Times are changing at SMC. As budget cuts threaten the solidarity of our campus, we are experiencing first hand the cost of a dangerous shift in our political climate. Compassion has given way to fear and hatred, and group reason has given way to greed and individualism. By crippling educational facilities that serve those of us who are not wealthy, our political leaders are sending a loud and clear message: working-class students are not important. On our home turf, professors are losing jobs, and students are losing resources that will impact the rest of our lives.

All is not lost. Out of a blatant attack on our educational future comes the opportunity for dissent. When every attempt is made to reduce the size of the Santa Monica Student Body, simply being here is an act of resistance. We will not be swept under the rug.

In spite of budget cuts and uncertain times, great things are happening at the Santa Monica Women’s College. Our celebration of Women’s History Month featured powerful events at no cost to our school, proving that fiscal aggression will not be the end of innovative learning at Santa Monica College. We stood in silent observance of hope and concern for the world and for students and professors at SMC on International Women’s Day. We sampled film shorts about important events in the lives of women presented by two of the American Film Institute’s strongest women producers, Juliette Carillo and Maria Gonzalez Palmier. We participated in acting techniques shared by the Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare Company that left us vigorous and clear-headed. Finally, we shared an evening with pioneer filmmaker Fay Kanin, and viewed her award-winning film, Friendly Fire. We were moved by the message of her film; it was an apt reminder of the consequences of war at a time when Americans were once again faced with the grave reality of blood on our hands.

In addition to the accomplishments of the Women’s History Month Planning Committee, the professors of the Women’s College are working hard to preserve the strength and integrity of our program. Final arrangements are being made to offer an Associate of Arts degree in Women’s Studies. Honest assessments of the Women’s College role in student life and learning are ensuring that the highest quality of education and service continue to be offered by the Women’s College. Indeed, the Professors of the Women’s College are working to establish a strong leadership team that will ensure the growth and continued success of the program.

Santa Monica Faculty members have contributed much to this issue of Voices. We are proud to feature the artwork of two of our Professors, Stephanie Maiman and Janice Yudell. We also thank Professors Ellie Ezzati, Allan Hurwit, Stephanie Maiman, Julia Stein, and Kofi Yankey for contributing Poetry and Short Stories to this edition of Voices.

Important changes are also taking place at Voices Magazine. Many members of our editing staff are leaving SMC for new challenges and opportunities. I, too, have served my final semester as Editor-in-Chief. It has been a privilege to work with some of the most talented students at Santa Monica College in the production of three issues of Voices. I am proud of each staff and each strong feminist publication. I believe my greatest privilege and opportunity at Santa Monica College has been working under the guidance of Voices Faculty Advisor Diana Aghabegian. I consider Diana to be a mentor and friend, and am confident that under her counsel the next Editor-in-Chief will find as great success with Voices Magazine as have I. While I am heavy-hearted to leave Santa Monica College and Voices Magazine for new adventures, I know that our new editing staff will continue to produce a journal of the highest quality. I will look forward each Spring to the latest online edition of Voices.

In Peace, Strength, and Solidarity,

Pamela Bachilla
Editor-in-Chief,
Voices Magazine