January 3, 2006

Gay And Lesbian Alliance (GALA) of the Central Coast
Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting held at Wayne McCaughan Community Pride Center,
11573 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo, California, on Tuesday, January 3, 2006.

2005 Board:
PRESENT: Bill Tomasini (presiding), David Perez (recording), Stuart Clyde, Kerry Deal, Ruben Garcia III,
Pat Harris, Mike Hughes, David Kilburn, Don Reynolds, Tracy Tabin, Shannon Wyndsong

ABSENT: Holly Furness, Conrad Mendoza, Gina Whitaker

2006 Board:
PRESENT: Robert Kinports (presiding), Clayton Marsh (recording), Stuart Clyde, Kerry Deal, Diana Ferraro,
Cal Garcia, Ruben Garcia III, Pat Harris, Ethel Landers, Anthony Parra, Don Reynolds, Tracy Tabin, Bill Tomasini

ABSENT: Gina Whitaker

GUESTS: Sherry Collier, John Forsman, Dante Tognazzi

6:39 PM: Meeting called to order by 2005 President, Bill Tomasini, who asked all present to introduce themselves to the group.

1.) Issue: Minutes of the December 2005 Board Meeting—After correction of a minor typographical error, Kerry moved and Pat seconded the motion to accept them. Motion carried unanimously.

2.) Issue: Treasurer’s Report for December 2005 and Financial Statements for the year ending December 31, 2005 -- After an explanation by David K., Kerry moved and David P. seconded the motion to accept the reports. Motion carried unanimously.

3.) Issue: Equality California -- David K. reported the situation might seem to be better with the far right suspending their gathering of petition signatures for the near future, but this might be a political ploy to insure presenting a stronger threat in November 2006 or possibly in 2008. Both David K. and David P. participated in an Internet chat with the heads of EQCA, who thanked GALA for our contribution of $500, and who stated that San Luis Obispo County rivaled Sonoma County in the amount of money raised by house parties during the holidays. Both Davids stressed that the momentum that has been gained must not be lost. Also, Youth Lobby Day, and an adult Lobby Day on May 6, 2006 will be held in Sacramento. A “Get Engaged” Tour will be held by EQCA. Interested couples should go to the Office of the SLO County Recorder to request a marriage license on February 14. 2006.

4.) Issue: GALA Booth at SLO Farmers Market -- Shannon said that things have been going well with many people asking for information, and that there had been only one Thursday that was rained out in the last three month period. She asked for volunteers to sign up for the next quarter.

5.) Issue: Holiday Party & Awards Banquet Final Report -- Robert said that persons who had ordered a specific vegetarian entree were served a substitute item. He had a discussion with the Madonna Inn staff about the contract, and they finally admitted their mistake and will donate $50 to GALA in compensation. Several guests have requested a change of venue for future events. Various possible locations were discussed by the Board. Robert is currently in discussions with Embassy Suites and will report the details to the Board at a later date. Overall, ticket sales were about $200 less than expenses, but the Silent Auction brought in an amount sufficient to show a $2,500 profit for the event, of which $1,500 was a donation by David Elson beyond the stated retail value of the auction items on which he had bid.

6.) Issue: Youth Group Facilitator Search—Clayton said that he had contacted Lynn Swanson, a licensed therapist in private practice in San Luis Obispo, who specializes in helping at-risk children and their parents. The Board agreed that Clayton should put her in touch with Conrad Mendoza who could brief her on what would be expected of her.

7.) Issue: Newsletter Editor—Pat said that she had contacted CalPoly and said that it would not be difficult to get an intern, but that we must provide a complete job description. Also, Eveline Blanchette is interested, and has extensive editorial and publishing experience. She has been put in contact with Greg.

8.) Issue: “Brokeback Mountain”—As a benefit for GALA, a screening of “Brokeback Mountain” will be presented at the Palm Theatre in SLO at 6:30 PM on Friday, January 6, 2006,. Both Charles Myers and Jim Dee are to be thanked for organizing this event.

7:13 PM: The 2005 Board retired and the Meeting was reconvened with the 2006 Board.

9.) Issue: Election of Officers for 2006 -- Bill Tomasini was nominated for President, but declined the nomination due to personal business reasons. After nominations, all Officers for 2006 were elected unanimously as follows:

President Robert Kinports
Vice President Bill Tomasini
Treasurer Kerry Deal
Secretary Clayton Marsh

As GALA’s new President, Robert congratulated the 2005 Board for their efficiency and brevity of meetings.

10.) Issue: 2006 Calendar of Events—

Mardi Gras Dance February 25

Youth Conference April

Women’s Dance (April/May ?) Diana & Ethel

PRIDE WEEK July 5 -- 9
Drag Show
Movie Night
Dance July 8 Ruben & Bill
Pride In The Plaza July 9
After Party July 9

Annual Picnic (August/September ?) Diana

Halloween Dance October 28

Waiters Dinner November Pat & Anthony

Holiday Party & Awards Banquet December Robert
(Embassy Suites? - Friday vs Saturday?)

11.) Issue: Board Retreat -- Janna Nichols to moderate a Board Retreat on a Saturday or Sunday in January or February. A date when the maximum number of Board members can attend will be announced later.

12.) Issue: Grants—San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation - Growing Together Initiative will
issue Requests For Proposals in March. Kerry was asked to replace the Davids as GALA representative. City of San Luis Obispo Grants In Aid (i.e. Youth Program) are due February 10, 2006. Diana will handle. Promotion Coordinating grant for Pride advertising are due in March. Robert will handle.

13.) Issue: Banks and Insurance—David K. needs a copy of minutes showing new officers to change signatories at banks. Board liability insurance has been paid and will need to be renewed in November 2006.

14.) Issue: Pride Applications—Applications to City of SLO for Pride banner over street and use of the Plaza and adjoining streets are due tomorrow. David K. will handle.

15.) Issue: SLO Chamber of Commerce Diversity Council—Eveline Blanchette will be asked to remain as representative of GALA.

16.) Issue: Center Renovations Recognitions—Robert asked for recognition of Scott Pierce of “You’ve Been Framed” for reframing wall displays, and for Ruben for his assistance in painting. Ruben asked for recognition of all of Robert’s efforts and contributions.

17.) Issue: Agenda Items—Robert asked that all items for consideration of inclusion in the Agenda be
e-mailed to him and Lorelei by the Friday before each Board Meeting.

18.) Issue: Booth at SLO Farmers Market -- Shannon asked for $276 for space rent to continue the GALA booth for the next quarter. Approval granted unanimously. She also requested a new banner.

19.) Issue: New Logo Contest—Don moved and Ethel seconded a motion to form a committee of Shannon, Diana, and Mike to work on a new GALA logo to be used on a new banner, signs, stationery, brochures, and business cards. Anthony will donate $200 as First Prize for a design contest to be held by e-mail and through the Youth Group.

20.) Issue: Around The Table—Robert welcomed the new Board. David K. asked that good thoughts and prayers be directed toward Ray and Jamie Hatler. Ray is quite ill and Jamie has been very distraught over it. Clayton said that he enjoyed the Holiday Party. Diana asked that there be more women’s events. Cal said she would like to concentrate on a drive to increase membership. Robert stated that we need more unity within the gay and lesbian community and asked that the Board work toward that goal. Consensus was that everyone was happy to be returning to the Board or joining it for the first time.

8:18 PM: Meeting adjourned by President, Robert Kinports.

Respectfully submitted,

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Clayton R. Marsh, Secretary