Right Column

Press Releases

Printer Friendly Version

California Department of Consumer Affairs Announces Formation of Advisory Committee to Enhance Oversight of Boxing, Martial Arts

SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) has named the members of a new advisory committee for the department's Athletic Commission Program (ACP), which recently took over the duties of regulating boxing and martial arts competitions in California.

The advisory committee, which held its first meeting August 7, will make policy recommendations to DCA on licensing and regulatory issues. Its meetings are open to the public and will feature public participation.

"Boxing and mixed martial arts aren't team sports, but it's going to take teamwork to ensure that the public interest, the safety of the athletes and the health of this industry are protected through effective enforcement of the law and efficient licensing of these professionals," said DCA Director Charlene Zettel. "I look forward to working with the committee and the program as we move forward, and thank each member for taking on this challenge."

The ACP regulates boxing, kick boxing and mixed martial arts sports in California, working to facilitate high-quality, competitive events for the public while striving to protect the health and welfare of all participants. It assumed the duties of the former California State Athletic Commission (CSAC), which was allowed to sunset on June 30.

Members of the advisory committee are:

John W. Frierson

Former Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn appointed John W. Frierson to the City Transportation Commission, where he has served for the last four years. Previously, Frierson served in the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Frierson was a member of CSAC.

Dr. Christoper Giza

Dr. Christoper Giza currently serves as an assistant professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, as a pediatric neurologist at UCLA's Mattel Children's Hospital and as a researcher at the UCLA Brain Injury Research Center. Giza performed his internship at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center and his residency at UCLA Medical Center. Giza is board certified in neurology and child neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Giza was a member of CSAC.

Undersheriff William D. (Bill) Gore

Undersheriff William D. (Bill) Gore is second in command of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. San Diego Sheriff Bill Kolender appointed him as undersheriff on December 15, 2005. Gore oversees the operation of the department's five bureaus: Law Enforcement Services, Detentions Services, Court Services, Human Resources, and Management Services.

June Griffith-Collison

June Griffith-Collison was appointed as CEO of Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in 2005. From the 1970's through 1980's, Griffith-Collison ran the 400-meter race in the Pan Am games on behalf of Guyana and in the Los Angeles Olympics. Griffith-Collison was a member of CSAC.

Marty Keller

Marty Keller currently serves as executive director of the Automotive Repair Coalition of California. Keller has extensive experience with state professional licensing and consumer protection at the Department of Consumer Affairs. This experience includes serving as chief of the Bureau of Automotive Repair from 1995 to 1999, and prior to that in other leadership roles, including as chief of the Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation, chief of the Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, and deputy chief of the department's Enforcement Division. Keller was a member of CSAC.

Mario Rodriguez

Mario Rodriguez is founder, CEO and president of Jonathan Grey and Associates, a promotional product and ad-specialty company. Rodriguez also currently serves as president of the Hispanic Business Roundtable, chairman of the Latino Coalition Foundation and board director for the Tiger Woods Foundation.

Frederick E. Sanford

Frederick E. Sanford is a community activist from San Diego, California. Sanford is currently an appointee to and past chair of the Poway Unified School District Citizens Oversight Committee. Sanford is a mentor program volunteer for Abraxas Career Day, Junior Achievement AVID volunteer instructor and American Red Cross Volunteer. From 1981 until 2002, Sanford worked in management, including as a senior vice president, at various financial institutions.

Though CSAC was disbanded, its then executive officer, Armando Garcia, became the chief of the new ACP, reporting directly to Zettel. Commission staff also transitioned to the new program.

"I am excited to be working with this diverse team of professionals on the advisory committee," said Garcia. "The goal is to have monthly meetings through the remainder of the year, to maintain the openness and responsiveness of the Athletic Commission Program."

To broaden the opportunity for stakeholders and members of the regulated community to have input, the ACP has scheduled the first of additional informational public meetings, in Los Angeles on August 15. Promoters, matchmakers, managers and other interested parties are invited to attend to receive updates on ACP activities. The ACP has also scheduled a series of industry training sessions.

Advisory committee members will be compensated for travel expenses related to attending meetings but are otherwise unpaid.

###