Passed: Saturday, August 9, 1997 at Rio Hondo College

Vote: 11 Yes, 0 No, 2 Abstentions

Campuses Present: Rio Hondo College, San Diego State University, CSU Fullerton, Fullerton JC, Cal Poly Pomona, CSU Northridge, CSU Los Angeles, USC, UC San Diego, UC Los Angeles, Chapman College, Cerritos College, Paramount High School, Eastlake High School, Point Loma High School, Mt. SAC, Cypress College, Pasadena City College, Pomona High School, Hoover High School

Alta Califas Sur M.E.Ch.A. Regional is committed to the struggle for self-determination of our people and our community; for equality and justice; and to building unity and solidarity.  As students and Mechistas, we recognize the role of M.E.Ch.A. within El Movimiento as ensuring the doors to higher education remain open to our people and that Chicano students succeed.  Furthermore, we recognize the importance of building working relationships with community-based organizations as a means of achieving some of our goals.  We believe the foundation of any working relationship is mutual respect, trust, and honesty, as well as a common struggle and shared goals.

It is through these beliefs and convictions that Alta Califas Sur M.E.Ch.A. Regional has come to recognize several incidents that have severely brought to question our relationship with the National Brown Berets of Aztlan, Chicano Studies Student Association of CSU Fullerton, and Solevar Community Development Corporation.  These incidents are included on, but not limited to, the attachment.

Alta Califas Sur M.E.Ch.A. Regional does not recognize these incidents as random or isolated.  Rather, they are deliberate and speak to the fact that M.E.Ch.A.’s autonomy and self-determination are being threatened.  We must ask ourselves at what price are unity and solidarity achieved?  If they cost M.E.Ch.A. the right to be autonomous and self-determined then we can no longer continue affording such a relationship.  Nor can we afford unity for unity’s sake.

Alta Califas Sur M.E.Ch.A. Regional, therefore, takes the following position.  Alta Califas Sur M.E.Ch.A. Regional will no longer recognize, work, or affiliate with the National Brown Berets de Aztlan, Chicano Studies Student Association of CSU Fullerton, and Solevar Community Development Corporation; including, but not limited to, Seferino Garcia and their membership and derivatives.  Alta Califas Sur M.E.Ch.A. Regional will make the ultimate decision as to whether or not this position is reconsidered.  The decision shall not be based on necessity or convenience, but on a clear understanding of where Alta Califas Sur M.E.Ch.A. Regional stands and expects from any working relationship.  We believe this position is necessary for Alta Califas Sur M.E.Ch.A. Regional to move forward and closer to the attainment of our goals.

The following events listed below constitute only the eyewitness events that were able to be documented at CSU Fullerton, Saturday, July 25, 1997 by Mechistas in A.C.S.M.R.  We recognize that this list is not exhaustive of all the events that have taken place within or outside our Region.

November 1996

Sergio Casares and Mario Coviano removed from CSU Fullerton M.E.Ch.A. for slandering, vandalism, disruption, and breaking solidarity.  Brown Berets, Seferino Garcia, Chicano Studies Student Association (ChSSA), Francisco Palacios, Lupe Diaz, and Solevar CDC present, causing disruptions with outbursts.

January 1997

ChSSA attempts to host M.E.Ch.A. National Liaison in Fullerton:

Night before the Liaison meeting about fifteen (15) Brown Berets, CSSA, MSU M.E.Ch.A., and Solevar members go to Janette Hyder’s (CSUF M.E.Ch.A.) house and disrupt upon hearing Liaison moved to UCLA.

Liaison at UCLA:

Brown Berets, ChSSA, and Solevar members present.  Disrupting, video taping, and taking pictures of Mechistas, and not respecting repeated requests to stop.  Slandering by accusing Mechistas of being “vendidos.”  Instigating a fight by saying to “make them leave.”

February 1997

Vandalism at CSUF M.E.Ch.A. office.  Carolina Garcia and Rafael Barragan’s picture with faces crossed out and profanity written on them.  Disrespectful comments to Janette Hyder, being called a “vendida,” and Monica Hernandez a “white sell-out.”  Painting found destroyed by glue.

March 1997

An article clipping depicting hung soldiers is circled with the words “M.E.Ch.A.” and Brown Berets de Aztlan Y-Que” written on it.

April 1997

M.E.Ch.A. National Conference

Constitutional Amendments Workshop:

Brown Berets, ChSSA, and Solevar present, videotaping, refusing to stop (eventually did).

Keynote Speakers:

Brown Berets, ChSSA, and Solevar present when Constitutional workshop participants enter to find out what was going on.  Brown Beret says “let’s get it on,” attempting to instigate a fight.  Mechistas called “pinche vendidos.”

May 1997

CSUF:

Pictures of Rafael Barragan and others with “666" written on forehead are found.

Cinco de Mayo Event:

Louie Echevestes (CSUF Mechista) sucker punched.

June 1997

CSUF:

Vandalism, picture, and frame destroyed with glue.