Vol 66 Issue 1 - OCEA Employee 2013 January February March by OCEA Employee magazine

OCEA EMPLOYEE VOLUME 66, ISSUE 1 • JANUARY–MARCH 2013

50 years of the dream: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Lasting Impact on labor, page 9

OCERS—Pre-Retirement Seminar: Presented by the Orange County Employees Retirement System

Noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 21, 2013 OCEA Assembly Room, 830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, Ca 92701 Topics will include:

• OCERS review

• Service credits

• Member information

• How retirement benefits are calculated

• Beneficiaries

Please RSVP if possible by emailing Cathy Yatch at cyatch@oceamember.org. Parking is available under the building and in the dirt lot north of OCEA.

Orange County Employees Association 830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 • (714) 835-3355 • (714) 835-7654 Fax • www.oceamember.org

OCEA EMPLOYEE VOLUME 66, ISSUE 1 • January–March 2013

A look back at OCEA in 2012 Revisiting the most important and influential moments for OCEA members in 2012. Pictured: OCEA volunteers prepare for a member-to-member phone bank in September.

FEATURES 5 2013 OCEA Board of Directors Results of the 2012 OCEA Board election.

8 In memory: John Hiatt Sawyer Remembering OCEA’s first general manager.

9 50 years of ‘The Dream’ Examining Martin Luther King Jr.’s influence on labor.

14 Stewards: Your workplace resource Learn how OCEA’s volunteer leaders can help you.

20 Review: A film from out of nowhere Finding inspiration while ‘Searching for Sugar Man.’

20 2012 Tax Information Payroll deductions and agency fees for 2012 taxes.

News & Updates 2 3 4 4 18

President’s message General Manager’s message OCEA news briefs OCEA calendar Meet your OCEA Board members

21 22 22 23 24

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

On the cover: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington D.C. is a lasting reminder of King’s impact on social justice. OCEA EMPLOYEE

President’s message

Lezlee Neebe OCEA President

Stand together, and get involved! It is with much humility and honor that I will serve as your OCEA President this year.

So this year, I challenge each and every one of you to ask yourself, how can you get involved?

It’s a brand new year; a time to revive; a time to take what For me, there was never a question about the value of being we learned last year and build toward even greater success active in OCEA. I have been a member of this organization in the future. Nothing taught us more than our recent victory since my first day of employment at Orange County Superior in the face of Proposition Court. I was honored to join 32. We mobilized our the Board of Directors three members in a way I have short years later and have never seen in the decades had the distinct pleasure of Lezlee Neebe I’ve been an active member working alongside so many OCEA President of OCEA. Our success in wonderful people who do so the face of such strong much interesting work across Occupation: Courtroom Clerk III opposition only showed the County. Criminal Division, West Justice Center how much more we can (Previously in Civil and Family Law divisions) do if we continue to build I look forward to getting to involvement and solidarity in know you all better and want OCEA member since: August 1992 our union and strengthen our you to know I welcome and communication, education want your comments and and outreach. input. Continuing to organize and communicate about all our challenges—from negotiations to political attacks to our collective successes—will be focal points for 2013. During the Prop. 32 campaign, we had the opportunity to meet and work alongside members from across the County. For the first time, I think many of our members began to understand just how large an organization we really are and how many working families we represent. Our membership includes County, court, cities, special districts and affiliates. Together, we are approximately 18,000 members strong. Our strength is in our solidarity, our ability to express our mission in one unified voice. As OCEA members, our collective purpose is to advance the welfare and security of Orange County local government employees and their families. We do this through our volunteer leadership and through member involvement. We are OCEA! We make up the DNA and very essence of the organization. We are its mission and purpose. Without every single one of us, there is no OCEA. Our unity makes us strong, and with that strength comes some responsibility to be active and participate. 2

OCEA EMPLOYEE

And I especially welcome your participation. There are so many things our members can do to help, from putting up fliers to becoming a steward or a Board member to joining our social media community. There are many roles to be played, and it takes us all to get the job done. I encourage you to look and see where your talents lie and see where you can become an active piece of the puzzle. If you are not sure what talents you have to offer, give me a call! I would be happy to discuss it with you. We have a lot of challenges ahead, but I know we can be successful if we continue to stand together and get involved! In solidarity,

Lezlee Neebe OCEA President

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

General Manager’s message

Nick Berardino OCEA General Manager

Fighting for working families Have you ever had one of those moments where work or life felt so stressful, frustrating or intense, you could punch something? The entire 2012 election season was like that for me. The stakes had never been higher. Prop. 32 threatened our fundamental right to effectively organize and protect the interests of working people everywhere. We couldn’t afford to lose, and we didn’t. And Measure V in Costa Mesa tried to accomplish the same thing at the local level. We needed to defeat it decisively, and we did. For me, part of being prepared for the many sleepless nights I had during the election was making sure I was in fighting shape—

that I was mentally and physically capable of handling that grind. So when I felt like hitting something, I did. And it paid off in ways I could have never imagined. Last April I started training with a world-class boxer to get back in shape. I continued through the summer, through the election season, and now I couldn’t stop if I wanted to. With his help, I have greatly improved my eating habits, I run a couple miles before every workout, and I’m back to sparring in the ring. I’ve lost 60 pounds. For a guy my age, I’m pretty darn healthy.

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

My trainer is Raul Franco, one of the continued on page 16

OCEA EMPLOYEE

OCEA news briefs County negotiations continue in 2013 Coming together in November with a unified voice really paid off. We beat Prop. 32, and protected our ability to fight for our rights. But we have never kept our eyes off our negotiations with the County. We have never stopped fighting for a fair contract. There’s the very disappointing reality that at the bargaining table the County continues to make proposals to take away your rights and your compensation. We are resolute in our refusal to agree to their unfair demands, but the County has been unwilling to move from its position. OCEA members have always led the way when it comes to helping the County weather challenges. We pay our fair share of retirement costs. We reformed retiree medical, saving the County nearly $1 billion. We created a groundbreaking hybrid retirement option that has become a model nationwide. Unfortunately, executives, managers and elected officials in this County have been far too slow in following your leadership. They have not made the same sacrifices as you and your families have made.

E M P LOYEE Orange County Employees Association

OFFICERS Lezlee Neebe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Alan Dean Clow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Vice President Gary Morrison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd Vice President Butch Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary Chris Prevatt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer Maria Corona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance Officer Frank Eley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Past President

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Alan Dean Clow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legislative Chris Prevatt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Budget/Finance

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sharron Anderson . . . . . . . . County Executive Office Dan Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff-Coroner Judy Bowling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Defender Alan Dean Clow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Defender Maria Corona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency

County executives continue to allow taxpayers to subsidize their pensions, perks and astronomical pay increases. They don’t pay for their retirement, they don’t follow the rules. And they have repeatedly had the nerve to subject our members to layoffs and reductions while giving themselves promotions and more money. We need to see how the County resolves these serious issues before we move.

Frank Eley . . . . . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD) Greg Fall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation Eusebio “Butch” Garcia . . . . . . Social Services Agency Alicia Hernandez . . . . . . . . . . Child Support Services Gary Morrison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assessor’s office Paul Nguyen . . . . . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Lezlee Neebe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court

Fair negotiations require the County to demonstrate an interest in reaching a fair agreement. So far, the County has failed this test. They have not moved from their position in nearly a year of negotiations. This is unacceptable.

Cheryl Neuenschwander . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court Chris Prevatt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Ryan Ramos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Anjali Sunny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff-Coroner Pamela Waters . . . . . . . . . OC Community Resources

We hope the County will begin to rebuild trust with its workforce. We hope they’ll set the same high standards for executives, managers and themselves as you demonstrate daily. If we continue to stick together, as we did against Prop. 32, there’s no way the County will successfully take away all we have worked more than 75 years to achieve.

OCEA calendar

Feb. 11

5:30 p.m.

Political Action Committee meeting

Feb. 12

Lincoln’s Birthday observed

Feb. 18

President’s Day observed

Feb. 19

3 p.m.

Board of Directors meeting

Feb. 21

Noon-1 p.m.

OCERS Pre-Retirement Seminar (Info: http://bit.ly/10d7YZu)

March 11

5:30 p.m.

Political Action Committee meeting

March 12

Noon-1 p.m.; 5:30-7 p.m.

Steward meeting

March 19

3 p.m.

Board of Directors meeting

April 8

5:30 p.m.

Political Action Committee meeting

April 9

Noon-1 p.m.; 5:30-7 p.m.

Steward meeting

April 16

3 p.m.

Board of Directors meeting

OCEA EMPLOYEE

Ray Yarbrough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation

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 2012 by the Orange County Employees Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion or contents prohibited by law. Printed by Anchor Printing, Tustin, Ca.

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

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

OCEA news briefs Social Work Month aims to strengthen the nation’s fabric This March, social workers across the Country will be recognized as part of Social Work Month 2013. This year’s theme is “Weaving Threads of Resilience and Advocacy: The Power of Social Work,” which celebrates the success that can be found when a social worker combines their skills with the determination of clients who want better lives. The National Association of Social Workers this year is advocating for stronger safety nets throughout social services programs to create positive futures for those in need. For more information and social worker resources, visit www.socialworkers.org.

2013 OCEA Executive Committee, from left to right: OCEA Second Vice President Gary Morrison (Assessor’s Office); OCEA President Lezlee Neebe (Superior Court); OCEA First Vice President Alan Dean Clow (Public Defender); OCEA Secretary Butch Garcia (Social Services Agency); OCEA Past President Frank Eley (Public Works); OCEA Insurance Officer Maria Corona (Health Care Agency); and OCEA Treasurer Chris Prevatt (Health Care Agency).

OCEA members elect 2013 Board of Directors All nine incumbents were reelected to the OCEA Board of Directors this year. OCEA Board member Arlyn Buck, who was up for reelection, retired from the County during the election. The Board appointed Alicia Hernandez of Child Support Services to fill the vacancy.

TMEA members take their donation to the Youth Center. From left to right: James Nguyen, Tustin Family Youth Center Program Assistant; (Front row) TMEA Vice President Katy Lee; TMEA President Frank Apuron; TMEA Secretary Eric Johnson; (Back row) TMEA Board members Adrienne Barber, Brad Steen and Leo Stiles; TMEA Treasurer Kunal Mittal and David Wilson, Director of Parks and Recreation.

Tustin employees give back to their community The 76 members of the Tustin Municipal Employees Association, an OCEA affiliate chapter, helped two local community groups in December by donating $500 to each. Staff at Tustin Family Youth Center used the money to purchase holiday gift baskets that were distributed at Christmastime to low-income families, while Tustin Senior Center staff will purchase 12 to 16 yoga chairs for senior exercise classes.

The board elected Lezlee Neebe to the role of OCEA President. Neebe, an OCEA member for 21 years and Board member since 1995, works as a Courtroom Clerk III for the Superior Court system. Alan Dean Clow of the Public Defender was selected to be OCEA First Vice President. Board member Gary Morrison of the Assessor’s Office was chosen to succeed Clow as OCEA Second Vice President. The Board also selected Maria Corona to replace Buck as OCEA Insurance Officer on the Board’s Executive Committee. Hernandez, OCEA’s newest Board member, is a Child Support Officer. She was hired in 1988 and joined OCEA the same year. She has been a steward since 2009 and is a member of the Retirement Committee, OCEA Women’s Forum and Child Support Services Labor Management Committee. For more information on OCEA’s 19-member Board of Directors, visit www.oceamember.org/board.

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

OCEA EMPLOYEE

Discover personal fitness through boxing, calisthenics and nutritional guidance. Let Orange County boxing legend Raul Franco help whip you into shape! OCEA members receive a discount: Individual sessions are $35 per hour and group classes are $20 per person! Additional charges may apply. Contact Raul at (714) 333-7405 or raulfranco1220@yahoo.com for details.

OCEA EMPLOYEE

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

OCEA news briefs

Anaheim City employees, from left to right: Robert Diaz, Ross Johnson, Alex Sanchez, Robert Simon, David Shanley and Ruben Torres in the newly remodeled Anaheim Convention Center plaza with the award from the International Association of Venue Managers.

Workers in Anaheim earn prestigious venue award Hundreds of Anaheim City employees, including 41 members of OCEA’s affiliate Anaheim Municipal Employees Association, were recognized recently for their work at the Anaheim Convention Center. The center was one of only five venues—and the only convention center—awarded for excellence in 2012 by the International Association of Venue Managers, an organization dedicated to public venue management worldwide. Tom Morton, executive director of the Anaheim Convention Center, said the award is “highly respected” in the industry. AMEA President Brian Beger said the win was yet another example of the dedication AMEA members feel toward the citizens of Anaheim. AMEA members provide event

support, facility maintenance, security, accounting and payroll, and more for the venue, which employs between 800 and 1,000 people. “Shows came here and told us … they can tell the difference between a place that’s staffed by the city and a place that’s been taken over by an outside source,” said AMEA member Robert Simon, a lead worker in Facility Services, and a city employee for 28 years. “The outside source doesn’t have the same care and pride.” “It’s a great award,” added Ross Johnson, an employee of 10 years who is Housekeeping Director at the center. “All of our employees—AMEA and all of the other unions—we all worked together to make this happen.”

What’s going on in your workplace? Contact OCEA Communications Specialist Niyaz Pirani at npirani@oceamember.org if you would like to submit a workplace story idea for OCEA Employee magazine. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oceamember

OCEA EMPLOYEE

In Loving Memory of

John Hiatt Sawyer

OCEA’s First General Manager 1915 – 2012

OCEA EMPLOYEE

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

Legacy in Labor:

Celebrating 50 years of ‘The Dream’ Fifty years ago, on a late summer day in August 1963, more than 200,000 people stood shoulder-to-shoulder in Washington D.C. along the full length of the Reflective Pool, a large rectangle of water that spans the distance between the reverent Lincoln Memorial and the towering Washington Monument. They marched that day for equal rights nearly 100 years after Lincoln freed the Country of slavery, but not of the mentality that bred it. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a prominent national figure in the fight for civil rights in the 1950s and 1960s, stood with his ardent followers to demand social change. Speaking at the podium, overlooked by the stone-carved visage of the nation’s 16th president, King was determined to correct America’s faltered path:

celebrate his legacy year-round. He taught us that good intentions alone are not enough to improve the lives of middle class Americans. In order to see real change, people must take responsibility for making that change. In 2013, OCEA will be faced with challenges we have not faced in our 76 years of existence. We are currently in negotiations, and the County has made it clear they seek to eliminate hard-fought rights and benefits, such as access to binding arbitration and access to overtime pay. They seek to erode our retirement security. The County pursues this strategy while its leadership continues to line their pockets with taxpayer-funded perks and allowances and bestow contracts to their political friends.

“This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism,” he said, his words booming through the speakers for all to hear. “Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice.” His words would win him the ear of the world, and a year later, the Nobel Peace Prize.

As the New Year dawns, we need to recommit ourselves to fight against this injustice. The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of action. It’s up to each and every OCEA member to draw from his efforts and carry on his struggle for social justice by standing up to protect working families.

Photo from the Library of Congress

Within a few years, that same activist spirit would lead King to Memphis, Tennessee, where, in April 1968, City sanitation workers were on strike due to unsafe working conditions and poor wages. By that time, King, who had honed an effective form of non-violent direct action while advocating for the rights of African Americans, had also become an outspoken supporter of organized labor. The trip, in support of working families, was his last. King was shot and killed while standing on a motel balcony. Each January, Orange County employees commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but we should Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oceamember

OCEA EMPLOYEE

OCEA celebrates steward achievements in 2012 Nearly 100 OCEA stewards attended an awards ceremony in December to honor the achievements of OCEA’s membervolunteers. Members were honored for perfect attendance at monthly steward meetings and for recruiting members. This year also featured Civic Engagement awards to recognize the contributions of the many stewards who phone

banked and precinct walked throughout the 2012 election season. Their work helped defeat Proposition 32 statewide and Measure V, the City charter in Costa Mesa. Thank you to all stewards, and congratulations to OCEA’s 2012 award winners!

All of the 2012 OCEA Steward Award winners stand united, showing strength in solidarity.

2012 OCEA Steward Award winners Perfect Attendance Award: Sharron Anderson (CEO); Judy Bowling (Public Defender); Alan Dean Clow (Public Defender); Maria Corona (HCA); Bill Daher (SheriffCoroner); Frank Eley (Public Works); Dea Evans (Probation); Greg Fall (Probation); Sheila Fujimura (SSA); Teresa Garcia (HCA); James Gotter (Sheriff-Coroner); Alicia Hernandez (CSS); Denise Hernandez (Probation); Jennifer Morgan (Superior Court); Gary Morrison (Assessor); Paul Nguyen (SSA); Ryan Ramos (HCA); Rene Scharfe (Sheriff-Coroner); Anjali Sunny (Sherrif-Coroner); Pamela Waters (OCCR) OCEA’s Top Recruiter of 2012: David Paschke (OCFA) Civic Engagement Award: Judy Bowling (Public Defender); Alan Dean Clow (Public Defender); Frank Eley (OCPW); 10

OCEA EMPLOYEE

Greg Fall (Probation); Kathy Fitzsimmons-Cortez (SSA); Teresa Garcia (HCA); Robert Gibson (Probation); David Hollister (CMCEA); Michael Manchester (SSA); Gary Morrison (Assessor); Paul Nguyen (SSA); Ryan Ramos (HCA); Wellington “Coach” Bennett (retired) Frank Eley Award: Arlyn Buck (retired); Robert Gibson (Probation) OCEA President’s Award: Maria Corona (HCA); Dea Evans (Probation); Sheila Fujimura (SSA); Denise Hernandez (Probation); Mike Holmes (AMEA); Margaret Hunter (AMEA); Jim Lizzi (IPEA)

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

Orange County Employees Association Organization • Santa Ana, CA

Wall Info OCEA Magazine Photos Video Events Links

1,292

people like this

Wall

Top posts

OCEA’s mission is to advance the welfare and security of working families in Orange County. As an OCEA member, how do you plan to give back to your union or community in 2013? Chris Esparza, District Attorney’s Office

Do you need help with Facebook? For questions about using social media or information on accessing OCEA’s Facebook page or website, contact OCEA Communications Specialist Niyaz Pirani at npirani@oceamember.org.

“Becoming a steward. That’s the 2013 goal.”

Teresa McConkey, Social Services Agency “The community starts right in your own home. I plan to do some major ‘spring cleaning’ and donate to those in need. I also work with OC’s abused/neglected children. I vow to do more activities to enrich the lives of at-risk teens.”

Juana Rosales Eusebio, Superior Court “I am giving back to my community by adopting a family and giving them what they need by fundraising and asking for donations/help.”

Lorena Neyra Minton, Social Services Agency “Gather more members to strengthen the association. There is strength in numbers.”

Michelle Qualls, Probation Department “It’s important to give back. Serve in your church. Assist your local food shelters, collect food for those in need. Talk to the local YMCA and see when they service hot meals to the homeless and join in the cooking. Yes, you are giving to the community, but you get so much back in return.”

Teresa Garcia, Health Care Agency “I vow to be a larger and louder presence for my co-workers. All workers—grocery, manufacturing—you name it!”

Aileen Franzi, Health Care Agency “I plan to keep donating food to the Second Harvest Food Bank.”

Kathy Fitzsimmons-Cortez, Social Services Agency “I vow to be accessible, informative and responsive to my fellow workers’ needs … always!” Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oceamember

OCEA EMPLOYEE

2 0 1 2 : A year in review In the face of threats against OCEA, members accomplished many victories during the year of our union’s 75th anniversary. We sat down at the bargaining table to fight for a fair contract for our general unit members—a fight that still goes on today.

Costa Mesa This year marked the beginning to the end of a long battle in the City of Costa Mesa, where more than 200 employees received pink slips in March 2011 as part of the City Council majority’s outsourcing agenda. In the months that followed, we took the City to court, and a judge blocked the layoffs. This year, the City appealed the Court injunction, and a Court of Appeals sided with our members. Additionally, the Court published its thorough opinion, strengthening protections against outsourcing for public workers across the state of California. The Council also tried to turn Costa Mesa into a charter city, an attempt to rewrite the rules to their own advantage and make it easier to outsource jobs. OCEA members and friends walked precincts, called residents and spoke out against the charter for months. In November, voters rejected the Council’s charter scheme, Measure V, by a 20 point margin. After that, the Council voted to rescind the remaining layoff notices for Costa Mesa workers. “We couldn’t have gotten through these difficult times without the heart of the City employees and the support of the community,” said Helen Nenadal, president of the Costa Mesa City Employees Association.

Proposition 32 defeated

Proposition 32 would have barred un political action, effectively silencing OCEA members answered the call t member-to-member contact and w Gary Morrison is pictured making ca members of unions across California 56 percent.

Nick Berardino joins California Labor Federati

OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino was Labor Federation Executive Council. Nick, on from affiliated unions and labor councils acro president from Orange County. The California Labor Federation was integral strategy that defeated Proposition 32 across

In this new role, Nick will represent the interest state of California. Additionally, his new positi and visibility at the statewide level.

OCEA EMPLOYEE

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

year in review We defeated Proposition 32 at the State ballot box and a dangerous City Charter initiative in the streets of Costa Mesa. Throughout 2012, members of OCEA and its affiliate unions answered the call to defend the rights of working families in Orange County.

OCEA serves veterans OCEA served 1,000 hot dogs for veterans in Downtown Anaheim on Veterans Day in November. “Supervisor Shawn Nelson puts on an event every year to honor the veterans. It’s our privilege and our honor to participate with him,” OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino said. “We have so many members who are veterans, and we have members who are currently serving. The sacrifices that they make for the community, the Country, and ultimately the County—we’re privileged to honor them, because it’s part of our culture, too.”

nion members from contributing to their voices in the political process. through dedicated phone banking, work site visits (OCEA Board member alls). OCEA members, along with a, helped defeat the proposition by Chris Prevatt wins OCERS Election

ion Board

sworn in Sept. 26 to the California ne of 42 elected vice presidents oss the state, is the first ever vice in creating and executing the the state.

ts of working people across the ion provides OCEA greater access

Public employee pensions were still under political attack in 2012, so it was important for a committed fighter for working families to win an open seat on the OCERS Retirement Board. OCEA Treasurer Chris Prevatt ran against John Moorlach’s chief of staff, and after a monthslong campaign Prevatt handily defeated him by a 6 to 1 margin. “I am humbled by your support and promise to fight alongside your other General Member Trustee Frank Eley to protect your interests,” Prevatt said in an email to supporters. “Together, Frank and I will do everything we can to ensure that your pensions are safe with us.”

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

OCEA EMPLOYEE

OCEA stewards: Your workplace resource

OCEA Labor Relations Representative Tim Steed leads OCEA stewards in a discussion about building strength during the January steward meeting.

Member involvement is the key to strengthening any union. An active membership creates a community among colleagues and ultimately leads to improved working conditions. Through a network of active workplace leaders, a dedicated Board of Directors, and professional staff, OCEA provides all the resources to help members navigate their work environment and improve their families’ lives. As an OCEA member, you are protected against mistreatment, harassment, favoritism, unjust treatment and more. You also have the right to earn guaranteed wages and overtime, work in a safe environment and receive help from OCEA. Many members know to call OCEA offices when in need, but in many cases, one of your co-workers might be the person to reach out to first. 14

OCEA EMPLOYEE

OCEA’s stewards—public employee-union members who volunteer their time to serve OCEA’s general membership— are valuable workplace resources who can point you toward information on bargaining, supplemental benefits and more. Stewards are trained and educated about OCEA-related issues, your rights in the workplace, and the long-term relevance of unions. In turn, stewards serve the union, helping to advance the interests of working families. Because OCEA is a memberdriven organization, you have the ability to shape union policy and determine the future direction of OCEA. Visit www.oceamember.org/reps to learn who your agency steward is. For more information on becoming an OCEA steward, please contact OCEA Labor Relations Representative Tim Steed at (714) 835-3355 or tsteed@oceamember.org.

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

OCEA Board member and steward Paul Nguyen and OCEA Steward Kathy Fitzsimmons-Cortez in front of the OCEA Bulletin Board at Social Services Agency in Anaheim. As stewards, Nguyen and Fitzsimmons-Cortez keep the information updated for all OCEA members.

“Building trust among all of these people is my number one goal. We need to get out there and let them know to trust us, so they can have more faith in the union and become more active members. I have trust in my union, faith that they’re working for me, and that they have the best interests of us public employees in mind.” – Kathy Fitzsimmons Cortez, steward at Social Services Agency Anaheim Regional Center

KNOW YOUR WEINGARTEN RIGHTS You have the right to be represented by OCEA at any meeting which you reasonably believe may lead to discipline. Could this meeting/interrogation lead to disciplinary action, including job termination? IF YOUR ANSWER IS YES, ASK FOR REPRESENTATION. DO’S AND DON’TS • Do demand Union representation • If management refuses to allow representation, do document the refusal • Don’t make written or verbal statements of guilt or innocence

An employee has NO right to the presence of a Union representative where: • The meeting is merely for the purpose of conveying work instructions, training, or communicating needed corrections in the employee’s work techniques. • The employee is assured by the employer prior to the interview that no discipline or employment consequences can result from the interview.

If you feel your rights have been violated in any of these areas, contact your OCEA Representative.

(714) 835-3355 • www.oceamember.org Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oceamember

OCEA EMPLOYEE

continued from page 3 greatest fighters ever to come out of Orange County. You may have seen him at the recent OCEA Health Fair. What you may not know is that his distinguished career included more than 60 amateur and 30 professional fights, that he was the WBO Welterweight Latino Champion of the World, and that as a pro he had a record of 23-6-1, 15 of those wins coming by knockout. Raul is a true champion in every sense, and I know how lucky I am that he has spent so much time working with me. For me, the benefits of boxing have been so much more than physical. Boxing has helped me manage stress much more effectively than anything else I have tried. Looking back, I can’t imagine the consequences to my health and sanity during this past election season if I hadn’t had boxing as an outlet. After training with Raul for several months and experiencing the positive changes in my own life, we decided to introduce boxing as a part of our employee wellness program here at OCEA. Now, two days a week, Raul comes in and coaches the OCEA staff on conditioning and boxing technique. We’ve named ourselves the “Fighting for Working Families” fight club. OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino with Raul Franco.

The results have greatly exceeded our expectations. Our staff is healthier. Our team is stronger than ever. And the camaraderie we have built through boxing has made OCEA a better workplace in every way.

“Good health helps make us better employees, and that’s something every employer should embrace.”

This isn’t rocket science. When you’re healthy, you go to the doctor less. You show up to work more consistently. You have to take fewer medications. You have more energy to focus. In other words, good health helps make us better employees, and that’s something every employer should embrace. Plus, healthy employees are much more likely to stay out of the health care system. A small investment in employee health means fewer medical claims, better outcomes, and lower health care costs. Large corporations across the private sector have realized that helping employees stay healthy saves them money. So have many government employers. That’s why they’re offering employee wellness programs like our boxing program at OCEA.

There is a lot we’re fighting for at the bargaining table as we continue these difficult negotiations into the New Year. We’re fighting to preserve your well deserved benefits and economic well-being. But in this month’s message, I wanted to let you know that we’re fighting for your physical wellbeing too. In solidarity,

Nick Berardino OCEA General Manager

We have been trying to get the County to make the same kind of investment in each and every one of you by developing a comprehensive voluntary County wellness initiative that will serve as a primary resource for any employee who wants to improve their health. Embarking on a wellness effort is in the best interests of employees, it’s in the best interests of the County, and it’s in the best interests of the public we serve. 16

OCEA EMPLOYEE

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

OCEA EMPLOYEE

At work with: OCEA Board member Chris Prevatt

Job title: HCA Program Supervisor I Agency: Health Care Agency

County employee since: July 1997 OCEA member since: 2000

Q: What was the reason you went in to public service? A: I was presented with an opportunity to expand my volunteer service at the County into a public service career. My main motivation to accept was the retirement security. Public service is something I have been doing since high school. I served in leadership roles with several service groups, including student government. I have been serving in community non-profits and political groups for the past 28 years. So when I joined the OCEA Board, initially in 2007, it was a natural extension of what I love to do. Q: When did you start at the County of Orange and what has been your career path? A: After two and a half years as a member and Vice Chairman of the County’s HIV Planning Council, I applied for a vacant position in 1997 as a Program Supervisor responsible for coordinating the support for the Council and its committees, as well as supporting the writing of several Federal and State funding grants supporting HIV/AIDS services. I remained in that position until March 2003, when I moved on to other supervisory positions in the Agency. I am currently Program Supervisor for Special Projects in the Health Care Agency’s Health Promotion Division. Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job? A: The most rewarding part of my job is taking on projects that would otherwise fall through the cracks. I also love helping to cut through bureaucracy and red tape to enable smooth sailing for our program staff.

OCEA EMPLOYEE

OCEA Board member since: 2007-09; 2011-Present

Q: What are the challenges you face working in your field and how do you overcome them? A: The greatest challenge in my field is finding ways to maximize ever decreasing resources allocated to health education programs. Every day brings new challenges that my colleagues and I overcome with creativity and innovative thinking. We are constantly squeezing the most out of every taxpayer dollar. Q: What advice do you have for County employees who want to be active at OCEA but don’t know how to get started? A: Take things a little at a time. Gradually increase your involvement so that you do not get overwhelmed. Leadership brings on a good bit of additional, but rewarding, work. Among the first places to start is to join our Steward Program or maybe your agency’s Labor Management Committee if it has one. There are more than a hundred stewards at OCEA to help you balance the commitments to your job and your role as an OCEA leader. Talk to the steward in your work area and ask them how they do it as well. You’ll be surprised how much you end up doing when you’re having fun helping your co-workers learn about OCEA and its resources. If you don’t know a steward in your work area, then we may need you more than you think. Call OCEA to be put in touch with the labor leader nearest to you.

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

At work with: OCEA Board member Alicia Hernandez

Job title: Child Support Officer Agency: Child Support Services

County employee since: 1988 OCEA member since: 1988

Q: What was the reason you went in to public service? A: I always had the desire to work somewhere that gave me the opportunity to help people in our community, especially those with language barriers and a lack of resources. Q: When did you start at the County of Orange and what has been your career path? A: I originally started with the County in 1981 with the District Attorney/Family Support. I decided to change my career path in 1985 and worked in the private sector. I reapplied to the County in 1988 and worked at the Health Care Agency. By this time I also had my first daughter, so I needed a more secure job with better benefits. I worked at Social Services as an Eligibility Technician from 1993 to 1999. I was blessed to have not been laid off during the bankruptcy. In November 1999 I started at Child Support Services, where I work today. Throughout my career with the County I have always been a member of the union. I firmly believe that without unions we would not have a chance at fair labor representation, and that we are blessed to be able to enjoy the extra benefits and services the union provides for us and our families. Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job? A: The most rewarding part of my job is when a customer

OCEA Board member since: 2012

expresses her or his appreciation and is satisfied with the services that have been provided to their family. OCEA works in the same way—they represent the members and their families by making sure their wages and benefits are protected. Q: What are the challenges you face working in your field and how do you overcome them? A: Not all is perfect, and sometimes you will have an unsatisfied customer, or because of a lack of resources, a family may not have the monetary help from the absent parent. I overcome those challenges by remembering the families I did help and knowing I did my best for them. Q: What advice do you have for County employees who want to be active at OCEA but don’t know how to get started? A: Just do it! Start by logging on to the OCEA website, read all the Media Briefs and updates, submit your questions, ask a steward in your Agency for help, participate in rallies, phone banking and attend General Membership meetings. I became a steward because I had questions and wanted to get the answers first hand. Once I became involved, I realized all of the hard work and dedication of OCEA’s union reps, General Manager, office staff and all Board and Committee members. They work as one “family” to protect members’ rights. It is truly a great honor to be part of an awesome organization!

Want to read more from your OCEA Board of Directors? Visit the bottom left corner of OCEA’s homepage at www.oceamember.org and select “Meet Your Board” for bios and links to interviews and articles about OCEA’s Board. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oceamember

OCEA EMPLOYEE

OCEA Review Photo by Hal Wilson, courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

Working on your taxes?

A film from out of nowhere: Searching for Sugar Man I knew nothing about Searching for Sugar Man when I decided to see it. That’s how you should see it too. I’ll tell you some of the things Searching for Sugar Man is, but I won’t tell you who it’s about (it’s nobody you would know), or who’s in it (uh, it’s nobody you would know), or the plot (there isn’t one), or how it ends (it really doesn’t). First, this is a documentary unlike any documentary you have ever seen. It is a mystery—a politically charged mystery in which the isolation of a nation from the rest of the world plays a central role. Sugar Man is about Motown, the dark side of the music business and, to millions of people, an otherwise unknown musician more famous than Elvis Presley or the Beatles. It is about chance encounters, loyalty, coincidence and commitment. It’s also about a hard day’s work, what you don’t know about the people you think you know, and surprises that arrive unexpectedly. Yet most importantly, at least for me, Sugar Man is a film about the value of personal humility and the role it plays in achieving a true measure of happiness and contentment. As Sugar Man dramatically reminds us, recognition and economic success may or may not be of value in our quest to become complete human beings. But they are far from necessary. I promise Searching for Sugar Man will engage you, astound you, and make you feel better about the world we live in.

OCEA payroll deduction amounts for membership dues, voluntary insurance plans, other benefit programs, OCEA POPL, and agency fees for 2012.

OCEA Annual Membership Dues (County & Court) Full-Time

$263.12

Part-Time or Extra-Help

$131.56

Note: Members of OCEA affiliates or contract associations should contact OCEA Benefits Staff.

Dental DHMO—DeltaCare CAM 42 Member only

Member with 1 dependent

Member with 2+ dependents

Health & Welfare Participants (Option 1)

$79.72

$110.50

$296.02

Health & Welfare Participants (Option 2)

$79.72

$110.50

$296.02

Health & Welfare Participants (Option 3)

$242.88

$460.72

$678.58

Non-Health & Welfare Enrollee

$242.88

$460.72

$678.58

Retiree

$242.99

$460.84

$678.81

Member with 1 dependent

Member with 2+ dependents

Delta Dental DPO Plan A+ Member only

Health & Welfare Participants (Option 1)

$345.02

$917.54

$1,740.18

Health & Welfare Participants (Option 2)

$345.02

$917.54

$1,740.18

Health & Welfare Participants (Option 3)

$457.60

$1,052.22

$1,858.74

Non-Health & Welfare Enrollee

$735.02

$1,359.80

$2,161.12

Vision Service Plan Insurance Member only

Member with 1 dependent

Member with 2+ dependents

Option 1

no charge

$49.68

$176.64

Option 2

no charge

$49.68

$176.64

Option 3

$61.20

$82.72

$151.62

Non-H & W enrollee

$110.64

$160.32

$287.52

Retiree

$110.76

$160.44

$287.52

Pre-Paid Legal Insurance Basic Plan

$179.52

Basic Plan with 24-hour coverage

$191.52

Extended Plan

$287.52

Agency Fee payers:

Full-Time $196.73 Part-Time $98.43

OCEA Peace Officer Protective League members:

$303 (in addition to OCEA dues deduction)

Searching for Sugar Man is rated PG-13 and was released Jan. 22 on DVD and Blu-ray. – Don Drozd 20

OCEA EMPLOYEE

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

OCEA coupons

Special savings for OCEA members! Cut out your coupons to save on services and dining. ORANGE COUNTY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION

$55 Gold Star membership includes $10 gift card $110 Executive membership includes $20 gift card Renewals • Store incentives Belinda Lopez: (949) 310-0390 Membership cost and incentives subject to change without notice. This offer is not available at Costco locations and cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Costco membership applications are available at the OCEA Special Events office; applicants must be members of OCEA. Other restrictions may apply. Contact Belinda for details.

EXPIRATION DATE: Subject to change www.oceamember.org • www.facebook.com/oceamember

ORANGE COUNTY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION

BUY ONE GAME, GET ONE FREE

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE

Saving up to $18

any mini, regular or giant sub (same or lesser value)

Irvine Lanes, 3415 Michelson Drive, Irvine, CA 92612 (949) 786-9625 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Mon. and Sun.; 8:30 a.m.-12 a.m. Tues. and Wed.; 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Thurs.; 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Fri. and Sat. Limited to maximum of 3 games free. Subject to lane availability. Not valid for Galaxy Bowling on Fri. & Sat. nights. One coupon per member, per visit. OCEA membership card and this coupon must be presented at time of check-in. For more information on Irvine Lanes and programs offered please visit www.irvinelanes.com.

Valid only at Jersey Mike’s Subs, Orange/Prospect Plaza: 3428 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, Ca 92869 (714) 744-1500 One discount per member per order. OCEA membership card and this coupon required at the time of order. Offer not valid with online orders. It cannot be combined with any other discounts. Other restrictions may apply.

EXPIRATION DATE: 06/30/2013

www.oceamember.org • www.facebook.com/oceamember

ORANGE COUNTY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION

Jeffrey Blair Hairdressing 20% off FIRST FULL PRICED SERVICE

and 10% off all Bumble and Bumble Hair Products (up to $25 saving) as well as 50% off the next visit for referring a friend who books a service

Jeffrey Blair Hairdressing 910 E. Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92701 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon. thru Fri.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat and Sun.

United Pet Care guarantees you savings of 20-50% off every veterinary visit. All pets are eligible—regardless of their age or medical condition. Plans only $11.99/month http://ocea.unitedpetcare.com

Contact Nathan Jeffrey at (714) 740-5400 to schedule your appointment today! Offer cannot be combined with other special promotions. Limit one discount per coupon, per person. Signed OCEA membership card and this coupon must be presented at time of service. Offer valid for special occasions such as weddings and quinceanera (by appointment only).

*Membership term is one year.

EXPIRATION DATE: 06/30/2013 www.oceamember.org • www.facebook.com/oceamember

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

OCEA EMPLOYEE

OCEA tickets

Special savings for OCEA members! Check OCEA’s website, www.oceamember.org, for full details. Please note: Ticket prices subject to change effective Jan. 1, 2013. Please visit OCEA’s website, www.oceamember.org, for the most current information. Amusement Parks Castle Park: $12.99/person 36” and above (Reg. $24.99). Tickets expire Dec. 31. Tickets only available online. Disneyland: 1-day 1-park admission: $83.52adult; $77.76/child ages 3-9 (Reg. $87 & $81). Tickets expire Dec. 31. Park Hoppers and annual passes are also available. Tickets only available online. Knott’s Berry Farm: $33/adult; $24/juniors ages 3-11 and seniors ages 62 and over (Reg. $58.99 & $26.99). Tickets expire Dec. 31. Tickets also available online. LEGOLAND: Single-day admission with 2nd day FREE: $58/person ages 3 & up (Reg. $87/ adult; $77/child). LEGOLAND Resort (LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE Aquarium & Water Park admission with 2nd day FREE): $67/person ages 3 & up (Reg. $95/ adult; $85/child). Tickets only available online. All tickets expire Dec. 31. San Diego Zoo: $36/adult; $28/child ages 3-11 (Reg. $42 & $32). Tickets expire Oct. 5. Tickets also available online. San Diego Zoo Safari Park: $36/adult; $28/child ages 3-11 (Reg. $42 & $32). Tickets expire Oct. 5. Tickets also available online. Sea World San Diego: Single-day admission: $58/person ages 3 & up (Reg. $73/adult; $65/child); Tickets expire Dec. 31. Fun Card: $65/person ages 3 & up (Reg. $73/adult; $65/child); Blackout dates: May 26; July 5–6; July 27; Aug. 3 and 10; Sept. 1. Fun cards available for purchase now through Sept. 15. Tickets expire Dec. 31. Tickets also available online. Six Flags Magic Mountain: $34.99/person (Reg. $61.99/adult; $36.99/child). Tickets expire Dec. 31. Tickets only available online. Universal Studios Hollywood: 3-day admission: $69/person ages 3 & up (Reg. $80). Black-out dates apply for revisits! Annual Pass w/blackouts, Annual Pass w/out black-outs and Premium Star Pass are also available. Tickets only available online.

Dinner entertainment Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament: $42/adult; $32/child ages 12 & under (Reg. $57.95 & $35.95). Reservation required. Tickets expire Sept. 30. Pirate’s Dinner Adventure: $36/Adult; $28/Child ages 3-11 (Reg. $59 & $40). Reservation required. Tickets expire Nov. 30.

Movie Theaters AMC Theatres (Loews & Cineplex): Restricted admission: $6.50/person. Unrestricted admission: $8/person. (Reg. $12.50). Century Cinema: $7.50/person (Reg. $11.50). Krikorian Premiere Theatres: $7.50/person (Reg. $11). Regal Entertainment Group: Restricted admission: $7/person. Unrestricted admission: $8/person (Reg. $12).

ONE-TIME EVENTS RENAISSANCE FAIRE: Apr. 6-May 19 at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, Irwindale, Ca. Tickets coming soon. Look for more information on www.oceamember.org.

So Cal Attractions Aquarium of the Pacific: $19/adult; $12/child ages 3-11 (Reg. $25.95 & $14.95). Tickets expire Nov. 30. Tickets also available online. BOOMERS! (Family Fun Centers): $15/person ages 3 & up (Reg. $29.95). Catalina Flyer: $54/adult; $40/child ages 3-12 (Reg. $68 & $51). Reservation required. Tickets expire Dec. 31. Catalina Express: $61/adult; $46/child ages 3-12 (Reg. $72.50 & $56.50). Reservation required. Blackout dates: May 25–27; July 4–7; Aug. 31–Sept. 2. Tickets expire Dec. 31. Discovery Science Center: $11/person ages 3 & up (Reg. $12.95 & $9.95). Tickets expire May 2. K1 Speed: $15/person (Reg. $25.95). Drivers must be at least 4’11”. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Hollywood: $14/person ages 3 & up (Reg. $25). Tickets expire Jan. 31, 2014. Tickets only available online. Newport Landing Whale Watching: $15/adult; $10/junior ages 3-12 (Reg. $30 & $25). Tickets are not available at the OCEA Special Events office. Visit www.oceamember.org for more information.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts: Check www.oceamember.org for current details. Offer only available online.

Sports ANAHEIM DUCKS: Up to 50% off regular price tickets for select games. Check www.ocemember. org for game schedule and thicket prices. Offers only available online. Davey’s Locker Sportfishing: 1/2 day: $30/adult; $25/junior ages 12 & under (Reg. $40 & $33). 3/4 day: $50/ adult; $41/junior ages 12 & under (Reg. $71 & $61). 10 hour trip: 7 a.m.–5 p.m.. Tickets are not available at the OCEA Special Events office. Visit www. oceamember.org for more information. OCEA membership card required at check-in time.

Winter fun Bear mountain/Snow Summit: $42/adult; $34/student ages 13-21. Allday passes. Restrictions and blackouts apply. Check www.oceamember.org for more details. Lift tickets expire on the end of ski season (April 2012).

OUT OF AREA Tickets at Work: OCEA Special Events office partners with TicketsAtWork.com to provide exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment and travel nationwide. OCEA members must be logged in to “My OCEA” to access the TAW program. Offers only available online include: 25% off regular car rental rates; Cirque du Soleil events; hotels; Las Vegas shows and attractions; New York and Broadway specials; South Florida theme parks, events and attractions; Ski resort tickets; Six Flags theme parks; and more.

We’re holding a contest for our magazine readers! To enter, send an email to contest@oceamember.org by March 8 with “Magazine contest” as the subject. You’ll be entered in a raffle to win two tickets to SeaWorld San Diego. The winner will be notified via email on March 11.

OCEA e-ticket programs

For up-to-date listings on all available tickets, go to www.oceamember.org. 22

OCEA EMPLOYEE

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

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: Up to 25% savings on selected cars through corporate program. OCEA corporate code T815000. (800) 331-1212. Budget: Up to 25% savings on selected cars through corporate program. OCEA corporate code X627900. (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. EZ Auto Test Only: Smog all vehicles including motor homes, change of title, out of state, and gross polluters! We are located at 2208 N. Main Street #B, Santa Ana, CA 92706 (at the corner of Main and Buffalo Street; near School First Credit Union). For details please call (714) 542-9400. Clip coupon on page 25. Hertz: 5% off daily and weekly rentals! Join Hertz #1 Gold Club online and save more! Corporate code: 1335448. Call (800) 654-8216. Promax Auto Service: Do you need quality automotive service? With ASE Certified Technicians who have experience with both foreign and domestic automobiles, Promax Auto Service has consistently been voted #1 by the Reader’s Choice for Best Automotive Repair Shop in South Orange County. OCEA members save 20% off the total bill. Contact us at (949) 495-5156. We are located at 20742 Lake Forest Dr. #C2, Lake Forest, CA 92630. Thrifty Car Rental: Great savings through Tickets-At-Work Corporate Program! Call (800) 847-4389. Corporate code 0010229234.

Banking Citibank: Citibank now offers the Citi @ Work Program, designed to make local government employees’ lives easier and their banking experience better. The benefits include, but are not limited to, no monthly service fees with direct deposit, rewards points for eligible linked products and services, rate discounts on Personal Loans, Custom Credit Line and Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit, free financial education seminars on topics such as home buying, preparing for retirement and more! For more information please visit www.oceamember.org.

Candies, Flowers & More Cherry Moon Farms: 15% discount on hundreds of orchard-fresh gifts that make every occasion special. For more information call (800) 210-2279. Corporate code: OCEA. Gold Canyon Candles: “The World’s Finest”® line of candles, bath and body products and home products including home fragrance in the form of scented candles, room sprays and sachets! 10% off any order and free gift with every purchase. Please contact Nancy Bernardo at (562) 761-0373 or by email fansee79@yahoo.com. Company website www.GoldCanyon.com Personal Creations: 15% discount on a variety of personalized gifts, perfect for any occasion. For more information call (800) 210-2279. Corporate code: OCEA.

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

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 wideranging 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 handdipped 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. mark.: 15% discount (before tax and shipping) on any order placed. Please sign up on www.mymarkstore. com/ibarriga. Purchases over $50 receive free shipping to your home with checkout code MARKFS50. If your order is under $30, simply contact Iriss at (714) 235-5925 by phone or text. She can place the order and still give you free shipping to your home. Please use “contact me” on website or send email to missirisb@yahoo.com and mention OCEA so your 15% discount check can be processed at that time. Iriss will also send you a free Juice Gem lip-gloss valued at $6.50 with every $30+ order. 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. Skin Fitness, LLC: 20% off regular prices for all OCEA members on all services except medical. For more information please contact Petra Golding at (714) 8324001 or by email SkinFintessClinic@gmail.com. Votre Vu: Fine French, naturally-based, Skin Care Products. OCEA members receive a 20% discount on their net retail order, before tax and shipping. Contact Kathy at (714) 260-7878 or place your order online at www.votrevu.com/kathyluvsparis. Follow Kathy on the latest Votre Vu monthly specials, discounts and beauty tips on her facebook page www.facebook.com/ KathyPardeeVVBA. You may also visit her blog www. kathyluvsparis.com.

Entertainment & Travel Amtrak: Save 30% on your next trip! Advance reservations are required a minimum of 3 days prior to travel. Blackouts apply on all Fridays and Sundays and the following days: Feb. 15 and 18; Mar. 28-29; Apr. 1. Offer is available exclusively at www.amtrak.com/ VIP30 and expires Apr. 25. For more information please visit OCEA Special Events office or our website www. oceamember.org

Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Checks for over $500 not accepted. Ticket sales are final. Sorry, no refunds or exchanges. Please allow sufficient time! Mailed ticket orders are generally processed within five business days of receiving the order. Sorry, OCEA makes no guarantees on

Club Med Vacations and Cruises: 30% to 50% off on lastminute vacation packages! Contact LaVonne Campbell at (714) 991-7222 to schedule your trip. Grand Canyon Railway: OCEA members save 20% on round-trip tickets or 10% on already-discounted packages with the Grand Canyon Railway. For more information or to make your reservation call (866) 422-9724 and use Promo Code: CDOCEA Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: As an OCEA member you can enjoy all the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s attractions at a 10-15% discount. The Alpine Club membership cards are available at the OCEA Special Events Office free of charge!!! Cards are valid thru December 2012. Card valid for up to 6 persons. Discount contact (760) 325-1391. SCAT Travel: Offers substantial discounts on a variety of exciting cruises exclusively for OCEA members. Contact Sandy Cuny at (714) 669-9019 or by email scunny69803@aol.com.

Sketches and Clay Molding: Local artist draws realistic sketches from photos creates statues and figures out of clay. References and work samples are available upon request. View my portfolio at http://bit.ly/XnBC8V. Christine, (714) 653-5172; http://bit.ly/XnBC8V S8ved Photography: For your next Kodak-moment call George Reyes at (714) 609-0039 or email him s8vedpic@yahoo.com. Save 20% on any order. Visit www.s8vedphotography.com.

Scrapbooking Digital Personal Publishing: Great savings on storybooking to cherish for years to come! Professional consultation offered by Melodie Jones at (714) 401-0926 or melodiejones@flash.net.

Services

Tickets-At-Work: Discount admissions on a variety of attractions nationwide: Walt Disney’s World Resort; Cirque du Soleil; Universal Orlando Resort; Las Vegas shows and hotels; south Florida sports, concerts, and events; New York and Broadway specials; Six Flags (all locations). You can also receive up to 25% off on car rentals!

ADT: Now OCEA members can feel safer at their homes than ever. $200 off any new system. Please contact Jeff Spatz at (714) 907-2995 or by email jspatz@adt.com

Family Entertainment

24 Hour Fitness: For the most current information on 24 Hour Fitness discounts please visit our website www. oceamember.org. Information coming soon!

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.

Party Rentals OC Fun Party Rentals: Looking for a jumper rental company that offers safe, clean, affordable and great-looking jumpers? OCEA members receive 15% discount! For more information call (714) 914-7159, email ocfunpartyrentals@ gmail.com or visit their website www.ocfunrentals.com. Ride N Glide Rentals: Silly Racers—Slide and Glide bumper cars to rent for children’s party! Guaranteed to entertain children for hours! Best for entertainment for 3-10-year-olds. 30% off your party rental to OCEA members! For more information call Carlos Flores at (562) 665-4474 or email him at janetcarlos00@msn.com (please put “silly racers” in the subject area).

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!

Photography & Art 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!

Wellness

Between the Ropes Boxing: Discover personal fitness through boxing, calisthenics and nutritional guidance. Let Orange County boxing legend Raul Franco help whip you into shape! OCEA members receive a discount: Individual sessions are $35 per hour and group classes are $20 per person! Additional charges may apply. Contact Raul at (714) 333-7405 or raulfranco1220@yahoo.com for details. LA Fitness: $0 initial fee and $29.99 per month, monthto-month basis. Family add-ons same as OCEA member. Corporate vouchers are available at the OCEA Special Events office.

Wireless AT&T: County of Orange Employees receive up to 15% discount off their monthly service fee for rate plans with minutes or data usage included. Existing and new users qualify for the discount! For more information please contact Jeannie Acosta, (310) 990-1262 or ja0590@ att.com. Sprint: Save 18% off select regularly priced monthly service plans. Plus, activation fee waived for new activations (up to $36 value; requires a new twoyear agreement). This discount is available to all employees working at the state or local level within the State of California. Mention this code to claim 18% discount: GLSCA_COO_ZZZ; To order by phone: 1-866-639-8354; To order online: www.sprint.com/ californialocalgovernment; To add 18% discount for existing Sprint customers: www.sprint.com/verify and click on the “Existing Customers” tab or call 1-866639-8354. T-Mobile: 15% discount on qualifying monthly recurring phone charges. Promotion code: 13302TMOFAV. Discount contact: Jim Conger, (949) 228-2129. Email: james.conger@T-Mobile.com. Verizon: Save 15% on select monthly plans. Apply online using Government Employee Program E-Code EMD70. Discount Contact: www.verizonwireless.com/getdiscount.

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 at jnachurski@ oceamember.org. Ticket hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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

Now you can purchase certain tickets online at www.oceamember.org/etickets

OCEA EMPLOYEE

OCEA classifieds

Classified ads are a free service to all OCEA members. Only members may submit ads and ads may be edited or rejected by OCEA. Transactions are not OCEA’s responsibility, as all sales or exchanges are done at the responsibility of the seller and buyer. Notify OCEA Communications Specialist Niyaz Pirani if you wish to submit an ad, make changes to a current ad or cancel an ad. E-mail your ads to npirani@oceamember.org; send them to OCEA, 830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, Ca, 92701; or fax them to (714) 835-7654. CARPOOLERS NEEDED

RENTALS

Visit www.ridematch.info to request a carpool matchlist from the regional rideshare agency. Learn more about alternative commute options at www. commutesmart.info.

HELP NEEDED Apartment needed. Looking for a senior or disabled-friendly apartment for a stroke victim (no stairs, no multiple levels, quiet atmosphere without children) in Orange County. Tenant needs two bedrooms and one or two bathrooms for himself and a live-in caretaker. Must be for low income. Tenant is on the OC housing list but has not been accepted yet. Information: Susie, (714) 404-3597. 12/12 House or dog sitter. Loyal, trustworthy individual ready to take care of your home or pet’s needs for an affordable price while you are away. Able to work Friday-Sunday in various Orange County locations; please call to see if your city is one of them. References upon request. Information: Gabriella, (714) 335-3811. 9/12

FOR SALE Car seat and stroller. Used Baby Trend car seat (black, gray, yellow) and Baby Trend Snap ‘n’ Go stroller (black). $80 together or $30 for the car seat and $50 for the stroller. Information: Jessica, (714) 392-4951 or jess_davila11@ yahoo.com. 1/13 Furniture and microwave. Items include: Traditional 3-piece solid mahogany entertainment center (2 side pieces have glass shelving, lighting and bottom cabinets), $150; kitchen table (rectangular solid wood, white and oak finish, with 4 matching Windsor chairs), $50; chest of 5 drawers (solid wood, dark finish), $25; Sharp microwave, $20. All items are in good condition; pictures are available by request. Information: Meredith, (714) 326-7161. 11/12 2 Sea-Doo Bombardiers and trailer with utility box. Includes: 1196 SeaDoo Bombardier GTI, 2 seater, 2 stroke oil injection, retractable step, with cover and accessories; 1197 Sea-Doo Bombardier GTX, 3 seater, 4 stroke oil injection, retractable step, with cover and accessories. Both Sea-Doo machines were recently maintenanced and are in great running condition and the trailer has new tires. Owner has all pertinent registration and pink slip paperwork. Sea-Doos are located in Lake Havasu, but registered in California. Pictures can be found at http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/3345804642. html. $3,500 or best offer. Information: Maria, mgcross@cox.net. 11/12 RV mattress. Fleetwood short queen mattress, 74”x60”, is a common size for RVs, travel trailers and toy haulers. Great condition. $80 or best offer. Information: Maria, mgcross@cox.net. 11/12 Maytag dryer. Gas dryer is three years old but was in storage for the last year; owner’s new home uses all electric appliances. $250. Must be picked up in Tustin. Information: Amy, (714) 855-8244, or Marina, tuileta_fale@sbcglobal. net. 10/12 Women’s evening wear. New ($50 each): David’s Bridal Size 10 purple evening wear dress; David’s Bridal Size 16 champagne evening wear dress. Used ($25 each): Size XXL short-sleeve blue evening gown with top sequence; Size 14 rusty brown evening wear; Size 7-8 gold evening wear. Information: Emily, (714) 447-8814. 10/12 24

OCEA EMPLOYEE

3 bedroom townhouse in South Coast Metro, near South Coast Plaza. Remodeled tri-level contemporary townhouse is close to shopping, restaurants, parks and schools. Three bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, private balcony and patio, attached 2-car garage with laundry hookups. Vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, modern light fixtures throughout, walk-in closet in master suite and plenty of storage. Central air conditioning and heating. Water and trash included; landscaped complex has 2 pools. $2,150/month; $1,000 deposit. Available now. Information: Juliet, 714-343-9213. 01/13 1 bedroom apartment in Santa Ana, near Civic Center in Historic French Park. Apartment is located on second floor and has a small porch attached; street parking only with required city permit. Dog or cat OK. $895/1 person/month or $920/ 2 people/month, $700 deposit. Information: Wayne or Viola, (714) 542-2985. 10/12 Studio in Santa Ana. Located behind a residential house; has private entry with kitchen, bathroom and walk-in closet. Driveway parking for one care is available; no pets allowed. $750/month; $300 deposit. Information: Robert, (949) 509-0070. 10/12

RETIREE SERVICES Retired Employees Association. Join the Retired Employees Association. Participate for only $3 a month. Information: (714) 840-3995, fax (714) 840-7189, email reaoc@reaoc.org or www.reaoc.org. Orange County Office on Aging. Free information on services for older adults, (800) 510-2020.

VACATIONS/VACATION RENTALS Howard’s Time Share Resort Weeks: Contact Howard Snitowsky at (714) 313-1290 or hsnitowsky@hotmail.com about renting or purchasing timeshares around the globe. These prime beach front, world class resorts are in high demand, so please request peak demand weeks well in advance. OCEA MEMBERS RECEIVE A 5 PERCENT DISCOUNT OFF THE LIST PRICES, which can be viewed at www.oceamember.org/classifieds. Howard’s Time Share Resort Weeks destinations include: Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort & Spa; Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Resort & Spa; Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa; Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa; ME Cabo by Melia; Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa; Sands of Kahana; Imperial Waikiki Vacation Club; Royal Aloha Vacation Club Waikiki; Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Front Villas North; Kuleana Resort; Tahiti Village Las Vegas; Grandview Las Vegas. Timeshare for sale (Kauai, HI). $7,999. Wyndham Kauai Beach Villas is located just a few footsteps from a beautiful Kauai beach and only minutes from some of the world’s best golf courses. Additional activities nearby include nightclubs, four-star dining, friendly pubs, shopping and more. As an owner of a property, you will be allowed to enjoy the amenities of any of the PAHIO resorts. For resort information, visit www. wyndhamvacationresorts.com. To view the timeshare online, visit http://bit. ly/TEtcG9 and for more information from the seller, call Melissa at (714) 454-7808. 10/12

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

Are your insurance rates making you angry?

Give Velece a call for a free quote.

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.