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TABLE OF CONTENTS 188 E. Arrow Highway San Dimas, CA 91773 (323) 261-3010 | (800) 747-PPOA Fax (909) 480-3011 (email) info@ppoa.com (web page) www.ppoa.com POPA Federal Credit Union (800) 369-7672 | www.popafcu.org Star & Shield is the official publication of the Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association (PPOA). Opinions expressed by individual board members or contributing authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the entire Board. The Board of Directors meets on the second Wednesday of each month in the PPOA offices at 10:00 a.m. Star & Shield subscription: $12.00 Executive Editor: Brian Moriguchi
BOARD OF DIRECTORS BRIAN MORIGUCHI, President JIM CRONIN, Vice President JIM BLANKENSHIP, Secretary ROGELIO MALDONADO, Treasurer
DIRECTORS DANYA HAZEN JODY CLOUNCH NOE GARCIA CHRISTOPHER LEE
RAY LEYVA ROBERTO MEDRANO ART REDDY TAB RHODES
2014 STANDING COMMITTEES ASSOCIATIONS Chairman MORIGUCHI DELEGATES Chairman CRONIN FINANCE Chairman MALDONADO INSURANCE Chairman RHODES LEGISLATIVE Chairman REDDY MEMBERSHIP Chairwoman HAZEN
612 NEGOTIATIONS Chairman MORIGUCHI 614 NEGOTIATIONS Chairman LEE 621 NEGOTIATIONS Chairman BLANKENSHIP 631 NEGOTIATIONS Chairman MACHIAN 632 NEGOTIATIONS Chairman CORRAL RETIREE LIAISON Chairman REDDY
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Where Do We Go From Here? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Events, Contract Talks and Trusting Your Instincts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Facing Change Together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Protecting Yourself as the Jail Climate Worsens . . . 7 Epic PPOA Fishing Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Retiree Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Rookies Roost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Sergeant Clyde Terry: Making a Positive Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Protecting Yourself in the Event of an Unforeseen Disability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Public Employee Sworn Testimony Entitled to First Amendment Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
PPOA AFFILIATIONS
Southern California Alliance of Law Enforcement (SCALE) California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations (CCLEA) International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Los Angeles County Organization of Police and Sheriffs (LACOPS) Public Employees Staff Organization (PESO) Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) National Conference of Public Employee Retirement Systems California Peace Officer Memorial Foundation
PPOA STAFF MEMBERS
PAUL K. ROLLER, Executive Director CLARE FRANCO, Administrative Assistant MARTY KULLMAN, Field Representative NORMA GOMEZ, Administrative Assistant TERESA MACHADO, Labor Representative VIOLET PEREZ, Administrative Assistant SHANNON SCHRECK, Receptionist RYAN SHERMAN, Legislative Representative KEVIN F. THOMPSON, Intake Representative GREG TORRES, Public Relations Coordinator MARICELA VILLEGAS, Executive Administrative Assistant JIM VOGTS, Legislative Consultant VENISE WALLACE, Sr. Labor Representative
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Where Do We Go From Here?
Brian Moriguchi PPOA President Lieutenant, LASD
bmoriguchi@ppoa.com
Difficult choices will need to be made in deciding which path to take, starting with the question ‘Is what I am doing best for the Sheriff’s Department as an entity?’
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T
he Sheriff ’s Department has been under extreme public scrutiny for many years. Scandal after scandal has rocked this once proud organization, damaging its reputation as the finest law enforcement agency in the world. We have seen the Sheriff leave under questionable circumstances, several deputies convicted on federal obstruction charges, and allegations of abuse in the jails and patrol. In my opinion, all of this was avoidable. We were on a path of destruction due to the poor leadership on many levels in the Department. Corruption was encouraged by at least one Department executive and other executives became powerless or fearful to speak out. “In the car” became the mantra for career success, not ability or experience. Campaign contributions became the litmus test for loyalty, as well as the necessary path to promotion. With such dysfunction, a total collapse was inevitable. No law enforcement agency can continue down a path of corruption for any sustained period of time. Eventually, the citizenry will demand the restoration of integrity in its police force, as will the employees themselves. Eventually is now here! It is time for the rebirth of the Sheriff ’s Department. But where do we go from here? These are delicate times as we try to rebuild the integrity and respect of the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department. This is not an easy task. It requires careful analysis and thoughtful execution to change what needs changing, while not changing what doesn’t need changing. Let me use cancer as an analogy. The tumor has been removed (we all know who the tumor was!), but the tumor has left behind many cancer cells. These cancer cells will hide and be difficult to find, yet they will continue to destroy the organization. So how do we cure this departmental cancer so that we can be a healthy organization again? One answer is organizational chemotherapy. Hit it hard and hit it fast. Cleanse the entire Department with massive policy changes, indiscriminate transfers, firings and reorganization. This is commonly referred to as the shotgun approach. It is the easiest and fastest way to do it, but a lot of innocent people get hurt in the process. In chemotherapy, even the good cells are eradicated. Another approach is specific/selective chemotherapy. Rather than the shotgun approach, this method
involves carefully identifying the remaining cancerous employees and dealing with them individually. This is much more difficult, and requires careful research to separate the wheat from the chaff. It may include demotions and transfers to break up cliques (cancer clusters), but still risks spreading cancer cells throughout the organization if not watched carefully. This method takes a bit longer and slows down restoring the health of the Department. Another option is simply to sit back, monitor activity and wait until the cancer resurfaces (are you still following my cancer analogy?). Here, the Department simply wipes the slate clean and judges each employee on their performance from that day forward. Some of the cancerous employees may morph and “get with the new program.” Those who do not will eventually resurface and make mistakes that can be dealt with at that time. Essentially, these folks will get a pardon for their past misdeeds, but their future sins will cost them. This approach is the most dangerous to the restoration of the organization’s health, but the fairest to the individual employees. Sheriff Scott and his new team of executives will need to make difficult choices in deciding which path to take. Our hope is that they will act cautiously and realize that they are impacting people’s lives in their decisions. Innocent, hard-working employees should not have to pay for the sins of a few. Maybe even the sins of the past should be forgotten for those who followed the unethical path of the former executive. Emotions run high on this topic, but we must focus on the organization’s wellbeing first. Every decision should start with the question “Is what I am doing best for the Sheriff ’s Department as an entity?” I have confidence in Sheriff Scott and other Department executives to do the right thing. PPOA will keep a watchful eye on the Department to ensure that our members, yes, even the cancerous ones, are treated fairly in this reorganization process. CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT COMMISSION As a result of the problems within the Sheriff ’s Department, there is a concerted effort from outside the Department to create a civilian oversight continued on page 13
Events, Contract Talks and Trusting Your Instincts Paul K. Roller PPOA Executive Director proller@ppoa.com
Telling the truth, doing the right thing, acting with honesty and integrity, and following the law is always the right path.
PPOA PRE-LABOR DAY BBQ n Wednesday, August 27, PPOA will hold its 14th Annual Pre-Labor Day BBQ at the SEB track and field at Biscailuz Center. A free barbecue lunch will be served to all PPOA members (and their significant others) who attend, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. With the addition of the newly opened Training Academy, parking will be scarce, so you may want to plan for a walk. The Pre-Labor Day BBQ has grown dramatically since its inception 14 years ago. The event was the brainchild of former PPOA President Roger Mayberry, who felt that PPOA should honor the working men and women of PPOA on Labor Day. From just a couple of tables in the parking lot of our old offices, this event has grown into more than 20 vendors and hundreds of PPOA members, all of whom make this a fun event every year. We hold the barbecue on the Wednesday prior to Labor Day so that members leaving town for the holiday can attend. PPOA always has gifts for our members, in addition to those given away by numerous vendors. The traditional barbecue, cooked on site by Café n’ Stuff, offers plenty of fresh, grilled fare. So look for the giant tent on the grass inside the SEB track on Wednesday, August 27. You will be sure to get good food, giveaways and prizes, and see some old friends, both active and retired. It’s PPOA’s way of saying “thank you” on Labor Day for your membership and for all your hard work on behalf of the citizens of L.A. County.
O
Star and Shield 10/1
LABOR DAY Speaking of Labor Day, it is just five days after our barbecue and it is the only national holiday dedicated exclusively to the working men and women of America. Abraham Lincoln was the first president to take official note of a designated day for working people and President Grover Cleveland made it into a national holiday. Too often, we think of the holiday only as a threeday weekend or the official
end of summer, without thinking of the millions of workers who came before us and paved the road to better wages, benefits and retirements. We owe those folks more than we can imagine and more than we could ever repay. Those “union” people fought for the salaries, benefits and lifestyles that we enjoy today. Our PPOA forefathers, especially, paved the way to a better life and their hard work can never be repaid. So this Labor Day, please take just a minute to think of those who broke the trail that we now follow, and give thanks for their efforts — people like Camie Jarvis, who died around Labor Day last year, and Jim Vogts, whom we almost lost this year, just after he retired after a lifetime of service to PPOA. Those two former PPOA presidents and others too numerous to mention are the true heroes of Labor Day. NEGOTIATIONS Perhaps the major benefit that evolved from Labor Day, and the corresponding respect for working men and women, was the rise of labor unions and, eventually, the ability to bargain with employers over wages, hours, benefits, and terms and conditions of employment. Although public employees were in the last group of workers to finally win that right, PPOA has been bargaining with Los Angeles County for 60 years in one form or another. continued on page 15
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AUGUST 2014 | STAR&SHIELD
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Facing Change Together
Jody Clounch PPOA Board Member Security Officer, LASD jclounch@ppoa.com
The answer comes from all of us when we engage, stay informed and are willing to participate in the decisionmaking process.
T
here are a lot of changes taking place within the Department. Whether executive changes, lieutenant transfers or sergeant movements, we are all living in very dynamic times. We can all expect to be under new supervision in the near future, with a myriad of changes being thrown at us. Change can oftentimes be positive if it is for the right reasons, but at the same time, in this ultra-political climate, change can also come at a very high cost and occasionally for the wrong reasons. I expect that over the course of the next six months, we will all be involved in situations and experiences that not only test our stamina and patience, but that potentially upset us. Often, management doesn’t take the appropriate measures to consider the union, the hard-working employees and every associated impact of its decisions, because the change agents are pressured to move rapidly for financial or political reasons. This is where you, as an individual, have the opportunity to make an impactful difference. At least provide me or the union management notice to keep us informed and ready to intervene. You have to be willing to let us know sooner rather than later, because sometimes when later arrives, it is too difficult to correct what has inappropriately been set into motion.
Retired PPOA member Claude Anderson has been drawing cartoons for Star & Shield since 1972. Claude says he was asked to keep drawing cartoons until he came up with a funny one — it has now been 40+ years and he’s still drawing! Claude has now published three books of cartoons based on his training days at Firestone Station, and they can be purchased online at www.radiocartoons.net or by calling (888) 8542341. Thank you for your dedication, Claude!
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I am available 24/7 to listen. Although I can’t answer every question, I am becoming more educated in my position and continually consult with PPOA management and Department representatives on a myriad of issues. Timing is everything and the right time to call is when you sense you should. Don’t wait one minute longer. The last delegates meeting was filled with informational exchanges, but some people continually expect me to come up with every answer, every solution and every idea. I have always been of the opinion that we work better as a team and that any individual who thinks that they know everything is likely full of themselves. I appreciate every delegate who takes the time out of their busy schedule to negotiate getting to the meetings and sharing their units’ issues and their personal concerns. This is how things get done. I am not the single source of answers, nor do I want to be. The answer comes from all of us when we engage, stay informed and are willing to participate in the decisionmaking process. Let’s keep our eyes on the ball, as we are enjoying a time wherein we will see more movement, more oversight, more opportunity and definitely more attention. Let’s stay positive, aware and ready to produce the type of workplace environment that we can all enjoy and be proud of. You know where to find me.
Protecting Yourself as the Jail Climate Worsens Danya Hazen PPOA Board Member Custody Assistant, LASD dhazen@ppoa.com
If you feel you are working in unsafe conditions, pick up the phone and make a complaint.
P
POA hosted a delegates meeting in June and those in attendance voiced concerns about the amount of inmate assaults on custody assistants and deputies. The color of a uniform means nothing these days. The climate of the jail has changed. We have no control! The procedure today is for us to all gather around one inmate and try to talk him into compliance. The problem is that when all the inmates see our new procedures, they then refuse to comply. When we don’t have the time or staff to wait them out, the inmates fight us. Have I told you anything you don’t already know? Here is what you do need to know: Custody assistants are covered if they get injured in a fight with an inmate. Coverage also applies when you are sent to training. We have had a lot of new custody assistants, and it is important that you know your rights and your coverage. It seems that Assistant Sheriff McDonald does not expect us to get beat up. Everyone wants to cover themselves, but remember those cameras. If you are trying to protect yourself and/ or your partners, force is justified! If you feel you are working in unsafe conditions, pick up the phone and make a complaint — not just once or twice, because everyone at one time or another is unhappy with a situation. You have to be vocal, as many times as needed, to get the situation resolved.
Badges have been ordered and the Department is waiting for funding. The Department will come to each facility for distribution. CALLING PPOA I am always more than happy to answer your questions or direct you to someone who can help. If you need to speak with someone at PPOA regarding representation, please call Kevin Thompson at (323) 261-3010. He is a wealth of knowledge and if he doesn’t have the answer you need, he can get it. If it turns out you need the services of a labor representative, Kevin will direct you to one. That being said, if you are not happy with the service you get, please text me at (310) 994-8133. FYI: The next class of custody assistant recruits is scheduled for August 15.
UNIFORMS, BADGES AND NEW RECRUITS Uniform specs are written. Some classes did not receive a Class A shirt. We will be able to verify that. When you see the whole uniform, I think you’ll be proud to wear it. It has been a long time coming. I’ve heard different opinions, but let’s wait and see.
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Epic PPOA Fishing Trip By Tim Coomes (former PPOA Board member)
F
inally we were in the right place at the right time for the annual PPOA fishing trip on July 18. The day before the trip, I heard that bluefin, yellowtail and yellowfin were biting at Catalina or just southeast off on the island. When we got on the boat at 5:45 a.m., I thought they would say, “You should have been here yesterday.” Instead, skipper Andy was in a hurry to leave, because the fish were projected to still be at the 277 bank about 10 miles south of Catalina. We got fresh, big sardines and traveled until 9:30 a.m. to get to the 277. The ocean was calm, and the water was about 71 degrees and extremely clean and clear. We started off slowly, as about eight anglers got yellowtail to 12 pounds and yellowfin to 16 pounds. As the day progressed, we had some hot streaks where bluefin, yellowfin and yellowtail were mixed in together. We scratched up a few here and there. We tried kelp patties but most of the time “no one was home.” As we searched around, the captain, Andy, yelled over the loudspeaker, “Brail the bait!” (Throw all you can, as fast as you can.) We stopped time and time again when Andy saw fish on the screen. Sometimes the fish were 30 to 110 feet down, so we had to have several outfits rigged for the various depths. Most of the time, the fish were not hungry enough for a wide-open bite. No matter how many fish were around the boat, we only hung six at time. It could have been wide open and a real frenzy. Most anglers used 20-pound test with a piece of 4-foot fluorocarbon and a number 2/0 hook. Above the hook, we used a 1/4 to 1/2 ounce sliding sinker.
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We came home with two bluefin tuna, 74 yellowfin tuna and 14 yellowtail. The biggest yellowfin was approximately 16 to 22 pounds. Some anglers caught their first-ever yellowtail or yellowfin — PPOA active members, retirees and their grandkids included. If you missed this one, I will quote the skipper: “I doubt if you will ever see this again on a 3/4-day boat.” Andy stayed out until 3:30 p.m., and we did not return to the dock until 7:30 p.m. So much for the usual calico bass, sand bass, barracuda and sculpin! Wow, was that fresh fish good for dinner ... Thanks, PPOA!
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Retiree Events Retired Marshals Luncheon August 6 Elephant Bar Restaurant, Downey 12 p.m. Century Station 20th Anniversary August 9 Century Station 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Info: (323) 568-4752 Retired Marshals Luncheon September 3 Denny’s, 145 E. Huntington Dr., Arcadia East L.A. Station 90th Anniversary September 27 Two events: ELA Station 11 a.m., Steven’s Steakhouse 6 p.m. Current and former station personnel encouraged to attend Info: (323) 264-4151 Retired Female Deputies Luncheon November 1 Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Riverside LASD Retirees of Ventura County First Monday of each month Coco’s, 301 Daly Dr., Camarillo Info: (805) 216-9844
Lakewood ROMEOs Luncheons Second Monday of each month Wuzz Fuzz/Victor Valley Second Tuesday of each month Hometown Buffet Victorville, 7:30 a.m. L.A. County Retired Deputies First Wednesday of each month Carrows, Hesperia 11:00 a.m. Retired D.A. Investigators Lunch First Wednesday of each month Frantone’s 10808 Alondra Boulevard, Cerritos,11:00 a.m. Info: Wes English, (714) 962-5862 Inland Empire Old Guys First Wednesday of each month B.C. Café, Rancho Cucamonga 11:30 a.m. Info: Dock Parnell, (909) 981-6217 Desert Heat Lunch First Wednesday of each month Elks Lodge, Lake Havasu
The Motherlode Loafers Second Wednesday of each month Location varies among Grass Valley restaurants Info: ceklasd@earthlink.net Retired Deputies in Las Vegas Third Wednesday of each month Blue Ox Tavern on Sahara 12:00 p.m. Info: Tony Silas, (702) 251-8088 Compton Alumni Association Third Wednesday of each month Crystal Hotel & Casino 12:00 p.m. North County SEB Retirees Breakfast Third Wednesday of each month IHOP, Santa Clarita Santa Clarita Area Retired Sheriff’s Personnel Quarterly Luncheon Second Thursday in February, May, August and November Tournament Players Club restaurant, Valencia, 11:30 a.m. Info: acousticcaptain@gmail.com
11th Annual PPOA Retiree Luncheon October 15
Sheraton Fairplex, Pomona ~ Info: (323) 261-3010 FREE for retired PPOA members and spouses 10
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Rookies Roost Rookies Roost is a column started by PPOA in 1973 to chronicle the lives of some of the most interesting people we know — our retired members. We send surveys to them and they respond, some with tales of travel and adventure, others with reports of a more leisurely pace. Either way, we’re grateful to all of our retired members who take the time to share their stories with us. Walter Allsop retired as a commander and is 86-years-young. His favorite assignment was Detective Division. Walt proudly put in 30 years with L.A. County, and it’s probably safe to assume he has enjoyed well more than 30 years of retirement. That’s worth at least one high five, Walt. Well done! Walt’s words: “Thanks for the opportunity to, in some small way, keep up with other retirees and give them a chance to communicate with me.” Walt, we should be thanking you! You worked well and retired better, and that’s the kind of life model the new generation of deputies should study. Walt and his wife, Mary, live in Vista, California. “My wife of 65 years will turn 90, and I’m right behind her. We’re a lot more fragile than we used to be but we’re hanging in there.” Sixty-five years? Let’s put that in perspective: When PPOA was established in 1951, Walt had already been married for two years! Congratulations on 65 years of marriage, Walt. We are sincerely happy for you and Mary. Ron Baltierra retired 14 years ago as a sergeant assigned to Court Services. He lists his favorite assignment as “Low Profile, ELA.” Ron moved to Las Vegas in 2013 and describes it as a “town of temptation and interesting people from all over.” It turns out that Ron knows a thing or two about leading an interesting life. After all, do you know of any retired deputies
willing to move to Colombia? Not the District of Columbia or British Columbia, but Colombia, as in South America. Ron’s words: “Prior to moving to Vegas, I had been wandering around Colombia. I lived close to a year in Bogotá and Bucamaranga.” He also swam the Amazon River and declares that his favorite city was Cartagena (which is barely easier to pronounce than Bucamaranga.) Ron, we’re not going to ask what chain of events resulted in your wandering around Colombia or dog-paddling across the Amazon, but we do applaud you for a life very much worth living. Joseph Barrett retired as a sergeant in 1996 and now lives in Worley, Idaho. His favorite assignments during his 34 years of service were Metro and Temple. Joe doesn’t mince words when it comes to life’s pleasures: “The Retiree Roundup in Laughlin is what I look forward to every year. After that, cruising.” One of those things involves a whole bunch of retirees and traveling down memory lane. The other involves a whole bunch of retirees and traveling everywhere else. Joe added that he and his wife, Marilee, embarked on a 30-day cruise, starting in Buenos Aires and ending in San Francisco. “We then flew to Venice and stopped in Athens, Rome, Florence, Istanbul, Toulon (France), Madeira (Portugal) and Barcelona.” Wow! Joe, you get around. Way around! Joe’s words: “The ability to go and see places that I studied in the ’40s and ’50s in school is great. If anyone can, they should go while health permits.” That’s sage advice from a North American championship chili cooker (true story!). I’m not sure what they put in the water in Worley, Idaho, but I want some. Here’s to you, Joe. May all of your stopping and going continue to fulfill you.
Mystery Photo The first PPOA member to correctly ID all five former PPOA Board members in this photo will win a PPOA prize pack. One guess per person. Email your guess to gtorres@ ppoa.com. Did you know that PPOA Facebook followers regularly get first crack at solving mystery photos, along with opportunities to win prizes? Check it out for yourself at www.facebook.com/lappoa.
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Sergeant Clyde Terry: Making a Positive Difference By Bill Arena, Men’s Center Los Angeles
C
lyde Terry is the kind of person you’d democratically oriented law enforcement want on your side if you were about services helps to ensure that peace and to get into a fight. He’s big (6 feet 1 stability can be sustained even after inch and 230 pounds) and has the international peacekeepers depart. commanding, physical presence of a guy who could definitely kick butt and take MINDFULNESS TRAINING names. And that’s exactly what he did in The experience changed his life. “When his younger days, growing up on the mean I was over there [in Iraq], I really learned streets of Fort Wayne, Indiana. the meaning of mindfulness,” he says. “It “Oh yeah,” he says matter-of-factly. “At was in those intense situations when people that time of my life I really was out of are shooting at you, trying to kill you, control. I did stupid things. I was clearly on you’re totally focused on survival … You the path to destruction.” can’t worry about what you did yesterday or But today, like the phoenix rising from what you’re planning for tomorrow. the ashes after years of purification in Sergeant Terry (on the far right) with fellow LASD personnel “It’s a matter of survival. You must be the fires of anger, violence, war, hatred, totally focused. You must be in the moment. international conflict, death and destruction, Clyde has been cleansed and There’s no other time than the present moment. This is where life happens,” purified, renewed and reborn. He knows who he is. He knows why he’s he explains. “It was quite a lesson that I remember virtually every day. Live here. His anger and fighting days are long gone. Today, he’s a mentor and in the present moment. This is all we have. There’s nothing else.” positive role model for gang members, prison parolees and other people struggling with anger and resentment and their own burning, out-of- MOMENT OF SURRENDER control firefights of life. In June 2007, Clyde was one of the first responders to a reported gang Today, Clyde Terry is a healer. shooting in Compton. Even with all of his wartime experience in foreign countries and background dealing with inner-city violence and the brutal GROWING UP ways of the street, he was simply not mentally prepared for the grisly scene The only child of a single mother, Clyde had an absentee father, with that awaited him. He found one man had been shot in the back of the head. minimal emotional support or guidance in making smart choices. He had He was dead. And the dead man’s young son had been shot in the chest. also been molested, which contributed to a level of emotional trauma and He was dying. violence that fanned the flames of inner rage burning out of control in this Clyde watched as paramedics worked on the young boy. But their efforts young man. “It was like I wanted to prove my manhood, impose my will were in vain. The boy died at the hospital. And this same boy’s 4-year-old on other people. I had no direction. It was a really bad scene,” he explains. little brother, the dead man’s other son, had witnessed the entire episode. Constantly in trouble, he usually saw his mother only on weekends. It was a painful, soul-searching, gut-wrenching, pivotal moment in the The rest of the time he was often out all night with the wrong crowd, deputy’s life. getting into fights, carousing aimlessly and causing mayhem in the streets. “This was my moment of surrender,” he explains. “It was devastating. He barely made it through high school. On the day his classmates were It was enlightening. Seeing this carnage and this young, innocent little graduating, the 17-year-old had enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and boy who had just witnessed the fatal shooting of both his father and his was en route to basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. brother … it was my moment of clarity. I realized on a deep and personal Ironically appropriate, the Fort Wayne “knucklehead” was getting out level that my purpose is to help people, to do whatever I can to help end of Dodge and heading for basic training with Uncle Sam’s most badass the violence, to help people get back on track, to be a positive role model military outfit. and work from the inside.” His years in the military set him straight and gave him discipline, Because of the commitment to his purpose and great personal efforts structure and a deep appreciation for hard work, team building and doing to make a positive difference in the local community, in 2009 Clyde the right thing. He was given the opportunity to travel around the world was honored to be asked to lead the Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA), and see firsthand different cultures, ethnic backgrounds and the diversity a partnership between the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department, of life. It was a positive experience. Los Angeles Urban League, Goodwill of Southern Los Angeles County Today, Clyde is a sergeant and 23-year veteran with the Los Angeles and Agape International Spiritual Center. The mission is to provide Sheriff ’s Department. LASD deputies provide law enforcement services to an educational program for gang members, “at risk” individuals, new more than 3 million residents in an area of 3,171 square miles. contributors (ex-offenders) and community members. ELA empowers In 2003, Clyde took a leave of absence from the Sheriff ’s Department to participants to take a new direction in life, and learn positive life and career assist the U.S. State Department as an international police advisor in their development skills as an alternative to criminal behavior and violence. rebuilding efforts in Iraq. Civilian police from the U.S. and more than 50 Learn more about Emerging Leaders by visiting www.emergingleaders360. other countries are deployed around the globe in support of international org. Learn more about the Men’s Center Los Angeles by visiting www. post-conflict stabilization and redevelopment operations. Their presence menscenterlosangeles.com. promotes peace and stability in areas recovering from conflict, and their Reprinted with permission from the Men’s Center Los Angeles, with minor efforts to reform and/or develop indigenous police forces into modern, editing. The author of this article can be reached at bill.arena@mac.com.
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Moriguchi
continued from page 4 commission or a citizen review board. Many civil rights activists are calling upon the Board of Supervisors to create this commission immediately. Mark Ridley-Thomas and Gloria Molina have already supported this idea, but the other three supervisors have held their ground … and for good reason. I am not opposed to civilian oversight. In fact, I think it is wholly appropriate to maintain transparency and public trust in the Sheriff ’s Department. However, the Board of Supervisors has previously created several oversight mechanisms that have failed miserably, as evidenced by the recent problems of the Department. The Office of Independent Review, Special Counsel Merrick Bobb and the Office of Ombudsman have all been ineffective at oversight. Why? The Board of Supervisors needs to first figure out the answer to that question before creating another layer of oversight that will be destined to fail like the others. Already, they created the Office of the Inspector General and don’t have any idea what its responsibilities and authority will be. Will it have investigative authority? Will it have access to personnel records or Department files? What about POBAR rights? The Board of Supervisors must work out the role of the Inspector General before proceeding to a civilian oversight commission, or, at the very least, determine how the two would work together and, most importantly, be effective. Then, and only then, should they move forward with a civilian oversight commission. What is the urgency in creating a commission? Why now? Wouldn’t it be better to wait until after the new Sheriff is sworn in later this year, since the Sheriff will have a lot of say regarding what access will be given to any oversight body? We have been and will continue publicly calling for a slowdown on this issue, as it’s more important to get the oversight done right, rather than right now.
Contact the PPOA Staff Discount Tickets, Address Updates, Non-Job-Related Legal Consultation: Shannon Schreck sschreck@ppoa.com Questions About Current Insurance Policies: Norma Gomez ngomez@ppoa.com Membership, Dues Deductions: Clare Franco cfranco@ppoa.com Notary (by appointment): Violet Perez vperez@ppoa.com Job-Related Labor Representation: Kevin F. Thompson kthompson@ppoa.com
Star & Shield, PPOA.com, Social Media, Delegates: Greg Torres gtorres@ppoa.com
Board and Foundation Inquiries, Political Action: Maricela Villegas mvillegas@ppoa.com Inquiries About New Insurance Policies (Life, Home, Auto, Disability, etc.): PPOA Insurance Agency representatives (909) 599-8627 office@ppoia.com
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AUGUST 2014 | STAR&SHIELD
13
14th Annual Pre-Labor Day
PPOA BBQ and general membership meeting
August 27, 2014
Biscailuz Center Track & Field 1060 N. Eastern Avenue, Los Angeles 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Look for the parking signs and shuttle.
• FREE lunch for PPOA members and immediate family • FREE hourly drawings • FREE giveaways • Visit with reps from more than 20 PPOA vendors! $8 for non-members Watch for more details at PPOA.com or call us at (800) 747-PPOA.
14 14
STAR&SHIELD || AUGUST AUGUST 2014 2014 STAR&SHIELD
Roller
continued from page 5 After an extremely difficult period brought on by the Great Recession beginning in 2008, we have started to bargain with L.A. County again in earnest. Last year, all PPOA bargaining units reached MOUs with the County, which covered 18 months and were overwhelmingly ratified by our membership. Those agreements will expire in 2015. Starting at the end of this year for Unit 612 (sergeants and lieutenants), and in spring of next year for all other PPOA bargaining units, we will again return to the negotiating table to bargain over salaries. We expect to be successful in negotiating new MOUs with improvements in a number of areas, but there are many factors that may complicate the upcoming negotiations. The first, of course, is fiscal. The County continues to slowly recover from the recession, but is still extremely jumpy about future revenue and the next “hit” from the state or federal government (see prison realignment or the Affordable Care Act as examples of additional costs forced on the County from above). In addition, the upcoming election in November will crown a new Sheriff and two new L.A. County supervisors — all unfamiliar with our issues (and the way things are done in L.A. County) but eager to have a major say in the way things are done in the future. Third, both the County CEO and the County employee relations director will be retired by November, so new management professionals (hopefully) will be thrown into the mix as well. All of these factors will make the upcoming negotiations very interesting (but hopefully not more difficult). We expect to have a good relationship with the new Sheriff and supervisors. We will see if that helps us in next year’s negotiations. RETHINKING “OBEY NOW, GRIEVE LATER” Union advice 101 has traditionally been “obey now, grieve later.” That advice is usually given so that you don’t make a bad situation worse by
becoming insubordinate. Recent events have forced us to take a second look at that advice. The convictions of four of our members who were “just following orders” have changed the landscape. I am not going to discuss the specifics of that case or make a value judgment on what the defendants did or did not do, but that case has caused PPOA to rethink our “obey now, grieve later” advice. Simply stated, if you are given an order you think is illegal, you must refuse to carry out that order. Fifty-thousand years of evolution can’t be ignored! If the hair on the back of your neck stands on end and every fiber of your body says this order is wrong, listen to your gut. You don’t have to refuse in an insubordinate manner. You can conduct your own research to back up your contentions, ask to take the issue up the chain of command before you say no, or you can call PPOA and ask for help — but you must stand up for your convictions to do the right thing and not break the law. However, even being insubordinate is better than being in jail! This recent case led to ruined lives and families, the loss of numerous careers (including the Sheriff ’s), the loss of the Sheriff ’s Department’s credibility with the public and throughout the law enforcement community, the unnecessary expenditure of hundreds of thousands of PPOA dues dollars, and, possibly, the incarceration of good, hard-working cops. Shame on the management leaders who gave those orders — they have ruined many lives. When someone asks you to break the law or to cut corners on what you know is right, just say no. You may be charged with insubordination, lose your assignment or be thrown “out of the car,” but you will still have your job and your freedom. Telling the truth, doing the right thing, acting with honesty and integrity, and following the law is always the right path. Need help? Call PPOA!
AUGUST 2014 | STAR&SHIELD
15
Protecting Yourself in the Event of an Unforeseen Disability By Eddie Holmes, PPOA Insurance Agency Manager
O
h no! I’m disabled, what do I do? It appears there have been quite a few PPOA members getting injured on the job. Many of you are missing time from work. Accrued sick time and vacation time is gone in a flash! Hopefully, you purchased a supplemental disability policy and filed for workers’ compensation or state disability. There is something you need to realize: Disability insurance plans have an elimination period. These are periods of time that you must wait before you become eligible to receive benefits. This means if you have a 14-day wait or elimination period, you must wait for 14 days to pass before sending in your claim form. Typically, a check is sent after two to three weeks have passed from the time you mailed in your claim form. This means no money from your disability policy for one month! Some of you apparently aren’t aware of or don’t remember this fact and have not planned well. You keep your available sick and vacation time at a minimum, and you have no money saved either. One more thing to be aware of: If you make a claim on your disability policy within 24 months of purchase, the insurance company must research the claim to make sure the reason for your disability wasn’t a pre-existing condition. These policies are filed with the Department of Insurance with this procedure in it. It is called a “24-month discovery” time period and requires the insurance company to look at your medical files if a claim is made in the first two years of owning an insurance policy. This process can be delayed if the records aren’t copied by the copy service, for one reason or another. Some doctors only allow records to be copied at certain times of the week or month, which can also delay processing of your claim.
If a claim is submitted after 24 months, it is processed significantly faster. State disability also requires a wait for benefits, usually seven days, and workers’ compensation isn’t always a quick check either. If you don’t have a month of sick or vacation time available, or 30 days of living expenses saved in cash, you may need to implement a plan with a shorter waiting period and save some money for emergencies. If you are interested in learning more about disability or accident insurance, or any other services that we provide to PPOA members, please feel free to call us at (909) 599-8627. Note: 4850 time and the Peace Officers Relief Fund (PORF), for those eligible, may also factor into disability coverage.
MEMBERS CAN WIN!
300 REASONS WHY IT PAYS TO READ
StarShield &
THREE $100 PRIZES Every issue of Star & Shield will feature a different hidden word. The word will be used only once in the entire magazine — your challenge is to find it! Members who find the hidden word and register through our website (www.ppoa.com) by the end of this month will be entered into a drawing for one of three $100 prizes. Contest ends August 31, 2014, at 11:59 p.m. PDT.
This month’s hidden word is:
Brainchild An idea, plan or creation of one person
Online registration only. Please do not call the PPOA office to register for contest. 16
STAR&SHIELD | AUGUST 2014
Public Employee Sworn Testimony Entitled to First Amendment Protection by Michael P. Stone, Esq., Stone Busailah, LLP
T
he United States Supreme Court has unanimously held that a public employee’s sworn testimony is entitled to First Amendment protection, when it is given outside the scope of ordinary job duties. While this is an important decision for public employees nationwide, it actually brings the law into line with the existing rule in the Ninth Circuit, which covers California, that sworn testimony by public employees concerning their job duties can be protected. In Clairmont v. Sound Mental Health (2011), the Ninth Circuit found protection for trial testimony, and in Karl v. City of Mountlake Terrace (2012), the Ninth Circuit found protection for deposition testimony.* In Lane v. Franks, decided on June 19, the Supreme Court clarified previous rulings in which it said that public employees had free-speech rights when they were acting as “citizens,” but not necessarily when they were testifying about what they learned while doing their jobs and not when they were required to speak because of their specific job duties (Garcetti v. Ceballos [2006]). Public employees who are called to testify are now protected by the First Amendment just as other citizens are, and should not have to choose between “the obligation to testify truthfully and the desire to avoid retaliation and keep their jobs,” wrote Justice Sonia Sotomayor. “It would be antithetical to our jurisprudence to conclude that the very kind of speech necessary to prosecute corruption by public officials — speech by public employees regarding information learned through their employment — may never form the basis for a First Amendment retaliation claim,” she said. Justice Clarence Thomas noted, in his concurring opinion, that the court’s decision in Lane did not address public employees whose job requirements include testifying in court, such as police officers and laboratory analysts. It was argued by government lawyers in the case that many government employees testify frequently as part of their job responsibilities, and their supervisors need to preserve the ability to discipline such government employees who fail to prepare adequately to testify, or who otherwise do sloppy work, when their job responsibilities include testimony. The court left the constitutional questions raised by these scenarios for another day.
At least one judge in the Ninth Circuit has, however, spoken on this subject. In his dissent in Dahlia v. Rodriguez, Circuit Judge O’Scannlain wrote, “[t]he case [of Christal v. Police Commission of City and County of San Francisco (1933)] explained that ‘[w]hen police officers acquire knowledge of facts which will tend to incriminate any person, it is their duty to disclose such facts to their superiors and to testify freely concerning such facts when called upon to do so before any duly constituted court or grand jury.’ Christal went so far as to say that ‘[i]t is for the performance of these duties that police officers are commissioned and paid by the community.’” Judge O’Scannlain compared Christal with Garcetti, where it was explained that when the plaintiff “performed the tasks he was paid to perform” he had “acted as a government employee” (and not as a “citizen”) and therefore did not have First Amendment protection. In Garcetti, the Supreme Court held that only when a public employee speaks as a “citizen” on a matter of public concern is he or she entitled to First Amendment protection. It is unknown at this time how the Ninth Circuit or the current Supreme Court will rule on a case if, and when, a peace officer is retaliated against for testimony in a case, when such testimony is given within the scope of his or her ordinary duties. In such a case, the court may focus on whether the nature of the testimony was routine or possibly focus on the motive behind the “retaliation” by the employing agency. For now, peace officers must understand that they are unlikely to be treated like any other “citizen” when they testify, as a peace officer, in a criminal or civil matter. Michael P. Stone is the founding partner of Stone Busailah, LLP, a Southern California police defense and litigation firm. * Both the Clairmont and Karl cases were cited by the Ninth Circuit in Dahlia v. Rodriguez (2013), where the firm of Stone Busailah, LLP, filed an amicus brief in support of the police officer whose claim of First Amendment protection for his whistleblowing activity, about corruption within his department to an outside law enforcement agency, was allowed to proceed.
Advocating for You at the State Capitol PPOA’s recently retired lobbyist, Jim Vogts, shares a moment with newly hired lobbyist Ryan Sherman at the July Board meeting. PPOA has employed a full-time lobbyist in Sacramento for more than 30 years. In addition to protecting and enhancing your benefits, PPOA’s lobbyist is regularly involved in proposed changes to the various California codes, including penal, civil, labor, government, vehicle, and health and safety. More than 1,800 legislative bills were introduced by the Assembly and Senate last year alone. Of those, 50 warranted an official position (watch, support, oppose or sponsor) from PPOA. Details about these legislative bills are available in the PPOA annual report, published each December.
AUGUST 2014 | STAR&SHIELD
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Calendar of Events These events and more can be found on PPOA’s online calendar at www.ppoa.com. Do you know of a Department-related event we can help promote? Email details to gtorres@ppoa.com.
August 6: Carson Sheriff’s Station 40th Anniversary 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Lunch provided RSVP: (310) 830-9200 August 9: Century Station 20th Anniversary Century Station 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Info: (323) 568-4752 August 13: PPOA Board Meeting San Dimas August 15: LASAA Fishing Derby Long Beach Marina Landing www.lasaa.org August 19: Retirement Planning Workshop PPOA office, San Dimas Choose time: 1 p.m. or 5 p.m. Free, hosted by PPOA Insurance Agency RSVP: (909) 599-8627 August 21: Retirement Planning Workshop PPOA office, San Dimas Choose time: 1 p.m. or 5 p.m. Free, hosted by PPOA Insurance Agency RSVP: (909) 599-8627
August 25: Transit Services Bureau 5th Annual Golf Classic Trump National Golf Club, Rancho Palos Verdes Info: www.fallenheroes.org or (213) 922-3678 August 27: 14th Annual PPOA BBQ Biscailuz Center Track & Field 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free for PPOA members Info: (323) 261-3010 September 9: SEB Annual Golf & Dinner Pacific Palms Resort, Industry 10 a.m. – Tournament 4 p.m. – Dinner Open to all past/present SEB members Info: (323) 881-7800 September 14: 19th Annual SEB Mud Run 26893 Tapia Canyon, Castaic Vendors, music, food, open to the public www.lasdseb.com
Star & Shield Contest Winners Congratulations to the PPOA members below for winning the “Find the Hidden Word” contest in Star & Shield. If your name is listed, that means your entry
September 18: Salute to Youth Gala Beverly Hilton Hotel Presented by Sheriff’s Youth Foundation 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. www.sheriffsyouthfoundation.org September 27: East L.A. Station 90th Anniversary Two events: ELA Station 11 a.m., Steven’s Steakhouse 6 p.m. Current and former station personnel encouraged to attend Info: (323) 264-4151 September 28: San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team Golf Tournament San Dimas Canyon Golf Course Info: www.sdmrt.com or (626) 641-1199 October 16–19 Men’s Center Los Angeles Retreat Join Sgt. Clyde Terry (see page 12) & other LASD personnel at Sacred Path Retreat. www.menscenterlosangeles.com
$100 Prize Winners (May 2014 issue) LaTonya Davis, Security Officer Billie Grahek, Lieutenant
was drawn as one of the winners for that month’s issue. Please call Greg Torres at (323) 261-3010 to claim your $100 check.
18
STAR&SHIELD | AUGUST 2014
Jessica Lynn McDaniel, Security Assistant
2014 Board Nominating Petition
The following seats on PPOA’s Board of Directors are up for election: Sheriff’s Department • Two Unit 612 Representatives Incumbents: • Two Unit 621 Representatives Incumbents:
Noe Garcia, Roberto Medrano Danya Hazen*, Jim Blankenship**
Sheriff’s Department/District Attorney’s Office • One Unit 615 Representative Incumbent:
Ray Leyva***
Retired Membership • One Representative
Art Reddy
Incumbent:
* Unit 621 seat held by Hazen is open to Custody Assistants only. ** Unit 621 seat held by Blankenship is open to Civilian Investigators, Court Services Specialists, Crime Analysts, Law Enforcement Technicians and Public Response Dispatchers. *** Unit 615 seat is open to Captains and Commanders from the Sheriff’s Department and Captains from the D.A.’s Office.
The petition below has been printed for those who wish to declare their intention to run for a board seat. We, the undersigned, who are members of the Association in good standing, hereby nominate __________________________________________________________ , (rank) _________________________
(department) _______________________
for the Board of Directors of the Association.
1. (sign) _____________________________ (rank) _________________________ (print) _____________________________ (assignment) ____________________ 2. (sign) _____________________________ (rank) _________________________ (print) _____________________________ (assignment) ____________________ 3. (sign) _____________________________ (rank) _________________________ (print) _____________________________ (assignment) ____________________
I request that my name be placed on the ballot: (signature) __________________________ (rank) __________________________ (department) ________________________ (assignment) _____________________ (work phone) ________________________ (home phone) ____________________
This nominating petition, along with candidate statement (500 word max.) & photo, must be filed at the PPOA office between September 1st and the close of business on September 15th. Elections will be held in October. Term of office: two years. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS, ARTICLE V, SECTION 1, BY-LAWS: Candidates for election to the Board of Directors shall be nominated as follows: A petition shall be filed with the Association between September 1 and the close of business on September 15, or the first Monday after September 15 when it falls on a weekend, setting forth the names of the candidates, their rank, department or group he or she represents, and the office for which they seek nomination. Such petition may be filed with respect to any position on the Board of Directors which expires in such year. The petition shall be signed by not less than three (3) Association members of the grade or groups of grades and of the department for which the candidate seeks election and the petition must be signed by the candidate.
Mail completed petition to: PPOA Board Election • 188 E. Arrow Highway, San Dimas CA 91773 AUGUST 2014 | STAR&SHIELD
19
PPOA.com HEADLINES The following is a partial list of breaking news links posted at www.PPOA.com last month. Visit the PPOA website to stay up to date on the news affecting Los Angeles County’s current and retired peace officers.
Police Stress Is Health Risk Beyond General Population
DA Jackie Lacey Calls Jailing of Mentally Ill a “Moral Question”
Deputies See Success in Latest Crime Lab Technologies
Court Rejects Woman’s Harassment Complaint About Deputy
Men’s Central Jail Cracks Down on “Gassing”
LASD Part of Multiagency Investigation That Snared Sex Offender
LASD Search and Rescue Team Ready at a Moment’s Notice
Eight Facebook Privacy Tips Every Deputy Should Know
Use of Force to Control L.A. County Inmates Is Up 47 Percent
L.A. County Jail Overcrowding: Is Miami a Model for the Mentally Ill?
LASD Allows for Muslim Group Prayer in Jails Deputies Investigate Nude TwitPics of Underage Teens Ridley-Thomas, Black Leaders Endorse McDonnell for Sheriff Deputies Help El Monte P.D. Crack Down on Modified Vehicles Man Who Killed Deputy in 1979 Among Local Death Row Convicts L.A. County Supervisor Seeks $20 Million in Mental Health Programs
Sheriff’s Center Aims to Smooth Inmates’ Entry Into Society L.A. County Jails Feeling Weight of Psychiatric Hospital Closures LASD Investigating Shot Fired at Pro-Israel Rally Man Arrested After Trying to Rob Undercover Deputy The Evolving Reform Efforts of L.A. County D.A. Jackie Lacey Sheriff Candidates, Current Brass Disagree Over Civilian Oversight
Sergeants Super School: New Leaders, New Location
PPOA Labor Representative Teresa Machado discusses grievances and POE violations with newly promoted sergeants last month. This was the first Sergeants Supervisory School to be held at the recently opened Biscailuz Regional Training Center in Los Angeles.
20
STAR&SHIELD | AUGUST 2014
PPOA Membership Application Name (Last, First, Middle) ________________________________________
Male
Female
Department (Former or Current) _____________________________________________________ Job Title/Rank (Former or Current) ____________________________________________________ D.O.B. ______________ Date Entered or Retired County Service _______________ County Employee No. __________________ Social Security No. ___________________ Place of Assignment ___________________________________________________________ Home Address _________________________________________________________________ City ____________________________________________ Phone (work) _________________________________________
Zip Code ___________________
(cell) ____________________________________
PPOA Monthly Dues as of July 1, 2014 Dues for active member classifications (in blue, below) are based on 1% of top step salary plus $5 for additional political action.
Unit 612 (Sheriff, D.A.) Sergeant & Above
$95.40
Supv. Inv. D.A. & Above
$95.40
Unit 614 (Coroner/Sheriff) Criminalist
$71.83
Criminalist Lab Tech.
$51.58
Forensic ID Spec. I
$68.57
Forensic ID Spec. II
$80.82
Senior Criminalist
$91.30
E-Mail (non-LASD) _______________________________________________________ I hereby apply for membership in the Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association. I authorize appropriate deductions from my County payroll warrant or retirement warrant for payment of dues and other programs that I may select. I also authorize, at the discretion of the LACPPOA Board of Directors, the use of a portion of my dues for political action. (Political contributions are not tax deductible. For more details, please call the PPOA office.) I certify that, at this time, I know of no investigation of me by my Department, nor am I involved in any civil proceeding as a result of my performance as a peace officer.
40 2 (a c t i v e ) / 67 (r e t i re d) L ACPPO A Deduction Agency : _______________ Deduction Code: ________________________
Monthly membership dues deduction
(see chart at right)
$ __________
(active member dues include additional $5 PAC Plus deduction)
Initial here if you decline to include the $5 political action deduction: ______
Optional monthly deduction for Star and Shield Charitable Foundation, 501(c)3: (circle one)
Unit 621 (Sheriff) Civilian Investigator
$69.74
Court Services Spec.
$48.65
Crime Analyst
$68.28
Custody Assistant
$57.27
Law Enforcement Tech.
$52.82
Public Response Dispatcher I
$52.72
Public Response Dispatcher II
$60.27
Public Resp. Dispatcher Specialist
$64.40
Security Assistant
$32.52
Security Officer
$45.74
Supv. Public Resp. Dispatcher
$66.03
$2 / $5 / $10 / $20 / other $ __________ / decline
Unit 631 (Coroner) I hereby authorize the auditor of the County of Los Angeles or his agents to deduct monthly from salary earned by me in any department of the County of Los Angeles the amount shown hereon and to pay same to. If all or any portion of the deduction authorization includes insurance premiums and/or employee organization dues, I also authorize the auditor to adjust from time to time the amount of the deduction as may be required to comply with adjustments in County subsidy amounts in premiums under existing contracts with said insurance plans or to comply with dues schedules determined by said employee organizations governing body in accordance with such organizations constitution, charter, by-laws or other applicable legal requirements. This authorization cancels and replaces any previously signed by me by written notice. I expressly understand and agree that auditor, his agents or the County acting under this authorization shall not be liable in any manner for failure or delay in making the deduction or payments here authorized.
Signature ____________________________________
Date __________________
Coroner Investigator
$72.55
Unit 632 (Coroner) Supv. Coroner Investigator I
$78.07
Supv. Coroner Investigator II
$84.39
Other Service Members
$10.00
Retired prior to 1/1/80
$ 2.50
Retired after 1/1/80
$10.00
To join more than 8,500 PPOA members, mail completed application to: PPOA, 188 E. Arrow Highway, San Dimas, CA 91773 For more info, visit PPOA.COM or call (800) 747-PPOA
Discounted Ticket Prices for PPOA Members Venue
Adult
Child
Adventure City (Anaheim)
11.50
11.50
Boomers
14.00
14.00
Disneyland (One-day)
90.00
84.00
Disney/California Adventure (One-day Park Hopper)
127.00
121.00
270.00 345.00 640.00 478.00
270.00 345.00 640.00 478.00
Huntington Library
15.00
15.00
Knott’s Berry Farm
36.00
27.50
L.A. Zoo
15.00
11.50
Legoland (Three-park (Aquarium/Legoland/Waterpark) two-day ticket)
74.00
68.50
Legoland (Two-day ticket)
69.00
63.50
Long Beach Aquarium
19.00
11.50
Medieval Times
42.50
32.00
Disney Annual Passports • • • •
SoCal Select (valid 170 days) SoCal (valid 215 days) Premium (valid 365 days w/parking) Deluxe
Movie tickets (see below)
Range: 6.25-8.25
Pirate Dinner Adventure
37.00
28.00
Raging Waters
29.00
29.00
San Diego Zoo
40.00
31.00
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
40.00
31.00
Scandia Amusement Park (Ontario)
16.00
16.00
SeaWorld
60.00
60.00
SeaWorld Fun Card
74.00
74.00
Six Flags Magic Mountain (Ticket order link at PPOA.com. Recommended browser: Google Chrome)
37.99
37.99
Universal Studios (Three-day ticket)
79.00 (credit card only)
79.00 (credit card only)
Universal Studios 2014 Pass w/blackouts
92.00 (credit card only)
92.00 (credit card only)
Universal Studios 12 mo. pass w/o blackouts
134.00 (credit card only)
134.00 (credit card only)
Universal Premium Star Pass
174.00 (credit card only)
174.00 (credit card only)
Universal Front of Line Pass
179.00 (credit card only)
179.00 (credit card only)
Restricted
Unrestricted
6.75 (Silver)
8.25 (Gold)
Harkins Theatre (Chino Hills)
6.75
7.75
Krikorian
7.75
7.75
Pacific
6.25
n/a
Regal/Edwards/UA
7.25
8.25
Movie Theater AMC Theatres
Cinemark
7.75
All ticket sales are final. Prices and details on the PPOA website are subject to change. Always call first to confirm prices and availability. Please call the PPOA office at (323) 261-3010 for more information. Limited to six (6) tickets per member for Universal Studios, ten (10) for all others. All purchases are non-refundable. Make checks payable to “PPOA.”
22
STAR&SHIELD | AUGUST 2014
PPOA Classifieds MAUI CONDO RENTAL Luxury 2 bed, 2 bath. Sleeps 6. Kaanapali Resort. Pool, Spa, Tennis. Full kitchen, W&D. 40% discount for LASD/PPOA & families. LASD owned. For Photos & calendar e-mail: lasd2maui@yahoo.com. (661) 600-5600 (0212)
SEEKING HOME/CONDO FOR RENT Responsible LA County employee seeks house or condo for rent. Two or three bedrooms in LA County for reasonable price. Please call (323) 793-2323. (0114)
EMERGENCY WATER BARRELS Hundreds of 55-gallon water barrels for emergency or rainwater storage. Prepare your family, neighbors & church. Email Jlsaleeb@ charter.net. Available for pickup @ Walnut Station. (0414)
1988 RED PONTIAC FIERO Family owned, excellent condition with only 2300 original miles! New tires, hoses and belts. $18,500 OBO. Call Chris (310) 925-9776 or email Chris.thomas90277@gmail.com. (0414)
WANTED: VINTAGE REMOTE CONTROL CARS Seeking vintage remote control cars from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, in any condition. Let me know what you have. Please call Joey (714) 745-4963. (0414)
UNIFORMS FOR SALE Class A and Class B shirts and pants, all Large sizes. Also X/large nylon, Sam Browne w/all accessories. Call Ray (909) 234-0983. (0414)
COMPLETE SET OF WHEELS Set of 4 BF Goodrich tire and wheels, size 215/70R 15 with 70-75% tread left. Wheels have minor scratches, but good overall condition. $300. Art, mesarge65@yahoo.com. (0414)
MOTORHOME FOR SALE 1995 Damon Diesel Pusher 5.9 Cummins. 88K miles. Asking $12,000. Call for details. (818) 219-2740. (0414)
FIREARM SALE Rare Ruger Blackhawk 7 1/2 in barrel, 44 rem mag, excellent condition. Used for hunting elk, bear, lion and deer on my ranch in Colorado. Reloading supplies included, health forces sale. $1,800. (909) 744-8509. (0414)
1983 MERCEDES BENZ FOR SALE 4 dr, 300SD 5-cylinder turbo diesel. Needs a little TLC but runs great. $1,000. Call (909) 223-7225. (0514)
TWO NEW PHONES FOR SALE Two New Factory AT&T LG G Flex Phones. Were a Gift from Ellen Birthday Show. $550 each OBO. Contact: Richard Escalante, Ricorange@ msn.com. (0414)
COCA COLA COOLER FOR SALE 1940-1950s original condition. I’ve owned it for over 10 years, but never restored it. Restore or leave original. $1500. Art, mesarge65@yahoo. com. (0414)
SEEKING ’80–’83 TOYOTA 4X4 Please let me know what you have for sale. Thank you. Joey (714) 745-4963. (0714)
DINNERWARE SETTINGS FOR SALE “Franciscan Starburst” collectable dinnerware settings for 11. All extras, creamer, salt & pepper, etc., 65 pieces. Will email jpg files upon request to retltrtc@aol.com. $100. Rick (562) 696-2135. (0514)
VENDING MACHINE BUSINESS FOR SALE Asking $18,500 obo. For further details, please contact Greg Forte at gforte225@yahoo.com or call (909) 996-7452. (0714)
WAVE RUNNER FOR SALE ‘96 Yamaha Wave Blaster w/ ‘02 custom trailer. Wave blaster runs great, always maintained, stored inside, includes anchor, flush kit, etc. Trailer has lockable storage box, spare tire, rack for extra gas containers. Both registered, 2015. Asking $1,800 obo. Call/text John: 951-317-3516. (0714)
2009 NISSAN FRONTIER FOR SALE Crew Cab, black, excellent condition, one owner. 74,960 miles, asking $15,500 or best offer. Call Del (909) 964-5416. (0814)
HARLEY ROAD KING FOR SALE Police Blue, AM/FM, CD, USB Stereo. 24,400 miles, 3 interchangeable seats, 3 windscreens. Excellent condition, plenty of chrome. Asking $12,500. Call for details. Willie Flores, (626) 810-1067. (0814)
SEEKING PART-TIME SECURITY/ PATROL Montebello Unified School District. $25.27/hr., day and night shift, retired or active with POST certification. Contact Jessica Michel or Bob Thome, (323) 887-7916. (0814)
PPOA classified ads are free and available only to PPOA members (one per month, 25 words max). Private party only, no business ads allowed. Send your ad to: Star & Shield Editor, 188 E. Arrow Highway, San Dimas, CA 91773 or email to gtorres@ppoa.com. New submissions are added on first come-first served basis, each issue. Please send within first week of each month to ensure timely inclusion. Sellers are encouraged to list price of each item listed. No work numbers may be used in ads. Submissions must be in writing, not over the phone. Ads run for 3 months. PPOA is not responsible for any claims made in a classified ad.
AUGUST 2014 | STAR&SHIELD
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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
P.O.P.A., Inc. 188 E. Arrow Highway San Dimas, CA 91773
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Lewis, Marenstein, Wicke, Sherwin & Lee, LLP OVER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE TO SAFETY PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES
Our firm of 14 attorneys and over 50 support staff are dedicated to professional, personal service.
Workers Compensation
personaL inJUrY
State Bar Certified Specialist
DisaBiLitY retirement For saFetY memBers
We have successfully represented over 35,000 safety members. Our representation continues long after your case is concluded since your right to lifetime medical care may always be challenged.
We have a pension department that specializes in this area and have successfully obtained disability pensions for thousands of safety personnel under PERS, County 1937 Retirement Act and other county and city systems.
Our personal injury department has successfully litigated or tried over 5000 claims for automobile injuries, products liability, medical malpractice and other negligence areas.
(818) 703-6000
20750 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 400 Woodland Hills, CA 91364 www.lmwslaw.com Serving Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange Counties Making a false or fraudulent workers’ compensation claim is a felony subject to up to five years in prison or a fine up to $50,000.00 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and fine.