Eddie Pedrozo, Commission Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm.

Members present: Eddie Pedrozo, Chair, Frank Aguillon, Ralph (Norm) Channell, Charlie Eskridge, Bruce Evans, Mack Jacobs, E.T. Price, Juan Sanchez, Jack Stewart and Ralph Villar

Members Excused:

Members absent: Abel Quinones

Quorum of members present for Commission business.

Approval of Minutes of Prior Meeting: Minutes of meeting July 11, 2007 were mailed to the Advisory Commission members. Mr. Channell requested that his objection to directly contacting members of the Board of Supervisors about appointees, absences from Commission meetings, without first speaking to the Commission member, be expressed in the minutes. Motion (Mr. Eskridge) and second to accept the minutes as amended. Motion carried.

Public comment: None

Report From the Chair: No report. Mr. Pedrozo expressed his request/encouragement that all Commission members attend the Veteran of the Year Award dinner on November 4.

Committee Reports:

1. Legislation (Mr. Quinones): No report.
    
2. Central Coast Veterans’ Cemetery (Mr. Channell): Mr. Channell reported on the August 9 meeting of the Veterans Cemetery Citizens Advisory Committee regarding environmental protection issues, construction timelines and selection of a consultant for the cemetery development plan. It was noted that the Board of Supervisors has approved the revised CAC by-laws.
    
3. Veteran of the Year (Mr. Quinones): No report. Mr. Aguillon commented that the VOYA program needs more detailed explanation to the public and that the award be better publicized. Mr. Stewart stated the need for an “SOP” for the event.
   Motion (Mr. Stewart) and second that Supervisor Jerry Smith be added to the list of 2007 VOYA honorees. Motion carried.
4. VA Clinic (Mr. Eskridge): No report.
   
   Public Comment: James Bogan requested that veterans’ organizations make contributions (in the form of grocery gift certificates) for fruit to be distributed at the clinic as an alternative to donuts.
   Mr. Villar commented on the excellent quality of care at the clinic.
    
5. VSO Report: (Mr. Garza): Mr. Garza reported that: a Letter of Intent between the California National Guard, California Department of Veterans Affairs and the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers to work together to improve assistance to NG troops returning from deployment and their families; there is no increase in State support for County Veterans Services in the2007-2008 budget and federal funding for local veterans’ outreach programs are stalled in the Senate; the VOYA medals are ready for the presentation; the CAC consultant contract is on the CAC agenda for September 13; plans for a feasibility study for a joint DOD/VA clinic at Ft. Ord are being finalized; and, the MVAO is seeking to have greater participation in the pre-discharge “TAP” program at the Naval Postgraduate School.

Old Business: By-laws: Revised by-laws were mailed to each Commission member. Mr. Stewart discussed the changes and recommended that the Advisory Commission adopt the changes as recommended and submit them to the Board of Supervisors for approval. Motion (M. Villar) and second to approve to adopt changes to by-laws as proposed. Motion carried.

New Business: Proposed revision to the County Military Leave policy was distributed for Commission review.

Next Meeting:
November 14, 2007, 3:00 pm at VFW Post 811, 3131 Crescent Avenue, Marina.

Meeting adjourned 4:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Richard Garza, ex officio, Secretary