Student Senate Elections
Candidates for President
Name: Elie Katzenson
What are your interests of study here at SBCC?
I double-major in photography and political science, an unusual but complementary
combination that keeps me curious.
It has been a challenge and a thrill to learn in both occupational and theoretical
capacities at SBCC.
I am also working towards earning two certifications under the Honors Program, one
in the humanities and the other in the maths and sciences.
What ideas do you have to offer to the Senate and the school?
I stand behind initiatives that promote self-defined success, health, culture, and
active participation in the community.
I am currently involved with Student Senate in negotiating a transportation fee contract
with MTD that will allow students continued easy access to buses.
Many students that depend on the bus are in the minority at SBCC, be they international
students or low-income,
and I want them to be strongly represented at Student Senate and other campus committees.
What specific programs do you wish to continue or implement at the college?
With members of the Student Sustainability Coalition, I have headed a Student Senate
effort to have SBCC divest from fossil fuels,
defined as our school no longer investing finances in companies that deal in fossil
fuels. We are the first community college in California
to move forward on this issue, and it is this type of innovative practice that made
SBCC the number one community college in the country (couldn’t resist giving my school
a shout out!).
Name: Malachi Mickelonis
Working for the benefit of others has always been a passion of mine. This is why I
have been involved with student government, volunteer work, and event planning in
my
hometown of Seaside Oregon. I am excited to get involved here at Santa Barbara Community
College using my past experience to help our class maximize its potential.
As President I will work with others to plan and organize different events on and
off campus to promote spirit and unity. Students of the college should have close ties to the
city of Santa Barbara, and as president I will create those close connections in order
to bring students together better. I strongly believe that having a fun atmosphere
to live
in and be part of is key to success in and out of the classroom. This is my first
semester in SB and I've gone out and organized full study groups available to each
of my classes.
As president, I am motivated to continue that path by speaking out and setting up
learning activities making it easier for everyone to strive to their goals. Keeping morale high
is something I would like to focus on this year. I love to work for others and I am
positive I will give my all to making SBCC a united, spirited, and unforgettable class.
Name: Angel Solorzano
What Are your Interests of study here at SBCC?
My interests of study at SBCC are basically everything. I like Culinary Arts, Music,
Math, and English.
What ideas do you have o offer to the senate and the school?
The ideas I can offer to the senate and school is promotion. Lot of students feel
that they do not have a voice at school and by promoting our student government we
will be able to have their voices heard.
What specific programs do you wish to continue or implement at the college?
Being here at SBCC I've been in Express to Success Program (ESP), Transfer Achievement
Program (TAP), and the Disabled Student Program and Services (DSPS) I would really
like to see these programs continue. I would like to have a program for new CC's students
to learn the basics of becoming independent to help them adjust to a college lifestyle.
When I first came to SBCC I was lost and confused on how to be a college student;
I felt that if there was a program that could help me I could of know what classes
were a priority.
Name: Nicholas Steil
What are your interests of study here at SBCC?
My interests of study here at SBCC are Mathematics, History, and Political Science.
I maintain an excellent GPA while being actively involved with many clubs
and programs on our beautiful campus. I work as a Gateway Tutor for our Mathematics
department and I volunteer on a regular basis for organizations such as the
Foundation for SBCC, Habitat For Humanity, the Boys and Girls Club of America and
the Goleta Valley Community Center. I am a member of
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and I am also a current member of their Leadership Committee.
I am a current SBCC’s Student Senator and I sit on
several subcommittees. I am the current President of the Math Club and the President
Elect for the new SBSEAC club. I am affiliated with the
Women In Science and Engineering Club as well as the Computer Science Club. I am also
a member of Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS),
Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS)and the Transfer Achievement Program
(TAP). I am also currently trying to advocate for the homeless student population
on our campus.
What ideas do you have to offer to the Senate and the school?
We are the number one school in the nation this year for many reasons, however we
have many great programs and services that go unused by the
people that need them most. I believe that actively informing students about the programs
that are available to them will help ensure that they have the best
chance they can have at successfully completing college. As a returning student myself,
I know the importance of a little helping hand along the way. With all
the help I have received here at SBCC, I have gone from being a high school drop out
to being a goal orientated Honor Student.
What specific programs do you wish to continue or implement at the college?
This semester I came up with several ideas but Lockers And Showers for Transient Students
(L.A.S.T.S.) is the program I wish to implement if elected. Due to many
unexpected reasons, students can become homeless during the course of a semester and
some end up dropping classes while dealing with their predicament.
A struggling student is forced to deal with the difficulties of finding temporary
shelter, nutritious food, secure storage for clothing and a daily shower, etc.
A warm shower is a basic necessity that most of us take for granted until we are not
afforded the opportunity to do so. Without a secure place to keep clothing a
student can end up with only the clothes on their back. By giving a system of support
to SBCC students that find themselves homeless, I believe we can help keep them from
dropping out and help promote their success in their academic pursuits.
Candidates for Vice President Senate Affairs
Name: Georgina Lander
What are your interests of study here at SBCC?
My study of interests at SBCC is political science. Currently, I am taking a political
science class and I absolutely love it! Ever since I was young, I have always wanted
to do something in
law to follow in my dad’s footsteps. Being able to start to study political science
at SBCC is a wonderful experience and helps me get closer to my dreams.
What ideas do you have to offer to the Senate and the school?
One out of many ideas that I could offer to the Senate and the school is proposal
of a Debate team for those who like to argue. Many of us have an argumentative side
and do not know what to do with it, and with an Debate team those with it will have
a healthy outlet for it. Another idea that I could bring to the Senate is making more
vegetarian choices. I have notice on the west side campus cafe that the only choices
for those you do not eat meat are cold salads and pizza that are already pre-made.
What specific programs do you wish to continue or implement at the college?
I wish to continue all the programs currently. If the students are happy and enjoying
their experience at SBCC, that should be all that matters because that’s what matters
most; and when the need for a new program is proposed we should consider it and see
how it affects others. Students overall happiness is my main goal
Name: Gracie Maynetto
What are you interests of study here at SBCC?
I am interested in studying Communications and Business. As the top community college
in the nation I believe SBCC is a great stepping-stone into this new world of cultured
intellect.
What ideas do you have to offer to the senate and the school?
I have a varied and diverse background, as a current senator I believe I have the
insight as to how student government at the college level works.
I would like to continue the efforts of past senators by continuing to promote a student-oriented
campus.
What specific programs do you wish to continue or implement at the college?
I wish to continue our mission of creating an engaged and successful student body.
All the programs at SBCC are aimed at student success and by continuing our work
I believe I can establish a more environmentally conscience student body. I would
like to continue our strive in sustainability, and I would like to make funds more
available to those students in need.
Candidates for Vice President Finance and Operations
Name: Brett Aston
What are my interests of study here at SBCC:
My interests of study primarily revolve around business classes and entrepreneurship
activities. I have an interest in accounting and budget maintenance which stem from
my
personal finance background. I have experience in maintaining my own and others'
personal budgets. Last semester I participated in the Enterprise Launch Program through
the Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship where my partners and I designed a prototype
of an invention. At the end of the semester, I presented a sales pitch in front of
four very
successful venture capitalists. It is because of my business background, along with
my budgeting experience that I believe I have the proper strengths for obtaining this
position.
What ideas do I have to offer to the Senate and the school?
I think that the Student Senate should work on ways to provide incentives to students
for carpooling. I believe that if students are given adequate incentives, they will
begin to
carpool or take the bus, which will result in less parking congestion. One of the
biggest downfalls of attending SBCC is the inevitable challenge of finding parking.
What specific programs do I wish to continue or implement at the College?
I am a very active person and highly enjoy participating in athletic activities.
The current problem I have with attending SBCC is that it is extremely hard for me
to participate in these
activities without joining a team. I understand that there are classes which involve
all of these sports, but I want a club that encourages people like myself to get together
and participate
in the sport they love. First and foremost, I want to establish Sports Leagues only
for SBCC Students, where they can enter into a tournament with a team of their choice
and play
for the championship. I think it is important for us students to have leagues like
this where we can participate in sports that we once played in high school, but are
unable to play
at the college level. I also am very interested in establishing a Snowboard Club.
This club will organize trips to local snow resorts such as Mammoth, Big Bear, and
Mountain High.
Name: Monica Villavicencio
What are your interests of study here at SBCC?
I am currently enrolled as an economics major and also aspire to minor in biochemistry.
I have always had a high interest in finance and managing accounts.
I plan on transferring to USC and eventually attending law school. My academic career
is of vital importance to me and I recognize that I’m a hard-working, goal-oriented
individual.
I feel that being an economics major would work to my advantage for this position
since it is a passion of mine.
What ideas do you have to offer to the senate and the school?
I pride myself in being a creative and intellectual thinker. I also have a strong
sense of determination. The student body needs to be adequately represented and
I would do everything in my power to maintain a democracy. I want to do my best to
address all student issues in the most effective manner. I also want to increase student
involvement and work toward organizing more events, fundraisers, volunteer events,
etc. Serving the student body is a high priority of mine.
What specific programs do you wish to continue or impalement at the college?
I believe academic counseling is very important to maintain in our school. Students
have a lot of unanswered questions concerning their college careers and I find it
imperative that we assist students in building their futures. I want to continue to
implement programs that prove why we are the number one community college in the nation.
Candidates for Student Trustee
Name: Brian Osgood
What are your interests of study here at CC?
My main interest of study in school is the field of political science, especially
international affairs. However, I am also intrigued by just about every subject. History
is the subject that I love the most, and my favorite classes tend to be the ones that
mix political science and history.
What ideas do you have to offer to the senate and the school?
I would like to see city college become less of a "interim school" and more of a place
that students think of as a college that they can really enjoy and get involved in.
Many people see city college as a stepping stone rather than an experience in itself
and I would really like to change that mindset to one of getting as involved as possible
and really utilizing the amazing opportunities that CC has to offer.
What specific programs do you wish to continue or implement at the college?
I am a very strong supporter of programs like DSPS and ESL that give every student
the opportunity to thrive intellectually at city college. It is extraordinarily important
to me that all students have the opportunity to enrich themselves intellectually and
engage in scholarly activity and programs like these really give a sense of equality
to CC's intellectual environment.
Name: Levi Palencia
What are your interests of study here at SBCC?
I am a Global Studies major with plans to transfer to UCSB. I have a specific interest
in conflict resolution and mediation and am also very interested in diplomacy, politics
and international relations.
What ideas do you have to offer to the senate and the school?
I am currently Student Senator and Student Advocate at SBCC (2012-2013). I have also
become very involved in student government and activism at the state level with Student
Senate for California Community Colleges. I currently hold the position of Region
VI Treasurer (2012-2103), representing 9 community colleges and 112,000+ students.
I recently returned from a one-week internship in Sacramento with Prof. Eskandari
which allowed me the opportunity to testify on behalf of SBCC and Region VI at the
CA Assembly's Higher Education Committee. Along with our current Senate, I am very
involved in the current negotiations of SBCC's expiring MTD contracts which affect
the entire community. Also, I have brought up to the attention of CA Senator Jackson
and CA Assembly member Williams the safety concerns that students currently face while
crossing Cliff Dr. (SR 225). I have a keen interest identifying problems and issues
and finding solutions. I am a team player that understands the art of negotiations.
What specific programs do you wish to continue or implement at the college?
I wish to continue my work on the MTD negotiations and the Cliff Dr. safety issues
and feel that as your Student Trustee, I will have a greater impact and influence
and will be able to work on more student issues. I have developed close ties with
Assembly member Williams and his office and wish to further increase the influence
of students in our local, county and state government. Working together with our elected
officials, I feel is the only way to combat rising student fees, class closures and
reduced transfer options.
Candidates for Student Advocate
Name: Mercy Campos
What are your interest of study here at SBCC?
My interest of study here is psychology. I want to become a child psychologist. Mainly
due to the fact that I have identified and
witnessed children experiencing going through trauma. I also want to impact children’s
lives and make a difference.
What ideas do you have to offer to the Senates and the school?
I want all students to have a say in the choices that are made in Santa Barbara City
College. I want to be able to seek student’s opinions
to look for what clubs or programs they want and get them established. To also partner
with academic senate to identify ways to improve the
interaction between faculty and students. To have more involvement with the community
and school to build a better foundation.
Another idea would be to have all programs get involved with each other and create
a connection with all student.
What specific program do you wish to continue or implement at the college?
A program I wish to implement at school would be a Cultural Diverse program. I have
noticed that all programs are scattered
around and have no connection with each other. This program would bring everyone together
as a community and by doing so we
can further our education and experience here at Santa Barbara City College.
Name: Neekta Izadian
What are your interests of study here at SBCC?
Currently, I am a political science major. I never thought I would be interested in
politics but ever since I took the introductory political science class,
I fell in love with the field of study. I’m planning on completing my lower division
political science courses at SBCC and also taking another
political science internship if offered again!
What ideas do you have to offer to the senate and the school?
I would like to propose mass advertising on-campus activities in order to increase
student involvement. Personally,
I found out about student government and was motivated to join it by speaking with
three current members of the student government.
I think it is important to increase awareness of student government by communicating
with students and making them realize that if they
really want their voices to be heard they can always get involved by either running
for a position or by simply speaking with any one of us
about their concerns. Student government should be known to be a reliable asset of
our campus just the same way our government is a reliable asset to our country.
What specific programs do you wish to continue to implement at the college?
I would like to raise awareness of student government and other on-campus clubs and
organizations in order to increase student awareness
and participation. The more student participation, the more we can contribute to our
campus.
