Mark James Miller, English instructor and president of the Part-Time Faculty Association of Allan Hancock College, Local 6185, published a novel about seeking truth and finding redemption. In Red Tide two surfing buddies venture into an abandoned power plant one fateful night. Instead of finding adventure, they find murder. Order the novel online. 

Melinda Dart, president of the Jefferson Elementary Federation of Teachers, Local 3267, and a CFT vice president, received the Unity Award at the San Mateo Central Labor Council COPE Banquet on August 29. Dart was honored for extraordinary community outreach, including her local’s parent education program, and for recruiting solid board candidates, getting them elected, and holding them accountable.

Christian Clifford, former president of the San Francisco Archdiocesan Federation of Teachers, Local 2240, has authored Saint Junipero Serra: Making Sense of the History and Legacy. Drawing from many disciplines and going beyond standard biography, Clifford takes head on the controversy of Serra’s legacy. Clifford has taught grades 6-12 since 1996, and wrote about the history of Catholic school AFT unions for California Teacher. Order the book online. 

Stacey Michaels, elementary teacher and member of United Teachers Los Angeles, Local 1021, was honored on August 28 as an Extraordinary Citizen of the 35th California Senate District for her significant contributions to the school community at 232nd Place School in Carson.