about Act Blue.

Mark Spencer, Budget and Finance Committee, presented copies of the 2009 Financial Statement. Mark reported that the committee is focusing on transparency and tracking all expenses to particular committees.

Lynne announced that Olga Hernandez has been asked to be co-chair of National Stonewall Democrats and that she has accepted.

David Plylar and Peg MacPhail, Endorsement Committee, reminded everyone of the candidate forum on March 29^th at Kenwood Center. There are 47 candidates including 9 for mayor. Thus far 11 candidates have responded that they will attend the forum. The meeting will run until 6:00 PM if necessary. Only current members will be allowed to vote. A security guard will be on duty.

Political Relations Committee, Lynne announced that the SDSA Board established a sub-committe, The Peace Officers Training Committee. Anyone interested in volunteering for this committee should contact Travis Peterson. Roberto reported that the sheriff’s department will have a liaison person and that person’s name and telephone number will be on the website as soon as it becomes available.

Roberto announced that members can join, renew or contribute through Act Blue on the SDSA website.

Roberto announced the Cesar Chavez March on March 28^th from 1:00 PM until they reach the Alamo.

Cris Ramirez announced that Bonnie Dietering won first place and judge’s choice in the international competition at the Professional Picture Framers Association and Photo Marketing Conference in Las Vegas.

Chris Forbrich, and Ruby Krebs, candidates for City Council District 1, addressed the membership.

Travis Peterson and Dan Graney received a Lifetime Achievement Award and Citizen of the Year Award, respectively, from the Social Workers of America.

Dan Graney reported on the success of the TSD Conference.

The Board will have a retreat and is accepting suggestions for discussion.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Cristina M. Ramirez,

Secretary