A committee of four interpreters which consisted of; Alejandro Alcantara, Guillermo Irrgang, Karen Stevens, and Eric Valdez, from CCB, presented a rotation plan to administration. Through hard work and intense organizing efforts, CCB interpreters came up with a rotation plan that was accepted and agreed upon by the majority of interpreters rather than risk having a rotation system imposed on them by administration.

These committee members along with CFI representatives Uri Yaval and Silvia Barden met with administration to address the program to use non-certified interpreters.
During the meeting, interpreters unanimously stressed to administration that the use of non-certified interpreters is not acceptable, and asked administration to make a commitment to rescind the implementation of this program. We emphasized that there are other measures administration could take to make interpreting for LASC more attractive to already certified interpreters and which would obviate the need for the use of non-certifieds. The possibility of exploring interpreter participation in a mentoring program was also discussed. In such a program non-certified interpreters would be mentored by an experienced certified interpreter and would never be in the position of having to interpret without being monitored by a certified interpreter.

The LASC administration agreed to push back the start date for the non-certified program for the time being, saying that there has not been an interpreter shortage since September 11 because it appears interpreters are not traveling as much, and have therefore, been more available to the courts. They also indicated that if the rotation works at CCB, it may not be necessary to use non-certifieds. They also made a commitment to notify the interpreter organizations if they decide to start using them at a future date. LASC stopped short of promising never to use them.

We are pleased with the decision to refrain from using non-certifieds at this time and believe that this was a good decision on the part of administration, not just for the sake of interpreters but for the integrity of the criminal justice system as well. Administration indicated that they are open to discussing our concerns further and we are glad that they have thus far demonstrated a willingness to meet with us regarding these very important issues.

Mr. Drapac also reiterated to the CFI representatives, the determination to go forward with a recruitment program, which we agree should be conducted at the appropriate time. However, before beginning such a program it is essential to conduct an evaluation of why so many already certified interpreters have reduced their availability to LASC and what it would take to attract them back. This is an important step to take before spending a lot of time and energy on recruiting people who are not yet certified, although as a long -term goal, we agree with administration that recruitment efforts are definitely appropriate.

Interpreters are strongly united in their desire to preserve the integrity of the profession and CFI has been very encouraged by the level of support we have received during our discussions with judges, attorneys, and community support groups. We are also grateful for the personal involvement of Senator Martha Escutia who called LASC presiding Judge Bascue to express her deep concern over the use of non-certifieds in LASC and other changes being imposed on interpreters.

CFI will continue to do everything possible to fight against changes that destabilize interpreters' working conditions and threaten the integrity of our profession. Ultimately, our long- term interests will best be served by having a legal mechanism which makes it possible for interpreters to address these issues as equals at the negotiating table with administration. Otherwise, we will only be able to defend against deteriorating standards, rather than advocate for real improvements. SB 371 seeks to give interpreters the legal standing to deal with these and other issues from a position of greater strength.

We conveyed to administration our willingness to sit at the table with them to try to find solutions that will benefit not only interpreters, but the courts as well. If you would like to share any suggestions on how to improve working conditions for LASC interpreters, please write to us at: info@cfinews.org.