Vol 64 Issue 3 - OCEA Employee 2011 July August September by OCEA Employee magazine

OCEA EMPLOYEE VOLUME 64, ISSUE 3 • JULY–SEPTEMBER 2011

Get involved:

OCEA members make a difference

Noon–1 p.m. Sept. 14, 2011 OCEA H&W Trust Open Enrollment and County Medical Open Enrollment Representatives will explain details about each open enrollment.

11 a.m.–2 p.m. Oct. 26, 2011 College Fair Meet representatives from several colleges and universities to talk about costs, qualifications, enrollment and more.

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 OCEA’S TEAM! Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Orange County Employees Association Team #2197 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011 Fashion Island, Newport Beach

There are three ways to join the Orange County Employees Association team (Komen Team #2197): Register online • Donate online or by mail

Visit www.oceamember.org for details.

OCEA EMPLOYEE VOLUME 64, ISSUE 3 • JULY–SEPTEMBER 2011

Redemption High School Steve Thornhill, a teacher at CORE, instructs new participants. CORE, a County program run by OCEA member Adam Caselles, recently won a prestigious “Best in Category” award. The program allows probationers to complete high school in hopes of reducing the recidivism rate.

FEATURES 9 Health Fair preview

20 Cities updates

With the help of co-workers and benefits of cancer insurance, OCEA member Anna Marie Marquez survived breast cancer.

11 2011 OCEA Scholarship winners

Find out the latest from Anaheim and Costa Mesa.

22 Exit interview OCEA Board Member Debra Fyvie retires after 35 years with the County.

Two recent high school graduates received scholarships.

12 Making a difference

25 My OCEA family

Meet four people who impact their workplace or community in positive ways.

OCEA Second Vice President Arlyn Buck makes union work a family affair.

News & updates 2 3 4 4 26

President’s message General Manager’s message OCEA news briefs OCEA calendar Board member Q&As

29 30 30 31 32

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

On the cover: Costa Mesa City Employees Association President Helen Nenadal poses with a Repair Costa Mesa lawn sign. With the help of the community, Costa Mesa employees have been fighting against outsourcing and layoffs all summer. OCEA EMPLOYEE

President’s message

Robert Gibson OCEA President

Which side are you on? As we begin negotiations for the Court bargaining units and prepare for the County units early next year, we need to reflect on the past few difficult years and look to what the future will bring. We have weathered unprecedented attacks and have battled ideologues bent on our destruction for their own personal gain. We have been creative and partnered with other enlightened governing bodies and come to common sense solutions to deal with the Wall Street meltdown. Recent comments by AFLCIO President Richard Trumka have encompassed and crystallized the policy positions of your Board of Directors at OCEA. We need to maintain our focus on the protection and advancement of working people and their families in Orange County. We need to hold accountable those politicians we help to elect and be more proactive in our efforts. In our capacity we do not concern ourselves with the social wedge policies put forth by both parties that are intended to obscure the real issues. To that end, your Board of Directors has adopted the following positions when it comes to gaining our support for politicians or initiatives:

8. A just taxation system where corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share. 9. Restoring the promise—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all. We need to redefine the current discussion in our County, State and Country. We need our members and those we elect

“We need to maintain our focus on the protection and advancement of working people and their families in Orange County. We need to hold accountable those politicians we help to elect and be more proactive in our efforts.” to choose between working families and Wall Street. We need to choose between a retirement with dignity and fattening the wallets of investment bankers. We need to choose between feeding our families and corporate jets and CEO perks. We need to choose between healthcare and corporate tax breaks. Which side are you on?

1. Jobs at living wages to reinvest in America. Yours faithfully, 2. Equal access to quality public education. 3. Guaranteed healthcare with a single standard of care. 4. A secure retirement with the ability to retire in dignity. 5. Good housing, and protection from hunger. 6. A safe and healthy environment.

Robert Gibson OCEA President rgibson@oceamember.org

7. The right to collectively organize and bargain. 2

OCEA EMPLOYEE

2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

General Manager’s message

Nick Berardino OCEA General Manager

Labor’s values are American values It’s been a long and busy summer for public employees in Orange County. We’re facing challenges on many fronts— from fighting mass layoffs in Costa Mesa to finding the $48 million Orange County lost in this year’s budget deal, to standing up against the repeated attacks on the benefits public employees have earned.

So it’s important that when you get up and come to work every day, you remember the critical role you play in preserving the American ideals that our parents and grandparents worked so hard to establish. Reaffirming that in the quality of work we do every day, every month, every year, is absolutely critical in preventing the further erosion of the middle class. The future of our families is at stake.

I know it’s easy for hardworking Americans to see themselves as small cogs in a very big machine and that it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that working people are the ones who hold the fabric of our nation together and form the basis of our Democracy. But it’s true—a strong and vibrant workforce is essential if America is to remain the greatest country in the world.

“So it’s important that when you get up and come to work every day, you remember the critical role you play in preserving the American ideals that our parents and grandparents worked so hard to establish. Reaffirming that in the quality of work we do every day, every month, every year, is absolutely critical in preventing the further erosion of the middle class. The future of our families is at stake.”

Somehow, many working Americans have chosen to accept that it’s no longer possible to live in the America where I grew up—an America where work was valued and a working-class guy like my father, a factory worker, could earn a decent living. A world where my mother could stay home to help keep us out of trouble and where they could send us to college without saddling all of us with backbreaking debt.

Somehow, standing up for those values—for decent wages, health care and a secure and fair retirement—has become politically out of fashion, and “union” has become a negative word for some. And at the same time the public accepts some of this rhetoric, the greatest transfer of wealth that has ever occurred in this Country is stripping Americans of their future and their position in the middle class.

This issue of OCEA’s magazine highlights some of the great contributions OCEA members make at work and throughout the community—examples of the American values that we all hold dear. I wanted to take this time to say thank you to them—and to all of you—for all that you do. I’m proud to stand alongside you. In solidarity,

Nick Berardino OCEA General Manager

You, and the great work you do every day in your communities and at your jobs, are becoming the last line of defense. 2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

OCEA EMPLOYEE

OCEA news briefs Governor appoints OCEA GM to OC Fair board Orange County Employees Association General Manager Nick Berardino was appointed to the Orange County Fair Board in July by Governor Jerry Brown.

E M P LOYEE Orange County Employees Association

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

“The fair is one of the last public resources that is affordable enough for people from all walks of life,” said Berardino, who called his appointment “a great opportunity to continue showing the citizens of Orange County (OCEA’s) commitment to transparency, accountability and programs that serve the entire community.”

Lezlee Neebe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Vice President Arlyn Buck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd Vice President Butch Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary Maria Corona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer Alan Clow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance Officer Frank Eley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Past President

The board oversees the 150-acre Orange County Fair & Event Center, which hosts the county’s annual summer fair. The 2011 fair has averaged more than 60,000 attendees each day.

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Alan Dean Clow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legislative Maria Corona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Budget/Finance

In recent years the board has been embroiled in controversy because of efforts to privatize the fairgrounds. “With all of the controversy surrounding recent proposals to sell the fairgrounds, I will be doing all I can to restore the public’s faith in the board and preserve the fair’s traditions for generations to come,” Berardino said. “These are values that you have led the way in promoting at the County, and I hope to continue your great progress at the Orange County Fair.”

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sharron Anderson . . . . . . . . County Executive Office Dan Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff-Coroner Arlyn Buck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Alan Dean Clow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Defender Maria Corona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Oliver Didio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff-Coroner Frank Eley . . . . . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD) Eusebio “Butch” Garcia . . . . . . Social Services Agency Robert Gibson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation Al Jabbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Gary Morrison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assessor’s Office Paul Nguyen . . . . . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency John Leos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation Lezlee Neebe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court Clerk Cheryl Neuenschwander . . . . . . Superior Court Clerk Phyllis Oudmayer . . . . . . . . . . Child Support Services Chris Prevatt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency

Courtesy of OC Fair

Pamela Waters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Library Ray Yarbrough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation

OCEA calendar Sept. 13

Noon–1 p.m.; 5:30-7 p.m.

Stewards meeting

Sept. 14

Noon–1 p.m.

OCEA Presents: H&W and Medical open enrollment

Sept. 16

11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

Food Truck Friday at OCEA

Sept. 20

3 p.m.

OCEA Board of Directors meeting

Sept. 25

7:30–11 a.m.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Oct. 4

10 a.m.–1 p.m.

OCEA Health Fair

Oct. 10

Columbus Day observed

Oct. 11

Noon–1 p.m.; 5:30–7 p.m.

Stewards meeting

Oct. 18

3 p.m.

OCEA Board of Directors meeting

Oct. 22

8 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Foreclosure Prevention workshop

Oct. 26

11 a.m.–2 p.m.

OCEA College Fair

Nov. 8

Noon–1 p.m.; 5:30–7 p.m.

Stewards meeting Veterans Day observed

Nov. 15

OCEA Board of Directors meeting

Nov. 16–30

Editor: Jennifer Muir Design & Layout: Kevin Rush Staff Writer: Niyaz Pirani

Nov. 11 3 p.m.

OCEA EMPLOYEE

OCEA Food Drive

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.

830 North Ross Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 835-3355

2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

OCEA news briefs CSS members celebrate each other’s work Five OCEA Members from Child Support Services were given Excellence in Public Service Awards in June. The quarterly award was created by OCEA Board Member Phyllis Oudmayer to allow CSS employees to recognize the achievements of their co-workers.

(he) always manages to swiftly and seamlessly complete the task at hand, regularly well within the slim deadlines!”

If you have an employee recognition program at your Agency and would like to see it written about, or if you know an employee at your Agency who deserves recognition, email OCEA Communications Specialist Niyaz Pirani at npirani@oceamember.org.

“She goes above and beyond for others; she has a wonderful, cheerful, pleasant, calm personality. She’s always quietly in the background and never seeks attention—I think it would be great for her to receive the recognition she deserves.”

Here’s what the people who nominated this quarter’s winners had to say about them:

Sal Ruiz, nominated by Sophea Marr

Esther Hernandez, nominated by Alicia Hernandez “(Esther is) very knowledgeable and (is) an asset to this Agency. … I noticed she was conscientious about the quality of her work and very demanding of herself to provide the best customer service to the inside and outside customers.” Ruben Padilla, nominated by Claudia Heredia “I believe Ruben NEEDS to receive this award to acknowledge the remarkable job he does in providing support to the entire agency. … Ruben has proven to be consistently able and willing to jump in with both feet and help out, often with very little time or direction given. Yet

Mary Rodriguez, nominated by Barbara Franken and Monica Allison

“Sal is always the ‘go to’ person when questions need answers on a difficult case. He is amazingly quick with his understanding of case work. Even though he is not a senior, he has the knowledge and the spirit of a team player—we all go to him and he never makes you feel that you are taking up his time.” Cheryl Vargas, nominated by Yasie Malek “I have often had to turn to Cheryl for help on a case or finding information. She always takes the time to search for the answer if she does not know it off hand. She works hard and never complains, which really helps the morale of both her team and the agency. It is wonderful to have really hard working staff like Cheryl who cares about both our customers and employees!”

Esther Hernandez, Ruben Padilla, Mary Rodriguez and Cheryl Vargas. (Not pictured: Sal Ruiz) 2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

OCEA EMPLOYEE

OCEA news briefs Next Food Truck Friday on Sept. 16 OCEA’s latest Food Truck Friday on June 17 generated $300 for United Labor Agency of Orange County. The money will be used to help unemployed and underemployed families in need.

Food trucks contributed 15 percent of their proceeds to ULAOC and attendees were rewarded for their generosity with a free raffle. Winners included Matt Tran, Susie Garcia and Jordan Robles.

Four of the county’s most popular food trucks—Bacon Mania (bacon goodies), Dos Chinos (Asian-Latin fusion), Shortstop BBQ and Tropical Shave Ice (Hawaiian shaved ice)—served lunch at the OCEA parking lot. Hungry patrons munched on burritos stuffed with egg and Chinese sausage, deep-fried bacon-wrapped peanut butter and jelly sandwich balls, and grilled portabello mushroom sandwiches.

Our next Food Truck Friday is from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 16. Dos Chinos will return; other trucks scheduled to appear include Longboards Ice Cream (hand-dipped ice cream bars), Pogi Boy Truck (Filipino), Panfiniti (sandwiches) and Spudrunners (baked potato/French fries). For updated information on our upcoming food truck fundraisers, visit www.oceamember.org and click “OCEA Member news.”

Laura Dempsey and Carolyn Vadrevu of Superior Courts enjoy Longboards Ice Cream bars. 6

OCEA EMPLOYEE

2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

OCEA news briefs Open enrollment starts in September Open enrollment for the OCEA Health and Welfare benefit plan runs Sept. 19 through Oct. 14. This is your annual opportunity to make changes to your Health and Welfare and supplemental benefit elections. During open enrollment, you may make a wide variety of permissible changes to your insurance, such as adding or dropping dependents, changing option packages, and, for OCEA members, upgrading certain plans. OCEA will mail open enrollment packages to eligible employees in mid-September. 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 Oct. 21. If you fail to make changes during the open enrollment period, with limited exceptions, you will not

OCEA Board of Directors election is set for November

be able to change your benefit elections until open enrollment in late 2012. 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 assistance, call an OCEA Benefits Administrator at (714) 835-3355.

Workshop helps attendees avoid foreclosure

Ten seats on Orange County Employees Association Board of Directors will be open during the November general election. Members who want to run for one of the open seats can complete an application form, available at www.oceamember.org via the “Get Involved” tag, and return it to OCEA by no later than noon on Sept. 19. Candidates must be regular OCEA members and be employed in a unit that is represented by OCEA. To qualify for a position on the Board, they must be actively employed by the County for all or a portion of the six-month period immediately preceding their nomination. Applicants also must meet one of the three following criteria: 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 Board. Candidates also may be nominated for office through a written petition signed by 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 by the September Board meeting. A candidate is not eligible if being elected 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).

Orange County Employees Association will host a free Foreclosure Prevention workshop at OCEA from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 22. The workshop will be in English from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Spanish from noon to 3:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with bank representatives and HUD-approved housing counselors. To make the most of the workshop, attendees should bring copies of recent mortgage statements, current pay stubs, two years of W2’s and tax returns, and a list of monthly expenses. Visit www.oceamember.org closer to the event for a list of participating lenders. To RSVP, contact Cathy Yatch at (714) 835-3355 or cyatch@oceamember.org.

For more information, contact Janice Lee at (714) 8353355. 2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

OCEA EMPLOYEE

OCEA news briefs Velece Insurance unveils new website

OCEA works to fill $48 million budget gap OCEA continues to meet with County officials and legislators regarding how to restore the $48 million that was taken away from Orange County as part of the state budget deal. There have been several strategies suggested by legislators, and we’re encouraged by the momentum that seems to be building toward finding a solution. We’re working especially closely with Speaker of the State Assembly John Perez, Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Campbell, Senator Lou Correa and Assemblyman Jose Solorio on finding a solution to this issue.

Velece Insurance Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Orange County Employees Association, launched a revamped website in July to improve the online insurance experience for our clients. With the new website, potential customers will be able to fill out an online information sheet requesting a quote for one of our various types of insurance, including homeowners insurance, vehicle insurance and more. A Velece agent will call the customer back within 24 hours with a quote. “We realize that people are busy and don’t have time to deal with their insurance needs sometimes,” Velece Insurance Agent Sonja Lindquist said. “Whether you need a lot or a little, it’s all there.” The website also features brighter colors, bigger pictures and an easy-to-navigate menu at the top of the page, which allows customers to quickly browse information about Velece and the products we offer for both OCEA members and non-members. “We wanted to show our members that we are modernizing Velece and giving it a bright facelift,” Lindquist said. “We wanted the look and the feel of the website to reflect our attitude.” Contests will be held frequently on the site, and anyone who successfully refers a friend or family member to Velece will also receive a pair of movie tickets. OCEA Member Gilbert Quintero of Social Services Agency already scored a pair of movie tickets online. Visit www.velece.com to use the new website, or call (714) 558-1034 to speak to an agent. 8

OCEA EMPLOYEE

We’re not out of the woods yet, but everyone is working hard on making sure Orange County receives the funds and avoids any negative impact to County services. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more about the progress.

Replica Veterans Memorial coming to Garden Grove The Moving Wall, a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be in Garden Grove Park, 9301 Westminster Ave., on Oct. 6-10. The event marks the first time the original replica memorial has been in the city since the traveling exhibit debuted in 1984. “We’re just thrilled that it’s here,” said Jennifer Goddard Nye, Garden Grove Senior Administrative Aide and Garden Grove City Employees Association member. “It’s really an honor and it’s very prestigious that it’s coming here.” The memorial was brought to the city by the city’s Vietnam War Museum of America Foundation, a group whose mission is to one day bring a permanent Vietnam War memorial to Garden Grove. For more information on volunteering, donations and a schedule of events, call (714) 741-5187, email themovingwallgg@garden-grove.org or visit www.ci.garden-grove.ca.us.

What’s going on in your workplace? Contact OCEA Communications Specialist Niyaz Pirani at npirani@oceamember.org if something is going on in your workplace you would like to see covered in OCEA Employee.

2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

Prevention:

The best medicine

Of all the brochures on the table in the break room at her workplace, the one about cancer insurance stuck out the most to Anna Marie Marquez. “I saw ‘Cancer Insurance’ and it just made me think,” said Marquez, an OCEA Member and secretary at Orangewood Children’s Home in Orange. “I had lost my mother to cancer and I thought ‘I should look into that.’” Marquez waited for the insurance she purchased from Colonial Life to kick in after 30 days and then went for her annual mammogram where she tested positive for breast cancer. “I was stunned. You start envisioning all of this horrible illness,” she said. “It was the opposite. Through my Cigna health care HMO I had the most outstanding doctors at St. Joseph (Hospital of Orange). It was a little frightening. I took chemo(therapy) and never once got an upset stomach. I started radiation—that was a little more frightening than the chemotherapy.” She left work in October 2010 and returned in June. She had lymph nodes and a lump removed from her breast, and today she is cancer free. Marquez attributes her quick recovery to her OCEA family and fellow co-workers who donated catastrophic leave time when she needed it most. “I just felt a real peace. I think that helped me in my healing process because I wasn’t worried about the money,” she said, adding that cards—sent in stacks by friends and family— helped too. “You get those cards and it’s very uplifting. … You feel the wind beneath your wings.” Though Marquez knew of her cancer risk, she said the scare

2011 OCEA Health Fair When: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Oct. 4 Where: OCEA Parking Lot, 830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana What: Representatives from various health organizations will educate attendees and provide screenings for cholesterol, glucose levels, carpal tunnel, bone density, blood pressure and other health issues. Various County agencies, hospitals and businesses will have booths, and participants can enjoy free food, drinks, back massages, giveaways, raffles and more.

Anna Marie Marquez shows off the stack of cards well-wishers sent to her during her cancer treatment.

has made her reevaluate her insurance needs and her desire to stay on top of her health care. “You have to have to go for your yearly checkup, just as a safety precaution,” she said. “(Things) are preventative. I caught mine in time. If I hadn’t gone for my yearly screening, who knows what would have happened.” Colonial Life will be just one of dozens of vendors at OCEA’s annual Health Fair in the OCEA parking lot, presented by the OCEA Health and Welfare Trust, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4. At the event, representatives from various health organizations will educate attendees and provide screenings for cholesterol, glucose levels, carpal tunnel, bone density, blood pressure and other health issues. Flu shots can also be purchased at the fair for a nominal fee. Marquez said she realized how important insurance is after having Colonial Life to help her through her cancer treatment. She recently contacted an OCEA benefits administrator and signed up for supplemental disability, too. “You never know what can happen,” she said. “OCEA’s there to support us and give us the best options, so we should take advantage of it.”

2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

OCEA EMPLOYEE

Orange County Employees Association Organization • Santa Ana, CA

Wall Info OCEA Magazine Photos Video Events Links

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people like this Help us get to 1,000 followers! Once we hit our goal of 1,000 followers, we will have a drawing for two tickets to see the Battle of the Dance dinner show ($120 value). Only members who “like” us will be eligible to win. The sooner we get to 1,000, the sooner we can give the tickets away so make sure you tell your fellow members.

Do you need help with Facebook or Twitter? Visit oceamember.org to view a tutorial discussing the how-to and dos and don’ts of social media.

Wall

Top posts

What qualities should workplace leaders and Stewards have? Tim Hainline, Anaheim Municipal Employees Association The most important part of representing all the dedicated, hard-working public servants I represent is accessibility and compassion. Most people just want someone to listen to their situation and give them solid advice. If I can’t resolve their situation myself, I tell them the truth and direct them to the person/people who can. I also believe in following up with my fellow workers. Christine Lam, Costa Mesa City Employees Association Honest and open communication, TRANSPARENCY, confidence, and the willingness to learn and understand both sides of the table. Monalisa Tran, Social Services Agency Someone who is approachable, knowledgeable and supportive! Jeff Gallagher, Orange County Probation Communication ... and wings. Israel De la Cruz, Social Services Agency Mutual respect and the ability to question leadership without fear of retaliation. Ashley Richards Beeney, Health Care Agency Someone who is willing to stand up for what is right and be a positive role model. Teresa McConkey, Social Services Agency An open door policy. Someone that you can trust to look out for your best interests. Someone who is supportive and fair, that can build a strong team. Oh wait ... that’s my supervisor! Big props Denise! Araceli Altamirano, Child Support Services Someone who is fair and is able to differentiate between friendship and business. Also, someone who can acknowledge the hard work and supports their staff.

OCEA EMPLOYEE

2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

Winner Tien Le “Jesse” Cao recieved his check with family by his side.

Winner Christina Nguyen and mom Thoa Tran.

2011 OCEA scholarship awards OCEA’s scholarship committee selected recent high school graduates Tien Le “Jesse” Cao of Garden Grove High and Christina Nguyen of Mater Dei High to recieve 2011 Orange County Employees Association Scholarships. Each student received $2,000 from OCEA’s Board of Directors to defray college costs. Forty-six students applied for the scholarship and had to submit high school transcripts, SAT/ACT scores and an essay explaining how their college educations would be used to improve the lives of working families. OCEA Board member Phyllis Oudmayer, chair of the scholarship committee, said the committee saw the potential for positive influence both students could have. Cao, son of Tri Cao in Social Services Agency, will attend the University of California, Los Angeles this fall. In high school he excelled at water polo and swimming while maintaining

a 4.24 GPA and volunteering as a Service and Outreach Committee coordinator for St. Columban Church. “He far surpassed my expectations on finding and planning service projects for the group,” wrote Youth Ministry and Confirmation Coordinator Elizabeth Serrano. “Jesse’s commitment to his faith and the people he serves is astounding.” In his essay, Cao wrote that he has witnessed firsthand the damaging effects of reduced hours and pay cuts in his house, which has caused strain in these tough economic times. “The experiences that I have with living and adjusting to these hardships serve as a driving factor for me in my goal of becoming a lobbyist, which I wish to pursue after I graduate from UCLA as a political science major,” he wrote, adding that he plans to work on issues that improve conditions for workers. Nguyen, daughter of Thoa Tran in Health Care Agency, will attend the University of San Francisco this fall. She participated in a variety of on-campus clubs and organizations including ASB and Liturgical Leadership. Her 4.0 GPA landed her on the Principal’s Honor Roll and her service earned the title of “Young Catholic Woman of the Year” by campus ministry. Nguyen, who plans to become a teacher, was praised by one teacher for being “a born leader” who “has lived her young life in service to others.” Nguyen wants to mentor children and instill in them the values of working families.

OCEA Board member Phyllis Oudmayer, chair of the scholarship committee, with winners Tien Le “Jesse” Cao and Christina Nguyen.

“I also plan to be a member of the union in my teaching field,” she wrote. “I know it will be necessary to pay my dues and do anything that is necessary to support the union in maintaining and preserving the rights of the employees.”

2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

OCEA EMPLOYEE

How the OCEA community is

making a difference Involvement is the backbone of the labor movement. Without those who spoke out for their fellow workers and their rights, unions could not have accomplished as much as they have for the American middle class. Even today, during a time of unprecedented attack, we stand together strong in places like Costa Mesa and Wisconsin to fight for all working families. Involvement takes place in many forms. From volunteering at church to coaching Little League, OCEA members and their

co-workers find ways to improve their communities and their workplaces every day. Being involved reflects positively on our membership; it makes us shine and deflects our critics. Here are four people related to OCEA who make a difference with generosity, volunteerism and the desire to positively impact those around them.

Christina Guza, a volunteer with Guide Dogs of America, sits with Dublin, a guide dog in training.

CHRISTINA GUZA, ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

Christina Guza, a 911 operator at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, decided a few years ago to help the visually impaired by combining her love for helping people with her love for animals.

“I’ve heard visually-impaired people speak about what an impact the dog makes on them and how their freedom is so increased,” she said. “It’s immeasurable, the change in their life, in not having to rely on people as much.”

She was connected with Guide Dogs of America, a Sylmarbased organization that since 1948 has provided free guide dogs to those in need.

Guide dogs begin training when they’re only a few months old, and trainers spend 12 to 18 months working with dogs. The most common breeds include golden retrievers,

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2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

Labradors and Labrador-retriever mixes. Training includes teaching house manners and how to behave in public. Guza said the focus is on teaching the dog not to chew up possessions or get into places the dog is not supposed to be.

“It’s like the worst feeling ever, but I’m happy with the way things turned out for him,” Guza said. “He’s training for search and rescue. I’m really proud of him for that. He’s only 10 months old and already in advanced training.”

Through GDA, Guza has co-trained one dog, a puppy named Nicholas, but he was “career changed” and taken out of the guide dog program.

Though the commitment of a full-time dog is not possible for now, Guza remains active in the program through puppysitting and training for others on a day-by-day basis.

Costa Mesa resident Susan Meyer has volunteered many hours phone banking and precinct walking in support of Costa Mesa workers.

SUSAN MEYER, REPAIR COSTA MESA Susan Meyer, a dedicated Repair Costa Mesa volunteer, did not grow up in a “labor” household, but early in life she learned the importance of unions while working at a plastics factory. The women were burning their arms on the machines, and Meyer, realizing that something should be done, suggested to her co-workers that they speak to a union. Management was quick to get rid of her, but the lesson she learned carried with her when she sought jobs later in life. Looking for “protection,” she landed a union job as an equipment operator with the North Orange County Community College District. For the last 9 years, she’s worked as a labor relations representative for California School Employees Association.

But it’s not just her long history of labor that makes her a great asset to Repair Costa Mesa, the coalition of community members and stakeholders seeking to cancel the layoffs of more than 200 City workers. It’s her undeterred dedication to the city she’s lived in nearly 20 years that makes her stand out. “I believe that eliminating the city workers will be devastating to our city,” Meyer said. “I know what contractors do. I know the kind of work they perform and they do as little work, and use substandard materials, as much as they can get away with.” Meyer said hearing Mayor Gary Monahan say he “hires and fires people every day” infuriated her. She was quoted by one

2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

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local newspaper telling the mayor to “fire himself.”

banner is visible to all who visit Orange Coast College and the OC Fair & Event Center.

She decided from then on to phone bank and precinct walk as much as possible. She even displays a huge banner that reads “Cancel the Layoffs” on the side of her house. The

“Cities should not be going down this path,” she said. “(I plan on doing this) until it’s over.”

Child Support Services employee Delia Murillo teaches Mexican folk dancing to a group of teens and young adults every Saturday.

DELIA MURILLO, CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES The music, the colorful costumes and the culture of it all— there’s much to love about Baile Folklorico, or traditional Mexican folk dancing. Child Support Services Staff Specialist Delia Murillo, now a teacher and Board Member for local dance company Relampago del Cielo, found a love for the regional dances of her family’s homeland as a high school student. “In school it wasn’t the cool thing to do,” she said. “Kids made fun of it, and most of the kids that were in the dance group, I didn’t have them in my classes. I remember having a performance during school lunch and some people were really enjoying it, but some were laughing at it.” The high school dancers—taught then by a member of the company Murillo works with now—performed locally, at cultural celebrations, and one special event at the Newport Beach Yacht Club. Murillo continued to dance with her group of high school friends after graduating, but stopped when they eventually all went separate ways. 14

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Years later she took a class at Santa Ana College where her teacher, the founder of Relampago, invited her to perform with the company. Murillo joined up and would later meet her husband at a performance. She quit dancing to start a family, but picked it back up once her children had grown some. Today, she volunteers as Treasurer of Relampago’s Board of Directors and is on the Special Events Committee, Fundraising Committee and Executive Board. For the last five years Murillo has taught for the group in various places, the most recent being Saturday lessons in rented classrooms at Orange County High School of the Arts. There, she teaches nearly 30 kids, mostly teens to young adults, big, choreographed routines where limbs flail and costumed ruffles fly. “I push my kids, but I tell them it’s because I want them to do their best. Every time we do a big show I try to talk to them and give them encouraging words,” she said. “I start, but I’m a big crybaby and I get so emotional because it’s so rewarding. I’m not dancing anymore, but I just want to enjoy it through them.”

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Steve Eldred, Director of Child Support Services, invites employees to share lunch with him monthly as a team-building exercise.

STEVE ELDRED, CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES While there are plenty of OCEA members doing great things, one OCEA member suggested highlighting a County manager whose monthly lunch with employees improves morale at his Agency. With more than 600 employees, Child Support Services Director Steve Eldred said he’s not able to have as much individual contact with people as he’d like, adding there are a lot of people he doesn’t know much about. “I don’t believe we have Child Support Officers, Supervisors or Office Assistants working here; I think we have people who hold those positions. … I as an individual leader can

be much more effective in leading the organization if I know who works here,” he said. A handful of participants are selected at random by Eldred’s secretary from all non-management staff. Some people feel more comfortable bringing a friend, and that’s okay, Eldred said. He’s never told who was asked, or who declined, he just knows who shows up to share a meal. “We discuss grandchildren, first jobs, places we’ve traveled, the future of County employment, budget and politics, ‘Survivor’ and the Angels’ chances this year,” he said. “I’ve learned so much about our folks by doing these lunches.”

If you would like to share the story of a fellow OCEA member whose efforts at work or in the community inspire you, write to OCEA Communications Specialist Niyaz Pirani at npirani@oceamember.org. 2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

OCEA EMPLOYEE

2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

Class starts promptly at 8 a.m. with a walk through the metal detector. Students—“participants” as they are called here—line up and empty the contents of their pockets before passing through the beeping gateway.

One of those participants is Frank, a 23-year-old who was incarcerated three times for drug-related crimes. When he was last arrested, Frank spent two months in jail for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He’s been in CORE for more than a year.

The rules: No drugs, alcohol or weapons, and cell phones must be turned off at all times. Violence in any form is prohibited, and everyone, staff and students alike, are to be treated with the utmost respect.

“This last time I went to jail, they told me I needed to go to drug court. I was sitting in jail thinking about what I would do differently in my life,” he said.

The students here, like students anywhere, hope to one day walk out of the front doors with their diplomas. Only, students at this “high school”—the adult men and women in the Probation Department’s CORE program—all have criminal records.

That something different would be CORE, Orange County Probation Department’s Center for Opportunity, Reentry and Education. Housed in an unmarked building on Bristol Street a few miles from South Coast Plaza, the center holds a chance at redemption for qualified probationers.

They’re not looking to start their lives—they’re looking for a fresh start.

Launched in April 2010 as a partnership between OCPD and the Orange County Department of Education, CORE bridges

Steve Thornhill, a teacher at CORE, watches a participant practice job interview skills with classmates. 2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

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CORE staff (L to R): Leo Duran, Jennifer Rowe, Joe Maduena, Cecilia Monachello, Christopher Paz, Steve Thornhill, Adam Caselles, Tom Byrd

the gap between incarceration and a life outside of lockup with a curriculum that aims to reduce recidivism by teaching academics, behavioral therapy and social skills.

“One thing we try to establish is that they’re safe when they’re here. That’s part of their basic needs,” he said. “You can’t start learning if you’re feeling like you’re about to get jumped.”

Participants, selected by their probation officers because they did not finish high school, are required to attend at least 30 days of class at CORE. Most stay longer, and as reward for completing the program, students graduate with their high school diploma or GED.

Participants attend class from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. If the court orders a person to be drug tested, it can happen randomly at the center. If a participant fails to show up for class, a probation car is sent to check on them.

The program was recently recognized as “Best in Category” by the National Association of Counties, an organization that represents more than 3,000 counties. This special recognition awards unique, innovative and replicable ways counties can better their communities. “(There are) not many opportunities for adults to get a high school diploma or GED. Most of the educational services are focused toward the youth,” said OCEA Member Adam Caselles, Supervising Probation Officer of the CORE program. “A high-risk time for a lot of probationers is that couple of weeks after they get out,” he said. “Either they’re going to sink or swim.” Participants—the youngest ones are 18; the oldest is in his mid-50’s—are funneled into CORE from Orange County jails, drug court, the gang unit and more. The majority of students are provided with bus passes to get to class because they don’t have cars or drivers’ licenses. Regardless of the crime, CORE takes on most probationers who are recommended to the program, including those with heavy criminal and gang affiliations. Sex offenders are not allowed. There has not been a single fight in the center, Caselles said. 18

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“Some probationers drag their feet when they first get here, but a lot of them want to be here and request to be here,” Caselles said. “We find that once they start the program they like it and want to stay.” Classes typically have 20 students who tackle the day in two phases. Students take math, science and history lessons for half of the day and study life skills, behavior therapy and job skills for the remainder. It can take students several months to earn enough credits to graduate, Deputy Probation Officer II Jennifer Rowe, an OCEA member, said. Not only must participants earn enough credits, but they have to pass the California High School Exit Examination, too. CORE also partners with various agencies to assist the participants with public defender-related issues, internships and job placement after graduation. “Having a felony on your record, if you don’t have a high school diploma or GED, you’re at the bottom of the list,” Rowe said. “At least if they can get their high school diploma or GED they have a step up.” Most beginning participants are adverse to authority and instruction, Caselles said, so in order to get people to

2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

graduate, collaboration with the Department of Education staff is integral. Steve Thornhill, who paved his path in education working in California’s prison system, teaches Thinking for Change, or T4C as it’s known here. The curriculum’s 22 lessons teach cognitive skills and focus on role play and problem solving. Participants act out mock job interviews, write resumes and cover letters and practice how to filter their behavior to control negative thoughts and focus on positive outcomes. “My biggest challenge is getting them to see that there’s another side that you can take,” Thornhill said. “The old adage is ‘I had to, I didn’t have a choice.’ It’s about getting (them) to understand that in just about everything you do you have a choice.” Thornhill finds joy in seeing participants who have been out of school for decades grow intellectually. Nearly two-thirds of the participants complete the program’s requirements, according to the National Association of Counties.

Frank, the 23-year-old, arrived with 105 credits and a goal of earning a GED. When he passed the English section of the high school exit exam, he decided to get his diploma. Then he passed the math section. Now, graduation is only months away. He plans to attend college and find a job as a computer programmer or computer drafter. “I came here with an open mind. I think this program is awesome and actually helps a lot of people,” he said, adding that classes tackling anger management and substance abuse proved most helpful to him. “If high schools actually had teachers certified in these particular subjects, a lot of students in high school wouldn’t have either dropped out or (joined) gangs.” Frank remembers his low—“being caged up like an animal” in jail—and, though every aspect of the CORE program is supervised, Frank said it’s better than a cell any day. “I don’t look at this program like jail,” he said. “I look at it as freedom.”

Congratulations to our members who also received awards this year from the National Association of Counties: Camino de Esparanza (OC Parks, Probation): Organizes field trips for incarcerated youth to park facilities Dog License Amnesty Program (OC Animal Care): Waves late and non-compliance fees for dog owners to purchase their dog licenses Election Academy (Registrar of Voters): Tool provides users an understanding of elections, how they work and policies behind them Human Powered Craft Operational Safety Guidelines Signage and Sticker Program (Dana Point Harbor): Educates craft, power and sail boat operators about safety Internal Savings in Difficult Times (Registrar of Voters): Savings program found 5 percent in cuts without layoffs or furloughs Intergenerational Literacy (OC Public Libraries): Provides monthly reading times for families to read, play and learn together Library Book Cart Delivery System (OC Public Libraries): New process streamlines sorting and delivery to library branches Mars and Stars Program (OC Parks): Educates the public about NASA’s unmanned missions to Mars

Military and Overseas Portal (Registrar of Voters): Allows military and civilian voters overseas to use ROV programs and vote instantly Poll Worker PASS (Register of Voters): Improves the administration and enhances the cost-effectiveness of conducting elections Prototypes Mother & Child Residential Homes Program (Social Services Agency): Home accommodates 15 families at a time, providing services for mothers and their children Rapid Methods Beach Water Quality Testing (Health Care Agency): Demonstrates the use of new ocean water testing methods Second Sundays Habitat Restoration Program (OC Parks): Thousands of volunteers annually work to improve the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve by planting and seeding native plants and removing non-native plants Solutions for Parents: A Child Support Marketing and Communications Program (Child Support Services): Campaign promotes available child support resources Water Quality Improvement Program (Dana Point Harbor): Develops ways to improve water quality inside and outside Dana Point Harbor

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Volunteers prepare signs for precinct walking and delivery.

Court stops Costa Mesa layoffs for now Workers in Costa Mesa celebrated a victory in July when an Orange County Superior Court Judge ruled that Costa Mesa can’t outsource to the private sector. The preliminary injunction will remain in effect until the case is ultimately resolved at trial or until other action by the Court. It stops the City from outsourcing jobs to the private sector and laying off any of the 213 employees who received pink slips in March pursuant to the City’s outsourcing plan. At least temporarily, the injunction removes a dark cloud from over the heads of City employees, their families, and the entire community.

Inexplicably, the City continues to pursue outsourcing to the private sector and has even begun negotiating with some private companies. And despite the City Council majority’s constant harping about the City’s finances, it is needlessly spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on legal fees. They’re doing all this even though state law prohibits general law cities, such as Costa Mesa, from outsourcing to the private sector except in very narrow circumstances. We must remain resolute in our opposition of their scheme because the implications reach far beyond the City’s boundaries. If we are successful, the Costa Mesa experience will provide added piece of mind and security for workers in the dozens of other general law cities across the state. The Costa Mesa community remains behind our brothers and sisters who received pink slips. Signs urging the City Council to “Cancel the Layoffs” blanket neighborhoods across the City, and community members continue walking door-todoor and appearing at City meetings urging the City Council to change their misguided priorities and cancel the layoffs.

Repair Costa Mesa volunteers receive princinct walking instructions. 20

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We are doing everything we can to stop this politicallymotivated attack from spreading throughout our County. Visit repaircostamesa.com or facebook.com/repaircostamesa to find out how you can help.

2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

Anaheim Association fights outsourcing and layoffs The battle against privatization isn’t only being fought in the city of Costa Mesa. In July, the Anaheim City Council voted to outsource its entire parks department, leaving more than 20 employees who were impacted by layoffs. The City Council is looking to outsource its library services next. Anaheim workers might also see reductions in reprographics, code enforcement and graffiti removal. “They’re privatizing services, and it’s political,” said OCEA Labor Relations Representative Tim Steed. “The way they save money is by getting rid of qualified staff, people with experience, and eliminating services.” “It’s bad for the community,” Steed added. “(Outsourcing) will deprive the community of its library services, and hundreds of thousands of Anaheim residents use their public library services every year.” Anaheim Municipal Employees Association—founded in 1946 to represent city employees who felt they didn’t have a voice—is now working to educate the community about the vital services and experienced employees being threatened.

“We’ve been under acute threat since February 2009 when the city started to downsize our parks division,” AMEA President Brian Beger said. “Here we are today with the last of our parks employees going out the door.” Beger hopes the work of AMEA and OCEA members and the support of the community will change the council’s mind. “We have wonderful volunteers from our departments and Executive Board and endless support from Orange County Employees Association,” Beger said. “Now we need to keep our heads high more than ever. Solidarity means everything.”

Anaheim Municipal Employees Association Founded: 1946 Membership: 650 Board Members: Brian Beger, President; David Pangle, Vice President; Mike Holmes, 2nd Vice President; Tim Hainline, Secretary; Margaret Hunter, Treasurer

AMEA gives back (L to R): AMEA’s Mike Holmes, David Pangle, Brian Beger and Erick Armeson with Anaheim Councilwoman Lorri Galloway and students of Benjamin Franklin Elementary in Anaheim promoting the Rolling Readers Program. 2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

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Exit interview

Saying goodbye to Debra Fyvie

While contemplating her impending retirement, Debra Fyvie—a longtime Steward whose departure also marks her retirement from OCEA’s Board of Directors—had one question stick in her mind: “Have I really been with the County for 35 years?” She started with the District Attorney’s 70-employee Family Support Division and watched as it became its own agency, Child Support Services, which employs more than 600 workers. She bounced around several departments and was integral in developing policies and procedures for crimerelated programs. Fyvie finished her County career as a Senior Law Office Supervisor with Child Support Services where she cross-trained staff, reorganized workloads and more. Fyvie said her biggest highlights at OCEA were participating in the last four of OCEA’s bargaining committees—including the team that secured 2.7@55 for our members—and serving on OCEA’s Women’s Forum. She recently discussed her career and union involvement with OCEA Employee Magazine.

Why did you become a public employee? I wanted to make a difference and help society. I’m more of an observer, or a pacifist, as far as not fighting. I felt like being in the clerical pool and helping out by moving the paperwork along, I would be doing my part. What about doing your part was attractive to you? Things of that era—the Vietnam War was going on, Adam 12 was on television—and my parents were from the Midwest, and I was brought up with those values. You have to tell the truth, you have to be responsible, so I felt like this was a way I could do it and help my community. How did you get your start with District Attorney, and what jobs did you perform while there? I got an interview, my very first interview as it happens to be, in 1976. I was qualified for a higher position, but just to get my foot in the door in the D.A.’s office, I took the lowest position there as a file clerk. I got in and proved myself. I figured if I could get in there and show them what I was capable of doing … there’s only up from there. The top position I held was Law Office Supervisor, and I held that for (nearly 28 years). … It was challenging at times—you have to know a lot, and there were a lot of responsibilities placed on me because I practically ran the court. When did you move to Child Support Services? In order to promote myself, I needed to apply for a Senior Law Office Supervisor job and change to Child Support Services. It became its own agency in 2002; it was part of the District Attorney’s office (before). It’s a similar agency but completely different work—from primarily doing criminal work to mostly dealing with family law, child support and child support issues. When did you decide you wanted to be active in the union? I wasn’t pleased with the union at first because we had gone through so many years of no cost-of-living increase. I became active in the union so I could work on that and so I could see what was happening on the inside. I didn’t want to complain about something I knew nothing about. How did that turn out? It turned out great. I got to be on the bargaining units. I got to see firsthand what we were up against—the Board of

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2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

Debra Fyvie speaks with co-workers at her retirement party in July.

Supervisors, the CEO—and I could see what was presented to us and what we needed to do and did in order to negotiate with them so that we could get our cost-of-living (increase).

involved in their life and be the people who make decisions about their life? I think it’s essential. It is your life. It is your career. You need to be involved. That’s all there is to it.

What is your proudest accomplishment at OCEA?

Looking back at the work you’ve done at the County, how do you feel upon leaving?

I feel really proud about being on one of the bargaining units that got us the 2.7@55. It was something that usually only the managers or the safety/police would have gotten. It’s great that the general population of County employees got that too. I felt very justified in that it’s fair. If we’re going to pay for our own retirement, why shouldn’t we have it? I felt that it was the right thing to do, so I was really pleased that we got that approved for the general population here. How important is it for employees new or old to get involved? Isn’t this their life? Don’t they want to be a part of their life, be

I love working for the County of Orange. I told my boss: ‘I’ve worked since I was 16 and now I’ll be unemployed.’ It’s hard for me to fathom. I know I need to keep myself busy. It was a hard decision to retire, but my family has health issues and I wanted to be there for them and spend more time with them. Other than family time, what are you going to do? Travel—I’ve been to the Taj Mahal this year. India was great. Concerts—I love music—so I’m planning on going to concerts. I’m a notary, so I can notarize things, and I’m also a licensed real estate agent, so I can dabble in things. I know I want to stay active.

Longtime OCEA Steward retires Margot Knife Chief, a longtime OCEA member and Steward, retired in July after working at Social Services Agency since 1978. OCEA Stewards and staff remember Knife Chief for her drive and dedication to the labor movement. In 2010 Knife Chief received the 2010 OCEA President’s Award and 2010 Civic Action Award. “She always showed up to do precinct walking and phone banking,” OCEA Administrative Manager Cathy Yatch said. “I don’t think there was one thing we asked the Stewards to do that she didn’t go to.”

Margot Knife Chief, center, with OCEA Board members Pamela Waters and Robert Gibson at the 2010 Steward Awards Dinner.

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2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

Board member corner

Arlyn Buck

OCEA Second Vice President

OCEA: A family affair Most people use the phrase “My OCEA family” when they refer to their friends who are members or staff members of OCEA. When I use the phrase, I am speaking about my actual family. I am a divorced mother of three girls—Carrie, Claudia and Lillie—and a grandmother to an 11-year-old girl, Emily, and a three-year-old boy, Damien. I am an Office Supervisor C at Social Services Agency and have worked for the County for 23 years. My OCEA affiliation started a few years ago by necessity, accident and curiosity. Necessity: Raising three kids on my own proved to be quite an adventure as it required me to provide a secure and stable life for my children. On July 18, 1988, I found a great job working for the County, assigned to Social Services Agency. In SSA I found many friends and learned a lot from everyone. The most important lesson I learned was about the great benefits available to me and the many opportunities to be involved. I also learned that I would benefit in many ways by joining OCEA.

Accident: After the County bankruptcy, I was promoted to Office Supervisor C and transferred the General Relief Office in Santa Ana, where I work today. Right after I started at this location another union was trying to “raid” the Clerical Unit and take those people away from OCEA. The organizers were handing out flyers and cards telling clerical employees how and why they should leave OCEA. I was outraged by the misinformation being spread to employees and called OCEA to let them know. Before I knew it, I was out there with OCEA staff intercepting and clarifying information. Curiosity: After getting a small taste of “the front line” in OCEA activity, I became more curious about OCEA and started attending OCEA Steward Meetings. Within a few months, I found myself applying for the Board of Directors. Becoming a member of the OCEA Board of Directors was a very proud moment for me and my family. I had no idea this new adventure would require so much from me and my family, but it’s also opened so many new doors and allowed me to meet so many people. My family and I have been on picket lines, phone banking, precinct walking, and we have attended many social functions together. My daughter Lillie has been so involved in OCEA that most people think she works for OCEA or is on the Board of Directors. She’s worked our annual OCEA Health Fair and met many politicians, including Governor Brown. There are many people who look for her at events and ask me why she isn’t with me—almost like they’re more interested in meeting her than me. I’m happy my children have been able to join in my OCEA activities because it’s given them a sense of belonging and taught them there is value in being part of a great organization that fights hard for its members. Thank you OCEA for giving me an opportunity to teach my children a great lesson in protecting the wellbeing of hard working men and women.

Arlyn and her daughter Lillie volunteered at the Honoring Troops hot dogger in May 2011. 2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

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Meet your OCEA Board members By Niyaz Pirani Paul Nguyen, a Social Worker II for Social Services Agency, was selected to the Orange County Employees Association Board of Directors in July to replace retiring member Debra Fyvie. Nguyen, a County employee since 2006, was laid off in early 2009 but was rehired by the Agency a year later. Upon his return, Nguyen became an OCEA Steward and regularly attended OCEA meetings and events. In 2010, he received the OCEA Outstanding New Leader Award at our annual Stewards Awards dinner. “I thoroughly enjoy my career with the County and am so proud that OCEA is my union,” he said. “I’ve wanted to become more involved in protecting the County’s most valuable asset—the employees and their families.”

Robert Gibson

VoiceofOC.org is by far the greatest accomplishment of my tenure. The vision and courage displayed by your Board has finally given working families a public voice in Orange County.

Deputy Juvenile Correctional Officer II, Orange County Probation Department OCEA member since 1995 OCEA Board member since 2005

What qualities best make active union members, and what words of inspiration do you have for the OCEA leaders of the future?

Why did you become an OCEA Board member, and what makes you want to serve the membership in this capacity?

I began my career at the County at 18, and over the years I observed much mistreatment of my peers. I decided to help others that either couldn’t or were too afraid to stand up for themselves. I have always had a deep-seeded sense of fairness and hate to see the weak taken advantage of.

Q: How did you transition from a person who cared about the goings-on at OCEA to someone who is involved in OCEA at the Board of Directors level?

OCEA’s leadership team and Board of Directors are to be commended for how they treat new Stewards. Increased responsibility is solely based on hard work and ability. As I became more involved and showed some aptitude I was rewarded with even more work to do!

Q: What occurrence or event that you have participated in made you most proud to be an OCEA member or leader?

Selflessness and providing service for the greater good of our members is vital. Always remembering why you are here and protecting those that came before us and those that will follow. As we approach our 75th anniversary next year, I know my time at OCEA will be brief and I just hope to leave it better than when I arrived.

OCEA Board of Directors election is set for November Ten seats on Orange County Employees Association Board of Directors will be open during the November general election. Members who want to run for one of the open seats can complete an application form, available at www.oceamember.org via the “Get Involved” tag, and return it to OCEA by no later than noon on Sept. 19. For candidate qualification information go to page 7 of this magazine. For more information about the election, contact OCEA’s Janice Lee at 714-835-3355.

A: The grant the Board of Directors funded to start the 26

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2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

Chris Prevatt

Pamela Waters

Q: Why did you become an OCEA Board member, and

Why did you become an OCEA Board member, and what makes you want to serve the membership in this capacity?

HCA Program Supervisor I, Health Care Agency OCEA member since 2001 OCEA Board member from 2007–2009 and 2011

what makes you want to serve the membership in this capacity?

A: I joined the Board of Directors initially because I wanted to expand my involvement beyond the responsibilities of a Steward. I have more than 20 years experience working on nonprofit boards and wanted to contribute my experience to the organization so it could continue to serve its membership at the high level it has. My involvement was sparked by a negative experience with the Agency’s compliance program. The experiences I had caused me to seek ways to improve accountability and equity in the application of HCA policies regarding ethics. I can say with certainty my working with OCEA to resolve inequities resulted in a better environment for all County employees.

How did you transition from a person who cared about the goings-on at OCEA to someone who is involved in OCEA at the Board of Directors level?

It was probably one of the easiest transitions I have experienced. While the level of detailed involvement is greater, my being a member of the Board has only made me more committed to the mission of our organization.

What occurrence or event that you have participated in made you most proud to be an OCEA member or leader?

I am proud to have been part of the leadership working to counter the attack on public employees, by both the Board of Supervisors and politicians in the cities and districts we represent. I am most proud of our work in Costa Mesa. In addition to Costa Mesa, I am proud of the Board’s leadership in maintaining our pay in benefits throughout the final year of our contract. We managed to avoid take-backs and benefit cuts in a very hostile environment.

What qualities best make active union members, and what words of inspiration do you have for the OCEA leaders of the future?

The best quality for an active union member to have is the ability to pay attention and not be afraid to get involved when called upon to join together as a family of brothers and sisters, unified to confront efforts to roll back our hard fought gains made in previous years. Our unity commands respect from those who wish to destroy us. Through unity and solidarity, we all win.

Secretary II, Orange County Public Library OCEA member since 1989 OCEA Board member since 1993

I’m nosy. I like to know the inner-workings of things. After attending a couple of Board meetings, I was so impressed with the organization that I said ‘I have to help out with this, I want to be involved.’” I was very impressed with the professionalism and attention to detail of the Board and their desire to help and protect members. I didn’t grow up in a union household, so after being an employee, I realized that we need help—all the staff—need to have someone (who we rely on) to ask questions. I felt the best thing to do was get involved to protect myself, the people in my department and all County employees.

How did you transition from being a person who cared about the goings-on at OCEA to someone who is involved in OCEA at the Board of Directors level?

When I went in to these meetings and saw how they worked, I just wanted to be involved with the organization, knowing that I was helping. After the first couple of Board meetings, you learn that it’s not just you; it is thousands and thousands of people that you are representing. It makes you feel good to know that you’re there. OCEA does represent other cities too—look at what’s going on in Costa Mesa. We are there to help.

What occurrence or event that you have participated in made you most proud to be an OCEA member or leader?

I’ve been on the Board of Directors since 1993, and there’s been a number of events from taking time off on Christmas Day to coming to OCEA for an emergency board meeting because of the bankruptcy to phone banking for Costa Mesa employees.

What qualities make the best union members, and what words of inspiration do you have for the OCEA leaders of the future?

Don’t be afraid of what people think or what people may say. Do what makes you feel good, and be proud and confident in your actions and what this great organization does for our members.

2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

OCEA EMPLOYEE

Al Jabbar

Program Supervisor II, Health Care Agency OCEA member since 2006 OCEA Board member since 2011

Why did you become an OCEA Board member, and what makes you want to serve the membership in this capacity?

OCEA has always been very active and involved in taking the lead in protecting employees and the image of public employees in Orange County. There are many decisions that OCEA has made that have affected the membership and all public employees in a positive manner. I have always been very actively involved in the community and at work, and being involved with OCEA’s Board helps me give feedback to OCEA on the pulse of our membership and the community at large. I have always been a steady advocate for fairness for employees and public employees at large.

How did you transition from a person who cared about the goings-on at OCEA to someone who is involved in OCEA at the Board of Directors level?

I have been very active in the community, being involved with community organizing and in local politics by voicing my opinion on public policy and education policies. OCEA was heavily involved in local politics by fighting for public employee rights. I was attracted to many of these campaigns and thought I could be a loud voice within OCEA.

What occurrence or event that you have participated in made you most proud to be an OCEA member or leader?

OCEA’s leadership pension reform and fighting for public employees!

What qualities best make active union members and what words of inspiration do you have for the OCEA leaders of the future?

Be a good listener and organizer. John F. Kennedy said, “Leadership and learning are indispensible to each other.” So learn the issues and facts first, and then come out and lead. People will respect you and follow you. Today, with different communication modes, truth and facts have taken a beating. It is our duty as leaders to bring the truth and facts out!

OCEA EMPLOYEE

2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

OCEA coupons

Special savings for OCEA members! Cut out your coupons and save on services and dining. 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.

BURL’S IMPORTED CAR SERVICES

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

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

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)

$40

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

2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

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

FREE 12 oz. brewed Starbucks coffee 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)

OCEA EMPLOYEE

OCEA tickets

Special savings for OCEA members! Check OCEA’s website, www.oceamember.org, for full details. Amusement Parks 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. Disneyland & California Adventure: 1-DAY 1-PARK ADMISSION: $75/ Adult; $70/Child ages 3-11 (Reg. $80 & $74). Park Hopper and Annual Passes are also available. Offer only available online. 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: Single-day admission with 2nd day FREE: $52/Person ages 3 & up (Reg. $69/Adult & $59/Child). Online tickets available. Hopper: $62/Person ages 3 & up (Reg. $89/Adult & $79/Child). Offer only available online. All tickets expire 12-13-11. San Diego Zoo: $32/Adult; $24/Child ages 3-11 (Reg. $37 & $27). Tickets expire 12-13-11. San Diego Zoo Safari Park: $32/Adult; $24/Child ages 3-11 (Reg. $37 & $27). Tickets expire 12-13-11. SeaWorld San Diego: Single-day admission: $45/Person ages 3 & up (Reg. $69.99). Online tickets available. Six Flags Magic Mountain: $26/Adult; $18/Child under 48” (Reg. $59.99 & $29.99). Tickets expire 12-31-11. Universal Studios Hollywood: 3-day admission: $64/Person ages 3 & up (Reg. $74).Annual Pass w/Blackouts, Annual Pass w/out Blackouts and Premium Star Passes are also available. All passes must be activated by 12-31-11. Offers only available online.

Dinner entertainment Battle of the Dance Dinner Show: Platinum: $72/Adult; $40/Child ages 12 & under (Reg. $90 & $45); Gold: $48/Adult; $25/Child (Reg. $60 & $30); Reservation required. Visit OCEA website for more information. Tickets expire 12-13-11. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament: $42/Adult; $32/Child ages 12 & under (Reg. $58 & $36). Tickets expire 9-30-11. Please note: Ticket prices change effective 10-01-11.

So Cal Attractions

Sports

Aquarium of the Pacific: $17/Adult; $10/Child ages 3-11 (Reg. $59 & $40). Tickets expire 11-30-11. Please note: Ticket prices change effective 12-01-11. Online tickets available.

Davey’s Locker Sportfishing: 1/2 day: $30/Adult; $25/Junior ages 3-12 (Reg. $40 & $33). 3/4 day: $52/Adult; $45/Junior ages 3-12 (Reg. $69 & $59); Visit OCEA website for more information. Tickets not sold at the OCEA Special Events office. Discount available upon reservation and checking. OCEA membership card required.

BOOMERS! (FAMILY FUN CENTERS): $15/Person (Reg. $29.99). Catalina Flyer: $54/Adult; $40/Child ages 3-12 (Reg. $66.50 & $51). Reservation required. Tickets expire 12-31-11.

Pirate’s Dinner Adventure: $36/Adult; $28/Child ages 12 & under (Reg. $59 & $40). Tickets expire 11-30-11. Please note: Ticket prices change effective 12-01-11.

Catalina Express: $56/Adult; $46/Child ages 3-12 (Reg. $66.50 & $51). Blackout dates: Jul. 2-4; Sept. 3-5, 2011. Tickets expire 12-31-11.

Movie Theaters

Discovery Science Center: $11/Person ages 3 & up (Reg. $12.95 & $9.95).

Seasonal Check www.oceamember.org for most current information on Halloween ticket options: Disney’s Mickey Mouse Halloween Party Knott’s Berry Farm Haunt Nights

AMC Theatres (Loews & Cineplex): $6/person (Reg. $12.50). Century Cinema: $7/person (Reg. $10.50). Krikorian Premiere Theatres: $7/person (Reg. $10.50). Regal Entertainment Group: $7/person (restricted); $6.50/person (unrestricted) (Reg. $11.50).

Universal Studios Horror Nights Giant Paintball Parks: $39/Person ages 10 & up (Value of $65). Passes include: all-day admission; all-day air; paintball gun rental; full-face musk rental; and 200 rounds of paintballs. Valid for all Paintball Parks locations (Bellflower, Chino, Castaic, Alpine & Lakeside). Passes expire 6-30-12. K1 Speed: $15/Person (Reg. $25.95). Drivers must be at least 4’11”.

ONE-TIME EVENTS LA County Fair: $10/Adult; $6/Child ages 6-12 (Reg. up to $17/Adult depending on the day of visit). Tickets valid 9-03-11 thru 10-02-11. Closed Mon. & Tues. Segerstrom Center for the Arts (formerly OC Performing Arts): Check www.oceamember.org for current details. Offer only available online.

OUT OF AREA

LEGOLAND Brick or Treat

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum: $19/Adult; $12/Child ages 4-14 (Reg. $25 & $18). Tickets expire 12-31-11. Offer only available online. Newport Landing Whale Watching: $15/Adult; $10/Junior ages 3-12 (Reg. $30 & 25); Visit OCEA website for more information. Tickets not sold at the OCEA Special Events office. Discount available upon reservation and checking. OCEA membership card required.

Tickets at Work: Discount admissions on a variety of attractions nationwide. Check www.oceamember.org for current details. Offers only available online.

Sea World San Diego Spooktacular Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Nights

Enter our contest! We’re holding a contest for our magazine readers. To enter, send an email to contest@oceamember.org by Oct. 7 with “Magazine contest” as the subject. You’ll be entered in a raffle to win one of three pairs of tickets: Universal Studios, Aquarium of the Paciific and AMC Theatres. The winner will be announced on Oct. 10 at www.facebook. com/oceamember.

OCEA e-ticket programs

For up-to-date listings on all available tickets, go to www.oceamember.org. 30

OCEA EMPLOYEE

2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

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. 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 $14 (Reg. $16.10). Certificates are available at the OCEA Special Events office by cash or ATM/debit card.

Chiropractic & Dental Services 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.

Pet care United Pet Care: Affordable veterinary savings programs guarantees savings of 20-50% on every veterinary visit! United Pet Care California, 24361 El Toro Rd., Suite 280, Laguna Woods, CA 92653. Phone: (949) 916-7374 Fax: (949) 916-7376. Taking your pet to the vet has never been easier, or more affordable!

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. Kids bowl free all summer by signing up with the Irvine Lanes Kids Bowl Free program. Each registered chid recieves two free games per day all summer. Information: www.kidsbowlfree. com/irvine

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

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.

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

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).

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

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.

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.

Special Occasions

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. SCAT Travel: Offers substantial discounts on a variety of exciting cruises exclusively for OCEA members. Contact Sandy Cuny at (714) 6699019 or by email scunny69803@aol.com.

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 Paul Villigan at (760) 496-8207, or by email at paul.villigan@att.com. Sprint: Save 18% on select regularly priced monthly service plans (requires twoyear agreement). Visit www.sprint.com/ californialocalgovernment for details. If you are an existing customer, please call (866) 8534931 to inquire about your discount. Corporate id: GLLCA_WSC_ZZZ. For more information contact Spring Public Sector Sales Rep., Karen Patton via email karen.patton@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.

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.

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.

2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

Now you can purchase certain tickets online at

www.oceamember.org OCEA EMPLOYEE

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

retiree services

One bedroom apartment in Fullerton, near 57 Freeway and Cal State Fullerton. Complex includes 4 pools, fitness center, club houses and more. No deposit required as this is a lease takeover through Dec. 5, 2011. $1140/month. Tenant can work with landlord to negotiate lease after Dec. 5. Information: (714) 8829974. 07/11

Retired Employees Association. Join the Retired Employees Association. Participate for only $1.00 a month. Information: (714) 840-3995,fax (714) 8407189, email reaoc@reaoc.org or www.reaoc.org. Orange County Office on Aging. Free information on services for older adults, (800) 510-2020.

CARPOOLERS NEEDED

room for rent

Go to www.ridematch.info to request a carpool matchlist from the regional rideshare agency. Learn more about alternate commute options at www. CommuteSmart.info. FOR sale

Apartment sale. Items from 1 bedroom apartment include white kitchen refrigerator, appliances, white table and 4 black chairs, tan sofa, chair with footrest, white coffee table, coat rack, white corner TV stand, 19” TV, DVD player, portable stereos, stationary bike, corner desk, bookshelves, queen bed and white dresser. Best offers. Information: Katherine, (949) 244-8716 or ideation01@yahoo.com. 05/11 1997 Mariah Shabah 180/SE 18’ Open Bow Family Ski Boat. Trailer length: With Tounge 23’3” Without Tounge 20’10”Trailer Width:8’2”. Horse Power 190; Lockable Ski Storage; Draft Drive Down 34”; Bimini Top; Draft Drive Up 17”; Digital Depth Gauge; Fuel Capacity 30 Gallons; Swim Ladder; Transom Dead Rise 18 degrees; Trim Gauge; Freeboard Bow 3’; Tilt Wheel; Freeboard Aft 2’10”; Compass; Beam 7’8”; AM/FM cassette; Wiring connection flat 4-plug; Dock lines; Hitch ball required 2”; Anchor; Swim platform; Custom tow cover; Passenger capacity 9; Swivel chairs; Sterndrive/motor; 2 built-in coolers; MerCruiser Alpha One V-6, 4.3 liter; high-flow bilge pump; all accessories included. Information: (949) 322-0713 or bblevine@cox.net. 01/11 Baby items. Bright Stars bouncer chair with music, pink, $25; Summer Infant Sleeper, white, $30; Swing/Infant Seat (sitting and music only, swing does not work), brown/green, $30; Infant sling/carrier, black/white, $15. Included with purchase: 1 bag of gently-used baby girl clothing, 0-6 months old. Information: Jane, janethargan@gmail.com. 01/11 house rentals

Three bedroom townhouse in Irvine. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, parking garage and 1 covered parking spot. Townhouse includes laminated wood floors in dining and living room and large side yard. Townhouse is in a safe community with a swimming pool. Available Aug. 15. $2,180/month, $2,180 deposit. Information: Lily, (949) 302-6827. 07/11 House in Garden Grove, near Haster Street and Garden Grove Boulevard. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. $1900/month; deposit of $1,900. Large yard, recently remodeled. Information: John, (714) 904-3174. 05/11 House in Tustin, near 5 and 55 freeways. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths. $2200/month; deposit of $1,500. Central AC/heating. Available in June. Information: (714) 8786242. 04/11

Room in Mission Viejo. Room is in a tri-level house near the Oso Parkway exit on the 5 Freeway. $600/month. Renter would have to share a bathroom with 1 person. Information: Alicia, (949) 413-2490. 07/11 Room in Fullerton. Room is in a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment near Fullerton College Library and Hill Crest Park. $600, plus utilities. Roomate would preferably be a single Christian female. Information: Donna, (714) 336-1355. 07/11

Room in Mission Viejo. Room includes own bathroom separate from bedroom, walk-in closet. $700/month; deposit of $750. Rent includes cable, wireless internet, plus kitchen use and access to community pools, spas, basketball court and Lake Mission Viejo and Irvine Lake. No smoking or drinking allowed. Available June 1. Information: ninatolone@yahoo.com. 05/11 services

One-on-one dog training. Avoid costly flooring replacement because of staining, keep the neighbors happy and stop the barking. Make dog walking fun, not a ‘drag!’ Your dog can be trained!. Information: Shaleen, (714) 623-0904. 03/11 vacation rentals

Cabo San Lucas suites. Several units at the world class Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos and Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort in Cabo San Lucas. They are some of the most sought-after resorts on the beach in Cabo, with excellent beachfront or marinaside restaurants and nightlife within walking distance. Full access to amenities includes full service spa with gym, sauna and massage, swimming pool, tennis, water sports, casual and gourmet dining and free private parking and 24-hour security. The following units are available: Executive suite. Available for your choice of dates this summer, fall or winter. Sleeps 6. $1,250/week. Junior suite. Available for your choice of dates this summer, fall or winter. Sleeps 4. $900/week. Information: Howard, (714) 313-1290 or hsnitowsky@hotmail.com.

Cabin in Lake Arrowhead. 2 bedrooms, 1 1/2 bath. Off Hwy 18, close to Lake Arrowhead Village and Blue Jay. 13 miles to Snow Valley Ski Resort. $125.00/ night. Information: Stacey, (714)469-0896 or Ssalmon15@aol.com. 04/11

House in Yorba Linda. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, completely remodeled. Home is 1340 sq. ft. with 2-car garage, fireplace and large yard. Pets OK. $2,500/ month. Information: (714) 927-3443. 08/11

OCEA EMPLOYEE

07/11

2011 OCEA Health Fair: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4

Are you lost in a sea of misinformation?

Insurance is smooth sailing with Velece.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Orange County Employees Association Lic. #0310550 • 830 North Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701 • Phone: (714) 558-1034 • FAX: (714) 558-1035 • www.velece.com auto • home • condo • renters • mobile home • earthquake • motorcycle • watercraft • recreational vehicles • umbrella • commercial

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

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.