March 31, 2023 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica College’s Students Vote in Record Numbers:

Record numbers of students voted to elect this year’s governing body of the Association of Students of Santa Monica College. The sheer enthusiasm and dedicated use of social media networking by Santa Monica College students is apparent through the 3,760 votes casted in early April, which is more than 10 percent of the student body. Universities nationwide struggle to get half that turnout.

Santa Monica College’s (SMC) association governs for the more than 30,000 students. They organize events, give out scholarships and organize the clubs on campus. Each spring the 12-member board of directors (and one student member of he school’s board of trustees) hold elections for promising young students, who strive to be elected or reelected. Many have held office in local or campus organizations.

The full Association of Students (AS) roster is as follows: Joshua Scuteri, student trustee; Harison Willis, president; Jasmine Delgado, Vice President; Brenda Villafana, secretary; Dian Chen, budget management; Hua Diao, student services; Marco Vivero, instructional support; Cameron Espinoza, student outreach; William Sun, academic support; Jessica Chuan, financial support; Leslie Estrada, activities; D.J. Davids, publicity; and Marjohnny Torres-Nativi, sustainability.

Social media played a major role in the campaign trail this time around. Statements were posted online, campaign hopefuls created Facebook pages, and websites boasted student achievements. Seven students even utilized Youtube videos to showcase their qualifications and mission statement.

Newly-elected Director of Financial Support Jessica Chuan called her campaign run the “most exciting experience I have had at SMC yet.” The self-proclaimed “4.0 Overachiever” used Youtube, Facebook, her personal contacts, and 3,000 campaign advertising cards proclaiming her slate in order to get the word out. She explained that enthusiasm is contagious and the student body felt the many candidates’ needs to win.

“This year’s record high voter turnout was due to the high energy of ambitious candidates,” Chuan said. “Aware of each other’s strong qualifications, we realized that winning this election would be roughly 50 percent qualification and 50 percent [advocating].”

Not to be without controversy, the record-breaking polling numbers raised eyebrows with ousted hopefuls. The election results were supposed to be posted by April 22, but were delayed due to deliberations by an election committee to discuss possibilities of election violations. One possible violation could have been unregistered voters appearing at the polls on election day. The results posted unchanged later the same day.

A member of the Green Party, the same party that is associated with Santa Monica City elections, and the Unison Party Slate, another 13-body student-run organization, Chuan ran with major support from campus political players. She is also one of at least three Santa Monicans who ran for the board. Utilizing social media, she listed her website, Facebook profile, and personal email as an extra touch on her mission statement.

Harrison Willis from Santa Monica ran and won for seat of President. Willis was endorsed by the Students United Slate, as well as being the previous AS Commissioner to the Director of Sustainability. Commissioners are appointed by directors to assist and serve on committees.

Genevieve Dezso is another Santa Monican that ran for the Director of Sustainability. Dezsco served as the Zero Waste Commissioner last year

in News
Related Posts

Prosecutor Jonathan Hatami Announces Bid for Los Angeles District Attorney

March 30, 2023

March 30, 2023

Hatami, a prosecutor in the Complex Child Abuse Unit at the Hall of Justice in downtown LA, has been vocal...

Peace Activist and Artist Marissa Rubin to Be Honored With ‘Tree of Gratitude’

March 30, 2023

March 30, 2023

Tree to be planted in memory of Rubin’s life and work on Earth Day in Palisades Park By Keemia Zhang...

Santa Monica’s The Daily Pint Reopens Following Extensive Renovation

March 30, 2023

March 30, 2023

Long-standing pub boasts over 500 whiskeys, rotating selection of craft beers, and improved facilities under new ownership The Daily Pint,...

Over 100 Organizations Unite to Oppose Kroger-Albertsons Merger

March 30, 2023

March 30, 2023

Critics say the proposed merger, which is currently under review by the FTC, would create a monopoly in many areas...

New Neapolitan Pizza Concept, Bar Monette, to Open in Santa Monica on April 7

March 29, 2023

March 29, 2023

Bar Monette to feature tapas and wine bar with a mid-century library-inspired interior, with Neapolitan pizza Neapolitan pizza fans, get...

Survey Finds Support for Streamlined Permitting Process and Minimal Fees for Outdoor Dining

March 29, 2023

March 29, 2023

Survey results reveal positive feedback for outdoor dining setups amid municipal ordinance changes Last week we asked readers for their...

Eight Santa Monica Police Activities League Youth Complete The Los Angeles Marathon

March 29, 2023

March 29, 2023

Setting a new PAL record for the Los Angeles Marathon, Jade Furukawa came in at 4 hours and 50 minutes...

Bystander Injured After Man Jumps from Third Floor of Santa Monica Place in Potential Suicide Attempt

March 29, 2023

March 29, 2023

Monday afternoon incident results in injuries to a woman in her 70s and a man in his 50s. By Sam...

Clippers Center Ivica Zubac Joins Students for Medical Simulation Training

March 29, 2023

March 29, 2023

Students gain hands-on experience with virtual reality tools, CPR training, and surgical equipment at Cedars-Sinai’s Women’s Guild Simulation Center For...

Santa Monica Hosts Active Aging Group Bike Ride for Older Adults

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

Event set for Thursday, March 30, to practice safe biking skills and the rules of the road Older adults in...

City Council Approves Land Use Amendments to Implement Housing Element

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

Amendments to zoning codes to support affordable housing production and streamline approval process The Santa Monica City Council has taken...

Changes Coming to Chautauqua and PCH to Address Traffic Congestion

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

Two changes coming to intersection of Chautauqua and PCH in late April Residents of Pacific Palisades can expect changes to...

“Hunger Cliff” Looms as CalFresh Benefits Come to an End in Southern California

March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023

Local food banks urge community support as Southern Californians face heightened food insecurity Local food banks in Southern California are...

Historic Santa Monica House with Rock ‘n’ Roll Past Hits the Market for $22.5M

March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023

The Witbeck House, a charming and beautifully preserved 1917 property with a recording studio used by musician Jackson Browne, is...

Community Corporation of Santa Monica Unveils New Affordable Housing Project in Pico Neighborhood

March 26, 2023

March 26, 2023

Brunson Terrace apartments will offer affordable housing and retail space for local businesses Community Corporation of Santa Monica has unveiled...