OCEA EMPLOYEE The official publication of the Orange County Employees Association
SEPTEMBER 2008 Volume 61, Issue 4
OCEA Benefits Open Enrollment It’s your opportunity to make changes to your OCEA Benefits Plan!
Sept. 22 to Oct. 24, 2008 See page 8 for details!
2008 OCEA Health Fair Tuesday, October 7, 2008 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Get Active with !
Vendors, Giveaways, Screenings, and Fun in the OCEA Parking Areas! We’re having a BBQ! Your choie of mesquite grilled chicken or tri-tip chili (spicy)! (See inside-front cover for more details)
See you there!
2008 Health fair—OCtober 7, 2008—Get Active!
Get Active with
!
2008 OCEA Health Fair Presented by the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust
Tuesday, October 7, 2008 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Vendors, Giveaways, Screenings, and Fun in the OCEA Parking Areas! Representatives from health organizations will attend to help educate attendees regarding health-related topics, such as stress management, immunizations, back care, and sleep. Free screenings and tests will be offered, as well as literature on important health topics. It will be a great time of giveaways, information, and exciting door prizes! Attendance at the OCEA Health Fair is a permitted use of Annual Leave, subject to approval by your supervisor.
We’re having a BBQ! Your choice of mesquite grilled chicken or tri-tip chili (spicy)!
See You There! Orange County Employees Association 830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 • (714) 835-3355 • (714) 835-7654 FAX • www.oceamember.org
OCEA EMPLOYEE VOLUME 61, ISSUE 4
JULY-SEPTEMBER 2008
FEATURES 2 President’s Message
Enjoying your salary increase?
3 General Manager’s Message The County’s privatization boondoggle!
5 OCEA Presents . . . Standing Room Only!
6 OCEA’s LMCs in Action
The Health Care Agency LMC!
10 OCEA Hot Dog Days On a roll!
13 Great Groups
The Garden Grove City Employees Association!
6 Meet OCEA’s Board of 1 Directors
Nineteen stellar OCEA members!
18 Great Groups
The OC Water District Employees Association!
20 I Love My Job!
Meet Marcy Crede-Booth!
21 Our OCEA Steward Program Always moving forward!
7 OCEA Steward Advisory 2 Committee Developing proposals!
28 Special Events & Discounts
OCEA members can save money!
DEPARTMENTS 4 15 22 32
OCEA Calendar OCEA New Members OCEA Adopt-A-Pet OCEA Classifieds
anding? See page 10!
es st h Where are these ladi
What’s Going On? OCEA Presents! (Page
5)
OCEA Hot Dog Days are
in high gear! (Page 10) r email address! (Back
ng up! Send us you 2009 Bargaining comi
Cover)
OCEA EMPLOYEE
OCEA President’s Message Enjoying Your Salary Increase? OCEA Negotiated It! In our eight County bargaining units, our pay increases went into effect on June 20, 2008. During bargaining, we keep our members informed as to what is going on, in general terms, and we always have ratification elections, to allow our members to ratify (or reject) a tentative agreement. But now it has been over a year since we reached our two-year agreements with the County, and our memories do tend to fade a little. So, remember, when you are depositing your paycheck, or reviewing your paystub, the general salary increase you received was the result of hard work by your OCEA bargaining team back in mid-2007 (and the months leading up to that). If you have ever participated on an OCEA bargaining team, you realize clearly that the County does not simply hand out general salary increases. Moreover, the County does not have a concept of “costof-living” increases, and it is inaccurate and quite misleading to speak of our general salary increases as a “COLA” increase, or a cost-of-living adjustment. It is true that the pay increases of many employees are tied in some way to a costof-living index, but this is not so with the County of Orange, and it is not true of the Orange County Superior Court.
The ongoing rampant increase in our costof-living is only one factor that OCEA relies upon in making its bargaining proposals and in negotiating contracts. Other important considerations are the difficulty
Frank Eley OCEA President
Fundamentally, we negotiate our wage increases. After all, the County isn’t watching out for your pay levels, except perhaps in wanting to keep them as low as possible!
“It’s part of OCEA’s role to help see to it that our members are fairly paid. Be an active OCEA member, and help us stay on track, for you, your family, and your fellow employees.” in recruiting for certain positions, the difficulties in retaining employees in certain positions, and, of course, the pay levels for comparable jobs in other jurisdictions.
It’s part of OCEA’s role to help see to it that our members are fairly paid. Be an active OCEA member, and help us stay on track, for you, your family, and your fellow employees.
Look at it this way; our process of collective bargaining is one of the tools that we use in our struggle to maintain the existence of the middle class. Negotiating toward collective bargaining agreements is one of the most important activities in which OCEA engages. In early-to-mid-2009, we will be heading into bargaining again. We need to stay united. Remember, OCEA members play a significant role in determining the course bargaining takes.
Frank Eley OCEA President
Happy Faces! Foreground (left to right): Myla Wilcox (granddaughter of OCEA staff member Barbara Wilcox) and OCEA Labor Relations Representative Llesena Ontiveras. Background: OCEA Labor Relations Representative Frank Flavin. The three took time out on a Saturday to be among those participating in a march and rally in support of employees of the St. Joseph’s Health Care System on July 26, 2008.
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OCEA EMPLOYEE
Come to the OCEA Health Fair on October 7! 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
OCEA General Manager’s Message The Privatization Boondoggle: How Do They Keep a Straight Face? I’ve talked about the County’s privatization scandal before, but it’s still alive and kicking. The latest is particularly interesting, because it involves—me! I’m talking about County Executive Officer Tom Mauk’s statement reported in The Register about my criticisms of the failure of the County’s Information Technology Working Group:
Back on the CEO’s statement, anybody who knows me and my “agenda” knows that his comment is nothing short of ridiculous, for so many reasons that all I can do here is touch on a few of them.
He [County CEO Tom Mauk] also questioned Berardino’s interest in the working group noting, “Nick has an agenda: to have the county hire employees instead of contracting out even if it’s more expensive for taxpayers.”
First, it boils down the “contracting-out” issue into a form into which it cannot logically be placed. It would have been more accurate to say that “The CEO is in favor of contracting out, even where the process is prone to abuse, back-room deals, over-payment, under-performance, and millions of dollars in taxpayer dollars down the drain.”
You will recall that the IT Working Group has been taking it on the chin for its failure to monitor the County’s computer contracts. I am a member of that working group. I have witnessed its failure first hand, and I have been one of its chief critics. As a matter of fact, Eric Norby (Chief of Staff for Supervisor Chris Norby), another member of the working group, has likewise seen a real critic.
Frankly, I found it disturbing that our County Executive Officer could boil down the issue in this manner. And, in point of fact, OCEA has never made “costs” the center of any anti-contracting-out scenario, because it almost always costs more, directly or indirectly, when a public agency contracts-out work that has traditionally been performed by public employees.
Nick Berardino OCEA General Manager
Occasionally it does cost less to do so. When this is the case, and when adequate safeguards are in place to protect the public interest, contracting-out is not ipso facto a bad thing! So, we need rigid safeguards. But here in Orange County we don’t have those needed protections, and that is why the County is able to throw away hundreds of thousands of dollars— probably millions of dollars—on these computer contracts. In a future General Manager’s Message, I hope to explore this issue in more depth. It is a complicated subject that cannot be reduced to little sound-bites. In solidarity,
Nick Berardino OCEA General Manager
Sheriff’s Special Officer/Deputy Coroner Executive Board Meeting! Several of our groups have Executive Boards. This is true of our Sheriff’s Special Officers and others in the Sheriff-Coroner Department. Here we see members of the SSO/DC Executive Board at an evening meeting at OCEA on June 18, 2008. Left to right: SSOs Gary Enis, Mike Torley, and Dan Beam. Other members of the Board include Artin Baron, Oliver Didio (Chair), Henry Lieber, and Sterling Young. Join the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Team on September 28!
See inside back cover for details.
OCEA EMPLOYEE
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OCEA Welcomes Maria Corona to Board of Directors We are delighted to welcome OCEA member and Steward Maria Corona to the OCEA Board of Directors. Maria is a long-time active OCEA member, and she will be a great asset to our Board and to OCEA as we move forward into the challenges now facing public employees in the County.
EMPLOYEE
Orange County Employees Association
OFFICERS Frank Eley...............................................................President Robert Gibson..........................................1st Vice President Arlyn Buck............................................. 2nd Vice President Lezlee Neebe...........................................................Secretary Ron Cooper.............................................................Treasurer Cheryl Neuenschwander........................Insurance Officer
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Maria works as a Staff Assistant in HCA/ Quality Management. Maria started at the MCAH clinics on 17th St., where she worked for about three years. Then she moved to Behavioral Health in CYS, where she worked first at the East Clinic, and then at the North Clinic. Next she spent a few months at the Probation Department, and now she is back with HCA.
Arlyn Buck.............................................................. Courtesy Arlyn Buck.....................................................Special Events Ron Cooper................................................................ Bylaws Frank Eley............................................................Retirement Chris Prevatt........................................................ Legislative Lezlee Neebe.........................Magazine/Communications
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Russell Baldwin......................................... Forensic Science
Maria Corona
For years, Maria has been actively involved in OCEA activities. She has been an OCEA Health Fair volunteer, and she has participated in phone-banking. In 2004, Maria was a member of our OCEA Coalition Bargaining Team. That was the year we secured the “2.7% at 55” retirement benefit for employees in six of our County units. Maria appreciates the importance of OCEA being a member-driven organization. She says that the best thing about being an OCEA member is “being part of a great organization that includes and allows members to attend meetings and hear firsthand what it is we are working on, as well as welcoming and encouraging its members to be part of committees.” As a longtime Steward, Maria says, “There are several positives about being a Steward. You get to meet people in your workplace, help them out, get information to others, meet people from different agencies at the meetings, and receive great training from the OCEA staff. But best of all is being able to help a fellow employee with a difficult situation in the workplace.” OCEA is fortunate in having Maria, and others like her, on our Board of Directors!
Arlyn Buck.................................................... Social Services Luisa Camino.......................................SSA/Adult Services Alan Dean Clow........................................ Public Defender Ron Cooper...............................................Assessor’s Office Maria Corona...................................... Health Care Agency Becki Daher..................................................Sheriff-Coroner Frank Eley................................ OC Public Works (RDMD) Jeff Gallagher.........................................................Probation Eusebio “Butch” Garcia.....................Social Services Agency Robert Gibson........................................................Probation Steven Johnson................................... Health Care Agency John Leos................................................................Probation Lezlee Neebe......................................Superior Court Clerk Cheryl Neuenschwander..................Superior Court Clerk Phyllis Oudmayer......................... Child Support Services Chris Prevatt..................... HCA/Tobacco Use Prevention Bill Stein........................................................Sheriff-Coroner Pamela Waters........................................................... Library
Editor: Thomas A. Sawyer Design & Layout: Kevin Rush 830 North Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 835-3355
OCEA Calendar
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Second Tuesday each month
OCEA Steward Meeting
Third Tuesday each month
OCEA Board of Directors Meeting
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Third Thursday each month
OCEA PAC Meeting
Third Thursday each month
OCEA Steward Training
8:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fourth Thursday each month
Court Steward Meeting
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008
OCEA Presents - Join OCEA’s Team for the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure (Women’s Forum) Fashion Island, Newport Beach (page 35)
Tuesday, Oct. 07, 2008
Health Fair - OCEA
10:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008
OCEA Presents - Breast Cancer Awareness (Women’s Forum)
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
November
OCEA Board of Directors Elections
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008
OCEA Presents - Holiday Fair (Women’s Forum)
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008
Seat New Board of Directors
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008
Elect New Executive Committee
OCEA EMPLOYEE
7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The OCEA Employee magazine (USPS 004-330) is published quarterly (January-March; April-June; July-September; and October-December) by the Orange County Employees Association, 830 N. Ross, P.O. Box 177, Santa Ana, CA 92702; telephone (714) 835-3355. Periodical postage paid at Santa Ana, California. Subscription prices: members, $3.00 per year; non-members, $6.00 per year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Orange County Employees Association, P.O. Box 177, Santa Ana, CA 92702-0177. Advertising in the OCEA Employee magazine does not constitute OCEA endorsement of the products or services advertised. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the Orange County Employees Association unless specifically so stated. Contributions in the form of articles, photographs, human-interest incidents, retirement news, etc., are welcomed and encouraged. Association office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except public holidays. OCEA reserves the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. Photographs will be returned only upon request. Copyright 2008 by the Orange County Employees Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion or contents prohibited by law. Printed by Anchor Printing, Tustin, CA.
Come to the OCEA Health Fair on October 7! 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Our June get-together was “standing room only”! Our June 24, 2008, event (on Wills and Trusts) was presented by OCEA’s General Counsel, Donald Drozd. We had so many attendees that we had to move the meeting under the building! These photographs show something of what transpired that day!
OCEA member Wida Rahimi (an Environmental Health Specialist), left, chats informally with Don Drozd after the presentation.
Future Events Sponsored by the OCEA Women’s Forum
The sign-in process!
September 28, 2008 OCEA Team for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Fashion Island, Newport Beach October 7, 2008 OCEA Health Fair 2008! Look for the OCEA Women’s Forum booth! October 22, 2008 Breast Cancer Awareness at OCEA (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.) November 19, 2008 Women’s Forum Holiday Fair at OCEA (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.) If you are interested in attending any of these events, please RSVP to Cathy Yatch at cyatch@oceamember.org or call (714) 835-3355.
It was standing room only on June 24!
OCEA Women’s Forum Committee Members Our OCEA Women’s Forum Committee works hard to present the fun and useful programs of Linda Darrah
District Attorney’s Office
Join the
Debbie Fyvie
Child Support Services
Kathy Little
District Attorney’s Office
Helga Meza
Social Services Agency
Social Services Agency
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Team on September 28!
See inside back cover for details.
OCEA EMPLOYEE
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OCEA LMCs in Action HCA/OCEA LMC: An Insider’s View by Loretta van der Pol OCEA Senior Labor Relations Representative The Health Care Agency/OCEA Labor Management Committee has been wellorganized and consistently productive since its outgrowth from the County’s PIP Steering Committee in 1999. In that year, it was still a Labor Management Task Force that met regularly to develop “Team Roles and Responsibilities,” ground-rules, comprehensive effective communications guidelines, and intervention/facilitation steps for any possible problems in the group’s activities. Templates were created for agendas, meeting minutes, issue submissions, and “process checks.” By the year 2000, the task force had developed a basic structure that became the model for the LMCs of other Departments and Agencies. Since 2000, the committee’s structure and processes have been streamlined. Team member recruiting and placement on sub-committees occur as needed throughout the year, allowing continuity and easy transition for new participants.
The OCEA/HCA Labor Management Committee at work! Left to right: Chris Prevatt (OCEA Board of Directors), Larry Pritchett, Dr. Greg Manning (Co-Chair), Elizabeth Bausman (Co-Chair), and Karen Hodel. The focus of the Recruitment Subcommittee is to continually monitor the programrepresentation on the LMC, and to recruit to fill vacancies in underrepresented areas. An LMC “Member Handbook,” which is kept updated, is provided to every new member of the committee.
At this time, there are three standing subcommittees (a fourth—“Best Practices”— was shifted out of the LMC to stand on its own as an ongoing workgroup). The standing committees are: Workplace Enhancement, Communications/Project Development, and Recruitment. The Workplace Enhancement Subcommittee deals with the workplace issues that are submitted on a variety of concerns, such as the current project to improve the safety of the parking lot at the 17th Street Clinic. Examples of activities of the Communications/ Project Development Subcommittee are: maintaining the HCA LMC content on the agency’s website and in its newsletter; and performing all of the work required for the annual presentation of the “Steve Ambriz Team Excellence Award.” This is a great group of people!
More HCA/LMC members! Left to right: Pam Berg, Susan Berg, and Jim Haute. In all, the OCEA/HCA LMC has about two dozen members. 6
OCEA EMPLOYEE
Come to the OCEA Health Fair on October 7! 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
OCEA Welcomes Sheriff Sandra Hutchens
After the swearing-in! Sheriff Hutchens faced a crush of reporters after the swearing-in ceremony on June 24, 2008.
The Sheriff meets the Sheriff’s Special Officers! This photograph was taken at the recent reception at OCEA. Shown are (left to right) SSO Dan Beam, SSO Oliver Didio, Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino, and SSO Mike Torley.
Before the swearing-in ceremony! Present at the ceremony were (left to right) OCEA General Counsel Don Drozd, OCEA Assistant General Manager Lisa Major, and OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino.
On June 24, 2008, Sandra Hutchens was sworn in as the new SheriffCoroner of Orange County. Subsequently, OCEA hosted its own informal welcome for Sheriff Hutchens, at OCEA on July 23, 2008. This gave OCEA’s members a chance to speak with Sheriff Hutchens informally. In all, well over 100 people attended, including many of our members working in the Sheriff’s Department.
Public Defender Labor Management Committee Update by Aaron Peardon OCEA Labor Relations Representative A meeting of the Public Defender Labor Management Committee was held on August 7, 2008. OCEA members Leticia Baez, Marilina Smith, Sandra Hanson, Charlene Marshall, and Maribel Franquez participated in the meeting. Management was represented by Tom Havlena, Becky Juliano, Diana Hantsche, and Marri Derby; the meeting was sponsored by OCEA Labor Relations Representative Aaron Peardon. Maribel Franquez has continued to do an excellent job in collecting and distributing healthy recipes to Public Defender staff members. Aaron Peardon has worked with Nancy Jewell on recruiting speakers from Join the
various health organizations. The LMC would like to sponsor speakers that can make presentations to staff on healthrelated issues. Aaron will be working on recruiting some speakers to coincide with the upcoming OCEA Health Fair on October 7, 2008. A new idea was brought forward: having LMC-sponsored potlucks at each of the Public Defender offices. We would like to coordinate an effort with departmental surveys that will be distributed, and the idea is to have discussions about the functions, purpose, and beneficial resources that the LMC provides for staff. OCEA will
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Team on September 28!
also donate a pair of movie tickets for each potluck as a prize for a drawing. The LMC will be sending an email blast to all Public Defender employees to remind them of the suggestion box. If anyone has an idea, concern, or other suggestion that they would like the LMC to review, please use the suggestion box at your office location. During these tough economic times and attacks against public employees, the Public Defender LMC will continue its role in making the Office of the Public Defender a great place to work.
See inside back cover for details.
OCEA EMPLOYEE
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It’s that time again! This year, OCEA benefit plan open-enrollment will be September 22 through October 24, 2008. This is your annual opportunity to make changes to your Health and Welfare and supplemental benefit elections. Among other things, during OCEA open enrollment you may make a wide variety of permissible changes, such as adding or dropping dependents, changing option packages, and (for OCEA members) upgrading certain plans.
Watch for Open Enrollment Packets! In mid-September, OCEA will mail openenrollment packets to eligible employees. If you want to make changes, follow the instructions in the packet, and be sure to mail or deliver your changes to OCEA on or before October 24. If you fail to make changes during the open enrollment period,
with limited exceptions you will not be able to change your benefit elections until open enrollment in late 2009. (Remember, OCEA is not part of the County’s “pony” system.) Open enrollment is a great time to review your benefit needs and those of your family, reassess your current benefits, and examine your many alternatives. For help, call an OCEA Benefits Administrator at (714) 835-3355.
If you need to speak with an OCEA benefits representative, please do so as soon as possible. Waiting until the last few days can result in long waits.
Assessor’s Office Update! by Loretta van der Pol OCEA Senior Labor Relations Representative The Assessor’s Office LMC met on July 31, 2008. The Assessor and OCEA provided updates on the current budget problems in the County, especially as they relate to the condition of the current economy and the State’s inability to adopt a budget. The current co-generation construction project in the Civic Center Plaza is going to take two or three more months to be completed. This is causing problems for members of the public, as it is difficult to give them directions to go across to Building 10. There are other modifications and improvements planned that may include landscaping, security, and access to buildings. One of the proposals for the landscaping is to replace the grass with drought-tolerant plants. 8
OCEA EMPLOYEE
The renumbering and new signage of Building 12, splitting it into Buildings 11 and 12, happened sooner than expected. It had been planned that the timing would be planned to allow for 911 to be notified, and for address changes and directions to the office to be prepared. The part of the building occupied by the Assessor and the TreasurerTax Collector is now called Building 11, with a street address of 625 N. Ross Street. The other side still has the Building 12 designation, with the Broadway address.
suggested to employees that the Emergency Policies and Procedures also be kept at home, as much of it could be used for home safety preparations. The office will not be going to a 4/10 work schedule, as has been rumored. The Assessor’s Office management will post OCEA’s (Women’s Forum) education program event flyers due to their importance to the employees’ ability to plan for the future.
The Assessor’s Office was the only County Agency to pass the recent security audit. The procedures for Earthquake Preparedness were revisited. It will be Come to the OCEA Health Fair on October 7! 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Life can be this simple again.
It’s not easy purchasing insurance. Sometimes it can feel like you’re paddling upstream. You don’t need the added stress of worrying about your insurance coverage. Velece Insurance Corporation has a comprehensive range of affordable coverages suited to OCEA members just like you.
It’s simple. You need to know that your insurance coverage won’t fail you at a critical time. We have access to multiple carriers, and offer many lines of coverage with no broker fee, so we can offer you the policy that best suits your needs. Because everyone’s needs are unique, we offer optional coverages, so you get increased protection that’s just right for you and your budget. Contact one of our specialists about quality coverage that can be custom-tailored to meet your needs— and make sure your assets don’t go down the drain.
Could it be any simpler than that?
Velece Insurance!
A wholly owned subsidiary of OCEA! 830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 • (714) 558-1034 • www.velece.com Join the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Team on September 28!
See inside back cover for details.
OCEA EMPLOYEE
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Our Hot Dog Days are one of OCEA’s best ways of maintaining contact with you! What’s more, they are a lot of fun. Smiling people are everywhere! Be sure to join us at one of our remaining 2008 Hot Dog Days! (Check out the schedule on page 12.)
These great photos were taken at the recent OCEA Hot Dog Day held at the “Pit,” at the Civic Center, in Santa Ana. This took place on July 29, 2008. Those who were present experienced an unanticipated “extra” event: an earthquake! But not even an earthquake was enough to dampen the spirits of the happy County employees.
Serving others! It’s the OCEA way! This is OCEA member Melissa March, an Office Specialist working in the County Executive Office. Melissa is balancing several plates, because, being a kind-hearted soul, she was securing food for several people!
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OCEA EMPLOYEE
Come to the OCEA Health Fair on October 7! 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Here OCEA-member Lucy Carlos does the necessary prep work on a hot dog.
Treasurer-Tax Collector Chriss Street made a brief appearance. Here he confers with a staff member after the earthquake.
Two hungry hot-dog lovers pause to react to our camera: OCEA members Jeff Wang (left) and Kenneth Nguyen.
These people have almost reached the front of the line!
Join the
These two charming lasses are employed in the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office.
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Team on September 28!
See inside back cover for details.
OCEA EMPLOYEE
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OCEA’s Hot Dog Wagon This is our seventh season! All OCEA Hot Dog Day events start at 11:30 a.m., except where otherwise noted. This schedule is subject to change! Be sure to check the OCEA website for current information (www.oceamember.org).
Our OCEA Professional Nurses Caucus! Our OCEA Professional Nurses Caucus meets nearly every month at OCEA. The OCEA Professional Nurses Caucus looks to encourage cooperation among those employed in the County’s nursing-related classifications. We want to maximize cooperation and strengthen the leverage created by the shortage of nurses throughout the local, state, and nationwide levels. The ability of the Nurses of the County of Orange to advance their interests is enhanced not only by the shortage of nursing professionals, but by other external factors such as demographic trends, high-profile natural disasters, and the growing threat of widespread epidemics. The OCEA Professional Nurses Caucus is doing its best to mobilize its Nurses, to better the position of the County’s Nurses. Because of the holiday, we did not meet in July, but we were back at it again on August 5, 2008. Here are some of the things we dealt with at our meeting:
2008 OCEA Hot Dog Schedule Orange County and Superior Court Thursday, September 11, 2008
RDMD / Sheriff (Hutton Towers), 320 N. Flower Street, Santa Ana
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Braden Court - 1337 Braden Court, Orange
Thursday, September 18, 2008
SSA Eckhoff - 840 N. Eckhoff (behind building), Orange
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
West Court / PHN / Probation (Westminster) - 8141 13th Street, Westminster
Thursday, September 25, 2008
888/1200 North Main, Santa Ana
Thursday, October 09, 2008
North Court - Fullerton - 1275 North Berkeley, Fullerton
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
SSA CRO - 2020 W. Walnut St., Santa Ana
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Probation North - 1535 E. Orangewood Ave., Anaheim
SUSAN G. KOMEN “RACE FOR THE CURE”: OCEA will be entering a team in this year’s event on September 28, 2008. Flyers will be blasted in e-mail, as well as distributed and posted on-site. Participating as walkers, runners, or volunteers to staff the team’s “tailgate table” was discussed, along with how contributions could be made. HCA OPEN MEMO TO ALL EMPLOYEES REGARDING MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT STAFF 9/80s: There was discussion about the possible implications of the recent memo. MEET AND CONFERS: Nurses Classification Modernization Project: The comprehensive skills-assessment survey is nearly ready for distribution. It is supposed to be handled as a work assignment, and nurses are to be given work-time to complete it. CMS LVN Work Schedules: We met on August 12, 2008, and the change in schedule was denied. Quality Assurance Audit for Field Workers: The group met on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 and will continue to meet. Onward!
Cities and Special Districts
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Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Tustin, Location TBD
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Mesa Consolidated Water District, Fairview Park (4:00!)
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
San Clemente, Location TBD
OCEA EMPLOYEE
Come to the OCEA Health Fair on October 7! 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
OCEA Affiliates and OCEA Chapters OCEA Chapter Does Wonderful Work
Garden Grove City Employees Association Has a Big Heart by Sandy Estlow, GGCEA President The GGCEA Relay for Life Team, W.A.A.C.C. (Walking 4 An Answer 2 Cure Cancer), participated in the American Cancer Foundation’s walk-a-thon the weekend of July 19-20. Here are pictures of some who came out to walk. GGCEA’s team won two awards: Best Mission Delivery Display and Most Money Raised by a Team . . . to the tune of $2500! (And it’s still growing!) A special thanks to Team Captain Joni Hightower and to team members Dana Salcedo, Jennifer Graves, Jeremy Broadwater, Scott Lowe, Julie Ashleigh, Maria Alcarez, Sharon Warren, Tammy Hairgrove, Cynthia Carrasco, and Vicky Helton for walking on behalf of W.A.A.C.C. Some of their family members appeared and walked as well. I wasn’t scheduled to walk, but my sister showed up and we
walked around the track until it got too hot for these old bones. Overall though, Joni tells me she was extremely proud of all the efforts put forth by her team for making this an outstanding event. She wants to acknowledge Cynthia Carrasco for the wonderful display she put together which no doubt got us the award. The money is still rolling in, with W.A.A.C.C. far exceeding its goal. This was a worthwhile event, and everyone who came out to participate or helped out in any way deserves a hearty “thank you.”
Well, what can I say? GGCEA has done it again. We just keep getting better and better. As your President since November 2006, I am very proud of all the major firsts we have accomplished. We restructured the association and the turnout at our affairs has doubled. GGCEA needs to become more active in our community . . . and we proved how important our role can be with this recent event. If we all work for the same goal then there is no stopping what we can achieve!
Nancy McFaul, GG Police Dept., did an outstanding job of organizing/narrating the program and I got a kick out of Saimi Hayes’ daughter—boy, that girl has a lot of energy! Neither of these ladies are in GGCEA, but they certainly deserve to be mentioned because they made the day enjoyable.
Sherry Mead and Elaine Jordon take a breather.
GGCEA was a significant presence! Sandy Estlow, GGCEA President, with GGCEA’s display. Join the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Team on September 28!
Jennifer Graves slows up briefly for a photo.
See inside back cover for details.
OCEA EMPLOYEE
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We are pleased to announce that Marcy Crede-Booth is our First Prize winner in our May/June contest (see page 20). The names of the Second Prize and Third Prize winners can be found on OCEA’s website.
win d l u o c You yland e n s i D 4 tickets!
Step 1: Whether you love your job pretty much all the time, or whether there was only one instant that you loved it, or whether you are somewhere in between, we want to hear about it! We’re backing our desire with Disneyland tickets! Just put down some thoughts. Be specific, “name names,” avoid glittering generalities. Make sure your name is on your entry. We expect to use some of the entries in this magazine or on our OCEA website! Step 2: In addition to your reasons for loving your job, we need to have other information included as well, enough so that we get a rounded picture of who you really are. Some things to cover: city you live in, where you came from, information about your family, pictures we can use, information on hobbies, and of course pets. Step 3: Remember these points: 1. Last day for entries to be received at OCEA: September 30, 2008 (5:00 p.m.). 2. Entries may be typed or handwritten. They may be mailed or emailed. Include photographs if you want! 3. Emailed entries should be directed to tsawyer@oceamember.org. 4. Mailed entries should be sent to OCEA, 830 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701. 5. Remember, you must be a member of OCEA to have your entry considered. 6. Entries will be judged by OCEA staff members. Decisions are final. 7. OCEA reserves all rights to all entries, including photos, and OCEA may revise and publish any entries (including non-winners).
Grand Prize: Four Disneyland Tickets! NOTE! If you entered the “Do You Love Your Job” contest announced in the May/June issue there is no need for you to enter again. Your entry (if it does not receive a prize in the May/June contest) will automatically be entered in the present contest. However, if you wish to revise your entry, for example, by expanding it or including photographs, please do so.
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This contest is open only to employees of the County of Orange, the Court, and Cities and Districts represented by OCEA. You must be a member of OCEA to have your entry considered. Don’t worry if you aren’t a great writer. Just put down your thoughts as best you can. Final judging will be based on an overall impression of the submission. All entries become the property of OCEA, and are subject to editing or rewriting, and possible publication.
Come to the OCEA Health Fair on October 7! 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
OCEA NEW-MEMBER ROSTER Karla Abulhusn . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD) Henricus Abundo . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Ignacio Aguilar . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Imelda Alamillo . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Elizabeth Alianell . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Mayra Alvarez . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Alexa Anders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Martha Andrade . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Philip Archer . . . . . . . . . . District Attorney’s Office Thais Askenasy . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Dianna Athas . . . . . . . . . . Public Defender’s Office Mustapha Balkis . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD) Adriana Basurco . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Susan Berumen . . . . . . . . . County Clerk-Recorder Braulio Betancourt . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Jerry Blue . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Defender’s Office Patricia Boyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Roberta Bracamonte . . . . . Social Services Agency Edgar Bradley . . . . . . . . . . Child Support Services Kathy Brame . . . . . . . . . . . Housing & Community Garry Brooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Lori Brotemarkle . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Stephani Bryson . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Dominicia Buford . . . . . . . Social Services Agency John Burke . . . . . . . . . . . Public Defender’s Office Allyson Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Steven Calleros . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Tara Camarillo . . . . . . . . .Public Defender’s Office Steven Carr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Nicholas Carratelli . . . . . . Social Services Agency Imelda Castaneda . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Edgar Castillo Giles . . . . Public Guardian’s Office Jose Castro . . . . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Reynaldo Castro . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s Department Crystal Chavez . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Vivian Chavez . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD) Diane Chen . . . . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Jerome Cheung . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s Department Lorrena Contreras . . . . . . . . Probation Department Kristina Davidovich . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Laurel Davila . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Maria Debarr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court Jose De Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Yolinda Dennis . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Rosalinda DePerio . . . . . . . Probation Department Ryan Dexter . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD) Yvonne Doan . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Elisabeth Ellis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Library Mohamed Fayek . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Nichelle Flores . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Roberto Flores . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retirement Systems Linda Fong . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation Department Paula Fratiello . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Luz Fuentes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court Brianne Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Elsa Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court Mayra Gatica Ovando . OC Public Works (RDMD) Arnoldo Gaxiola . . . . . . . District Attorney’s Office Anna Ghalumian . . . . . . . Public Defender’s Office Doan Gibson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court Esperanza Gomez . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Kari Graham . . . . . . . . . . . Child Support Services Aurora Grajeda Romero . . Social Services Agency Susan Gratrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court Isabel Guardado . . . . . . . District Attorney’s Office Martha Gutierrez . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Mayra Gutierrez . . . . . . . . . Probation Department Hollie Hajdukovic . . . . . . . . . . John Wayne Airport Karen Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency
Join the
Suzanne Hamasaki . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Ronald Harper . . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Kathleen Hart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court Pushpa Hennayake . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Martha Hernandez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court Monique Herrera . . . . . . . . Child Support Services Sonya Herrera Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court Anita Hertzberg . . . . . . . . District Attorney’s Office Laquanda Hill . . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Paul Hoang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Randolph Hubach . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Jonathan Hungerford . . . . . Social Services Agency Peter Jimenez . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s Department Stephen Joseph . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Alison Kellman . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Ashley Kennedy . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Lamngeun Keovongsa . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Darlene King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Matthew Kraus . . . . . . . . . . Probation Department James Le . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Zhen Li . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Library Karen Lindquist . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Sujey Lopez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Christopher Lovato . . . . . . . Probation Department Vera Rosette Manligas . . . . Probation Department Lucia Martinez . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Lynda Martinez . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Nadine Martinez . . . . . . . . . Probation Department Nicole McCarty . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Sheri McCluskey . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Gabrielle Meadows . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Erica Mendoza . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Annabelle Mesa . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD) Erin Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation Department Erik Mortenson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assessors’ Office Heather Morton . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Ednita Munoz . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Rosemary Mwanza . . . . . Public Defender’s Office Rosanna Najera . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Keikhosrow Namiranian . . . . . Health Care Agency Trista Newland . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Cattien Nguyen . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Hieu Nguyen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Ken Nguyen . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation Department Kenny Nguyen . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Ngoc Phuong Nguyen . . . . Child Support Services Gillian Nichols . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Hye Youong Oh . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD) Maria Olvera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Glenda Perry . . . . . . . . . . . Child Support Services Claudia Polk . . . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Rhonda Powell . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Estella Ramirez . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Celso Revollar . . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Ronilyn Ricaforte . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Rosa Rios . . . . . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Gabriel Rivera . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Carolina Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court Elizabeth Row . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Diane Ruiz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court Dena Sanchez . . . . . . . . . . . Probation Department Rafael Serret . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation Department Soledad Sevilla . . . . . . . . . County Clerk-Recorder Chandrakanthi Sivalingam . . . Health Care Agency Luke Smude . . . . . . . . . . District Attorney’s Office Graciela Solorio . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Patrick Stecker . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD) Daniel Stelle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assessors’ Office Amber Talbot . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency
Joshua Tatman . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD) Donald Tipton . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Junko Tominaga . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Hailey Ton . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Defender’s Office Sophia Tran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Frances Tu . . . . . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Bernice Tucker . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Gilda Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s Department Rocio Vaca . . . . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Jessica Vazquez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court Matthew Vazquez . . . . . . Public Guardian’s Office Maritza Villegas . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Carolina Villicana . . . . . . . . Probation Department Christos Watson . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Felecia Weaver . . . . . . . . District Attorney’s Office Raymond Wells . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s Department Katheryn Whittaker . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Bret Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court Holly Wookey . . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Bartholomew Wu . . . . . . . Social Services Agency
OCEA CITIES and DISTRICTS Garden Grove CEA David George Martha Hurtado Veronica Jaimes Carlos Marques Raquel Millan John Montanchez Lori Ochoa
Allison Ash Burke Rene Camarena Shauna Carreno Tammy Chauran Hairgrove Myung Chun Alice Fregoso
IPEA Irvine Lynnae Guzman
Orange County Fire Authority Michael Dominguez
Orange County Sanitation District Ronald De Witt Kymberly Iribarren
Shallee Quiroz Monica Sanchez
Orange County Water District Tyler Anderson Benjamin Lockhart
James Smith
Yorba Linda CEA Julie Zeoli
RECRUITING OCEA Stewards Anthony Beltan
Denise Mercurio Wasserman
Phyllis Oudmayer
RECRUITING OCEA MEMBERS Maria Carbajal Dana Cardi Emma Castle Cecibel Garcia Juana Hernandez Jose Hinojosa
Tenley Lerch Rita Maellaro Emma Noor Terri Poch Itzel Ramos Cheryl Sosa
Susan Sutter Cynthia Torres Yvette Tsang Jacquelin Whittaker
Run for office!
OCEA Board of Directors Election Set for November Nine positions on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Employees Association will be filled in the general election to be held in November 2008. Members should indicate a desire to be a candidate by completing and returning to OCEA an application, available through Linda Bates at the OCEA office. To be eligible to be a candidate for the Board of Directors, a person must be a regular member employed in a representation unit represented by OCEA, must be actively employed by the County for all or a portion of the six-month period immediately preceding nomination for a position on the Board, and must meet at least one of the following qualifications: 1) three years as a regular member in good standing; 2) one year as an employee representative or representation unit executive committee member; or 3) current or prior service as a member of the OCEA Board of Directors. A candidate is ineligible if the candidate’s election would increase the number of Directors from the Department or Office where the candidate is employed to more than three. (Article VI, Section 1, OCEA Bylaws.) In order for the Nominations and Resolutions Committee to certify that applicants are members in good standing, applications must be submitted to Linda Bates at OCEA no later than noon on September 15, 2008. (Note: Nominations of candidates may also be made by a written petition of at least 25 regular members who have been members for at least 120 days at the time the petition is submitted. The petition must be submitted to the Board at the September Board meeting.) Applications and additional nomination information and requirements are available at OCEA Headquarters, (714) 835-3355.
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Team on September 28!
See inside back cover for details.
OCEA EMPLOYEE
15
Meet OCEA’s Boa Russell Baldwin (Forensic Science) has been employed by the County for over 17 years, and he has been a loyal OCEA supporter for that entire period. He has been a Board of Directors member since 1999. Russ is also one of our representatives on the Retirement Board.
Arlyn Buck (OCEA Second Vice-President, Social Services Agency) has been an active member of OCEA for more than 16 years. Arlyn has been a member of our Board of Directors since 1998, and she is an enthusiastic and wholehearted worker for OCEA.
Luisa Camino (Social Services Agency) has been an OCEA member since 1986, and her wisdom and experience are greatly valued by our members and staff. Luisa has a cheery disposition and always has something nice to say!
Alan Clow (Public Defender’s Office) has been an outstanding OCEA member for many years. In this photograph, Alan is seen at the recent reception for the Orange County Sheriff, Sandra Hutchens, at OCEA.
Ron Cooper (OCEA Treasurer, Assessor’s Office) really cares about OCEA, his fellow members, and people in general. In nearly three decades with the County, Ron has been involved with OCEA in many ways, including as a Steward, an LMC member, and a bargaining team member.
Maria Corona (Health Care Agency) is a long-time active OCEA member and OCEA Steward. She was a valued participate on our 2004 Coalition Bargaining Team.
Becki Daher (Forensic Science) has been a distinguished contributor to OCEA’s continuing accomplishments. Becki joined our Board of Directors in 1999 and is a great OCEA supporter.
Frank Eley (OCEA President, OC Public Works) has been with the County of Orange and with OCEA since 1982. He served as our OCEA President for seven years, and now he has returned to that role. He is also one of our representatives as an elected member of the Retirement Board.
Jeff Gallagher (Probation Department) is one of the best all-around Stewards OCEA has ever had. As a Board member, Jeff is continuing the outstanding service that has characterized his many years as an OCEA member.
Butch Garcia (Social Services Agency) is an active OCEA member who has served us well both as an OCEA Steward and as an OCEA bargaining team member. Butch’s contributions are highly valued.
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Come to the OCEA Health Fair on October 7! 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
ard of Directors! Robert Gibson (OCEA First Vice-President, Probation Department) has been an OCEA member for over ten years. He is a “go-to” type of person and is always ready to pitch in and help.
Steven Johnson (Health Care Agency) has served his fellow OCEA members as an active OCEA Steward and has played a key role on several OCEA bargaining teams.
John Leos (Probation Department) is a long-time OCEA Steward. John made major contributions to the team effort during 2007 negotiations.
Lezlee Neebe (OCEA Secretary, Superior Court) has been on our OCEA Board of Directors for over ten years. She also has served us as a bargaining team member and as an OCEA Steward.
Cheryl Neuenschwander (OCEA Insurance Officer, Superior Court) has been with OCEA since 1984. For many years Cheryl has served us on the Board, and for several years she served with distinction as OCEA’s Treasurer.
Phyllis Oudmayer (Child Support Services) has a well-deserved reputation as an informed, active OCEA Steward. She joined our Board of Directors back in 2006.
Chris Prevatt (HCA/Tobacco Use Prevention) is a long-time OCEA member who has made great contributions to OCEA as an OCEA Steward and as a Board member.
Bill Stein (Sheriff-Coroner Department) stands up uncompromisingly for OCEA and the rights of his fellow employees. His reputation as a dedicated OCEA Steward preceded his service on the Board.
Pamela Waters (Orange County Library) joined OCEA in 1988. Her long experience on our Board has been a great asset to the effectiveness of OCEA. Pamela’s dedication as an OCEA Steward and member of our Board of Directors is unsurpassed.
Join the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Team on September 28!
See inside back cover for details.
OCEA EMPLOYEE
17
California State Budget Crisis Has Not Been Solved Legislative Corner As of press time, Governor Schwarzenegger has ordered the layoff of more than 10,000 employees and has reduced the pay of others, in an effort to address the budget crisis now swirling around the state. Some have seen this action, which is being challenged by unions, as grandstanding at the expense of the employees.
The fact remains that the state now faces a budget deficit estimated by some at $15 billion. The budget problems are being addressed on two fronts, with legislators considering both budget cuts and tax increases.
The year 2009 is apt to be a difficult one for public employees throughout the state. We will be opening bargaining in mid-2009 in all eight of our County units. (Agreements in our Court units do not expire until September 2011.)
Where does this leave us in the County? There is sure to be a trickle-down effect, with dwindling state-supplied finances for certain County programs.
It is essential that OCEA have your home email address so we can stay in touch with you during the months ahead. Please send it to nickberardino@oceamember.org
Orange County Water District Employees Association Ratifies One-Year Agreement OCEA is proud to be involved in the representation activities of many employees in Cities and Districts throughout the County. One of these groups is the Orange County Water District Employees Association. This group has bent over backwards to be directly involved in bargaining, from developing member surveys and bargaining demands, to participating in bargaining. Those who have followed developments in the OCWD know that bargaining there has not been a piece of cake. But our members there have stood up strongly for what is right, even to the point of going without a contract for
nearly a year, back in 2006-2007, with an agreement finally being reached in March 2007. In more recent bargaining, on July 15, 2008, our members in the OCWD ratified a one-year agreement, with a 88-percent voter turnout. Ninety-three percent of those voting cast “yes” votes! OCEA staff members who assisted in the process were Jason Motsick, OCEA Labor Relations Representative, and Loretta van der Pol, OCEA Senior Labor Relations Representative. OCWDEA’s current Board of Directors is as follows: Phil Harrington (President), Michelle Boyd (Secretary), Jeff Kind, Howard Chang, and Jay Kalinowski.
Left: Robert Phillips (Maintenance Technician, Water Production Department) gives a “thumbs up”! Right: Linda Koki (GIS Analyst, Geology Department) casts her ballot.
OCWDEA Board (left to right): Jeff Kind, Howard Chang, Michelle Boyd, and Jay Kalinowski (Board member Phil Harrington not shown.)
Frank Chavez (Chemical & Materials Handling Technician, I & E Department) drops his ballot off.
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Howard Chang and Bruce Macomber inspect the vote tallies.
Come to the OCEA Health Fair on October 7! 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
OCEA’s Child Support Services LMC Gets in Gear by Aaron Peardon OCEA Labor Relations Representative On July 22, 2008, the Department of Child Support Services held its first LMC meeting in over six months. The meeting was co-chaired by Cindy Tran-Chang of CSS management and OCEA Steward Debra Fyvie. The meeting was facilitated by OCEA Labor Relations Representative Aaron Peardon and was attended by OCEA member Melanie Ramos and OCEA Board member Phyllis Oudmayer. Maria Nofal (United Way Committee), Nancy Burgos-Johnson (Social Committee), and Denise Wendland (Employee Recognition Committee) were present at the meeting as invited guests. Maria Nofal informed the group that the United Way committee works on a year-round basis and attempts to raise funds for the United Way in a variety of ways. The book fair has been a great success, and upcoming events include a food event sponsored by Chick-Fil-A, a mini-mall (to be held in the CSS lobby, including jewelry, pottery, cosmetics, healthcare, and beauty items), and Pampered Chef. All vendors will donate 20% of their proceeds from the event
directly to the United Way. The committee has also received donations from Lee’s Sandwiches, and during the October kickoff event, the group plans to sell gourmet apples and other holiday products. Nancy Burgos-Johnson explained that the Social Committee is primarily responsible for coordinating the annual CSS Holiday party. Throughout the year, the group holds fundraisers in order to pay the costs of food, entertainment, and rental of the location. By doing this, the committee is able to lower the cost of tickets to the event, thereby allowing more CSS employees to participate. OCEA has committed to providing a donation for door prizes for this event. Denise Wendland of the Employee Recognition Committee explained that the annual CSS staff appreciation day is scheduled for August 14, 2008. This is a day in which management shows their appreciation for the hard work of staff. Awards such as peer-topeer recognition, supervisor spotlights, and
employee of the month are given at this event, as well as at different times throughout the year. OCEA will be donating the hot dog lunch for this event, and there will be a talent contest for which OCEA has donated five pairs of movie tickets for prizes. Having the members of the other CSS committees attend the LMC meeting was a great experience. We have invited them to attend all future quarterly meetings; the next one is scheduled for late October. This truly was one of the best LMC meetings that I have attended as a representative for Child Support Services. With future input from these groups, the LMC can work as a point of coordination for all CSS committees and can also contribute in a unique manner to the overall continued success of the work environment in Child Support Services. Special thanks go out to Debbie Fyvie and Cindy Tran-Chang for their hard work in re-establishing this committee, as well as to Melanie Ramos and Phyllis Oudmayer for their dedication to the success of the group.
OCEA’s 2008 Scholarship Winners Announced At the August 19, 2008, OCEA Board of Directors meeting, the Board announced the winners in the 2008 OCEA Board of Directors Scholarship. Two scholarships have been awarded, each one amounting to $2000. The judging was made by a special Board Committee, and all of the applications were subjected to a rigorous judging process. The winners are the following two deserving applicants:
Catalina G. Lopez Catalina is currently a student at Cal State Long Beach. Catalina was recognized as one of the Top 100 seniors of the Santa Ana Unified School District for 2007, and she was a member of Century High School’s honor society (2003-2007). While at Century High School, Catalina was the Editor-in-Chief of the Journalism staff (2006-2007), and she was the class section editor of the school’s yearbook staff (2006-2007). Catalina also volunteers as a catechism teacher at St. Anne’s Parish in Santa Ana. She has been a volunteer at St. Anne’s for the past five years. Catalina’s mother is OCEA-member Maria Guillen-Lopez.
Timothy Higgins Proud OCEA Scholarship recipients! Members of the Scholarship Selection Committee congratulate our scholarship winners Timothy Higgins and Catalina G. Lopez for their hard work as both scholars and citizens. OCEA Board Committee members included Phyllis Oudmayer (far left), Robert Gibson (OCEA Board Scholarship Committee Chairman), Lezlee Neebe (far right), and Becki Daher (not pictured).
Timothy graduated from Bethel Baptist High School (2008). He expects to attend Biola University in the fall. Timothy was Student Council President at Bethel Baptist High School, and he was on the “A” Honor Roll for four years. He is a recipient of the school’s Blaise Pasqual Math Award and the Isaac Newton Science Award. Timothy says, “I love sports of all kinds, but especially basketball and baseball.” Timothy’s mother is OCEA-member Mary Beth Higgins.
Join the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Team on September 28!
See inside back cover for details.
OCEA EMPLOYEE
19
OCEA’s “I Love My Job” Contest Marcy Crede-Booth Education Coordinator, Orange County Zoo I love my job as Education Coordinator at the Orange County Zoo, inside Irvine Regional Park (part of OC Community Resources/OC Parks). I have been a County employee at the Zoo since February 2001. Our zoo exhibits animals native to the southwestern United States, including black bears, mountain lions, bald eagles, golden eagles, coyotes, bobcats, ocelots, owls, deer, foxes, porcupines, beavers, barnyard animals, and more. As the education coordinator, I have the opportunity to spend much of my time with the public and people in our local community, teaching them about animals (especially those found here in Orange County), and giving them the chance to see some zoo animals up close. My job includes teaching toddler classes, scout programs, booking school tours, working with and training docents, organizing special events (such as Halloween and Christmas at the
Zoo), and scheduling story-time and discovery-cart times. I also enjoy spending time out in the Zoo talking to visitors and answering questions. Whenever I or the docents have animals out to show visitors in a program or out in the Zoo, the children get so excited and happy! We often show animals such as snakes, rabbits, lizards, toads, or chickens. The kids are always so interested to be able to see a creature up close and be able to touch it and learn something about it. I love being a part of someone learning something new and being so excited about it! What an amazing job I have! I love working in a zoo and especially one inside such a beautiful park. I get to work with animals, and working in education means I have the chance to talk a lot—which is what I love to do! I am also fortunate to have the chance to work with our veterinarians and see and do things many people may not have the chance to do.
Marcy and her husband Michael last December at Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. I love working with the great group of people we have on staff at the Zoo—our animal keepers, park attendants, maintenance worker, curator, and our zoo manager, Donald Zeigler. Donald’s goal and vision for the zoo are to see the Zoo continue to grow and develop as a quality facility that the community can use as an educational resource. All of the Zoo staff is dedicated to this goal and it is a pleasure to work with them. I have lived in Orange since 2002. I grew up in Alta Loma, California (San Bernardino County) and have a BS in Biology, with an emphasis in zoology. I enjoy traveling (most recently to Austria and Germany in December), scrapbooking, gardening, and cooking. I have been married to my husband Michael Booth for five years. We have a dog (a pit-bull mix from the Orange County Animal Care Center) named Caesar.
These photos are of Marcy with one of the Zoo’s turkey vultures (above) and with a bald eagle (right). Both pictures were taken when the birds were receiving annual health examinations by the Zoo’s veterinarians. Working at the Zoo allows Marcy to interact with many unusual animals.
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OCEA EMPLOYEE
Come to the OCEA Health Fair on October 7! 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Our OCEA Steward Program What it’s all about . . . reasons you might want to be one! For several years now, OCEA has been focusing close attention on building its leadership infrastructure. This became necessary back in 2004, when the “2.7% at 55” enhanced pensions provided a retirement incentive for those who had been contemplating separation from their County employment. Although there was no “mass exodus” from OCEA’s leadership ranks, or from the County workforce for that matter, our increased attention to OCEA leadership has continued to pay dividends, and it has provided the springboard for the “internal organizing” campaign which OCEA has been conducting. One of the key areas of leadership for most unions is that which is centered in their Steward programs. That is true of OCEA as well. OCEA aims to identify and cultivate Stewards who have strong interpersonal skills, are familiar with their MOUs, and exercise good judgment, diplomacy, personal integrity, and loyalty to OCEA.
These traits are especially important as our Stewards are one of our main pipelines of information from OCEA to our membership. When we need to get the word out on a major activity, such as a demonstration or the OCEA Health Fair, our Stewards are there to help. To be an effective OCEA Steward, you must protest management actions that violate the collective bargaining agreement, are arbitrary or unfair, or threaten the health or safety of our employees. With approximately 250 current Stewards, OCEA is continually recruiting and training Stewards to fulfill this role. New and current Stewards attend a two-day training to familiarize themselves with the issues they will encounter in their roles as employee advocates. A Steward serves several roles, a few of which are representative, leader, educator, communicator, organizer, and political
Addressing the troops! OCEA Senior Labor Relations Representative Loretta van der Pol (left) and OCEA Labor Relations Representative Jason Motsick address attendees at a recent OCEA Steward meeting. activist. It is not surprising, then, that OCEA’s Board of Directors, for the most part, is made up of those who started their leadership role with OCEA as a Steward. For those of you who are up to an exciting challenge, OCEA encourages you to apply to become an OCEA Steward! For further information contact Llesena Ontiveras, OCEA Labor Relations Representative at lontiveras@oceamember.org.
OCEA Stewards (left to right): Second row: Celia Rubalcaba, Steven Johnson (OCEA Board member), Bea Mitchell, and Sam Stephans. Front row: Harold Stanbury and Rita Maellaro.
Join the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Team on September 28!
See inside back cover for details.
OCEA EMPLOYEE
21
Adoption! Who can do it? How can I do it? Find the answers!
In this issue of the OCEA Employee, in association with the Orange County Animal Care Center, we present six exciting animals on the prowl for new owners.
Simone is a female, 9-monthold, black brindle, Labrador Retriever mix, ID# A0905525. Simone is a gentle and sweet girl who is patiently awaiting a forever home.
Deli is a female, 3-year-old, tan, Wire Fox Terrier mix, ID# A0903440. Deli always has a smile on her face. She is lots of fun and has plenty of love to spare.
Jack is a neutered male, 2-year-old, brown tabby and white, Maine Coon mix, ID# A0903614. Jack is a lovable cat who would make a great TV buddy.
Carrie is a female, 1-year-old, black, Domestic Short Hair, ID# A0891755. Carrie loves all of the attention she can get. She is irresistible!
Amy is a female, 6-monthold, white, Short Hair Rabbit, ID# A0900112. Amy is a volunteer favorite at OC Animal Care because she is such a sweetheart.
Jenny is a female, 1-year-old, white and black, Short Hair Rabbit, ID# A0899419. Jenny would make a great companion because she is friendly and loves to be petted.
When: September 19, 2008 and November 21, 2008 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Where: Anaheim Community Center 250 E. Center St., Anaheim FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER CALL: (714) 704-8946
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These animals are so beautiful that they may not be available when you inquire. Other animals are available!
(Does not replace SSA Orientation Meeting.)
OCEA EMPLOYEE
Please call (714) 935-6848 or go to www.ocpetinfo.com for more information!
Come to the OCEA Health Fair on October 7! 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Team on September 28!
See inside back cover for details.
OCEA EMPLOYEE
23
One of the many benefits you receive as a County of Orange employee is the opportunity to participate in the Defined Contribution Program. Not yet participating? Log on to www.countyoforangedcplan.com or call 1-866-457-2254 and press “2” for more information.
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OCEA EMPLOYEE
Come to the OCEA Health Fair on October 7! 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Team on September 28!
See inside back cover for details.
OCEA EMPLOYEE
25
OCEA Confronts Continuing Fuel Crisis All of us are feeling it: the pinch of high fuel costs! Many of us commute long distances. For instance, many drive every day from the Inland Empire to central Orange County. But even those with short commutes are noticing an increased out-go of money, to pay for gasoline. As your union, OCEA is vitally concerned with the impact of fuel costs on you and on your financial wellbeing. For months, OCEA has been doing all it can to be a voice for its members in connection with this ongoing fuel crisis. In May, we sent a draft telecommuting plan to the County Human Resources Director. In June, we sent a formal request to County CEO Tom Mauk, stating, in part, “On behalf of OCEA and its more than 13,000 represented county employees, I sincerely request that you take a first step and consider the institution of a revised telecommuting policy—including the institution of a ‘4/10’ workweek where feasible and public transportation incentives—to help address the exceptional financial burden high gas prices have placed on County employees.”
Health Care Agency Shows Some Signs of Addressing Fuel Crisis The County’s Health Care Agency appears to be making an effort to come to grips with the fuel crisis. One of the early signs of this is following letter from Juliette A. Poulson, HCA Director.
We met with the County CEO and Human Resources Director in mid-June. To his credit, the CEO appeared very interested in the matter and indicated that he wanted to explore options to help employees through this crisis. Several days later OCEA staff met with staff of the Human Resources Department and a County Transportation Consultant. OCEA proposed many of the ideas we have been sharing with our members and the CEO (including “4/10” schedules, telecommuting, and transportation incentives). We remain optimistic that we will be able to jointly arrive at some reasonable solutions very soon. Please be sure to send us your home email address so that OCEA can stay in touch with you!
Check out OCEA’s website, www.oceamember.org, for a schedule of lunchtime rideshare presentations by the County Commuter Assistance Program. (A consultant provides employees with information on using public transportation, carpool matching, and incentives.) 26
OCEA EMPLOYEE
Come to the OCEA Health Fair on October 7! 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
OCEA Steward Advisory Committee OCEA’s Steward Advisory Committee Gains Momentum Our OCEA Steward program has recently added an OCEA Steward Advisory Committee, which is made up of OCEA Stewards employed by the County of Orange, the Orange County Sanitation District, the Orange County Fire Authority, and the Orange County Superior Court. Also working with the committee are members of our OCEA labor relations staff. The OCEA Steward Advisory Committee has begun meeting, and it is developing potential improvements to the Steward program, which will later be submitted for possible adoption by OCEA and its Stewards.
An informal atmosphere prevails at meetings of the OCEA Steward Advisory Committee. Here OCEA Labor Relations Representative Tim Steed and OCEA Steward Advisory Committee member Jeff Robbins are seen in a contemplative mode.
The current members of the OCEA Steward Advisory Committee are as follows: Eva Burdett
Georgeanna Hoffman
Moira Sullivan
Department of Housing and Community Services
Sheriff’s Department (Sheriff’s Special Officer/Deputy Coroner Unit)
Sanitation District
Maria Corona
Jeff Robbins
Social Services Agency
Fire Authority
Mike Torley Sheriff’s Department (General Unit, Professional Staff)
Carolyn Gregory
Linda Romo
Ray Yarbrough
Superior Court
Office of the District Attorney
Probation Department
At the July 31, 2008 meeting of the OCEA Steward Advisory Committee, we had active participation from OCEA Stewards and OCEA labor relations staff members. Left to right in foreground: Llesena Ontiveras (OCEA staff member), Carolyn Gregory, Mike Torley, Linda Romo, Maria Corona, and Coach Bennett. In background: OCEA staff members Jim Riley, Loretta van der Pol, Aaron Peardon, and Bo Gutierrez.
Join the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Team on September 28!
See inside back cover for details.
OCEA EMPLOYEE
27
OCEA Discounts Special Savings for OCEA Members! Check OCEA’s website, www.oceamember.org, for full details! Automotive The Red Book: Purchase new cars at fleet prices! The original fleet discount purchase plan in California offers a statewide network of participating dealerships whose professionalism and integrity can be relied on. Call 1-800422-4561 or log on to www.RedBook4Autos.com. Avis: 5% off & up depending on program! Call 1-800-3311212 or log on to www.avis.com for more information; OCEA’s AWD# T815000. Budget: 15% off regular price! Call 1-800-455-2848 or log on to www.budget.com for more information; OCEA’s DCD# X627900; For Budget Truck Rental call 1-888-NEED-TRK. OCEA’s Truck Rental code 56000052043 Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 10% off regular price! Call 1-800736-8222 or log on to www.enterprise.com for more information; OCEA’s # 32E8228; use OCEA for company name. Hertz: 5% off regular price in daily & weekly rentals! Call 1-800-654-8216 or log on to www.hertz.com for more information; OCEA’s CDP# 1335448; Fee waver for the Hertz #1 Club Gold Membership ($60) available at OCEA Special Events office.
Candies, Flowers & more ProFlowers.com: 20% off (or more!) all flowers, candy, fruit & more! To receive a free catalog or place your order call 1-800-210-2279, log on www.proflowers.com/vip and enter the case sensitive code OCEA.
Cosmetics, Jewelry & more... Arbonne: Pure! Safe! Beneficial! 20% off all health and beauty products for men, women and children. Please log on to www.christaluther.myarbonne.com. You may also place your order by calling Christa at 714-932-4602. Avon: 10% off plus FREE shipping and free gift for all OCEA members when you shop on-line at www.youravon.com/leticialopez. For more information contact Letty Lopez 714-308-3661. BeautiControl: 15% off a variety of quality skin care, spa and makeup products and a free gift with purchases over $45. Please contact Jessica Gonzalez at 714-335-8050 or log on to www.beautipage.com/jessicagon for more details. During October, 5% of sales will be donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation (upon request). Cookie Lee: 10% off & free shipping on all CL Fine Fashion Jewelry. For a free catalog, to place an order, or schedule a home/ office show or fundraiser, email evamcnamee@cookelee.biz. To view the catalog online, log on to www.cookelee.biz/evamcnamee or call 562-879-4911. Mary Kay: 10% off all skin care and cosmetics for men, women and children. For free consultation or brochure, or to place your order call Jo Padore at 949-559-8022, or log on to www.marykay.com/jpadore.
Electronics Apple Computers: 17% off selected Apple products including iPods and much more! OCEA members are offered discounts on Apple products through the Apple Government Employee Purchase Program. Please log on to www.apple.com/eppstore/slg. Verizon Wireless: 15% discount on your calling plan monthly access fees and accessories! Please call the Government Sales Rep. Tim Slaton at 949-241-2425 for more information. Offer is valid for California State & Local Government Employees with proof of current employment.
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5LINX: Save 50% or more on your phone bill. Many free phones and rebates. For more information please log on to www.5linx.net/joyandrews. Fundraising options can be found at www.Linx2funds.com and www.PhoneForCause.com. For details, call Joy Andrews at 714-441-7050; Videophone 714-866-4282; Email jocelynpandrews@yahoo.com.
Entertainment & Travel TicketsatWork.com: up to 40% off Cirque du Soleil nationwide performances, Las Vegas shows & attractions, Walt Disney World Resort exclusive offers, New York & Broadway Specials, and much much more! Please log on to OCEA website www.oceamember.org for more information.
Health Restore Health Chiropractic: A savings of over $200! Exclusively for OCEA members: Chiropractic consultation, comprehensive exam and one chiropractic treatment only $20; for more details please call Dr. Bohlken at 714-505-1901 or email her at RestoreHealthChiro@yahoo.com. Dental Office of Dr. Sue Kim, D.D.S: Receive 20% off bleaching tray with Ultradent whitening gel or in-office bleaching. Dr. Kim accepts Delta Dental and most PPO plans. Receive additional 10% off on all treatment that are not covered by your insurance. Office address: 408 W. 4th St., Santa Ana, CA 92701; Phone 714-836-9999.
Photography Artistic Bridals & Portraits Photography: offering 10% off wedding photography & event plans to their already low prices (additionally, a special OCEA MEMBER ONLY plan is also available). 15% off outdoor portrait sittings and all portrait prices. 25 years experience! For more information please log on to www.nemo4u.com, or call Mike Nemeth at 949-496-4559. Main Photo & Imaging Services: 20% off all your photo and digital needs! Specializes in quality photo finishing, electronic digital enhancing, video equipment, cameras darkroom supplies and repairs. For more details and stores locations please log on to www.mainphoto.com or visit OCEA website at www.oceamember.org. OC Image Services & Tip Wynn Photography: Conveniently located in Artist’s Village in downtown Santa Ana, offer corporate photography, special portraiture and event coverage for up to 25% discount exclusively for OCEA members. Tip Wynn offers Children’s and Family photography, as well as occasional wedding service. Their studio is located at: 204 N Broadway, Ste C, Santa Ana, CA 92701; Phone (714) 875-0937; Please log on to www. ocimageservices.com and www.tipwynn.com to view the samples of their work! 30 Minute Photos Etc.: On-line boutique photo service, based in Irvine, offers instant saving of 40% off for all OCEA members on their photo orders. Please log on to www.30MinPhotos.com and enter case sensitive corporate code IRVINE.
Special Occasions Custom Made Gift Baskets: Celebrate your loved ones’ special occasions with a very personal touch! For samples of gift baskets and available discounts on them please call Lisa Sipprell at 949-235-1144. PartyLite: 20% off all purchases. Catalogs available at OCEA Special Events office. To view candles, and/or to order please call Adrienne Ponce at 323-541-5709 or log on to www.partylite.biz/butterflydelyte. Scrapbooking: 10% off all products! Contact Close To My Heart consultant Andrea Lewis at 714-777-1170 or log on to www.alewis.myctmh.com for more details. Wagstaff Music: 25% off DJ services, karaoke or live bands! To book your next event contact Bryan Wagstaff at 714-437-7712. Wire-Wrapped Silverware: Unique! Beautiful! Inexpensive! Brilliant idea! For more information on all products and available discount call Barbara Newber at 714-393-9518.
Vacations Amtrak: No discount available in 2008. Club Med Vacations: 30% to 50% off on last-minute vacation packages! Please contact Lavonne Campbell at 714-991-7222 or visit OCEA’s Special Events website for the most recent listing. Grand Canyon Railway: 20% off train travel & stays at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel or 10% off on already discounted packages! For more information on OCEA Corporate Program please call 1-866-422-9724 or log on to www.thetrain.com/corporate to book your journey; Corporate code: OCEA. Palm Spring Aerial Tramway: 15% off the Palm Springs Aerial and 10% at the gift shops with the Alpine Club card – FREE OF CHARGE – available at OCEA Special Events office. Discount expires in December 2008. SCAT Travel: Offers substantial discounts on a variety of cruises exclusively for OCEA members. Call Sandy Cuny at 714-669-9019 for details. SeaWorld Vacations Partner Hotels: Variety of discounts on selected hotels now conveniently offered to all OCEA members who plan on visiting San Diego and San Diego SeaWorld Resort. For full list of hotels and available discounts please log on to www.seaworldvacations.com or call 1-80025-SHAMU and press 8; SeaWorld Vacations Partner Hotels’ brochure is also available at OCEA Special Events office.
Wellness Just for Kicks: A new fitness program just for women! 15% off initial season sign-ups. For more information on the program please log on to www.justforkicksfitness.com or call Cindy at 714-996-0394.
Restaurants
LifeTurn Weight Loss Program: No products! No pills! No shots! 40% off first 3-month cycle and 75% off on the second. For more information call Ambra Farahani at 714423-5858.
Pasta Bravo (at the Block): 20% off catering for all our personal and corporate occasions. For more information on the discount or to place your order please call store manager at 714-769-4031. OCEA membership card required at the time of delivery.
MonaVie: The Premier Acai Antioxidant Juice Blend. A 100% nutritious beverage with no caffeine or sugar added. Improve your overall health. Buy one bottle, get the second bottle 50% off, plus enrollment bonus. For more details, please call Helene Fowler, independent distributor, at 951-440-2420.
The Rib Trader: 15% off catering for any of your occasions! For menu and details on ordering process please call the owner, Medhi Karr, at 714-744-9288, or fax your request at 714-633-8760. OCEA membership required at the time of delivery.
Xango: 10% off all your antioxidant mangosteen juice purchases. For more details on the product and ordering procedures call the independent consultant Joy Andrews at 714-441-7050 or log on to www.jocelyn. discovermangosteen.com.
Come to the OCEA Health Fair on October 7! 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Enter OCEA’s Fun Contest! You might win 4 tickets to . . .
Acres of Fun So Close to Home! Show your friends who’s boss as you race wheel-to-wheel into a hairpin turn. Spend some time relaxing on one of our miniature golf courses. Rediscover your playful side in our state-of-the-art arcade...
Just take this simple quiz! 1. OCEA has been in existence since:
2. OCEA’s headquarters is located in:
(a) 1937, or (b) 1973
(a) Santa Ana, or (b) Los Angeles.
Boomers offers something for everyone! Try the batting cages, bumper boats, go-karts, miniature golf and much more! Or for the little one’s our Kiddy Rides will surely put a smile on their faces with something for everyone. Then go to the game room for a variety of the hottest games or even traditional Skee-ball where you can win prizes. For additional information on park hours, locations, driving directions please log on to www.boomersparks.com. Mail your entry (your answers, with your name, department, and phone number) to OCEA (Attention Joanna), 830 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701, or email your entry to jnachurski@oceamember.org. Last date for entries: September 30, 2008. After the last date, a drawing will be held from among all entries, and the lucky winner will receive FOUR TICKETS TO BOOMERS! Members only. One entry per person limit (in each drawing). Winner must arrange to pick up the tickets at OCEA. Past winners are ineligible to enter the following six drawings.
Look at this Great Deal from Costco OCEA Members Special! Sign up for a COSTCO Gold Star Membership take advantage of the current special promotion! Offer not valid in store! Fill out this form and return it to the OCEA Special Events office with your check for $50 payable to COSTCO. If you have any questions or concerns regarding either this promotion or your membership, please contact Ms. Belinda Lopez, a COSTCO Marketing Representative, at (714) 277-6049.
Join the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Team on September 28!
See inside back cover for details.
OCEA EMPLOYEE
29
Special Events So Cal Attractions AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC: OCEA Price: $14/Adult; $10/Child ages 3-11 (Reg. $20.95 & $11.95); Open 9 A.M. – 6 P.M.; Block-Out Dates: Dec. 25; Parking fee $7/vehicle; Tickets expire NOVEMBER 30, 2008!!! BOOMERS FAMILY FUN CENTERS: OCEA Price: $15/Person (Reg. $29.99); Black-Outs Dates for Irvine location: July 11 5pm – 11pm, and Aug. 2 10am – 3pm; Arcade games and batting cages not included; NO EXPIRATION!!! CATALINA FLYER (Newport Beach @ the Balboa Pavilion): OCEA Price:$57/Adult; $43/Child ages 3-12 (Reg. $61 & $44); Round trip fare; No Black-Out Dates; Reservation required: 1800-830-7744; For more information please log on to www.catalina-flyer.com NO EXPIRATION!!! CATALINA EXPRESS (Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point**): OCEA Price: $54/Adult; $44/Child ages 2-11 (Reg. $60 & $47.50); Black-Out Dates: July 4-6 & Aug. 30-Sept. 1; Reservation required: 1-800-891-5652; For more information on departure schedule please log on to: www.catalinaexpress.com/scheduleFares.php Tickets expire DECEMBER 31, 2008!!! **Dana Point departures will be an additional $2 per person payable at time of check-in. DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER: OCEA Price: $11/Adult; $8/Child ages 3-17 (Reg. $12.95 & $9.95); Open 10 A.M. – 5 P.M.; Black-Out Days: Thanksgiving & Christmas; Parking fee $3/vehicle paid separately; NO EXPIRATION!!! K-1 SPEEDWAY: OCEA Price: $15/Person (Reg. $25.95); No Black-Out Dates; Standard race good anytime at any K1 locations; includes 1 year K1 Speed license for new drivers; Drivers must be at least 4’11” to drive; NO EXPIRATION!!! MEDIEVAL TIMES DINNER & TOURNAMENT: OCEA Price: $42/Adult; $32/Child ages 12 & under (Reg. $51.65 & $34.40); Brand new show!!! Reservation required: 714521-4740; No restrictions; Tickets expire DECEMBER 29, 2008!!! PIRATE’S DINNER ADVENTURE: OCEA Price: $47/Adult; $32/Child ages 3-11 (Reg. $55.73 & $36.57); Reservation required: 1-866-439-2469; Tickets expire NOVEMBER 30, 2008!!!
Movie Theaters AMC Theatres (Loews & Cineplex): OCEA price: $6/person. (Reg. $10.50) Special engagements excluded during the first two weeks on new releases. Valid 7 days a week. NO EXPIRATION DATE.
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OCEA EMPLOYEE
Century Cinema: OCEA Price: $6/person. (Reg. $10.50) Special engagements excluded during the first two weeks on new releases. Valid 7 days a week. NO EXPIRATION DATE. Krikorian Premier Theaters: OCEA Price: $7/person. (Reg. $10.50) No restrictions. Valid 7 days a week. NO EXPIRATION DATE. Regal Entertainment Group: OCEA Price: $6/person. (Reg. $10.50) Special engagements excluded during the first two weeks on new releases. Valid 7 days a week. NO EXPIRATION DATE.
Amusement Parks Disneyland & Disney’s California Adventure: Standard 1-Day 1-Park Admission: OCEA Price: $64/Adult; $56/Child ages 3-9 (Reg. $69 & $59.); For information on park’s hours please visit www.disneyland. com Black-Out Dates: December 12, 2008 through January 5, 2009; Tickets expire December 17, 2009!!! Disneyland Resort Parking fee: $12/vehicle paid separately; Downtown Disney District Parking fee: $6/hr (up to 5 hrs free with validation). DISNEY ANNUAL PASSES: Premium: $370/Person ages 3 & up (Reg. $389); No Black-Out Days. Parking Pass included. Tickets valid for one year from activation date. Passes must be activated by DECEMBER 17, 2009!!! Deluxe: $256/Person ages 3 & up (Reg. $269); Black-Out Days schedule available in Special Events office; Tickets are valid for one year from activation date. Passes must be activated by DECEMBER 17, 2009!!! Parking pass $59 available for purchase only at Disney’s Will Call Center. Knott’s Berry Farm: OCEA Price: $25/Adult; $18/Child ages 3-11. (Reg. $39.99 & $19.99 for So Cal Residents Program) No Black-Out Dates; Not valid for Special Ticket Events Packages; For park hours please log on to www.knotts.com; Parking fee $9/vehicle paid separately; Tickets expire MARCH 31, 2009!!! LEGOLAND California: OCEA Price: $41/Person ages 3 & up. (Reg. $59.95/Adult & $49.95/Child.) 2nd-dayfor-$1 Promotion!!! 2nd visit must occur within 9 days from the first; Parking fee $10/vehicle paid separately; For park hours please call 760-918-5346 or log on to www. legoland.com/plan-your-visit.hours.htm; Tickets expire JANUARY 31, 2009!!! San Diego Wild Animal Park: OCEA Price: $27/Adult; $19/Child ages 3-11. (Reg. $34 & $24.) Includes use of Wgasa Bushline Railway (parking excluded); For park hours please log on to www.sandiegozoo.com; Tickets expire MARCH 31, 2009!!!
San Diego Zoo: OCEA Price: $27/Adult; $19/Child ages 3-11 (Reg.: $34 & $24.); Unlimited use of Guided Bus Tours, Express Bus and Skyfari Aerial Tram; For park hours please log on to www.sandiegozoo.com; Tickets expire MARCH 31, 2009!!! SeaWorld San Diego: OCEA Price: $46/Adult; $40/Child ages 3-9. (Reg. $61 & $51.) 2 Days of Fun Admission!!! Second visit not valid Dec. 27–30; For park hours please log on to www.seaworld.com; Parking fee $10/ vehicle paid separately; Tickets expire DECEMBER 31, 2008!!! Tickets are also available for purchases by credit card at www.oceamember.org. Six Flags Magic Mountain: OCEA Price: $25/Adult; $15/Child under 48 inches. (Reg. $59.99 & $29.99.) Parking fee $15/vehicle paid separately; Tickets expire DECEMBER 31, 2008!!! Universal Studios Hollywood: OCEA Price: $49/Person ages 3 & up. (Reg. $67/Adult; $54/Child under 48”) No Black-Out Dates; Parking fee $11/ vehicle paid separately; Tickets expire FEBRUARY 1, 2009!!!
Halloween KNOTT’S SCARY FARM’S HAUNT NIGHTS: No costumes allowed; tickets will be available in September. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS’ HORROR NIGHTS: No costumes allowed; tickets will be available in September.
Coming Soon
High School Musical
Sat. Dec. 27, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. Honda Center, Anaheim. OCEA price: $24/person ages 3 & up. Tickets will be available soon!
Come to the OCEA Health Fair on October 7! 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Purchase tickets: To order by mail, please include: 1) name and phone number, 2) letter stating your ticket order, and 3) check payable to OCEA for the full amount of the ticket order plus $6.40 for shipping and handling. Send orders to: Special Events, OCEA, 830 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Checks for over $500 not accepted. Ticket sales are final. Sorry, no refunds or exchanges. Please allow sufficient time! Mailed ticket orders are generally processed within five business days of receiving the order. Sorry, OCEA makes no guarantees on mailed orders. Shipping and handling charges cover costs of certifying and insuring mailed tickets. For further information, contact Joanna Nachurski at (714) 835-3355 or via email at jnachurski@oceamember. org. Ticket hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Join the
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Team on September 28!
See inside back cover for details.
OCEA EMPLOYEE
31
OCEA Classifieds Classified ads are a free service to all members. Only members may submit ads. Ads may be edited or rejected by OCEA. Notify Sunny Rangel if you wish to cancel your ad, or regarding corrections or other changes. Mail your classified ads to Sunny Rangel at OCEA Headquarters, or fax them to her at (714) 835-7654, or email them to her at srangel@oceamember.org.
REAOC: Join the Retired Employees Association. Participate for only $1 a month. P.O. Box 1496, Brea, CA 92822-1496. Call (714) 840-3995; FAX (714) 840-7189. E-mail: reaoc@reaoc.org. Website: www.reaoc.org. ORANGE COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING: Free information on services for older adults. 1-800-510-2020 ROOM FOR RENT: Orange Area—Room in quiet neighborhood. Large closet. No pets, drugs or alcohol. $650/month. References required. Call Ana at (714) 974-1316 07/08 FOR RENT: House for Rent in Norco. Beautiful view. Three-bedroom, two-bath, two-car garage. Pergo and tile flooring throughout. Stove and microwave included. On 1/3-acre lot, 1-2 horses okay, one pipe corral and feed storage included. $1850 per month, available in July. Call Maria at (951) 205-2446. 06/08 ROOMMATE WANTED: $575/month plus utilities. Shared bath. House located near Anaheim Hills area. No pets, no smoking, no drugs. For single individual only. Call (714) 315-0245 and leave a message. 06/08 ROOM FOR RENT: Looking for a female roommate for a 2BR/2Bath upscale apartment near Irvine/Tustin Marketplace. Master Bedroom with walk-in closet and private garage, in-home washer/dryer, walking trail, 2 pools, large fitness center, free fitness and cooking classes, etc. Easy access to freeways. $995/mo plus utilities. Please contact Ali at 949-748-7699. 08/08
FOR RENT: Oceanfront Kona Hawaii condo rental, 2 bedrooms/baths on Big Island of Hawaii, 1-week minimum stay. Full kitchen, washer/dryer, large oceanfront lanai. Sleeps 6. Enjoy sounds of surf, spectacular sunsets. $995 per week. For pictures and info visit www. konahawaiicondo.info, or call Charlie at (714) 747-5196. 06/08
FOR SALE: Original Cadillac Goodyear Tires, 5 months old, 16-inch rims, 5 Lug nuts. Asking $400 OBO. Also for sale: BF Goodrich, Baja Champion, All-terrain tires & Moto Metal rims for sale! 265/70 R17, 6 Lug nuts. About 5-6 months old! Great condition. Asking for $900 OBO. If interested call Emmanuel at (714) 213-6211. Or email Haydee at hcervantes11@yahoo.com. 07/08
FOR RENT: One person, one room in Garden Grove. One (of two) dual master bedrooms in two-story, two-bedroom, 2 ½-bathroom gated condo in Garden Grove. Bedroom comes with personal bathroom; access to internet; one space in two-car garage; washer and dryer in garage. Condo complex: gated with pool and Jacuzzi. Sorry, no pets. Please email Angeline at: santiago_ange@hotmail.com. $725 and ½ utilities (gas, water, electricity, internet). 06/08
FOR SALE: Electronics and appliances for sale! Maytag washer/gas dryer in very good condition, $200. Haiar Mini fridge, 36” tall, white, very good condition, $90. Casio keyboard with stand, hardly used, almost brand new, $85. Samsung 7.0 digital camera with case and charger, $50. Please call Laura at 714-388-7095. 08/08
FOR SALE: Black Camper Shell for small pickup truck, came off 1998 Nissan Frontier Extra-Cab. Like new with all windows, screens, and back latches to open/close/lock. Please call Edgar if interested (714) 357-8064. 07/08 FOR SALE: Yamaha Music Synthesizer S90ES. Includes stand, bench, and foot pedal. Excellent condition. $2,200. Frisbee Golf Disc Baskets (2) $75 each. Call Teresa at (949) 573-7243. 08/08 FOR SALE: 2001 Toyota Sienna XLE, desert-sand color, full power, gold-plated, well maintained (original owner), good condition $7,500 OBO. Contact: (714) 281-9428 or (714) 345-0846 cell. Please leave a message. 07/08
FOR SALE: Carbon Canyon, BREA, 1996 Mobile Home, 1530 square feet! 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, open floor-plan. Drywall, lots of windows and sky lights. New sink, disposal, and faucet. Carpet is less than 2 years old. A great place to raise kids. This lovely family park has a newly remodeled recreation hall and pool area. $70,000. We have an assumable lease that makes the space rent less than $900 per month. Ask me about the national blue ribbon elementary school! Call for pictures. Contact Beverly at (714) 996-0009 or (714) 321-0592. 05/08 FOR SALE: 2004 Ford Explorer XLT, 46,000 miles (2WD), white. $13,500 OBO. This 7 passenger vehicle gets an average 14 MPG/ City and up to 20 MGP/Hwy. Well maintained and still under factory warranty. Original owner with all maintenance records. 2” trailer package, running boards, luggage rack, and rear a/c. Very clean, excellent condition. Call John at (714) 420-0440. 07/08
Stay informed! Please send your home email address to nickberardino@oceamember.org 32
OCEA EMPLOYEE
Come to the OCEA Health Fair on October 7! 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join in the 2008 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure! OCEA has its own team! We want to help beat breast cancer! Join us by walking, running, or making a pledge!
Where: Fashion Island When: September 28, 2008 Instructions for registering online to be on OCEA’s Team: 1. Go to http://www.ockomen.org/race. 2. To register to Donate or Sign Up as a Team Participant (or both), do this: a. In the middle of their home page click on “To Donate or Support a Team or Participant Online: Click Here!” Enter Cathy Yatch (OCEA Team Leader), and click on “Search” to find the Orange County Employees Association’s Team to register. Then click on the name “Cathy Yatch.” This is where you can sign up as a Team Participant or donate on behalf of OCEA’s team.
For more information (or if you have any questions about the Race) contact Cathy Yatch, OCEA’s Team Leader, at (714) 835-3355, or send an email to cyatch@oceamember.org.
– OR – b. At the right of their home page find the “Team Rank” box. Click on “more” and then enter 2197 (our Team Number), and click “Search” to find the Orange County Employees Association’s Team to register. (Instead of entering 2197, you may enter “Orange,” and click search, and you will find a list that includes our team.)
Join the OCEA Team! You might win Four Disneyland Tickets! Each person who joins OCEA’s team on the OCKomen website will be entered into a drawing to be held after the event! We will award 4 Disneyland tickets to the lucky team-member!
For more information contact Cathy Yatch at cyatch@oceamember.org
Orange County Employees Association 830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 • (714) 835-3355 • www.oceamember.org
We are entering the home stretch for
2009 Bargaining in our eight County units We have already begun advance preparation for OCEA’s 2009 bargaining in our eight County bargaining units. Our County contracts expire in June 2009! The only sure method that we have to communicate with you is through home emails. There are limits to the ways in which OCEA is permitted to use the County’s email system. Emails directed to your home are OCEA’s most effective method of communicating current information to our members. As bargaining approaches, we want to help keep you informed on important developments regarding issues that we will be addressing.
We need your home email address to keep you updated as important information becomes available!
Above is a photo of the 2007 OCEA Bargaining Team. In early-to-mid-2009, we will be heading into bargaining again. We need to stay united. Remember, OCEA members play a significant role in determining the course bargaining takes.
Win 4 tickets to Disneyland! Send us your home email address to automatically be entered into a drawing to win 4 tickets to Disneyland.
Please send your home email address to nickberardino@oceamember.org
Orange County Employees Association 830 North Ross Street Santa Ana, CA 92701