Dec. 7, 2015

SPJ/LA Board Meeting MinutesMonday, Dec. 7, 2015, 7 p.m.Louise’s Trattoria10645 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064Joel Bellman, Stephanie Bluestein, Dan Evans, Dick Hendrickson, Elizabeth Marcellino, Navid Nonahal, Richard Saxton, John Schwada, Lori Streifler, Robi Wax, Natalie Windsor, David Zahniser.I.               MINUTES.Windsor moved to approve the minutes. Bluestein seconded. Motion carried.II.             PRESIDENT’S REPORT.Nonahal reported that SPJ/LA chapter members have seriously declined in recent years, falling to around 179 from more than 200 a few years ago. That decrease became apparent after SPJ National updated its membership tracking system. Nonahal asked the board for feedback on the idea of eliminating the local membership dues. After an extended discussion, Nonahal said membership will be a topic of the January retreat.III.           TREASURER’S REPORT.Hendrickson presented the monthly treasurer’s report. He noted that  SPJ/LA did not break even on the holiday party this year, resulting in a loss of $184.01. Streifler pointed out that the party was held on a night when many journalists were assigned to the San Bernardino terror attacks.IV.            STANDING COMMITTEES.a.     Awards – Marcellino concluded the unfinished business from last month – recognizing Don Barrett, publisher of LARadio.com, at this year’s SPJ awards dinner. The choice of Barrett was made in an online vote since the last meeting. Marcellino said the news release would be finished once Barrett’s bio is available.b.     Banquet – No report.c.      Courts – No report.d.     Diversity – No report.e.     Ethics – No report.f.      FOI – No report.g.     Generation J – No report.h.     Membership – See above.i.       Nominations – Board members discussed the ongoing search for candidates to seek positions on the board. Bellman said Sarah Favot, who covers county government for the Los Angeles Newspaper Group, had agreed to throw her hat in the ring.j.       Scholarships – No report.V.              OLD BUSINESS.Nonahal said Mottek put together a great holiday party, which drew in nearly 25 people and was held at a new venue – Shanghai Grill. Board members praised the food and said the restaurant’s management seemed to be happy to have the group there.VI.            NEW BUSINESS.Nonahal said Claudia Peschiutta proposed the idea of a panel discussion on media coverage of the recent San Bernardino terror attacks. Nonahal sought feedback on whether such an event could be staged later in December.Bellman said that was too tight a timeline given the holidays, and other board members echoed that view. Nonahal said such an event would be pursued in the new year.VII.          NEXT BOARD MEETING. Roberta Wax residence, 9430 Wish Ave., Northridge. Date to be determined.VIII.          ADJOURNMENT.Windsor moved, Evans seconded. Motion carried.Respectfully submitted,David Zahniser