Vol 63 Issue 4 - OCEA Employee 2010 October November December

OCEA EMPLOYEE VOLUME 63, ISSUE 4 • OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2010

OC paralegal is 2010 Humanitarian of the Year See page 4

Jan. 26, 2010

Feb. 23, 2010

Pre-retirement seminar

How to rescue your mortgage

Presented by OCERS

Presented by Consumer Credit Counseling Service OC

Unless noted otherwise, seminars are from Noon to 1:00 p.m. in the OCEA Assembly Room. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP if possible.

Email Cathy Yatch at cyatch@oceamember.org or call her at (714) 835-3355, ext. 211.

Join us for a FREE foreclosure prevention workshop When: Saturday, March 19, 2010 • Session 1: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Session 2: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location: 830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 When it comes to foreclosure, waiting around before getting help is a bad strategy. This FREE workshop will educate homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments on what to do to avoid foreclosure. Lenders and HUD-approved counseling will be on-site to assist with loan workouts.

Experts from banks, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and nonprofit housing organizations will participate and provide individual counseling and other assistance for families worried about or experiencing foreclosure.

Examples of “loan workouts” include reinstatement, forbearance, repayment plan and mortgage modification.

Counseling will be available in English and Spanish. Lenders will be on site to do loan workouts so bring the following: • Completed Foreclosure Intake Form (available at www.oceamember.org) • Your loan documents • Monthly expenses and recent tax return • Paycheck stubs • Any sort of revolving debt statements (credit card, car payment, etc.)

OCEA EMPLOYEE VOLUME 63, ISSUE 4 • OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2010

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Sean Hand plays with a toy helicopter at his family’s Fullerton home.

FEATURES 8 Food truck food drive

14 Elections

OCEA members and local food trucks give back.

10 Helping Hands

Results from the 2010 OCEA Board Member election.

16 OCEA in the community

The Hand family adopted three kids through the County.

13 Special delivery

OCEA members unite at local events.

19 Commencement

Care packages benefit OCSD workers serving overseas.

The third class of jail surveillance workers graduate.

News & updates 2 3 4 4 22

President’s message General Manager’s message OCEA news briefs OCEA calendar Board member profiles

25 26 26 27 28

OCEA coupons OCEA tickets OCEA e-ticket program OCEA discounts OCEA classifieds

On the cover: Adele Hsu, an Orange County Housing Program specialist, orders crepes from the Crepes Bonaparte truck.

Orange County paralegal, Spring Jaentsch, was named 2010 Humanitarian of the Year.

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President’s message

Robert Gibson OCEA President

Giving thanks and saying goodbye As we close the books on another difficult year for our country and our union, I have found many reasons to give thanks. Our members have continued to provide a high level of service to the public we serve despite reduced staffing levels and diminished resources.

Your union leadership team, professional staff, Board of Directors and stewards have worked tirelessly to represent your interests and advocate on your behalf. From protecting benefits to negotiating contracts and making sure your voice was heard politically, we have kept service to our members as our mission.

Finally and on a personal note I am thankful for the all too brief friendship of my fellow Deputy Juvenile Correctional Officer, Adam Reed. Sadly Adam was taken from us suddenly and without warning. I first met Adam as I was struggling to load supplies in my truck after I spoke with his academy class about the importance of being a member of OCEA. Adam helped a grateful old man and was a true friend ever since. Adam could always be counted on to help

“Adam could always be counted on to help a co-worker and was dedicated to his job, even while enduring the uncertainties of the Probation Department’s financial difficulties. ... Adam will be missed by me and all who knew him.”

I am thankful for the hundreds of volunteer shifts and thousands of hours worked by everyone at OCEA during the recent election. We had many successes electing candidates that are committed to helping working people and their families at the local and state level, and we will work even harder to solve all of the political issues we face in the coming years.

I am thankful for the dedication and hard work of the leadership team and professional staff of OCEA. It is impossible from the outside to truly understand the breadth and scope of all we expect from them. I have been remiss myself in not expressing my sincere thanks and appreciation as often as I should. The dedication, hard work and team effort go far beyond this merely being a job. Each and every team member – without exception – truly believes in our mission and does everything in their power to see it to fruition.

I am thankful to be a part of the most dedicated and hardest working Board of Directors OCEA has ever had. In addition to their full time jobs in the county and courts, your Board volunteers many hours of their time to ensure OCEA’s success. From committee and regular meetings to emergency crises, your Board can be counted on to represent and fight for the members who elected them.

a co-worker and was dedicated to his job, even while enduring the uncertainties of the Probation Department’s financial difficulties.

Adam was forced to demote and again work the overnight shift to avoid being laid off. Adam did not let this demoralize him and continued to do an outstanding job with a great attitude. Adam will be missed by me and all who knew him.

Yours faithfully,

Robert Gibson OCEA President rgibson@oceamember.org

I am thankful to the hundreds of stewards and workplace leaders that advocate and work on behalf of OCEA and our members.

Whether it is being our voice at the work site or marching on the Board of Supervisors your leaders can be counted on to enforce our MOU, advocate for their peers and protect our interests. The work of our leaders is critical to the success of OCEA and has helped us maintain our high level of service in this most difficult of times.

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General Manager’s message

Nick Berardino OCEA General Manager

Even in tough times, OCEA members give back It’s been two years since the economy plummeted into the Great Recession. And by now, you’re likely experiencing firsthand the effects of the nation’s financial troubles. Your neighbors, your friends or your family members may have struggled to remain employed and many may have lost their jobs. You’ve likely made sacrifices you never dreamed you’d have to make, and found that the money you do have simply doesn’t go as far as it did in the past. Nationwide, the difference between the incomes of the rich and the poor has never been greater. Never. Our United States, which most of view as the model for fairness and equality for the rest of the world, now has the largest income disparity gap of any industrialized country.

And if you watched Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke speak on 60 Minutes earlier this month, you know that while our country may be on a slow path toward economic recovery, it will be many years before the economy is truly healthy again.

put this country in the financial trouble the nation is in today. They attack our pension benefits while ignoring the long-term financial and moral consequences of stripping away fair retirements for hardworking families.

We want you to know that we’re fighting back and doing everything we can to protect your family’s financial security until a better day comes. Our strongest weapon is communication and our ability to tell the public the truth about fair wages, secure retirements, and the wonderful work you do every day. To that end, we’ve been making changes in recent months to the way we communicate with you

“Still, in these difficult times, our OCEA members continue to do amazing things, finding ways to give back to their coworkers and the community, even when they have less to give.”

Still, in these difficult times, our OCEA members continue to do amazing things, finding ways to give back to their coworkers and the community, even when they have less to give. That’s why we’ve dedicated this issue of the magazine to highlight some of those efforts. In the pages of our first-ever themed issue – highlighting how OCEA members give back -- you’ll find out how spending some money on a food truck supported unemployed families and how the dedication and compassion of Social Services Agency staff helps connect children in need with loving families. You’ll read about a group of employees from the Sheriff’s Department who put together care packages for their coworkers serving overseas in the military, and you’ll learn more about why your newly elected OCEA Board members give their time and energy to improving working conditions for everyone in the County.

I can’t adequately express how proud it makes me to be a part of a community that bands together and supports each other during difficult times. You are all an inspiration.

and the public. You’ll notice this magazine has a new look and feel, the OCEA website is being updated regularly with new information about your workplace and coworkers, and we’re now on Facebook.

We hope you’ll be our friend (and log on regularly to join our discussions and win tickets to movies and amusement parks).

And again, thank you for all you do.

In solidarity,

Nick Berardino OCEA General Manager

I’m sorry to say that we still face challenging times. In addition to the shrinking economy and state budget issues threatening jobs, politicians and the media seem to have galvanized around a common enemy: public employees. They attack our pay and health care benefits while ignoring the widespread Wall Street abuses that Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oceamember.

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OCEA news briefs OC Paralegal wins 2010 Humanitarian of the Year Spring Jaentsch, a paralegal in the Public Defender’s Office, was honored Oct. 28 with the Humanitarian of the Year award from the State of California – presented by Senator Lou Correa – for her work in the Homeless Outreach Court, a Santa Ana court that aims to rehabilitate homeless people who face criminal charges and court fines.

Judge Wendy S. Lindley’s court hears the cases of those charged with infractions or victimless misdemeanors.

Staff, including Jaentsch, work to rebuild the lives of those who have fallen on hard times.

assisting clients has truly been a learning experience.

helping people regain their self-sufficiency.

“It’s rewarding when the clients come to fruition and their cases get dismissed because you know they put the hard work into it. I like to think that maybe I had something to do with that,” she said. “Most of the time I give the credit (to the clients). … They’re the ones who ultimately get their cases dismissed.”

“When I first found out, I was in tears, shock, joy,” Jaentsch said. “I’m so humbled by it.

I don’t even know how to express correctly how much it means to me because it means that the work that I do, and the people that I work with, are getting recognized. I’m happy.”

Judge Tom Borris, incoming presiding judge for the county’s Superior Court, thanked Jaentsch for inspiring her colleagues and

Jaentsch, who has been with the office for nine years, currently has about 600 active cases and provides several services, from helping people acquire identification and driver’s licenses to assisting those who need social services or health care.

Lezlee Neebe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Vice President Arlyn Buck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd Vice President Butch Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary Phyllis Oudmayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer Luisa Camino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance Officer Frank Eley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Past President

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Jeff Gallagher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legislative Phyllis Oudmayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Budget/Finance

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sharron Anderson . . . . . . . . County Executive Office Dan Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff-Coroner Arlyn Buck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Luisa Camino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SSA/Adult Services Alan Dean Clow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Defender Maria Corona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Oliver Didio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff-Coroner

Debra Fyvie . . . . . . . Dept. of Child Support Services Jeff Gallagher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation Eusebio “Butch” Garcia . . . . . . Social Services Agency Robert Gibson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation Gary Morrison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assessor’s Office Lezlee Neebe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court Clerk Cheryl Neuenschwander . . . . . . Superior Court Clerk Phyllis Oudmayer . . . Dept. of Child Support Services Bill Stein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff-Coroner Pamela Waters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Library Ray Yarbrough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation

OCEA calendar Jan 11

Noon to 1:00 p.m.

5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Stewards meeting, County CEO Tom Mauk and County Budget Director Frank Kim are expected to speak about the state and county budget.

Jan 12

8:30 to 2:00 p.m.

Body scans, provided by Pacific Health and Wellness

Jan. 18

3:00 p.m.

Board of Directors meeting

Jan. 26

Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Pre-retirement, presented by OCERS

Feb. 8

Noon to 1:00 p.m.

5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Stewards meeting

Feb. 15

3:00 p.m.

Board of Directors meeting

Feb. 23

Noon to 1:00 p.m.

How to rescue your mortgage, presented by Consumer Credit Counseling Service OC

Mar. 8

Noon to 1:00 p.m.

5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Stewards meeting

Mar. 15

3:00 p.m.

Board of Directors meeting

Mar. 19

10:00 a.m. to Noon 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

FREE foreclosure prevention workshop, sponsored by FHA, HUD and OCHOPC

OCEA EMPLOYEE

OFFICERS Robert Gibson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President

Frank Eley . . . . . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD)

“The first year I was doing this it was really tough because everyone’s situation, everyone’s story is so different,” Jaentsch said, adding that

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E M P LOYEE Orange County Employees Association

The OCEA Employee magazine (USPS 004330) is published quarterly (January-March; April-June; July-September; and OctoberDecember) by the Orange County Employees Association, 830 N. Ross, P.O. Box 177, Santa Ana, CA 92702; telephone (714) 8353355. 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 2010 by the Orange County Employees Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion or contents prohibited by law. Printed by Anchor Printing, Tustin, CA.

Editor: Jennifer Muir Design & Layout: Kevin Rush Staff Writer: Niyaz Pirani 830 North Ross Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 835-3355

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OCEA news briefs Contract approved The San Clemente City Council in August approved a new contract for members of the San Clemente Employees Association.

Though the shaky economy resulted in no cost-of-living increase for workers, negotiators were able to improve two other portions of the contract.

Hazardous Waste Specialist Howard Mayo distributes recycling containers for collecting used oil to fairgoers.

OCEA gets healthy About 2,000 OCEA members turned out to the OCEA Health Fair Oct. 5 for free health screenings, food and prizes.

Under the new agreement, employees must have a disciplinary meeting with a department head prior to being suspended for any amount of time; previous contracts ensured a meeting only if the suspension was for four days or longer.

Additionally, employees will be allowed to carry over 18 hours of compensatory time each year. Remaining hours would be cashed out. The one-year contract will be valid until June 2011.

Representatives from various health organizations educated members on healthcare treatments and preventative measures.

Free screenings included cholesterol and glucose, body fat, bone density, grip strength, blood pressure and vision.

“The Health Fair absolutely helps Orange County employees stay healthier with discounted flu shots and free screenings that help our members identify serious health issues early,” OCEA Communications Director Jennifer Muir said.

During the event, Backwoods BBQ served up chicken for lunch and OCEA’s hot dog wagon was grillin’ for the masses.

About 150 prizes were given away throughout the day as part of a member raffle.

SCCEA members prepare to vote.

CSS Employees honored Seven members from Child Support Services were recognized with awards in September by OCEA Board Members Phyllis Oudmayer and Debbie Fyvie for their continued support of the labor movement.

Those recognized include: Pam McLellan (Supervising Child Support Officer); Kiet Ly (Senior Child Support Officer); Leanna Upton (Child Support Officer); Angie Barrera (Child Support

Officer); Ruth Guttierez (Senior Child Support Officer); Susie Johnson (Paralegal); and Maggie Bonilla (Administrative Secretary II, not pictured).

Winners were nominated by stewards for their willingness to assist stewards in encouraging union participation, leading by example and showing a strong desire to help fellow employees.

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OCEA news briefs Two students earn OCEA scholarships

Christopher Purcell with parents Scott and Anna Purcell and OCEA Board member Pamela Waters.

Two recent high school graduates have each earned a $2,000 scholarship from OCEA’s Board of Directors as part of our annual scholarship opportunity.

Tyler Medina of La Habra and Christopher Purcell of Chino were this year’s recipients. As part of their applications, both students provided grade transcripts, test scores and wrote an essay about how their future career choices would benefit working men and women.

Medina, who started this fall at the University of California, Santa Barbara with enough credits to skip his freshman year entirely,

Winner Tyler Medina with mom Michelle Medina and OCEA Board member Pamela Waters.

plans to use his degree in Bio/Organic Chemistry improve job safety for others. He hopes to discover replacements for hazardous chemicals in the workplace. He also plans to minor in political science.

Christopher Purcell entered the University of California, San Diego with an undeclared major, but said he has an interest in political science and hopes to change gender inequality at work.

The scholarship program is in its seventh year and is open to those students whose parent or guardian is an OCEA member. Applications for the 2011 program will be accepted beginning in May.

OC Water District: Orange County Water District employees demonstrated this year how standing together through a tough contract negotiation can make all the difference.

Negotiations on the OCWD contract began in early 2010, and the district presented its final offer in June. OCEA entered mediation with the water district in August, but that too failed to produce results.

Then in September and October, about 80 OCWD members wearing red “UNITY” shirts packed three OCWD board meetings in an effort to end the impasse. Because of the strong showing, the OCWD was forced to reconvene negotiations and returned to mediation. The eventually reached an agreement, which was approved by the membership in November.

Negotiations centered most around OCWD’s contribution to medical insurance and the employer’s desire to place a salary cap on retirement contributions. The water district later agreed to increase its contribution to insurance premiums and to stop pursuing a salary cap on retirement.

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How one day’s lunch is helping families in need

By Niyaz Pirani and lisa king Hundreds of hungry foodies and philanthropists turned out Dec. 3 at the Orange County Employees Association for a food truck food drive in support of the United Labor Agency of Orange County.

Attendees lined up in scores to get their hands on tacos, burritos, crepes and more from some of the county’s most popular food trucks, including Crepes Bonaparte, Dos Chinos, Piaggio on Wheels, Shortstop BBQ and Tropical Shave Ice. Food trucks contributed 15 percent of their proceeds from the threehour event to ULAOC, raising about $500 for the food bank. Seven boxes of packaged foods and canned goods were donated by OCEA members at the food drive.

A Bolsa BBQ taco, made with crispy pork belly, from Dos Chinos truck.

Join us next time for Food Truck Fridays. OCEA is hoping to host the event on the third Friday of every other month. Food trucks will be outside OCEA Headquarters serving up lunch with 15% of all sales being donated to ULAOC. Check www.oceamember.org for more details.

(From left to right) OCEA members Maricela Lopez, Monica Hernandez, Maricella Gonzalez and Marisela Ortega (all OC Housing and Community Development) eat lunch from Shortstop BBQ while sitting in the back of a car in the OCEA lot.

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Lori Manasco (OC Public Works) takes tacos from Jose Piaggio, owner of the Piaggio on Wheels food truck.

ULAOC: “We don’t give a hand out. We give a hand up.”

Year after year, familiar faces have shown up at United Labor Agency of Orange County to drop off food and clothing and offer assistance to families in need.

food is the simplest thing for someone to ask for,” Fogarty said.

“It’s easier to say ‘Can you help me with food?’ than ‘Can you help me with my house payment?”

But since the deepest recession in recent history forced layoffs, furloughs and foreclosures across the country, ULAOC Executive Director Bill Fogarty says some of those donors have been showing up for a different reason: They’re now in need too.

Since April 2010, ULAOC has helped 15 families with their mortgages and has helped prevent 91 families from being evicted from their homes. They’ve provided more than 80,000 pounds of food – worth more than $356,000 – in the past year.

“It was a large surprise,” Fogarty said. “We’ve been seeing some of that over the years, but nowhere to the extent that we’re now seeing it.”

Clients are required to apply for help – OCEA members should identify themselves – and must provide spending breakdowns and other financial information to the agency. Often, Fogarty can troubleshoot with clients just by a quick review of their application, he said.

Unemployment often kicks off a cycle of poverty that’s hard to break without help, Fogarty says. With the County’s unemployment rate hovering around 10 percent, increasingly more families are forced to choose between rent, food and a car payment. And the unemployment rate doesn’t reflect the County’s underemployed population, which every day must decide which basic needs to meet and which to ignore until a better day.

Once a person has been accepted, ULAOC works with them to create a budget and follow benchmarks toward financial independence. For many families, an extra hand with food or bill payments can make the difference between financial stability and homelessness.

“We don’t give a hand out,” Fogarty said. “We give a hand up.”

ULAOC began in 1980 as the AFL-CIO Community Services Program, housed in the United Way. By 1987, the program achieved its own nonprofit status with the goal to promote financial independence for clients. ULAOC relies on food and monetary donations to feed families and keep them in their homes.

These days, ULAOC is helping more and more families whose unemployment benefits have maxed out in recent months.

“A lot of them are now relying on nonprofits to get food because

Want to volunteer?

Students can earn community service credits by volunteering at ULAOC. ULAOC is specifically seeking volunteers with experience in information technology, including building web sites and working with Microsoft Access.

Contact Bill Fogarty at (714) 740-0928 or email ulaoc@aol.com.

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Helping Hands One family’s experience adopting through Orange County

By Niyaz Pirani Leila Hand got the phone call one September afternoon: She and her husband Pat were going to be parents for the third time.

Still, learning that you’re going to have a new baby in less than a day can be “a real interesting mix of utter joy and (being) overwhelmed,” Hand said.

Twenty-two hours later, their baby girl arrived.

They didn’t have little girl clothes or a nursery painted pink. But the couple was prepared – they’ve been through this before. The newborn—their first daughter – is the third child they’ve adopted through Orange County Social Services.

“With our first one we had nothing. Nothing,” Hand said. “We had no clothes, no formula, no diapers, nothing, but we didn’t care. The fact that we were finally parents trumped everything. It was really wonderful.”

Their feelings were the same when they first brought their daughter home. But this time they had all of the necessities: A crib, bottles and pacifiers.

Infertility led the couple to the County after nine years of trying to have a baby, but it is the long-lasting support they receive through the County that convinced them to adopt more children.

“One of the things we like best about adopting through the County is that once the adoption is finalized, the County doesn’t just say ‘Thank you very much, have a good life, hope everything works out for you,’” she said, adding that the family receives financial help and parenting classes.

Hand adopted her four-year-old son Neil in 2006; two-year-old Sean came in 2008. They are in the process of finalizing the adoption for her two-month old girl. The baby’s name cannot be printed because the adoption is not final.

Neil (bottom) and Sean Hand play in the family’s Fullerton yard.

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About 40 children need homes in Orange County at any given time, said Pat Hammond, adoption recruiter/child worker for Orange County Children & Family Services.

From Oct. 1, 2008 to Sept. 30, 2009, 423,773 children were in foster care in the United States. Of those, 202,065 were hoping to be reunited with their principal caretaker, but 102,615 American children were eligible for adoption, according to statistics recently published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.

Hammond said some do not pursue adoption because they have misconceptions of the cost involved.

“Most of the time they get information through the media, and most of the time the media gets it from famous people who adopt (internationally), which is extremely expensive,” Hammond said.

Leila Hand with sons Neil, left, and Sean, right, and new baby girl.

But in Orange County, adopting from the county is free, Hammond said. The only costs associated are for a physical, first aid and CPR training. Families looking to adopt pay for those services independently, and are not done through the county.

“When you see children that are in adoptive homes that are thriving – they’re happy and you see a smile on their face – that makes it worthwhile,” Hammond said.

For more information on County adoptions, call the Foster & Adoption Parent Information line at 888-871-5437.

BREAKING ADOPTION MYTHS • There are no fees to adopt through Orange County Social Services (A physical, first aid and CPR training are required; all are paid for by the applicant independently).

• You can be single, married or in a long-term relationship to adopt.

• A person who rents or owns their residence is eligible to adopt.

• No minimum level of income is needed; a person just needs to show they are meeting financial obligations.

Sean Hand plays with a toy helicopter at his family’s Fullerton home.

• There are no maximum age limits to be eligible to adopt.

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BY NIYAZ PIRANI AND LISA KING When you’re at war in the middle of the desert, with nothing to do but lift weights and wait for something, anything, to happen, it’s the little things that get you through the day.

For Tim Estes, an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy who has seen four tours of duty in Iraq, packages like the ones sent to him through the OCSD’s Military Leave Connection Program are much-welcomed gifts of reprieve.

“I’m in infantry, so my usual location when I go to Iraq or Afghanistan is not near stores, not near your basic stuff,” said Estes, a Marine Corps Sergeant.

“For me, some of the best stuff I was getting out there was drink mixes, like Crystal Light-type stuff,” he said. “You just keep drinking water and water, and once in a while you get a warm soda or something. … It gives you a little bit more motivation so you’re out there doing your thing.”

Estes is one of many OCSD workers who have received a care package through the program, which started in 2008 by Lt. Roger Neumeister and his wife Michelle. The Neumeisters coordinated donations through the department’s reserve bureau, a volunteer organization within the Sheriff’s Department consisting of nearly 900 volunteers. In the two years since the program’s inception, more than 150 packages have been sent internationally.

The program solicits donations of items, including jerky, drink mixes, protein bars, toothpaste, books, batteries, XBOX games, holiday items and cash for sending the packages. Each package ships for a flat rate of $15.

Earlier this year, OCEA Board members Dan Beam and Oliver Didio, both Sheriff’s Special Officers at the Department, presented a $1,000 donation to the program from OCEA. “It’s for our employees that are oversees serving our country honorably, so we want to do something honorable for them,” said Sgt. Dan Daniels, who, along with Office Supervisor Karen Giudice, is now in charge of the program.

Eight OCSD employees are currently deployed, about five people short of the standard number that usually serve, because President Barack Obama has scaled back deployment for reservists, Daniels said.

Those wishing to help can request that a box be set up at their workplace to collect donations. Once the box is full, a representative of the program will come and pick it up to be sent out.

For people like Sheriff’s Special Officer John Pham, who returned to Theo Lacy Jail in September after serving overseas as a Chief Warrant Officer in the United States Army, it’s a simple statement that sums up the sentiment of service men and women: “Thank you very much for caring,” he said.

If you’re interested in donating, contact Daniels or Giudice with any questions by telephone at (714) 566-2711 or by email at ddaniels@ ocsd.org. You may also stop by OCEA with your donations at 830 N. Ross Street in Santa Ana, and our staff will make sure it gets to the Sheriff’s Department. A list of items can be accessed by visiting www.anysoldier.com and clicking the “What to Send” button.

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Nine incumbent board members were relected to the OCEA Board of Directors in December. The seats were open to a pool of 11 candidates. Elected members will serve a two-year term on the 19-member board. Ballots were counted by the Tustin accounting firm of Donna J. Bernbrock. All ballots were sent directly to that firm in preaddressed envelopes.

All nine newly-elected members of the Board of Directors were seated at the Board’s Dec. 21, 2010, meeting at OCEA Headquarters. Thanks to all of those who ran for the Board of Directors, and all of those who got involved by casting a ballot. Your commitment and involvement is crucial to maintaining a strong OCEA family.

Meet the newly elected members of the Board of Directors: Arlyn Buck (Social Services Agency) has been an OCEA member since 1990 and a Board member since 1998. Buck is a 12-year member of OCEA’s Labor Management Committee and a two-time recipient of the OCEA President’s Award. She said she ran for the Board to protect the rights and benefits of working families and to promote OCEA as one of the county’s greatest organizations.

Alan Clow (Public Defender’s Office) has been an OCEA member since 1996 and a Board member since 2005. Clow, who holds workplace fairness in high regard, said he will keep the best interests of fellow employees in mind. “I will fight to ensure fair working conditions, good wages, the best health benefits and a rightfully-deserved retirement pension,” he said.

Maria Corona (Health Care Agency) has been an OCEA member since 2000 and a Board member since 2009. She was the recipient of the 2007 OCEA President’s Award and also participates in precinct walking. “I’m willing to put in the time and hard work, and I want to make sure I reach as many people as I can to ensure their rights are not abused in the workplace,” she said.

Frank Eley (Orange County Public Works) has been an OCEA member since 1982 and a Board member since 1985. Eley is a former OCEA Board President who held the title for eight years and has assumed leadership roles in several OCEA initiatives. He also serves on the OCERS Retirement Board. Speaking to his commitment to OCEA members, Eley said: “Above all, I have, for decades, and still do, care.”

Eusebio “Butch” Garcia (Social Services Agency) has been an OCEA member since 2000 and a Board member since 2007. Garcia is a past bargaining team member who said working with OCEA is unlike his prior union experience, when he worked in the airline industry. Garcia said that, as a board member, he hopes to have more in-depth involvement with members and help to identify issues members may have in hopes of solving them.

Lezlee Neebe (Superior Court) has been an OCEA member since 1992 and a Board member since 1995. Neebe has been in many roles at OCEA, including Board secretary and insurance officer. “Our members deserve fair working conditions and good benefits for themselves and their families,” she said. “It is an honor to be of service, and I eagerly look forward to the new year, meeting all its challenges head on!”

Gary Morrison (Assessor’s Office) has been an OCEA member since 1999 and a Board member since 2009. Morrison said his goals for 2011 are to “work to increase union membership in the Assessor’s office and institute monthly meetings with Assessor employees to update membership on union activities.”

Pamela Waters (Orange County Library) has been an OCEA member since 1988 and a Board member since 1993. Waters served most recently on the 2010 OCEA Scholarship Awards Committee, which awards scholarships to two bright high-school students each year. Waters said OCEA is a necessity for county employees because “not everyone can stand up for themselves.”

Jeff Gallagher (Probation Department) has been an OCEA member since 1997 and a Board member since 2002. He has been honored twice as OCEA’s Top Recruiter and twice received the OCEA President’s Award. Gallagher said it’s important as public employees to protect rights, jobs and benefits for working families.

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Meet the rest of your 2011 OCEA Board of Directors

Sharron Anderson CEO’s Office

Dan Beam Sheriff-Coroner Department

Luisa Camino Social Services

Oliver Didio Sheriff-Coroner Department

Debra Fyvie Child Support Services

Robert Gibson Probation Department

Cheryl Neuenschwander Superior Court

Phyllis Oudmayer Child Support Services

Bill Stein Sheriff-Coroner Department

Ray Yarbrough Probation Department

2011 OCEA Board of Directors Executive Committee Congratulations to the newly-elected OCEA Executive Committee!

Robert Gibson President

Lezlee Neebe First Vice President

Arlyn Buck Second Vice President

Butch Garcia Secretary

Maria Corona Treasurer

Luisa Camino Insurance Officer

Frank Eley Past President

Frank Eley reelected to Orange County Employees Retirement Board OCEA Board Member Frank Eley was elected to a fifth term on the Orange County Employees Retirement System Board in November.

staying politically active both within the board and externally.

Eley – who has served on the board since 1999 – won by a vote of 2,599 to 583. Seventeen percent of active OCEA members voted in the election.

“If we can get the financial optimized, the internal politics minimized, and successfully resist the rhetoric of the external politics, we will have accomplished a great deal,” Eley said. “It can be done.”

Eley, a past president of OCEA, was endorsed by OCEA, the Orange County Labor Federation and the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs. For decades, he had demonstrated a strong commitment to defending the interests of working families.

Eley said the win was “imperative” to those dedicated to preserving the middle class. In his next term, he plans to safeguard pensions with a three-fold approach of sound financial investments and

To speak to Frank Eley about retirement questions or concerns, email him at feley@ocers.org or call him at 714-667-3284.

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What are OCEA members thankful for?

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, we asked our members to tell us what they were thankful for on our Facebook page. Here is what a few of them had to say: Jeff Gallagher (Probation): I am thankful that I can live in a country where freedom of thought and expression is still held sacred; that I am free to pursue my own interests with little government interference; that I have the freedom to openly speak against our elected leaders and work to remedy when they do not act for the good of our country’s citizens.

Scott Becker (Sheriff-Coroner): I am thankful for my family, my friends, my job and my health.

Patty De la Torre (SSA): I’m thankful for being lucky enough to spend another Thanksgiving with my Mom who is dying if cancer and may not be here with us to bless us with her company. I love working for the county.

Maria Canchola Bibian (Public Defender): I’m thankful for my family, job and health and lucky to have given birth to a precious lil girl.

Sonia Gomez (Auditor-Controller): I am thankful to have been blessed to be a mother of 3 ... I’m thankful for my family, friends, my health and VERY thankful that I have a job; with this economy we all have to be thankful for our jobs.

Amy van Arkel (OC Courts): I am thankful for my family, friends, and our good health.

Monalisa Tran (SSA): Thankful that I have a job, home, good friends, and loving family!

Lori Lilly Lewis (SSA): I am thankful for the opportunity to have so many things to be thankful for!

Niki Wilson (OCPW): I’m thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in my own life and the lives of others, especially my family and friends, every day of the year and not just during the holidays!

Serina Serrano (DA Office): I am thankful to be blessed with a wonderful husband, beautiful children, and a great job.

Diana Prather (SSA): For good health, good family and friends, a good job, and a union that protects my interests!

Rick A. Sasso (OC Courts): I’m thankful for the troops who are in harm’s way to ensure I can freely come to work everyday and enjoy the freedom’s we have in this country.

April Marie Hooper (City of Costa Mesa): Frankly, I am thankful to live in the United States. With the failure of freedoms in other countries; I am proud and truly grateful I live in the United States.

Congratulations to Lori Lilly Lewis for winning a pair of movie tickets by telling us what she was thankful for. Follow us on Facebook to participate in special contests.

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OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino encourages La Habra teachers to stay unified during their strike on Dec. 9.

Supporting La Habra teachers

18 month old Wednsdae (Wenzy) Billie Ayala enjoys cotton candy. She is the granddaughter of SSA employee Laura Schumann.

Jerry Brown, on the campaign trail, speaks to the crowd at the Orange County Labor Federation’s Labor Day picnic.

Labor Day picnic Danette Brown, president of La Habra Education Association, leads striking teachers on a march through El Centro Park.

OCEA’s hot dog wagon served the teachers lunch.

Precinct walking

Cole Sampson, son of Tiffany Sampson from HCA, cheers with Gilbert Davila, Director of Organizing for UFCW 324.

OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino psychs up the troops before walking precincts for the November election.

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undergoes ‘tremendous transformation’

By Niyaz Pirani Twenty three men and women stepped into Orange County jails last month for their first day on the job as Correctional Services Assistants.

crimes,” he said. “You’re dealing with a varying level of criminal sophistication, from low to very, very high. So maintaining on your toes, basically being alert, is key to maintaining security.”

The group, which graduated in a ceremony, Nov. 3, 2010, at the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy in Tustin, are now deployed to Theo Lacy and Central jail facilities to work indirectly with inmates through logging, surveillance and other administrative duties.

Sgt. Cathy Irons, who is in charge of the program, called the graduates “an extremely important addition to the Orange County jail system.” The class is the third to complete the 10-week program; a fourth class is expected to graduate in early 2011.

Graduates and their families packed the training facility to capacity for the graduation ceremony. Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent Jonathan Rust spoke during the event. Graduate Brian Mello said the experience has been “a tremendous transformation.”

“I hope to be able to serve the community to the best of my ability,” Mello said. “To see so many people go from disorganization to a well-oiled machine, I’m very proud of all my classmates.”

The position, created to alleviate budget constraints at the department, leaves more time for sworn deputies to patrol the jails and have more direct contact with inmates. Face-to-face contact is a necessity, said Capt. Dave Nighswonger, because so many violent criminals are housed locally.

“It’s not like the old days where you might have had the town drunk or something. These people are usually there for fairly serious

CSAs are trained in a variety of fields including ethics, the criminal justice system, physical fitness, restraint techniques, interpersonal and tactical communications, identifying and handling contraband, CPR and first aid.

The CSAs ran countless miles, boxed with each other and took shots of pepper spray in the face as part of their training.

“It was really intense,” said graduate Enrique Hernandez. “We did struggle at first, but we got together and got it all done as a team. …

It’s one of the best achievements I’ve ever done in my life.”

Congratulations to the Correctional Services Assistant Class 3: Joshua Ammann, Leroy Castillo, Olivia Coco, Monique Eisen, Lauren Felix, Eric Fox, Brandy Franklin, Albert Gonzales, Fernando Gutierrez, Vanessa Hamilton, Enrique Hernandez, Chase Knittle, Kasey Lauro, Cecilia Martinez, Melinda Martinez, Brandon Mello, Kevin Pahel, Ricardo Prado, Brian Quigley, Diana Soltero, Sonia Torres, Jonathan Trujillo and Michael Vargas.

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Statement of Circulation

By Niyaz Pirani

Cheryl Neuenschwander

Position: Courtroom Clerk III County employee since 1979 OCEA member since 1984 OCEA Board Member since 1995 Why did you become an Q: OCEA Board Member?

I became acquainted with A: a former OCEA board member, and he gave me some insight as to the responsibilities and rewards of contributing to the success of OCEA. When there was an opening, I applied.

I have had the opportunity to serve on several committees and on many bargaining teams, as well as being elected to the offices of Treasurer and Insurance Officer. All of these activities have enriched my experience and continue to help me to grow and improve as a member of the board.

What is the most challenging OCEA business you’ve been Q: involved in, and what did you learn from it?

Being on the bargaining teams since about 1997 has been A: challenging and interesting. When I first started on the bargaining team, the Courts negotiated (with the other County agencies). Since 1999, the Courts have been a separate entity and now bargain on their own. The insight and information I have absorbed from the long negotiation sessions has enabled me to be a more informed and positive leader, able to address the needs and concerns of my fellow employees.

How do you, in your personal life, try to change public Q: opinion of public employee unions?

In my discussions with friends and acquaintances, it is A: apparent to me that they often are misinformed regarding pay and compensation of public employees. I point out that public employee unions negotiate collectively, as do private unions. Public employee unions operate a little differently from private sector unions.

Public employees do not contribute to Social Security and must carry the entire cost of retirement through their own payroll contributions, along with the employer contribution, without the benefit of collecting Social Security as part of their retirement income. Additionally, studies have shown that the public employees’ compensation is not out of line with private sector employees.

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Meet your OCEA Board members Phyllis Oudmayer

Position: Child Support Officer County employee since 1994 OCEA member since 1996 OCEA Board Member since 2006 Why did you become an Q: OCEA Board Member?

I like what OCEA A: represents. I like the fact that they look out for members and look toward bettering the community. When I say community, it’s not just the employees. It’s the community at large. … My father was a union member in the Plumber’s and Pipe-Fitters union, and I just see it as part of my civic duty.

What is the most challenging OCEA business you’ve been Q: involved in, and what did you learn from it?

Contract negations and seeing how they actually take place A: – the communication between management and labor. I learned about the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act and how that impacts how things are communicated, how everything is confidential prior to (making) a tentative agreement.

Plus, learning the ins and outs of how you challenge certain stances that management may have. I like watching Nick (Berardino) in action. He’s a strategic thinker. It’s the nuances I learned from him, the non-verbal communications that take place.

How do you, in your personal life, try to change public Q: opinion of public employee unions?

The way to change the public’s opinion of public employees A: is to give them examples of outstanding leadership – how (public employees) give back to the community.

In our agency, it’s not unusual for us to do a food drive. … You feel the support. You actually feel the support. Whenever I’m out in the public, I feel I not only represent myself as a person, but I represent OCEA and the agency I work for, so when I walk away I want them to have a positive impression. I do that by being a person that’s honest, has loyalty, integrity and just tries to represent the better aspects of the community at large.

What better way can you view how a public employee is looked upon than by doing something positive?

Luisa Camino

Position: Social Worker, Adult Services County employee since 1981 OCEA member since 1986 OCEA Board Member since 1998 Why did you become an Q: OCEA Board Member?

I want to be in the know A: and on the leadership of the institution I love.

That’s what it is. I love everything. We would be nothing without OCEA. OCEA takes care of us, thinks about us, covers us, protects us, helps us and stands with us.

Quite frankly, in the world’s history I think OCEA is the alpha and the omega.

What is the most challenging OCEA business you’ve been Q: involved in, and what did you learn from it?

I was part of the negotiation team in 2005. That negotiation A: changed the life of every county employee. It gave us more security for our retirement years and made sure that our sacrifice and work will be remunerated … with a retirement that is fair.

What I learned is to be perseverant and well educated in the issues.

I learned to be a leader above and beyond the circumstance.

How do you, in your personal life, try to change public Q: opinion of public employee unions?

I tell them the benefits OCEA has achieved for members A: throughout the 50-plus years of its history. I also tell them that OCEA is all of us. It’s the special officer that protects you at the airport, it’s the social worker that provides benefits when you need it, it’s the information personnel who provide you with information when you need it.

Public employees affect the life of everybody in the community.

OCEA put a safeguard on that protection. It makes me feel proud, immensely proud, of the organization I belong to and lead.

Cheryl, Phyllis and Luisa are three members of our nineteen person board.

Meet the rest of the board on page 14.

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Gary R. Winslow, DDS Inc.’s Office Is Now Called

714-953-6881 • New Look • New Vision • Same Great Service & Staff Thank you OCEA members & families for over 30 years of support!

We Now Do Orthodontics & Invisalign! Free Consultation!

Conveniently located just off the 55 Fwy at the 17th Street exit. One half block West of Albertsons Shopping Center on the South side of the street.

Large parking lot available on 16th street directly behind dental office.

Visit us on the internet at www.AffinityDentalCenter.com 1920 E. 17th St., #100, Santa Ana, CA 92705 • 714-953-6881

Doctors: Dr. De Priest, Dr. Spear, Dr. Sepulveda, Dr. Winslow, Dr. Eugenio, Dr. Gladkov, Dr. Gibson Hygienists: Tram, Cindy, Janet, Michael, Huong Assistants: Lupe, Shefali, Linda, Guadalupe, Mireya, Nary, Emily, Zaida, Lynda, Lisa, Rosalia Front Office: Veronica, Martha, Melissa, Cheryl, Mollie, Sandra, Ana, Irma, Jackie

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OCEA EMPLOYEE

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OCEA coupons

Special savings for OCEA members!

Cut out your coupons and save on services and restaurants.

Present this coupon along with your OCEA membership card, and receive

20% discount off your total bill Offer valid for any dine-in and catering order. Cannot be combined with any other special offer. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Valid at this location only: TOGO’S, 123 West 17th Street Santa Ana, CA 92706 (at 17th and Main Street) For more information on the discount please call the store at (714) 541-2711.

Present this coupon along with your OCEA membership card, and receive

20% discount on out-of-pocket expenses

Present this coupon along with your OCEA membership card, and receive

15% Discount Off Your Bill Good for take-out, pick-up and deliveries. Thank you for supporting you community small businesses! Valid only at the Tustin location.

13612 Newport Ave., Tustin, CA 92780 • (714) 731-6444

Present this coupon along with your OCEA membership card, and receive

BURL’S IMPORTED CAR SERVICES

20% discount on labor

You must present this coupon at the time of purchase along with your OCEA membership card. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Foreign and domestic repairs.

Family-owned for over 40 years. Honesty - Reliability - Trust Brian Moore – Owner 2910 S. Halladay St., Santa Ana, CA 92705 • (714) 546-4138

Present this coupon along with your OCEA membership card, and receive

FREE 16 oz. Fountain Drink with the purchase of any regular priced lunch item, $3.99 or more.

Valid any time at two convenient locations: 12 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92702, Phone: 714-564-9664.

301 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868, Phone: 714-935-1936.

(Original coupons only. Photocopies will not be accepted)

Present this coupon along with your OCEA membership card, and receive

FREE 12 oz. Brewed Starbucks Coffee

$40

with the purchase of any regular priced breakfast item ($2.99).

Valid any time at two convenient locations: 12 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92702, Phone: 714-564-9664.

301 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868, Phone: 714-935-1936.

(Original coupons only. Photocopies will not be accepted)

ANY SMOG (no extra fees for smog certificates, truck charges, etc.)

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OCEA tickets

Special savings for OCEA members!

Check OCEA’s website, www.oceamember.org, for full details.

Amusement Parks

ONE TIME EVENTS

So Cal Attractions

Castle Park, Riverside: $15.99/Adult; $11.99/Child under 48” (Reg. $21.99 & $12.99).

Tickets expire 11-23-11. Offer only available online.

Pageant of the Masters $43/Person. Tickets are good for the show on Sunday, July 31, 2011 at 8:30 p.m. Main tier right, rows B-E.

Aquarium of the Pacific: $17/Adult; $10/Child ages 3-11 (Reg. $24.95 & $12.95). Tickets expire 11-30-11. Online tickets available.

Disneyland & California Adventure: Standard 1-day tickets, Park Hopper and Annual Passes are all available online. Offer only available online.

Renaissance Faire Tickets coming in Spring 2011.

For most recent updates, please visit www.oceamember.org.

BOOMERS! (FAMILY FUN CENTERS): $15/Person (Reg. $29.99).

Knott’s Berry Farm: $30/Adult; $21/Child ages 3-11 and Seniors 62+ (Reg. $55.99 & $25.99). Tickets expire 12-31-11.

Online tickets available.

LEGOLAND California: $52/Person ages 3 & up (Reg. $69/ Adult & $59/Child); Tickets expire 12-31-11. Online tickets available.

OUT OF AREA Tickets at Work Discount admissions on a variety of attractions nationwide. Check www.oceamember.org for current details. Offer only available online.

San Diego Wild Animal Park: $32/Adult; $24/Child ages 3-11 (Reg. 37 & $27). Tickets expire 8-12-11.

Movie Theaters

San Diego Zoo: $32/Adult; $24/Child ages 3-11 (Reg. $37 & $27) Tickets expire 8-12-11.

Century Cinema: $6.50/person (Reg. $10.50).

SeaWorld San Diego: Check www.oceamember.org for current offer details. Online tickets available.

Six Flags Magic Mountain: OCEA Price: $26/Adult; $18/ Child under 48” (Reg. $59.99 & $29.99). Tickets expire 12-31-11.

Online tickets available.

Universal Studios Hollywood: Check www.oceamember.org for current offer details. Offer only available online.

AMC Theatres (Loews & Cineplex): $6/person (Reg. $12.50).

Krikorian Premiere Theatres: $7/person (Reg. $10.50).

Regal Entertainment Group: $6.50/person (Reg. $11.50).

SEASONAL Big Bear Mountain: $42/Adult; $34/Student ages 13-21. For blackout days, check www.oceamember.org. Tickets valid until the end of 2011 season.

Catalina Flyer: Check www.oceamember.org for current offer details.

Catalina Express: $56/Adult; $46/Child. Tickets expire 12-31-11. For blackout days, check www.oceamember.org.

Discovery Science Center: $11/Adult; $8/Child ages 3-17 (Reg. $12.95 & $9.95). Online tickets available.

K1 Speed: $15/Person (Reg. $25.95). Drivers must be at least 4’11”.

OC Performing Arts Center: Check www.oceamember.org for current offer details. Offer only available online.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum: Check www.oceamember.org for current offer details. Offer only available online.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament: $42/Adult; $32/Child ages 12 & under (Reg. $58 & $36).

Reservations required. Tickets expire 9-30-11.

PIRATE’S DINNER ADVENTURE: $36/Adult; $28/Child (Reg. $59 & $40). Tickets expire 11-30-11.

Sports Anaheim Ducks: Check www.oceamember.org for current offer details. Offer only available online.

TRAVEL Amtrak: Free companion fare coupons are available at the OCEA Special Events Office. For offer details, check www.oceamember.org.

Coupons valid until 6-15-11.

While supplies last.

Enter our contest!

Thank you for reading the first issue of our newly redesigned “OCEA Employee.”

To show our appreciation, we’re holding a contest for our magazine readers.

To enter, send an email to contest@oceamember.org

by Jan. 31 telling us your New Year’s resolution. You’ll be entered in a raffle to win tickets to a theme park, local attractions or a movie.

Winners will be announced on www.oceamember.org and www.facebook.com/ oceamember on Feb. 1.

OCEA e-ticket programs

For up-to-date listings on all tickets available, go to www.oceamember.org.

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OCEA EMPLOYEE

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OCEA discounts

Special savings for OCEA members!

Check OCEA’s website, www.oceamember.org, for full details.

Automotive & Car Rentals The Red Book: New cars at fleet prices! For details, go to www.redbook4autos.com or call (800) 422-4561.

Avis: Save up to 15% off regular rates through Tickets-At-Work Corporate Program. Corporate code: D472600. Call (800) 698-5685.

Budget: Up to 25% savings on selected cars through Tickets-At-Work Corporate Program.

Corporate code: X989202. Call (800) 455-2848.

Burl’s Imported Car Services: Family-owned for over 40 years. Honesty - Reliability - Trust.

OCEA members receive 20% discount on labor.

Foreign and domestic repairs. Brian Moore – Owner. 2910 S. Halladay St., Santa Ana, CA 92705. (714) 546-4138.

Dollar Rent-A-Car: Call (800) 800-3665 to find out more! Corporate code: CH0415.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 10% off regular price!

Call (800) 736-8222. Corporate code: 32E8228.

Hertz: 5% off daily and weekly rentals! Join Hertz #1 Gold Club online and save more!

Corporate code: 1335448. Call (800) 654-8216.

Thrifty Car Rental: Great savings through Tickets-At-Work Corporate Program! Call (800) 847-4389. Corporate code 0010229234.

Wheeler’s Auto Service: 10% off all parts and labor. Walking distance from downtown Santa Ana. Call (714) 543-4689 and ask for William.

Candies, Flowers & more Cherry Moon Farms: 15% discount on hundreds of orchard-fresh gifts that make every occasion special. For more information call (800) 2102279. Corporate code: OCEA. Personal Creations: 15% discount on a variety of personalized gifts, perfect for any occasion.

For more information call (800) 210-2279.

Corporate code: OCEA. ProFlowers.com: 15% discount on a variety of gifts for all your personal and corporate occasions!

Same-day delivery available! Call (800) 210-2279 to place your order. Corporate code: OCEA. Red Envelope: 15% discount on a unique and wide-ranging collection of thoughtful gifts for every occasion. To order over the phone, call (800) 210-2279. Corporate code: OCEA. Shari’s Berries: 15% discount on high quality hand-dipped berries, luxurious cheesecakes and gourmet baked goods. Call (800) 210-2279.

Corporate code: OCEA. See’s Candy: Gift certificates good for 1 lb. at any See’s store! OCEA-members price $13.50 (Reg. $16.10). Certificates are available at the OCEA Special Events office by cash or ATM/debit card.

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

Chiropractic & Dental Services DiversiCare Medical & Therapy Center: Suitably located close to Civic Center. Great discounts on body massages and chiro treatments. Call (800) 717-0766 for more details.

Orthodontic Office of Mark J. Weisenberg, DDS, MS: Excellent discounts on Invisalign treatments and orthodontic braces. Delta Dental provider. Located in Villa Park. To schedule your appointment, call (714) 974-9000.

Cosmetics & Skin Care Avon: 10% off plus FREE shipping & gift for all online orders. Visit www.youravon.com/leticialopez.

Mary Kay: 10% discount on all products.

Contact www.marykay.com/jpadore or (949) 559-8022 for a brochure and details for an extra 10% discount on “Last Chance” items.

Electronics Apple Computers: 17% off selected Apple products. Please visit www.apple.com/r/store/ government/state/epp.html.

Entertainment & Travel Tickets-At-Work: Up to 40% off a variety of nationwide shows such as Cirque du Soleil, Broadway, Las Vegas and more! Please log on to the OCEA website (www.oceamember.org) for full list of attractions! Great savings! You must be registered on OCEA’s website to receive discounts.

Family Entertainment Irvine Lanes: Various discounts are now available to OCEA members at the Irvine Lanes! Visit www.oceamember.org for more information and applicable coupons. Irvine Lanes is located at 3415 Michelson Drive, Irvine, CA 92612. For more details please call (949) 786-9625.

Home Improvement Apache Tile & Stone: Over 15 years experience installing tile, stone and laminate flooring.

Professional, fast and affordable service. OCEA members receive free estimates and 15% off total installation! References furnished upon request.

Call Jose Morales at (714)579-9514 today.

Jewelry Cookie Lee: Complimentary catalog plus 20% off all OCEA members’ orders! Contact Eva McNamee at (562) 879-4911 for more information.

Party Rentals OC Fun Party Rentals: Looking for a jumper rental company that offers safe, clean, affordable, and great-looking jumpers? OCEA members receive 15% discount! For more information call (714) 914-7159, email OCFunPartyRentals@gmail.com, or visit their website www.OCFunRentals.com.

Ride N Glide Rentals: Silly Racers – Slide and Glide bumper cars to rent for children’s party!

Guaranteed to entertain children for hours! Best for entertainment for 3-10-year-olds. 30% off your party rental to OCEA members! For more information call Carlos Flores at (562) 665-4474 or email him at janetcarlos00@msn.com (please put “silly racers” in the subject area).

Photography Artistic Bridals & Portraits Photography: 15% off wedding photography & event plans from their already low prices. OCEA members-only plan is also available! Visit www.nemo4u.com to view samples of work.

Call Mike Nemeth at (949) 496-4559 today!

Kalaidecam Photography: 15% off when customer mentions the code “OCEA”. Visit www.kalaidecam.com for more information.

Main Photo & Imaging Services: 20% off all your photo and digital needs! Visit www. mainphoto.com for more details.

OC Image Services & Tip Wynn Photography: Log on to www.ocimageservices.com and www. tipwynn.com to view their professional images.

Up to 25% off on selected plans!

30 Minute Photos Etc.: Online boutique photo service offers 40% off for all OCEA members’ orders. Corporate code: IRVINE.

Restaurants Pasta Bravo (at the Block): 20% off catering for all your personal and corporate occasions.

Call Store Manager at (714) 769-4031 for more information. OCEA membership card required at the time of delivery.

Scrapbooking Close to My Heart: 15% off your first order for OCEA members. For discount information contact Andrea Lewis at (714) 777-1170 or via email at writetodre@hotmail.com.

Digital Personal Publishing: Great savings on story-booking to cherish for years to come!

Professional consultation offered by Melodie Jones at (714) 401-0926 or melodiejones@flash.net.

Teresa’s Jewelers: Great deals on a variety of contemporary jewelry styles! Call the Jewelers at (714) 834-9277.

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.

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oceamember.

Special Occasions The Pampered Chef: Colleen Holland, Independent Consultant, (714) 496-9814. Shop at www.pamperedchef.biz/gramaskitchen. Quality tools for food preparation and entertaining. Free shipping and delivery for all OCEA Members.

You must call Colleen directly for this offer.

PartyLite: Light a candle and reclaim the magic of everyday life! 20% discount on all purchases!

Please contact Adrienne Ponce at (562) 3338025 or visit her website www.PartyLite.biz/ ButterflyDelyte.

Wagstaff Music: 25% off DJ services! For more details call Bryan Wagstaff at (714) 437-7712.

Vacations Club Med Vacations and Cruises: 30% to 50% off on last-minute vacation packages! Contact LaVonne Campbell at (714) 991-7222 to schedule your trip.

Wellness Lindora: Look great and feel great in just 10 weeks! Free Consultation and Assessment!

10% off Lindora’s Nutritional Products and Support Tools; 20% off Booster Injections; 25% off Personalized Weight Loss Clinic Programs as well as 24/7 Online Support System; 50% off Lab Work. To receive a discount you need to provide your OCEA membership card and photo ID. Visit www.lindora.com/partners/ocea or call (800) LINDORA for more details.

Wireless AT&T: For more information, contact Rachelle Waters at (619) 850-4809, or by email at rachelle.waters@att.com.

Sprint: Save 20% on select regularly priced monthly service plans (requires two-year agreement). To place an order and take advantage of your discount, go to www.print. com/californialocalgovernment. If you are an existing customer, please call (866) 853-4931 to add your discount. Discount Code/Corporate ID: GLLCA_COO_ZZZ (discount code required).

For more details call Glen Klimek, Sprint Public Sector Sales Representative, at (714) 412-1515 or email him at Glen.Klimek@sprint.com.

T-Mobile: 15% discount on qualifying monthly recurring charges for the OCEA members and their families! Promotion code: 13302; Promotion code: 13302TMOFAV. Discount Contact: (877) 453-8824.

Verizon: Save 15% on select monthly plans.

Apply online using Government Employee Program E-Code EMD70.Discount Contact: www.verizonwireless.com/getdiscount.

Now you can purchase certain tickets online at

www.oceamember.org OCEA EMPLOYEE

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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 Hermosillo if you wish to cancel your ad, or regarding corrections or other changes. Mail your classified ads to Sunny Hermosillo at OCEA Headquarters, 830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, fax them to her at (714) 835-7654 or email them to her at shermosillo@oceamember.org.

Apartment Rentals

retiree services

One bedroom apartment: On French Street, near Civic Center, East of Main Street in Santa Ana. Available for viewing in November by appointment only. $875/month, $600 deposit. Please call (714) 542-2985 for more information. 10/10 Two-level condominium: Three spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms, approximately 1,050 sq. ft, one car detached garage with an additional parking space. Utilities included except electricity. Approximately one mile from Santa Ana College and 1.5 miles from Santa Ana Civic Center. $1,600.00 per month plus deposit. Please call (714) 961-8073. 09/10

CARPOOLERS NEEDED Ride share: Visit www.ridematch.info to request a regional carpool matchlist. Learn more about alternate commute options through www.commutesmart.info.

FOR sale Lazyboy: Grey corduroy recliner, good condition. $150. Please contact: (714) 904-9759.

Retired Employees Association: Join the Retired Employees Association for only $1.00 a month. Call (714) 840-3995 or go to www.reaoc.org.

Orange County Office on Aging: Free info on services for older adults. (800) 510-2020.

TUTORing Tutoring Available for All Subjects: Elementary to College students. Over 15 years experience. References available upon request. Contact Johnny at (714) 622-8195. 12/10

vacation rentals Cabin in Big Bear Lake area: Cabin in Big Bear Lake area. Two bedrooms, dining room, living room, full kitchen, gas BBQ, TV/VCR/DVD, fireplace. Linens/towels included. Near ski slopes. $95/night (Sun-Thurs), $125 (Fri-Sat). Please contact: Sly at (714) 686-9790 or email sleye1@sbcglobal.net. 11/10

10/10

Various Items For Sale: Maytag side-by-side white refrigerator with ice and water dispenser on door. Only four years old and in excellent working condition. Large gold tone mirror, only $75. Black twin size bed from Ikea. Mattress frame and boards for support cost me $250 last year but will sell for only $100. Solid wood china hutch with nine drawers lights up at top and glass shelving excellent condition will sacrifice for $450 originally paid $1000 at Ashley’s furniture. Please contact Laura at (714) 3887092 or email me at omgitslaura@yahoo.com. Very best offers will be considered and will help with delivery if local. Pictures are available. 10/10

Vehicles for sale 2007 Honda Accord SE (Special Edition): White Exterior, Tan Interior, 58,000 miles, sixCD Player, Air Conditioning, Power Door Locks, Power Windows, Power Steering, Cruise Control. It’s in great Condition! No accidents! Runs great! Drives smooth! Just purchased and realized to small for my family. Please contact Lynn at (714) 457-4309. 10/10 2003 Honda XR100 Dirt Bike: Low miles, always garaged, and in good condition. $900. Email for pictures: lilrabbit99@gmail.com. Contact: Celia at (714) 272-3767. 08/10

house rentals House For Rent: Five bedrooms, two baths, two kitchens. Near French Park District in Santa Ana. $1,850-$2,000 per month, depending on number of occupants. Available in mid-December 2010. (714) 542-2985. 11/10

Receive $20 Cash Card when you sign up for an Executive account with American Express

Receive $10 Cash Card when you sign up for a Goldstar account

For renewals, receive 100 free digital prints Contact Belinda Lopez (Costco Marketing Representative) at (949) 310-0390.

Promotions are while supplies last and may change at any time without notice.

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OCEA EMPLOYEE

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oceamember.

What’s on yo u r to-do list?

Save money by adding “Call Velece” to your to-do list.

Call us for your free insurance review at (714) 558-1034.

Experience, expertise and superior service.

A wholly owned subsidiary of OCEA 830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 • (714) 558-1034 • www.velece.com

Orange County Employees Association 830 North Ross Street Santa Ana, CA 92701

OCEA has started a new fan page on Facebook, and we want you to join our online community. Here’s what clicking “Like” on our Facebook fan page will give you: • Exclusive information about the latest ticket discounts offered to OCEA members, such as local amusement parks, sporting events and movie tickets.

• Photo slide shows and videos showing OCEA members at work and out in the community.

• News and information that directly affects you, including profiles of your coworkers, updates on important developments in your workplace and reminders about events.

• A place to share your photos, stories and comments with your coworkers and others who are interested in what’s happening with hardworking employees in Orange County.

www.facebook.com/oceamember