OCEA EMPLOYEE VOLUME 68, ISSUE 3 • July–September 2015
Orange County workers are standing together and ready to bargain with the county pg. 8
2 0 1 5 O C E A H ea l t h F a i r a n d
f a r m e r s
m a r k e t
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015 Orange County Employees Association 830 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana, Ca 92701
Free giveaways, screenings and food at OCEA! Representatives from various health organizations will educate attendees about health-related topics and provide screenings. Come and enjoy the information, giveaways and exciting door prizes! Attendance at the OCEA Health Fair is a permitted use of Annual Leave, subject to approval by your supervisor.
OCEA EMPLOYEE VOLUME 68, ISSUE 3 • July–September 2015
An era ends and a new one begins OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino retires after a nearly 40-year career fighting for the rights of County employees. OCEA Assistant General Manager Jennifer Muir takes the reins.
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FEATURES 6 In solidarity: Berardino retires OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino has been protecting workers rights at OCEA since 1978.
8 Negotiations begin OCEA Bargaining Teams are all dressed up with nowhere to go—yet.
10 Meet your OCEA Board of Directors Get acquainted with your union leadership.
12 AMEA brings the gift of music to eager students AMEA hits all the right notes at Sycamore Jr. High School.
16 Giving young men a second chance Boys Republic in Chino, CA has been doing just that since 1907.
18 OCEA: Working People Standing Together More articles form OCEA’s media campaign highlighting the valuable work our members do for the community.
News & Updates
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President’s Message General Manager’s Message OCEA News Briefs OCEA Calendar
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OCEA Tickets OCEA E-Ticket Program OCEA Discounts OCEA Classifieds
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President’s message
Lezlee Neebe OCEA President
Shifting gears at high speed OCEA never stands still and this year, we are running faster and stronger than ever. Getting our bargaining teams to the table remains our focus, but we have to have enough gas left to deal with the issues that affect our members and families. Those issues can come at us from almost any direction on our race course. Luckily for us, we have a tiger in our tank. Our membership is stepping up like never before. Our workplace stewards and members are getting tuned-up on the issues and getting active. It is really awesome to see. When you become actively engaged, it fuels your “hunger” to understand even more. You begin to inquire about the things that will impact many other areas of your life. This is terrific! You become more aware about what is happening around you and the real world impacts on you, your work, your family and your community. With knowledge comes responsibility; responsibility to do what is right and to speak out. In our great country, free speech is a right we have because others were willing to pay the ultimate price to defend it. To honor that right and those who protect it, we must educate ourselves on all sides of the issues so we can be properly informed. Sometimes, there are no correct or easy answers. There is no quick fix. Sometimes we will have to make a stand and there will also be times we should compromise. We must be willing to work together and be creative about addressing these issues with a focus on protecting our future.
continues on a path to further employee empowerment. Her passion and work ethic have already been seen advocating for employees at the Board of Supervisors meetings, dauntlessly pursuing our CRONEY legislation at the state capitol and going head-to-head at the bargaining table to protect our collective bargaining rights. We will continue to ask the tough questions, confront issues, work together on plans of action, collaborate, and further our mission of securing the future of our co-workers, of our families, and our communities. Keep reading those emails, watching those videos, talking with your co-workers and neighbors, asking those questions, and offering collaborative suggestions and ideas! The race continues, and OCEA will continue to lead the way! In solidarity,
Lezlee Neebe OCEA President
I am so proud to serve with a membership that is developing greater skills and becoming actively informed. We are making great strides, never before contemplated or seen! We fight on in Sacramento for our CRONEY legislation. We stand strong protecting our rights at the bargaining table, and we continue to push back in the workplace to protect our members. We continue to be informed and share that information with you about candidates running for election. We are becoming an even stronger and more powerful army! We are entering a new era at OCEA. Our longtime General Manager Nick Berardino has retired. His forward thinking took our organization to a higher level of respect and dignity. He served our organization with pride and passion. He gave 100 percent every day to our members. He set the bar high and now, Jennifer Muir steps in without missing a beat and 2
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General Manager’s message
Jennifer Muir OCEA General Manager
Why our future is filled with hope Thank you for trusting me to stand shoulder to shoulder with all of you and lead OCEA into the future as your next General Manager. As we commence County negotiations and prepare to confront even more anti-worker attacks on the horizon— attacks on our pensions and on our right to stand together for a better life for our families – we stand on a solid foundation built brick by brick by those who have come before us. Over OCEA’s 75 years, nurses, public safety officers, child abuse workers, courtroom clerks and other OCEA members built our union to ensure all working families are treated fairly and the community receives vital services it needs. As a result, when union involvement was declining nationally, OCEA grew in numbers, in strength and in solidarity. Today, we are recognized across the nation as a leader standing up for fairness in the workplace, protecting retirement security and fighting back against the barrage of attacks on workers just trying to provide a decent life for our families. No one has been more influential in that effort than our retiring General Manager Nick Berardino. A proud Marine Corps veteran who served our country in Vietnam, Nick adapted the strategic lessons of battle and survival to representation of OCEA’s 18,000 members. Since joining OCEA’s professional staff in 1978, Nick has successfully negotiated hundreds of collective bargaining agreements. He worked Christmas Day during the 1994 bankruptcy to protect County workers from layoffs. He protested outside the Court on crutches, undeterred by pain or doctors orders. He prevented politicians in the City of Costa Mesa from beginning a national attack on public workers, stopping their plans to lay off the workers there and outsource their jobs. He leaves a legacy of involvement, concern and aggressive advocacy that will forever inspire OCEA and its members. He leaves us stronger and more unified than we have ever been. Today, the American Dream Nick has spent his life fighting for is still at risk of slipping away for too many of us, as corporations and their lobbyists slowly work to rig the system and convince elected officials to outsource our jobs and destroy our retirement security.
Workplace leaders who have spent time representing your interests at the bargaining table see the shift. Now, negotiating for a simple raise has turned into political theater in the news, on social media and at the ballot box. The attacks are not relenting yet. But there is hope for our future. We are that hope. Just like our grandparents’ generation did before us: Working people standing together, bargaining together, and using our strength in numbers to counter our opponents’ strength in dollars built the American middle class and will protect it today. We are a strong union made up of incredible people, who just like Nick, dedicate their lives every day to make our community better. Whether it’s protecting our streets, keeping our communities healthy, or making sure our desperately needed infrastructure is there for the public, OCEA members make a difference. Standing together, we will continue to make that difference in ways that matter most to each of your families. We will fight for the raises you deserve. We will push our elected officials to embrace and value public service. We will refuse to back down to attacks on our retirement security and our health care. And we will win. We will win because so many have shown us that being a part of something greater than ourselves matters. We will win because we won’t give up. We will win because we are standing up for what’s right. Thank you again for your confidence. I look forward to standing with you in the years to come. If you have thoughts or feedback you want to share, my door is always open. You can email me at jmuir@oceamember.org or follow me on twitter at @jenniferrmuir. And most importantly, join us by getting involved by signing up at www.oceamember.org/getinvolved. In solidarity,
Jennifer Muir OCEA General Manager
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OCEA news briefs E M P LOYEE Orange County Employees Association
OFFICERS Lezlee Neebe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Alan Dean Clow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Vice President Judy Bowling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd Vice President Butch Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary Anjali Essoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer Maria Corona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance Officer Frank Eley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Past President
COMMITTEE CHAIRS Alan Dean Clow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legislative Anjali Essoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Budget/Finance
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sharron Anderson . . . . . . . . County Executive Office Russell Baldwin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff-Coroner Dan Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff-Coroner Judy Bowling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Defender Rick Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court Alan Dean Clow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Defender Maria Corona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Frank Eley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Works Anjali Essoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff-Coroner Ian Foster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Works Eusebio “Butch” Garcia . . . . . . Social Services Agency Alicia Hernandez . . . . . . . . . . Child Support Services John Leos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation Paul Nguyen . . . . . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency Lezlee Neebe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court Chris Prevatt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Ryan Ramos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency Evelyn Reyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation Pamela Waters . . . . . . . . O.C. Community Resources
OCEA calendar Aug. 10
5:30 p.m.
Political Action Committee Meeting
Aug. 11
Noon-1 p.m.; 5:30-7 p.m.
Steward Meeting
Aug. 18
3 p.m.
Board of Directors Meeting
August 25
9–11 a.m.
OCEA Presents: Pre-Retirement by Empower Retirement (Formerly Great-West Retirement)
Sept. 7
Labor Day observed
Sept. 14
5:30 p.m.
Political Action Committee Meeting
Sept. 8
Noon-1 p.m.; 5:30-7 p.m.
Steward Meeting
Sept. 10
Noon–1 p.m.
OCEA Presents: Affordable Housing by Affordable Housing Clearinghouse
Sept. 15
3 p.m.
Board of Directors Meeting
Oct. 12
Columbus Day observed
Oct. 13
Noon-1 p.m.; 5:30-7 p.m.
Steward Meeting
Oct. 20
3 p.m.
Board of Directors Meeting
Oct. 22
Noon–1 p.m.
OCEA Presents: Crime Awareness by California CrimeFight
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 St., 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 OCEA 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 2014 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: Gus Castellanos Design & Production: Kevin Rush 830 N. Ross Street Santa Ana, Ca 92701 (714) 835-3355
Unless otherwise stated, all events will occur at OCEA, 830 N. Ross St., in Santa Ana. Visit www.oceamember.org for an updated events listing.
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OCEA news briefs Elect OCEA’s next Board of Directors OCEA members have until 5 p.m. Sept. 8 to apply for a seat on the OCEA Board of Directors. Only OCEA members in County, Court and Fire Authority bargaining units who have been employed by the agency for all or a portion of the sixmonth period immediately preceding nomination to a Board position can apply. Applicants must also have been an OCEA member for three years in good standing; or served as a steward or representation unit executive committee member for 1 year; or previously served already on the OCEA Board.
Union members can vote for candidates to fill 10 seats on the OCEA Board during the 2015 General Election period Nov. 13-Dec. 4. OCEA members should receive a ballot in the mail from the Elections Committee no later than Friday, Nov. 13. Completed ballots must be returned according to the directions sent to you with the ballot envelope no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Election results will be made public at the Board of Directors meeting Tuesday, Dec. 15.
Applications can be downloaded at www.oceamember.org under the “Why Join OCEA” tab.
Open enrollment coming Sept. 1-30 OCEA members may review and make changes to their Health & Welfare and supplemental benefits elections during open enrollment Sept. 1-30. During open enrollment, members can make a wide variety of permissible changes to their insurance, such as adding or dropping dependents, changing option packages, and, for OCEA members, upgrading certain plans. OCEA will mail open enrollment packets to eligible employees in late August. Make sure to follow all instructions closely and return the enrollment form with any requested changes to OCEA in person or by mail by the Sept. 30 deadline. Remember, OCEA is not part of the County’s “pony” system; all correspondence must be sent directly to OCEA. If changes are not made within the open enrollment period, with limited exceptions, members must wait until the following year to do so. For assistance with open enrollment, contact an OCEA Benefits Administrator at (714) 8353355.
OCEA Health Fair and Farmers Market returns Sept. 22 OCEA’s annual Health Fair, presented by the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust, will return from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, in the parking lot in front of OCEA. Representatives from County agencies and various health organizations will educate attendees on health issues and treatments and provide screenings for cholesterol and glucose levels, carpal tunnel syndrome, bone density, blood pressure and other health conditions. Massage therapists will give free massages. This year will also include some holistic booths. This year, the event is being held in conjunction with Health & Welfare Trust open enrollment so OCEA members can get in-person assistance with their supplemental benefits elections. County medical insurance representatives will also be at the Health Fair to aid employees. OCEA’s Farmers Market will return for the third year, providing free bags of produce for fairgoers, and a healthy lunch will be served, along with zucchini off the grill and free samples from vendor booths.
What’s going on in your workplace? Contact OCEA Internal Organizer Tim Steed at tsteed@oceamember.org if you would like to submit a workplace story idea for OCEA Employee magazine. Vote Chris Prevatt for OCERS Retirement Board in Nov. 2015
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In Solidarity: Berardino Nick Berardino is retiring this month as OCEA’s General Manager, leaving in his wake a colored history of standing with workers and fighting against injustice everywhere. Nick has earned too many awards and commendations to list here in the nearly 40 years since he started representing OCEA. Our favorite was the commendation in OC Weekly: “Best Voice for the Little Guy” in 2011. That’s what has been and will continue to be important to Nick—representing people who need him, standing up against injustice, being a part of something greater than himself. He has left an incredible legacy not only for all of us at
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OCEA, but also for the Marines he fought alongside in Vietnam. His work has made our world a better place. Nick will continue helping out at OCEA after his retirement, and through his involvement on the Orange County Fair Board, will continue advancing the labor movement’s commitment to supporting veterans. So while we are not saying goodbye to Nick, today we say a huge CONGRATULATIONS on his retirement and an enormous THANK YOU for all he has sacrificed for so many these years.
erardino retires
What’s next? In addition to an advisory role with OCEA, Nick will also continue fighting for working families through his work as a Trustee on the OC Fair Board. Advancing Labor’s commitment to veterans, Nick, with the support of OCEA, has been at the helm of Heroes Hall, a museum dedicated to Orange County’s Veterans which is currently under construction at the OC Fairgrounds. Upon completion, Heroes Hall will be the only Veterans Museum in Orange County and will serve more than 100,000 students who will visit annually.
HEROES HALL Currently under construction at the OC Fairgrounds is a massive Veterans Museum which will tell the story of war through video and audio presentations of veterans from throughout the nation. Capturing the experiences of our servicemen and women in their own words, the Museum hopes to convey powerful personal messages about historic global events, personal sacrifice and the cost of freedom. A vintage World War II Army barracks once scheduled for demolition has been saved and relocated to a prominent site at the OC Fair and Event Center where it is being restored to serve as a monument that honors the great men and women who have served throughout history in our Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.
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OCEA General Counsel Don Drozd, OCEA General Manager Jennifer Muir and OCEA Assistant General Manager Charles Barfield lead the OCEA Bargaining Team in a discussion with the County’s representatives about ground rules for the upcoming bargaining sessions.
Negotiations begin: Standing together for your family’s security Negotiations are commencing in unprecedented times For the first time since the start of the historic “Great Recession” in 2007, there has been good news recently regarding the economy. An improving job market, rising housing starts and rebounding property values have started being reflected in local government revenues, including Orange County’s. Sounds like good news for OCEA’s County members as we commence negotiations, right? Not so fast. The problem is COIN—Civic Openness in Negotiations, and what it has shown us about the political dynamic in Orange County.
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the County wants to require in labor negotiations. SB 331, also known as CRONEY, will let the sun shine in on single source bids and sweetheart contracts entered into by the Board of Supervisors. SB 331 passed overwhelmingly on the Senate floor and is now continuing its path through the Assembly. We believe that if a local entity wants to promote transparency it should not be limited to the jurisdiction’s workforce but should be applied across the board to areas where taxpayer money is being spent. Segregating out transparency requirements for only a single group is discriminatory and also misses an opportunity to shine a light on how taxpayer money is spent in other areas where transparency is clearly needed. Of course, the County has opposed that legislation.
Last year the County enacted a COIN ordinance that exclusively targets County workers and creates an unfair advantage for the County in negotiations to promote what it calls “transparency.”
Legally, OCEA filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge with the state Public Employees Relations Board (PERB), which then issued a complaint against the County. An Administrative Law Judge has issued a Proposed Decision that found the County had violated state labor laws when it adopted COIN.
OCEA has responded to that County action both legislatively and legally. On the legislative track we sponsored legislation that would open up all County contracts to the same scrutiny
The Administrative Law Judge ordered the County to rescind key elements of its COIN ordinance and meet and confer with OCEA, but the County has appealed that decision.
OCEA EMPLOYEE
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Meanwhile, your OCEA bargaining team has been meeting with the County for several weeks to discuss ground rules to get to the bargaining table while this appeal plays out. It’s mid-July and we still have not been able to reach a point with County negotiators where we can get to discuss what’s important to all OCEA members—wages! Those familiar with bargaining know that ground rules for negotiations can usually be agreed to in a matter of minutes. The introduction of COIN creates a political dynamic that has completely changed what is normal. To be clear: COIN was never designed to be a mechanism for government transparency. The brainchild of Costa Mesa Councilman Steve Mensinger, COIN came out of an antiunion struggle in that City that made headlines in 2012 when the Council majority tried to privatize the workforce through massive layoffs. OCEA successfully challenged those measures and won. COIN’s disclosure provisions were designed to put labor in the worst bargaining position possible. Under COIN Supervisors and anti-employee forces could cherry pick and politicize proposals using their bully pulpit to mischaracterize or mislead—something that’s much more difficult to do when negotiations are conducted on equal footing. The County’s willingness to illegally implement COIN without a meet and confer process demonstrates an utter lack of respect for employees. While COIN was a program enacted by a previous Board of Supervisors, this Board’s unwillingness to rescind it offers a very transparent perspective on how they view and value the County’s most valuable asset—you and your co-workers. We will see if negotiations brings some positive change to the County’s position. With all of this, OCEA’s bargaining team and its staff have shown a willingness to work together to adopt real transparency measures. Achieving true transparency takes time. Developing the mutual trust and respect needed to for effective bargaining can take even longer. In the meantime, it is more clear now than ever that every single OCEA employee will need to stand together for fairness throughout this bargaining process. Please continue reading your emails about negotiations, and if you don’t receive emails at home, please sign up at www.oceamember.org/myocea so you don’t miss important information about negotiations. And if you would like to support your coworkers who have dedicated so much of their time and effort to represent you at the bargaining table, stand with them by getting more involved. Sign up at www.oceamember.org/getinvolved.
Retiring OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino embraces retiring Senior Labor Relations Representative Frank Flavin.
Longtime OCEA Representative retires Senior Labor Relations representative Frank Flavin retired in August, capping a long career of dedicated service among and on behalf of County employees. Frank began his 20-years of dedicated service to the County of Orange in 1995 helping disadvantaged youth as a Group Counselor at the Los Pinos Conservations Camp. He was promoted to Deputy Juvenile Correctional Officer in the Maximum Security area of County Juvenile Hall and then later worked in the Mental Health Unit of the Juvenile facility, caring for minors gripped by substance abuse addiction and/or those struggling with mental illness and cognitive disability. While a County employee, Frank rose to a leadership position within OCEA, being elected as the President of the Probation Services Unit and also a member of the OCEA Board of Directors. Frank joined OCEA’s team in 2008 and has been representing employees throughout the County, including in Probation and the Sheriff’s Department, ever since. Not only did he represent County employees with honor and heart, he also served as the president of OCEA’s employee union, FEU. Frank will be greatly missed at OCEA. Please join us in congratulating him and his wife Sue on enjoying his retirement!
Vote Chris Prevatt for OCERS Retirement Board in Nov. 2015
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2015
Meet your Board of Directors
OCEA is governed by a 19-member Board of Directors, elected by our membership. Our Board determines the policies and general direction that guide OCEA and its staff. Each Board member is a member of OCEA. Cumulatively our Board of Directors possesses many decades of experience in guiding OCEA!
Lezlee Neebe, Superior Court
Alan Dean Clow, Public Defender
Judy Bowling, Public Defender
Anjali Essoe, Sheriff-Coroner Department
OCEA President
OCEA First Vice President
OCEA Second Vice President
OCEA Treasurer
Lezlee, a Court Clerk III at Orange County Superior Court, was hired in 1992. She joined OCEA on her hiring date, becoming a steward in 1994 and a Board member in 1995.
Alan, a Senior Investigator at the Orange County Public Defender’s office, was hired in 1996. He joined OCEA the same year, becoming a Board member in 2005 and a steward in 2008.
Judy, a Senior Investigator at the Orange County Public Defender’s office, was hired in 1996. She joined OCEA the same year, becoming a steward in 2011 and a Board member in 2012.
Anjali, an Education Services Coordinator with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, was hired in 2000. She joined OCEA in 2001, becoming a steward in 2009 and a Board member in 2012.
She currently serves as OCEA President; a trustee of the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust; on the OCEA Political Action Committee; and as a Vice President on the Orange County Labor Federation Executive Committee and serves as Recording Secretary thereto. As union President, Lezlee serves as an ad-hoc member on all OCEA committees, including OCEA’s budget & finance, communication, legislative, political action (Executive Board) and scholarship committees. She previously served as OCEA First Vice President.
He currently serves as OCEA First Vice President and chair of the Legislative Committee. He is also a member of OCEA’s Communication Committee. Alan is a member of many OCEA bargaining teams and has represented OCEA and OCPD members in meetings with the Board of Supervisors. He was OCPD Investigators President from 2002-04, and worked with the OCPD Attorney’s Association, the California Prosecutors Association and OCEA to add OCPD Investigators to AB 2023, which was signed by Gov. Gray Davis in 2003. He has worked with the United States Army Military Police and the Coronado Police Department.
She currently serves as chair of OCEA’s Scholarship Committee and is a member of OCEA’s budget & finance and communications committees. She was named Orange County Public Defender Investigator of the Year in 2000 and is the recipient of OCEA’s Perfect Attendance and Civic Engagement awards.
She currently serves as OCEA Treasurer and chair of OCEA’s budget & finance committee. She is also a member of external communications committee, a bargaining team member and Health Fair volunteer. Anjali is a recipient of OCEA’s Perfect Attendance Award, and has twice received each the Outstanding Steward and President’s awards.
She has been a member of many OCEA bargaining teams.
At her agency, Judy serves on the Public Defender Labor Management Committee.
At her agency, she has participated in Sheriff’s Department arbitrations.
Alan was named Orange County Public Defender Investigator of the Year in 2009.
Butch Garcia, Social Services Agency
Maria Corona, Health Care Agency
Frank Eley, Public Works
OCEA Secretary
OCEA Insurance Officer
OCEA Past President
Butch, a Social Worker II at Orange County Social Services Agency, was hired in 1992. He joined OCEA in 2000, becoming a steward in 2005 and a Board member in 2007.
Maria, a Staff Assistant at Orange County Health Care Agency—Office of Health Policy and Communication, was hired in 2000. She joined OCEA the same year, becoming a steward in 2003 and a Board member in 2008.
Frank, a Business Analyst II at Orange County Public Works, was hired in 1982. He joined OCEA the same year, becoming a steward in 1984 and a Board member in 1985.
He currently serves as Secretary of both the Board of Directors and Political Action Committee Executive Board, and as chair of the Catastrophic Employee Leave Committee. He is also a member of OCEA’s budget & finance, legislative and scholarship committees, and has been on many OCEA bargaining teams. He is a recipient of OCEA’s President’s, Excellence, Rising Star and Perfect Attendance awards. At his agency, Butch is co-chair of the SSA Labor Management Committee and has been involved in the Family Self Sufficiency Service Model Committee, Case Management Forum, ISW Premium Pay workgroup, ISW Rotational Assignment Board workgroup, Case Load work group for Case Managers, AAII work group and various groups that pertain to CalWORKs.
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She currently serves as OCEA Insurance Officer and trustee of the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust, and was previously OCEA Treasurer. Maria is a member of OCEA’s budget & finance, catastrophic employee leave, communication, and retirement committees, and has been a Health Fair volunteer and member of many OCEA bargaining teams. She is a recipient of OCEA’s President’s, Perfect Attendance and Civic Engagement awards. At her agency, she is a member of the HCA Labor Management Committee.
He currently serves as OCEA Past President, OCEA Political Action Committee Executive Board Vice Chair and as a trustee of the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust, since its inception. Frank is chair of OCEA’s Retirement Committee and a member of OCEA’s budget & finance committee. He previously served as OCEA President, Second Vice President and Treasurer. He has been a member of many OCEA bargaining teams including current County negotiations now.
Sharron Anderson, County Executive Office—Procurement Office Sharron, an Office Specialist at the Orange County Executive Office—Procurement, was hired in 1981. She joined OCEA in 1982, becoming a steward in 1983 and a Board member in 2009. She is a member of OCEA’s budget & finance, holiday party and legislative committees. Sharron has been a member and alternate on many OCEA bargaining teams, and has received OCEA’s Perfect Attendance Award numerous times. At her agency, Sharron was previously a member of the CEO Labor Management Committee and the CEO Recognition Committee.
Frank is also a general elected member of the Orange County Employees Retirement System Board, since 1999, and has served as chair twice.
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Russell Baldwin, Sheriff-Coroner Department
Dan Beam, Sheriff-Coroner Department
Rick Burns, Superior Court
Ian R. Foster, OC Public Works
Russell, a Senior Forensic Scientist at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, was hired in 1990. He joined OCEA the same year, becoming a steward from 1998 to 2007, and again in 2013. He was a Board member from 1997 to 2007, and again in 2013.
Dan, a Sheriff’s Special Officer II at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, was hired in 1988. He joined OCEA in 1990, becoming a steward in 2002 and a Board member in 2008.
Rick, a Court Clerk III at Orange County Superior Court, was hired in 1996. He joined OCEA in 1999, becoming a steward in 2008 and a Board member in 2013.
He is a member of OCEA’s Legislative Committee. He served as SSO/Deputy Coroner Unit Executive Committee Vice Chair from 1999 to 2012, and has been a member of many OCEA Bargaining teams, and the OCSD Labor Management and Joint Labor Management committees. Dan was part of a team that worked against layoffs and employee reclassifications in 2010. He was awarded the medal of life saving by the department after saving a passengers life at the airport in 2014.
He is a member of OCEA’s legislative and scholarship committees, and is a Superior Court bargaining team member.
Ian, a Senior Land Surveyor in the Record of Survey and Corner Record Division at Orange County Public Works, was hired in 1989. He left the County in 1997 and returned in 1999. He joined OCEA in 1989—and again when he returned to the County—becoming a Steward in 2006 and a Board member in 2013.
He is a member of OCEA’s legislative and retirement committees. He has been a member of many OCEA bargaining teams, and is a recipient of OCEA’s President’s and Perfect Attendance awards. At his agency, Russell was a member of the OCSD Labor Management Committee during its lifetime and organized successful inequity adjustments for forensic scientists. Russell also served as a general elected member of the Orange County Employees Retirement System Board from 2004 to 2012.
He is a member of OCEA’s Budget & Finance, Legislative and Retirement Committees. He is returning to the Bargaining Team again this year and has participated in many election-related activities. At his agency, Ian serves on the OC Public Works Labor Management Committee and is a Six-Sigma Committee Member. He is also a member of the California Land Surveyors Association and an Ice Hockey Coach for the Anaheim Ducks Minor Hockey League.
He is stationed at John Wayne Airport.
Alicia Hernandez, Child Support Services
John Leos, Probation Department
Paul Nguyen, Social Services Agency
Alicia, a Child Support Officer at Orange County Child Support Services, was hired in 1988. She joined OCEA the same year, becoming a steward in 2009 and a Board member in 2012.
John, a Deputy Juvenile Correctional Officer II at the Orange County Probation Department, was hired in 1996. He joined OCEA in 1997, becoming a steward in 2005 and a Board member from 2008 to 2009, and in 2011 and 2014.
Paul, a Social Services Supervisor I at Orange County Social Services Agency, was hired in 2006. He joined OCEA the same year. Paul was laid off in the beginning of 2009, but was rehired several months later with the help of OCEA. He became a steward in 2010 and a Board member in 2011.
She is a member of OCEA’s budget & finance, retirement and scholarship committees, and is a recipient of OCEA’s Perfect Attendance Award. At her agency, Alicia serves on the Child Support Services Labor Management Committee.
He is a member of the OCEA Legislative Committee and is a bargaining team member. At his agency, John serves on the Probation Labor Management Committee and off-dutyarming workgroup.
He is a member of OCEA’s budget & finance, catastrophic employee leave and external communications committees. Paul is an OCEA bargaining team member, and recipient of OCEA’s New Leader and Civic Engagement awards. At his agency, he is a member of the SSA Labor Management Committee.
Chris Prevatt, Health Care Agency Chris, a Program Supervisor I at Orange County Health Care Agency, was hired in 1997. He joined OCEA in 2000, becoming a steward in 2006 and a Board member from 2007 to 2009. He was reappointed in 2011 and reelected in 2012. He currently serves as OCEA Political Action Committee Executive Board Treasurer and chair of the Legislative Committee. Chris is also a member of OCEA’s Retirement Committee, and is a general elected member of the Orange County Employees Retirement System Board. He has twice received OCEA’s President’s Award. At his agency, Chris is a co-team leader of the HCA Labor Management Committee and chair of the LMC’s subcommittee on workplace enhancements and cost savings.
Want to know more about your OCEA Board of Directors? Ryan Ramos, Health Care Agency
Evelyn Reyes, Probation Department
Pamela Waters, Orange County Public Library
Ryan, a Research Analyst IV with the Orange County Health Care Agency, was hired in 2006. He joined OCEA the same year, becoming a steward in 2010 and a Board member in 2012.
Evelyn, a Supervising Juvenile Correctional Officer at the Orange County Probation Department, was hired in 1989. She joined OCEA in 1990 and became a board member in 2014 .
Pamela, a Secretary II at Orange County Public Library, was hired in 1987. She joined OCEA in 1988, becoming a steward the same year and a Board member in 1993.
Ryan currently serves as chair of the Health & Welfare Trust and on the OCEA Political Action Committee. He is a member of OCEA’s catastrophic employee leave, legislative, and retirement committees—and was previously a member of the OCEA Scholarship Committee. He is also a bargaining team member.
She is a member of the OCEA Legislative Committee and is a bargaining team member.
She has served as a trustee of the Health & Welfare Trust, since its inception, and is also a member of OCEA’s budget & finance, catastrophic employee leave, communications, legislative, retirement and scholarship committees. She has been a member of many OCEA bargaining teams and is a Health Fair volunteer.
Vote Chris Prevatt for OCERS Retirement Board in Nov. 2015
Check out the interviews in the back of each magazine issue. Visit Pg. 25 for a Q&A with Board member Butch Garcia. You can also visit www.oceamember.org and click “Meet your Board” in the lower left corner to learn more.
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Viridiana Monarrez breaks in a new keyboard at Sycamore Junior High, donated by the Anaheim Municipal Employees Association.
AMEA’s generosity is music to the ears of Sycamore Junior High School As Viridiana Monarrez’s fingers traveled across the keys, music filled the room as her classmates quietly began to crowd around in silent support as she sang her cover of Kodaline’s “All I Want.” This wasn’t a normal day at Sycamore Junior High School in Veronica Kelii’s advanced choir class. The students were overjoyed as brand new keyboards, music stands, headphones and recording equipment were just carted into their classroom. This is no ordinary school room. It’s the location of Sycamore’s new Keyboard Lab donated by the Anaheim Municipal Employees Association (AMEA). “More of AMEA’s membership either grew up in or currently live in the City of Anaheim than any other city which is why, 12
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even while having to navigate budget cuts from the City, the AMEA Board has always recognized how important it is to give back to the community we serve,” said AMEA President Mike Holmes. In addition to the new keyboard lab, over the past few years they have donated class sets of dictionaries and cameras to schools throughout Anaheim. With the budgets of public schools across the country having been slashed since the beginning of the recession, programs considered “electives” or “luxuries” like art, music and shop classes are always the first to go. According to a 2012 report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, more than 95 percent of school-aged children were attending schools that had funding cut. Unfortunately, even when times get better, theses programs don’t always make a comeback.
Vote Chris Prevatt for OCERS Retirement Board in Nov. 2015
“The arts at public schools get cut because they are an easy target when it comes to balancing the budget. But Anaheim Union High School District was unique during the budget crisis; we managed to hold onto many of the arts programs for our students,” said AUHSD Board member Al Jabbar, who is also an OCEA steward. “But we still need support when it comes to equipment, instruments and other necessary items for programs.” “Public education always gets underfunded and programs such as these take a hit or get minimal funding. But when we have generous organizations such as AMEA stepping up to fill in the gap, we can provide our students a holistic education. This is a local organization in Anaheim that stepped up to support Anaheim kids. As many of them experienced, the students’ emotions said it all,” Jabbar added. Choir director Veronica Kelii said the importance of receiving help from outside groups like AMEA is “immeasurable.” “AMEA has modeled something amazing for these students,” she said. “It takes a village to raise a child and AMEA is contributing to our community in such a wonderful way! The majority of these students do not have access to private music instruction outside of the public school setting and AMEA has demonstrated that it is possible to bring those resources to the classroom. What a gift for students to be able to look forward to being in an organization like AMEA and eventually give back to their own community.” Sycamore’s principal agrees. “Sycamore and AUHSD have a long history of supporting the arts. Generous donations such as the one from AMEA provide needed materials to propel our programs to even
greater success. Visual and Performing Arts, along with career exploration options, provide valuable learning opportunities for our students and help prepare them to be college and career ready,” added Principal Joe Carmona. “Community involvement by groups like AMEA is important because it brings material and human resources into our schools. The technical expertise, life experience and mentoring that professional organizations can provide to students is a critical component to developing strong communities and schools.”
Make a difference, get involved! Whether it is volunteering through your local school district, church or Boys & Girls Club, coaching Little League or AYSO, or even becoming a Steward In OCEA, getting involved is the first step in making our communities better. Unions were founded because our grandparents’ generation recognized that standing together, we could accomplish so much more. Each and every OCEA member plays a vital part in making Orange County the great place it is to live and work. With negotiations on the horizon, getting involved is more important than ever. If you would like to be a part of OCEA’s efforts to help out the community and your fellow employees, sign up at www.oceamember.org/getinvolved or contact Tim Steed at tsteed@oceamember.org.
From left to right: Anaheim Union High School District Board Member and OCEA Steward Al Jabbar, AMEA First Vice President Dave Pangle, Sycamore Junior High School teacher and choir director Veronica Kelii, Sycamore Junior High School Principal Joe Carmona, AMEA Secretary Tracy Nolan, AMEA Second Vice President Jonnae Barreras, AMEA President Mike Holmes and AMEA Treasurer Margaret Hunter. Vote Chris Prevatt for OCERS Retirement Board in Nov. 2015
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Pensions are under attack! Chris Prevatt fights to protec
Vote CHRIS PR
for O C E R S R etirement
“I will continue to fight against politically-motiv ensure that planning for the OCERS fund is prude About Chris Prevatt • Chris has been fighting for OCEA members as their voice on the OCERS’ Board since 2012 • Chris is an 18-year county employee of the Health Care Agency • Chris helped win the fight against Prop. 32 – one of the biggest threats to retirement security in recent years • Chris fought politically-motivated efforts that would have raised your employee contribution rates by approximately 7-8 percent • Chris’ leadership on the OCERS Board has helped make the fund one of the best managed in the nation, ensuring your retirement is there for you when you need it.
Your retirement is under attack. Hostile forces here in Orange County are joining state-wide activists funded by political extremists to destroy retirement security for you and your families. We need to keep Chris Prevatt on the OCERS Board so we can fight off theses attacks and make sure the retirement system is there when you need it. Last September, Chris stood up to an attempt at OCERS to needlessly overcharge employees like you and plan sponsors like the County. Chris fought back, and the proposal was defeated 7-2. That’s why every OCEA member should vote for Chris Prevatt. Stopping these attacks isn’t easy and we can’t do it without dedicated, knowledgeable board members like Chris.
wide initiative a earned pension We need peop the billionaires and employee members depe let them do it. W working people the fruits of a re and rightfully e this battle and
Look for your b week of Septem Election Day No ballots must be ready for pickof Voters by 9 a send those ball information will
“We defeated Prop. 32 and I was proud to help lead that effort in Orange County. But now we face the spectre of another state-
Chris is your voice on the Retirement Boar He knows how to fight back, and he knows how
It’s your pension. Protect it! Vote For Chris 14
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Vote Chris Prevatt for OCERS Retirement Board in Nov. 2015
ct your retirement security.
REVATT
etirement B oard
vated attacks and ent and fair.” – Chris Prevatt
aimed at turning over our hard n funds to corporate interests. ple who can fight back against who covet the taxpayer e retirement contributions our end on,” said Chris. “We can’t We need to make sure that the e of this great country can enjoy etirement they have paid for earned. We are going to fight together, we will win!”
ballots in the mail the second mber. They are due on ovember 10. Mail-in e at the post office and -up by the Registrar a.m. sharp so lots early. More l be coming.
rd. to win.
hris Prevatt! OCEA EMPLOYEE
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Giving young Men a Second Chance Boys Republic in Chino, CA has been doing just that since 1907 Nestled in some rolling hills along the 71-Freeway in Chino, California’s busy shopping district, there are 200 acres of farmland where young men can find a new direction in their lives. It’s called Boys Republic and it preceded the City of Chino’s incorporation by about three-years. Boys Republic has other facilities including one in Santa Ana and another in Los Angeles County for young women but this board and care facility in Chino is where young men in need have found a home and a second chance for more than a century. For Dave Pangle, AMEA vice president and career City of Anaheim employee, Boys Republic proved to be the lifeline he needed. “I had already been arrested and held at Juvenile Hall for some petty things when my Dad basically said he was done with me,” said Pangle. “I was definitely on a road that led to prison or worse.” Pangle’s father had remarried four times over the years. The 13-year old was acting out against a chaotic and unstable home life. His grades and school attendance in shambles, Pangle had little hope things were going to change. …. Since 1907, boys like Pangle have found structure they lacked at home. The theme and central value at Boys Republic is “Nothing Without Labor.” The young men who are sent to live there come from across California on the recommendation of judges and prosecutors in their home jurisdictions. As soon as they arrive, the boys are put to work to earn their keep on the sprawling facility. Along with academics, they learn responsibility by caring for the hundreds of animals on the Boys Republic Agricultural Farm. Boys Republic is also the home of the Rams and fields baseball, basketball and cross country teams that compete
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“Nothing without Labor” is the mantra at Boys Republic, says Executive Director Chris Burns.
with other schools in the local district. “We want the campus to feel like a natural community,” says Executive Director Chris Burns. “Our young men are taught to cook, clean, budget. They have to pay rent—it’s all about preparing them for life on their own.” The young men are challenged with demanding electives including welding, digital printing, masonry and a bakery where Boys Republic pastry chefs create much in demand cakes and desserts. One of the most popular self-funded activities at the Boys Republic is the Della Robbia—hand-crafted wreaths sold over the holidays. Constructing the wreaths is real world work experience that requires centuries-old artisanry and electronic technology to complete. The non-profit sales campaign is spearheaded by celebrities—LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian were honorary co-chairs last year. The allnatural wreaths are “Christmas cheer in a box,” says a Boys Republic publication.
Working with a will. Boys Republic members learn about teamwork and discipline producing the Della Robbia wreaths.
Another fundraising activity is the annual Friends of Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle Show. The 200-acre Boys Republic campus provides a wonderful venue for hundreds of classic cars and motorcycles. The legendary actor deeply believed in the mission of Boys Republic and his family continues to help put together the yearly homage to wheeled steel. …. For Dave Pangle, his first six months at Boys Republic back in 1987 were a revelation. Absent were the police sirens and traffic sounds of Orange County. There were trees, fresh air and a routine. “The counselors and staff absolutely gave me the tools I needed to make my way,” says Pangle. “Boys Republic breathed a new life into me that I never imagined I would find.” He spent three years at the main campus graduating near the top of his class. Pangle’s next step was to the home of his new foster parents who showed the young man what a positive and supportive relationship between a man and a woman could be like.
2014 Celebrity Co-Chairs Eddie Cibrian and LeAnn Rimes
As you might expect, Pangle is now on the Executive Board for Boys Republic and is helping to guide one of the oldest and most emulated youth care agencies. In fact, he was named 2010 Alumni of the Year. This is what he told a rapt audience of young people new to Boys Republic: “I was a little hard-headed and had to be here three years— but I finally got it ... I learned leadership skills, conflict resolution and hard work. I learned how I can serve my family, my friends and my community. Boys Republic gave me the tools to do that.” To order a Della Robbia wreath, log on to www.boysrepublic.org.
Pangle’s new parents helped him to deal with the abandonment and self-esteem issues that he still harbored. With the discipline he learned at Boys Republic, Pangle worked two jobs and finished his high school diploma. He got a driver’s license and a car. Pangle started working for the City of Anaheim in 1990. He now has a family of his own. He’s a homeowner and brought his estranged mother to live with him. He connected with a half-sister he wasn’t even aware he had. Pangle’s leadership at the AMEA is mirrored in other areas of his life. He helps with the Men’s Ministry at Living Waters Church in Fountain Valley.
AMEA First Vice-President Dave Pangle, wife Dee and family.
Vote Chris Prevatt for OCERS Retirement Board in Nov. 2015
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OUR UNION:
Working People Standing Together Orange County workers—our public safety officers, social workers, nurses and many more—are the backbone of our great County, keeping our streets safe and clean and providing services our communities need. Unfortunately, politicians and their corporate backers have not let up on their constant attacks on workers, eroding the middle class our grandparents’ generation built brick by brick. And they’re doing it for their own personal gain. So we are standing together to make sure the public knows Orange County’s workers are truly heroes in our communities. OCEA recently launched a campaign to tell the public about the great work you do and your dedication to our community. The following profiles were published in the Orange County Register. Read them online at www.oceamember.org/workingpeople. Sign up to stand with your co-workers and get involved in your union at www.oceamember.org/getinvolved.
Angelo Lugo:
This Techie Helps Save Lives In his first week as an information technology employee for Orange County’s Health Care Agency, Angelo Lugo knew he was in the right place. Lugo was visiting a physical therapy site and watched workers with a child struggling to make simple movements. Although Lugo couldn’t physically help the child, he realized he could help provide it with a shot at a better life. “If I can provide a good solid network for (health care providers) to do their work, I’m contributing,” Lugo said. “I may not be a health professional, but I can still contribute my own expertise in IT.” Lugo says after seeing that child, “I thought to myself, ‘This is where I need to be.’” Nearly 15 years later, the Network Engineer for the County of Orange Health Care Agency remains as dedicated as ever. Although it is often unseen, the flow of information and data are the life’s blood of health care, and information technology (IT) professionals like Lugo keep the “digital arteries” clean, ensuring integrity in the system, avoiding data breaches, and protecting sensitive information from hacking and cyber-attacks. “I’m passionate about IT. I’m passionate about networking, the technology,” Lugo said. “I keep the network up at all times. Without it, those tools and programs and services aren’t accessible.” Since March, when the county handed over IT operations for the Health Care Agency and others to a private corporation, Xerox, Lugo has been 18
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assisting with myriad aspects of the transfer and keeping the agency running and the network secure when mistakes occur. A major part of the job is overseeing upgrades to the county network infrastructure to accommodate the Voice over Internet Protocol system, or VoIP, which allows voice communication over a computer network rather than standard phone lines. “It’s technology and it’s cost savings,” Lugo said, adding, “I played a role in the first VoIP implementation for our emergency operations center.” Lugo has also been involved in numerous video conferencing projects for the Health Care Agency, which save travel time and money for the county when implemented properly. When the county decided to outsource VoIP recently, Lugo was part of a team of IT professionals who tried to help save taxpayer dollars by performing the work more efficiently in house. VoIP technology can be particularly helpful in health care. One of Lugo’s newest projects involves telemedicine, in which high-resolution video and diagnostic instruments
are connected to a computer. Everything is mounted on a wheeled cart. Physicians are able to conduct examinations remotely, converse with on-site medical professionals, and receive imaging, results and other health information digitally. Information technology is ever-changing; generational shifts occur rapidly. But for Lugo, who has been in IT for 31 years, that’s part of the fun. “I’m excited by new technology. I embrace it,” he said. “That’s my philosophy: to get data (to patients and providers) quickly and make sure it’s secure.” Lugo has also played a key role in protecting union jobs and articulating concerns of the Orange County Employees Association. In 2013 he became a steward with the union, representing his co-workers on its IT committee and the negotiations bargaining team. For his leadership and dedication, Lugo earned an OCEA Presidents Award. When not immersed in the IT world, the father of two can be found ensconced in the Tiki world. While Tiki allows the affable Lugo to show his personality, he enjoys the role of being a quiet facilitator at work. “In all the years I’ve been a network engineer, we’re always behind the scenes,” he said. “When unscheduled outages or other emergencies occur it’s time for us to put on our fire hats,” Lugo added. “It’s a critical job. It’s an exciting job. It’s stressful. You’ve got to keep the network up. That’s what keeps you going. That’s what gives you the adrenaline.”
Angelo Lugo Network Engineer, Health Care Agency OCEA member since 2000 Expert insight Before it was moved earlier this year, the Health Care Agency (HCA) Data Center, located in Santa Ana, had approximately 190 devices (servers, switches, storage and voice system) housed in over 20 racks and connected to 70 locations throughout Orange County via an assortment of technologies. OCEA EMPLOYEE
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Bea De La Torre:
John Wayne Airports troubleshooter fixes anything, any time When a customer at John Wayne Airport picks up a white courtesy telephone with a complaint or suggestion, there’s a good chance Bea De La Torre will end up on the line. De La Torre, one of four facility maintenance shop planners at JWA’s service desk, is like a one-person white phone for all things airport related, particularly if it has to do with maintenance or service. From passengers to contractors to tenants, from personnel to maintenance to security, all issues flow through the service desk where De La Torre is stationed. “My day is never the same any day. I don’t know what I’m going to expect,” said De La Torre, who in April will celebrate 27 years as a county employee, all of them at the airport she calls her home away from home. De La Torre’s chief responsibility is to oversee and monitor the bag belt system that moves luggage to the planes for the 9.2 million passengers who pass through the airport in a year. If there is a mechanical problem, De La Torre is the one who organizes moving luggage onto alternate belts, coordinating with the front desks, talking to sky caps and the Transportation Security Administration to keep operations running smoothly. In 2001, in the wake of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., new screening systems were added and more attention was focused on luggage, and the airport began monitoring the luggage conveyor belt system. De La Torre
Bea De La Torre Facilities Maintenance Shop Planner, John Wayne Airport OCEA member since 1988 Expert insight John Wayne Airport, JWA, is a county-owned and operated facility that served more than 9.2 million passengers in 2013, including commercial, general, commuter, cargo and military operations.
is responsible for maintaining high security and safety. She also makes sure that passengers’ possessions will arrive with them at their destination. “We’re there to ensure that all those bags make their flights, that we don’t have any bags that miss the flights,” she said. “So if there are any mechanical problems we are the liaison between the airlines and the TSA .” When a spate of winter storms hit in December and a TSA screening station had to be shut down, it was De La Torre who orchestrated the rerouting of luggage. With ongoing construction and upgrades to the baggage system at the airport, keeping the flow of baggage can be a challenge. But that’s just the start for De La Torre. Virtually any maintenance issue in the airport goes through her team. Whether it’s a spill in a bathroom, a leak in the roof, a broken escalator or elevator, service desk employees are the problem solvers. De La Torre is also the one who gets the call when there’s a bird, rodent or even a stray balloon spotted in the terminals. De La Torre is stationed at the John Wayne Airport Service Desk, a control center where she monitors feeds from cameras throughout terminals, parking and surrounding areas. When problems or questions arise, De La Torre and her co-workers are often the resource to coordinate and correct, to communicate, or lend a sympathetic ear.
Attention OCEA Members: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE COUNTY’S HEALTHY STEPS PROGRAM If you do not participate this year, your health care premium will increase dramatically. OCEA supports incentive-based wellness programs. We are opposed, however, to the punitive approach taken by the County. OCEA is filing an Unfair Labor Practice complaint on your behalf, however, we recommend you participate to avoid the extra expense added to your family’s budget.
You must complete all three steps by August 21 Info/Assistance: 1-800-492-9812 Set-up Account: ochealthysteps.staywell.com You must complete all 3 steps: Biometric Screening
Health Risk Assessment
Non-Smoking Attestation
Need help navigating online enrollment? Call the number above to RSVP for website training offered at: 12 Civic Center Plaza Building 12, Room 216 Course: OC Healthy Steps Website 101 Code OCHRD87
“My job is always to give them exceptional customer service. To listen to what the problem is and try to resolve it in a way that they’re going to be happy—not only the tenants but the public,” she said. “Whenever we have an issue safety-wise we’re there, because we don’t want to have anyone get injured or have a bad experience when they’re at the airport. I take customer service really seriously. That’s what I’m all about and that’s where the public relations side of me (comes in).” De La Torre has had that attitude since she graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 1988 with a major in journalism and public relations. Although she was offered a job with the Los Angeles Times and had an interview scheduled with CBS, the newly engaged graduate wanted to work closer to her Orange County home and her fiancé, Ben. She interviewed to be a receptionist at the airport and had a job offer by the time she arrived home. The De La Torres were married later in 1988 and have been together ever since, with two daughters and a son. De La Torre carries her sense of service wherever she goes. She recalls on a recent trip she took to a local theme park that one of the escalators was not working. She told a maintenance worker about the problem, but at the end of the day it still wasn’t fixed. “That’s not going to happen at the airport—no, no, no. That would be working, fixed 30 minutes after it was reported, not eight to 10 hours later,” she said. “It’s just one of those things that’s built in. I can’t shut it off.” Vote Chris Prevatt for OCERS Retirement Board in Nov. 2015
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County teams deliver on Anaheim community cleanup What do truckloads of debris, mattresses, old BBQ grills, furniture, car parts and yard trash add up to? For County workers, community partners and a team of students from Bolsa Grande High School, the sum is a much needed and much appreciated community project. The project is the coordinated effort of OC Public Works, OC Landfills, Republic Industries, OC Code Enforcement and OC Waste and Recycling and a terrific coalition of staff and volunteers who melded into a ‘dream team’ of experts and technicians to deliver the dumpsters to County unincorporated West Anaheim. The team walked hundreds of homes and dropped ‘door hanger’ fliers inviting residents to use the dumpsters free of charge. They covered the area running North and South between Ball and Katella and East to West between Gilbert and Magnolia. Each of the 40 ft. dumpsters had a team of volunteers from the ASB and Men’s League scholar-students of Bolsa Grande High School in Garden Grove. The students get community service hours, under the direction of their advisor, Rob Engel, and a first-person introduction
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into how ‘street’ operations, logistics, communications and teamwork go into an effective public project. A well-fed crew is a happy crew, and everyone got a postproject celebratory meal courtesy of 4th District Supervisor Shawn Nelson: bratwurst with grilled onions and bacon, sauerkraut, beans, potato salad and sodas. The BBQ is a tradition for the County teams and a way to say thanks to the Bolsa Grande students who also will get photos of their team holding the OC “Battle Flag” as a memento of their contributions to the quality of life in West Anaheim. Rosa Renteria, director of the Anaheim Independencia Community Center, thanked the volunteers for helping the residents in particular the elderly who would not have been able to clean-up the neighborhood on their own. “That’s probably the best thing the students got out of it,“ said Steve Spernak, a staffer for Nelson’s office. “They were able to do some real good and it wouldn’t have happened without their hard work.” District aide Jesus Nodarse helps a resident dump part of the 35 tons recovered into bins to be taken to the OC landfill.
County Code Enforcement Officer Chris Casillas (second from left) and his clean-up team.
West Anaheim clean-up by the numbers
40
Volunteers (County employees, community partners and students)
12
35
40’ Dumpsters
Tons of garbage
5
100
Hours of work
Bratwurst sandwiches grilled
Anaheim clean-up team members pose with the County’s “Battle Flag” after hours of work on a Saturday morning. Thanks for the great effort. Vote Chris Prevatt for OCERS Retirement Board in Nov. 2015
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Annual notice to agency fee payers Pursuant to state law, the County of Orange and the Orange County Employees Association are parties to a “modified agency shop” agreement in all County bargaining units represented by OCEA. This “modified agency shop” agreement is an arrangement that requires an employee, as a condition of continued employment, either to join OCEA, or pay to OCEA an “agency” or “service” fee in an amount determined by OCEA (not exceeding dues paid by OCEA members). This fee helps cover OCEA’s costs for negotiations, contract administration, and related activities in which it engages on behalf of you and all other employees in your bargaining unit. The modified agency shop agreement between the County and OCEA does not apply to continuous employees hired prior to January 11, 2002. That is, if you were hired by the County prior to January 11, 2002, and have been continuously employed by the County since your hire date, the requirements listed below do not apply to you and you are not required to pay an agency fee, even if you do not belong to OCEA. New employees hired on or after January 11, 2002, are required as a condition of employment to do one of the following: • Join and pay dues to OCEA (currently $10.59 per pay period), or • Have mandatory paycheck deductions of the agency fees set by OCEA each year (currently $6.68 per pay period), or • Apply for conscientious objector status (see below). Note that an election is not irrevocable. An employee may change status from OCEA member to fee payer or from fee payer to OCEA member upon written notice to OCEA. However, although the payment of agency fees entitles an employee to certain basic representation services, only an OCEA member is entitled: • To vote on proposed collective bargaining agreements • To vote for OCEA officers or run for OCEA office • To participate on OCEA Labor Management Committees
If an agency fee payer disagrees with OCEA’s determination of the agency fee amount for any year the employee may institute an appeal by filing an agency fee objection as set forth below. 1. An agency fee objection shall be initiated in writing and shall be filed with the General Manager of OCEA at 830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701. The objection shall include the name, home address and telephone number, and representation unit of the agency fee objector. 2. An agency fee objection must be filed within thirty (30) days of the distribution date of the legally required annual written notice by OCEA or, if the objector becomes subject to the agency fee subsequent to such date, within thirty (30) days of receipt of the information required to be included in that notice. 3. In the event OCEA receives a valid agency fee objection, within forty-five (45) days of the last day for filing an objection OCEA shall request a prompt hearing regarding the agency fee before an impartial decision-maker. OCEA shall select one entity from among the Public Employees Retirement Board, the American Arbitration Association, or the California State Mediation and Conciliation Service, and the entity selected by OCEA shall select the impartial decision-maker. 4. The agency fee objector or OCEA may make a request to the impartial decision-maker for a consolidated hearing of multiple agency fee objections based on case similarities, including but not limited to, hearing location. At any time prior to the start of a hearing, any party may make a motion to the impartial decision-maker challenging any consolidation of the hearing. 5. OCEA shall bear the burden of establishing the reasonableness of the amount of the agency fee. 6. Agency fee objection hearings shall be fair, informal proceedings conducted in conformance with the basic precepts of due process. 7. All decisions of the impartial decision-maker shall be in writing and shall be rendered no later than thirty (30) days after the close of the hearing.
• To be a member of a bargaining team
8. All hearing costs shall be borne by OCEA, unless OCEA and the objector agree otherwise.
• To purchase upgraded dental, vision, longterm disability, and other supplemental employee benefits
This procedure does not preclude any other legal remedies available to an objector.
• To participate in the OCEA discount program which offers a wide array of local merchant discounts
1. Any person:
• To purchase tickets through OCEA for special events (such as Edwards Cinemas, Disneyland, and Universal Studios) at reduced prices. These and other privileges belong only to OCEA members. Such privileges are not available to non-members (including those paying agency fees). The modified agency shop agreement permits an employee “who is a member of a bona fide religion, body or sect that has historically held conscientious objections to joining or financially supporting public employee organizations” to instead pay an amount equivalent to the agency fee to a “nonreligious, non-labor charitable fund.” As authorized under state law, the County and OCEA have designated charitable funds to which qualified conscientious objectors must direct such contributions. If an employee belongs to such a bona fide religion, body or sect, and wishes to conscientiously object to the payment of the agency fee, the employee should immediately contact County Employee Relations at 714-834-2857 for further information. If an employee does not act to become exempt as a conscientious objector, the employee must either immediately join OCEA or automatically become subject to the agency fee. Information is set forth on this page regarding the basis for the calculation of the agency fee and an explanation of the procedure for appealing the fee. For information regarding OCEA membership, call OCEA at 714-835-3355.
24
Agency Fee Appeal Procedure
OCEA EMPLOYEE
Agency Fee Policy
her individual objection by mail postmarked within thirty (30) days of the distribution of the annual notice in the OCEA Employee. An employee who only becomes subject to the member dues or agency fee payment condition of employment subsequent to the publishing of the annual notice in the OCEA Employee must notify the OCEA General Manager in writing within thirty (30) days of becoming subject to such condition and receiving the information required to be included in such notice. Any objection must be signed by the individual agency fee objector and shall contain the agency fee objector’s job classification, home address and home and work telephone numbers. An objection may only be made by an individual employee. No petition objections are permitted and any objection submitted other than by one individual employee shall be invalid. No continuing objections are permitted. An employee must file a new objection for each year he or she wishes to object to the calculation of expenditures. 4. The following categories of expenditures are chargeable to the extent permitted by law: • Expenses related to the negotiation of agreements, practices and working conditions. • Expenses concerning the administration of agreements, practices and working conditions, including without limitation grievance handling, arbitration, and communications with employees and the County regarding contract rights, practices, working conditions, and employee benefits. • Conferences, retreats and other normal Association internal governance and management expenses related to the above.
c. whose continued employment by the County is conditioned on the payment of member dues or an agency fee to OCEA, has the right to object to OCEA expenditures not related to collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance processing, or other legally chargeable expenses in the manner set forth below. 2. During the month of June each year, an annual written notice shall be published in the OCEA Employee which shall set forth: a. the amount of the agency fee expressed as a percentage of the annual dues for an OCEA individual member, b. the basis for the calculation of the agency fee, and c. a description of the procedure for appealing all or any part of the agency fee. In the same issue of the OCEA Employee, OCEA shall publish this policy to provide notice to OCEA-represented employees of their right to object and the procedure for objecting. OCEA shall also send a copy of this policy to each person who objected the previous year to inform the person of his or her right to renew the objection for the current year, unless that person is a member of OCEA.
• Expenses for group cohesion and economic actions, such as demonstrations, strike activity, and informational picketing. • Overhead and administrative expenses to the extent related to chargeable activities. 5. OCEA shall retain an independent auditor who shall submit an annual report for the purpose of verifying the percentage of expenditures chargeable as an agency fee. The report of the independent auditor shall be completed within sixty (60) days after the end of OCEA’s fiscal year. The report shall include verification of the major categories of OCEA expenses attributable to chargeable and nonchargeable activities. The report shall include the amount of membership dues and agency fees paid by employees and shall identify the expenditures that constitute the basis for the amount of the agency fee. The result of the audit shall be published in the OCEA Employee in the first issue possible following completion of the audit, and that issue shall be distributed to all non-members in OCEA-represented units. 6. OCEA shall open an account in an independent financial institution to hold agency fees to be collected from nonmembers who have timely filed valid agency fee objections. 7. Escrowed agency fees that are being challenged shall not be released until, (a) mutual agreement between OCEA and the agency fee objector on the proper amount of the agency fee, or (b) the decision of the impartial decisionmaker, whichever first occurs.
• Publication expenses to the extent coverage is related to chargeable activities. • Expenses of litigation before courts, administrative agencies and impartial third parties related to contract administration, collective bargaining rights and internal governance.
Orange County Employees Association Agency Fee Calculation and Agency Fee Amount ORANGE COUNTY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION STATEMENT OF ALLOCATED CHARGEABLE AND NONCHARGEABLE EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2015
a. who is not a member of OCEA, b. who is employed in a representation unit represented by OCEA, and
• Expenses for the education of members, board members, officers, and staff intended to prepare the participants to better perform chargeable activities.
Total Expenses
Direct Expenses
2,052,145 1,151,599 28,444 108,388 92,821 4,787 215,478
Chargeable $
1,819,473 1,021,031 25,219 108,388 68,177 4,615 113,349
Nonchargeable
Salaries and Wages Salary Related Expenses Employee Mileage Professional Fees Affiliates and Chapter Expenses Representation Expenses Communication Expenses Board of Directors—Travel and Meeting Expenses Board of Directors—Other Election Expenses Repair Costa Mesa Expenses Donations and Scholarships Member Relations Staff Activities Legislative Political Contributions
$
TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES
$
4,597,999
$
3,296,168
$
1,301,831
$
181,535 105,543 34,644
$
130,138 75,662 24,835
$
51,397 29,881 9,809
33,494 7,736 8,273 4,524 256,700 121,751 18,102 437,679 56,078
$
22,909 7,736 8,273 4,524 – 76,424 16,050 – –
232,672 130,568 3,225 – 24,644 172 102,129 10,585 – – – 256,700 45,327 2,052 437,679 56,078
Indirect Expenses Office and Administrative Building Expenses Depreciation TOTAL INDIRECT EXPENSES
$
321,722
$
230,635
$
91,087
TOTAL EXPENSES
$
4,919,721
$
3,526,803
$
1,392,918
PERCENTAGES
100.00%
71.69%
3. An agency fee objector must notify the General Manager of OCEA in writing of his or
Vote Chris Prevatt for OCERS Retirement Board in Nov. 2015
28.31%
At work with: OCEA Secretary Butch Garcia
Butch Garcia Social Worker II Social Services Agency
Q: Why did you go into public service, and what motivated you to join OCEA?
County employee since 1992 OCEA member since 2000 OCEA Board member since 2007
section. Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I worked in the private sector for many years. But I always felt that there was more out there for me to do, in the sense of helping others and giving back to my community. Both of my parents were immigrants and came to this country to make a better life for themselves and later for their two children. Though they worked countless hours and didn’t really have much in the sense of financial things, somehow they were always able to help those that had less than we did. They would always remind us to have respect, empathy and compassion for those that are struggling; it is something that has stuck with me to this day. I left the private sector and have never regretted it or looked back.
The most rewarding part of my job is being able to help others. I work with adults but I see their families, their children and what they are going through; I sometimes wonder, “Where do they find the strength to keep moving forward?” Helping single moms with children, homeless families, clients with so many barriers they sometimes feel there is no light at the end of the tunnel. I connect clients with community resources and organizations that make their struggles a little less painful. Q: What are the challenges you face working in your field, and how do you overcome them?
The same motivation to help others was a moving force behind me getting involved in OCEA, as was my thirst for knowledge and information about the organization, and how it helps its members first hand.
Most of the challenges in my field have to do with breaking down barriers so that my clients are able to succeed, get back on their feet and eventually become self-sufficient.
Q: When did you start at the County, and what has been your career path?
Q: What advice do you have for employees who want to be active at OCEA but don’t know how to get started?
I started working for the County in August 1992. My first position was an Eligibility Technician. As years passed and SSA started to make changes, I was promoted to Social Worker I and eventually to my current position as a Social Worker II. I worked in Initial Services under the old work model and now under our new service model, I am a County Case Manager in the Welfare to Work
The advice I would have for employees that want to get involved with OCEA would be to always keep an open mind and ask as many questions as possible. Be informed, get active and encourage the union’s activities. Sooner or later those currently in leadership positions will leave or retire. It’s very important for young, eager individuals to carry the torch for future members.
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 your dedicated Board members. Vote Chris Prevatt for OCERS Retirement Board in Nov. 2015
OCEA EMPLOYEE
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OCEA tickets
Special savings for OCEA members! Check OCEA’s website, www.oceamember.org, for full details. Prices subject to change without notice. Amusement Parks Castle Park: $12.99/person 36” and above (Reg. $19.99). All-day unlimited rides, unlimited miniature golf and Buccaneer Cove (when in season). No blackouts; tickets expire Dec. 31. Tickets only available online. Disneyland: One-day One-park: $95.04/adult; $89.28/ages 3-9 (Reg. $99 & $93). 1-day Park Hopper: $142.60/adult; $137.08/ages 3-9 (Reg. $155 & $149). 2-day 1-park per day: $168.35/adult; $156.52/ages 3-9 (Reg. 185 & $172). No blackouts. Tickets expire Dec. 31, 2016. More ticket options available online. Tickets only available online. Knott’s Berry Farm: $37/adult; $30/ages 3-11 and seniors 62 and up (Reg. $67 & $37). No blackouts; tickets expire Dec. 31. Tickets also available online. LEGOLAND: 1-Day LEGOLAND-only admission: $70/ adult; $65/ages 3-12, plus 2nd day FREE within 90 days of first visit. (Reg. $85$79). No blackouts. LEGOLAND Resort Hopper admission (LEGOLAND, SEALIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Water Park): $75/adult; $70/ages 3-12, plus 2nd day FREE; 2nd day must be used anytime between first visit and the expiration date (Reg. $109-$103). Tickets only available online. San Diego Zoo: $40/adult; $32/ages 3-11 (Reg. $48 & $38). No blackouts; tickets expire Feb. 16, 2016. Tickets also available online. San Diego Zoo Safari Park: $40/adult; $32/ages 3-11 (Reg. $48 & $38). No blackouts; tickets expire Feb. 16, 2016. Tickets also available online. SeaWorld San Diego: Two-day admission: $53/ages 3 & up (Reg. $89/adult; $86/ages 3-9). Tickets expire Dec. 25. Fun Card: $74/ages 3 & up (Reg. $89/adult; $86/ages 3-9). Blackouts: Sept. 6; Fun Cards available for purchase now through Oct. 31. Fun Cards expire Dec. 31. Tickets also available online. Six Flags Magic Mountain: $42/ages 3 and up (Reg. $66.99). No blackouts; tickets expire Sept. 27. Tickets also available online. Universal Studios Hollywood: 3-day admission: $84/ages 3 & up (Reg. $95). Blackouts apply for revisits. Tickets expire Feb. 11, 2016. Annual Pass w/ blackouts, Annual Pass w/out blackouts and Premium Star Pass are also available. Prices are subject to change without notice. Tickets only available online.
Dinner entertainment Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament: $42/adult; $32/ages 12 & under (Reg. $57.95 & $35.95). Reservation required. Tickets expire Dec. 30. Pirate’s Dinner Adventure: $36/adult; $28/ages 3-11 (Reg. $59 & $40). Reservation required. Tickets expire Nov. 30.
Movie Theaters AMC Theatres (Loews & Cineplex): $8/person (Reg. $12.50). Unrestricted admission. Subject to surcharge for large format, IMAX or 3-D. Valid nationwide. Century Cinema: $8/person (Reg. $12). Unrestricted admissions. Subject to surcharge for large format, IMAX or 3-D. Valid nationwide. Krikorian Premiere Theatres: $7.50/person (Reg. $12). Unrestricted admission. Subject to surcharge for large format, IMAX or 3-D. Valid nationwide. Regal Entertainment Group: $8.50/person (Reg. $12.50). Unrestricted admission. Subject to surcharge for large format, IMAX or 3-D. Valid nationwide.
ONE-TIME EVENTS CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: Kurios at the O.C. Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 27. $80/ adult; $70/ages 2-12 (Reg. $100 & $90). Seating section 202, rows K and L. Tickets sold on pre-paid basis only! No refunds or ticket exchanges. Payments by cash or ATM/debit cards must be submitted by the end of business day Friday, Sept. 18. DISNEY ON ICE: 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21-$39/ages 2 and up (Reg. $44); seating section: level 200. Limit 6 tickets per member. No refunds. Look for more information on www.oceamember.org SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS: Check www.oceamember.org for details. Offers only available online.
OUT OF AREA ORLANDO VACATION: Save up to 35% off your next family vacation to Orlando! Discount offers include admissions to Disney World; Universal Studios Orlando; Sea World and Aquatica; as well as vacation homes and Orlando hotels close to or on theme park property, at very affordable rates. Exclusive discounts available online only. Check for more information on www.oceamember.org.
Tickets at Work: Take advantage of exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment and travel nationwide! Offers only available online include 25% off regular car rental rates; hotels; Las Vegas shows and attractions; New York and Broadway specials; South Florida attractions; ski resorts tickets; Six Flags theme parks; and more. Check for more information on www.oceamember.org.
So Cal Attractions Aquarium of the Pacific: $19/adult; $12/ages 3-11 (Reg. $28.95 & $14.95). No blackouts; tickets expire Nov. 30. Tickets also available online. BATTLESHIP USS IOWA: BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE admission vouchers are now available at the OCEA Special Events office (until supplies last). Otherwise online prices are: $13.50/ adult; $7.50/ages 6-17; $11.50/senior 62 and up (Reg. $18-$10-$15). No blackouts; tickets expire one year from the day of purchase. USS Iowa is located at the Pacific Battleship Center at 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, CA 90731; visit website www.pacificbattleship.com for details. Tickets only available online. BOOMERS! (Family Fun Centers): $15/ages 3 & up (Reg. $29.95). All-day unlimited rides and unlimited miniature golf passes, excluding arcade games, batting cages and food. No blackouts. Tickets expire Dec. 31. Tickets also available online Catalina Flyer: $54/adult; $40/ages 3-12 (Reg. $70 & $53). Reservation required. Tickets expire Dec. 31. Catalina Express: $62/adult; $53/ages 3-11 (Reg. $74.50 & $59). Reservation required. Blackouts: Sept. 5-7. Tickets expire Dec. 31. Discovery CUBE Orange county: $12/adult; $10/ages 3-15 (Reg. $16.95 & $12.95). Tickets only available online. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Hollywood: $18/ages 3 & up (Reg. $29.95). Tickets expire Jan. 31, 2016. Tickets only available online. SUNSET CRUISES: $13/adult; $10/ages 2-12 (Reg. 25). Unlimited Drink Package: $13/person (Reg. $25). Offer based on availability. Reservations by phone (949) 675-0551 or online www.cruisenewportbeach. com. Tickets are not available at the OCEA Special Events office. Promo code: OCEA. Offer expires Dec. 31. Newport Landing Whale Watching: $15/adult; $10/ages 3-12 (Reg. $25). Based on availability. Reservations by phone (949) 675-0551 or online www.NewportWhale. com. Tickets are not available at the OCEA Special Events office. Promo code: OCEA. Offer expires Dec. 31.
Sports K1 Speed: $15/person (Reg. $25.95). Price includes one standard 14-lap race and 1-year K1 Speedway license for new drivers. Junior drivers must be at least 48”; adult drivers must be at least 4’10” to drive. No blackout dates. NEWPORT LANDING SPORTFISHING: ½-day trip: $ 1/2-day trip: $26.50/adult; $21/ages 2-12 (Reg. $41.50-$34); ¾-day trip: $45/adult; $40/ages 2-12 (Reg. $71$61). Offer based on availability. Rod and tackle packs available at the additional charge. Reservations by phone (949) 6750551 or online www.NewportLanding. com. Tickets are not available at the OCEA Special Events office. Promo code: OCEA. Offer expires Dec. 31.
Halloween AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC’S SCARIUM FESTIVAL: Festival days: Oct. 24-25; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Event included in general admission. A Spooktacular educational Halloween event for the whole family, including the annual children’s costume contest, face painting and more. Tickets also available online. KNOTT’S SCARY FARM: Sept 24-Oct. 31; 7 p.m.-1 a.m. (2 a.m. Fri & Sat). $35-$40-$42-$45/person depending on the night (Reg. $65). No costumes allowed. No Re-entry. Tickets also available online. DISNEYLAND MICKEY’S HALLOWEEN PARTY: Sept. 11-Nov. 1; 5-7 p.m.. For more information visit www.oceamember.org. Tickets only available online. LEGOLAND’S BRICK-OR-TREAT PARTY NIGHTS: Oct. 3-31; 5-9 p.m.; recurs every Saturday. Event included with park admission. Kids in costumes are welcome. Tickets only available online. SAN DIEGO ZOO & SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK: Kids FREE admissions Oct. 1-31. Tickets also available online. SEAWORLD’S SPOOKTACULAR: Sept. 26-Nov. 1; weekends only. Event included with park admission. Look for most current ticket information www.oceamember. org. Tickets also available online. SIX FLAGS’ FRIGHT FEST: Sept. 20-Oct. 31; weekends, plus Fridays in October and Mon. Oct. 13 (Columbus Day). $15 wrist bands required for mazes. Wrist bands available for purchase at the park only. No costumes allowed. Tickets also available online. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS’ HORROR NIGHTS: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sept. 19-Nov. 1. Look for most current ticket information www. oceamember.org. Tickets only available online.
OCEA e-ticket programs For up-to-date listings on all available tickets, go to www.oceamember.org/etickets. 26
OCEA EMPLOYEE
Vote Chris Prevatt for OCERS Retirement Board in Nov. 2015
OCEA discounts
Special savings for OCEA members! Check OCEA’s website, www.oceamember.org, for full details. Automotive & Car Rentals
Candies, Flowers & More
The Red Book: New cars at fleet prices! For details, go to www.redbook4autos.com or call (800) 422-4561.
Cherry Moon Farms: 20% discount on hundreds of orchardfresh gifts that make every occasion special. For more information call (800) 210-2279. Corporate code: OCEA.
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. GotCarWash.com: 30 Days of ‘UNLIMITED’ FULL SERVICE car washes for ONLY $4.99/ FREE enrollment as well as the following: monthly fee for all vehicles - $29.99 (after first 30 days). The introductory fee of $14.99 is waived fro all vehicles. Your membership will automatically renew for your convenience. Call (855) WASH-247 or (855) 927-4247, or visit our website www.GotCarWash.com. 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.
GiftBloom.com: 15% discount on all gifts and products for local, same day and international deliveries. To place your order contacts Preferred Rate Coordinator, Ujwal Patel, (224) 999-0089. Personal Creations: 20% discount on a variety of personalized gifts, perfect for any occasion. For more information call (800) 210-2279. Corporate code: OCEA. ProFlowers.com: 20% 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: 20% discount on a unique and wide-ranging collection of thoughtful gifts for every occasion. To order by phone, call (800) 210-2279. Corporate code: OCEA. Shari’s Berries: 20% 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 Candy store! OCEA members price is $15 (Reg. $18.50). Certificates are available at the OCEA Special Events office by cash or ATM/debit card.
HOME IMPROVEMENT RMA-JEM: Outstanding construction since 1981! Specializes in roofing insulation, sheet metal, stucco, texture/paining, energy efficient windows and more. For more details on OCEA discount call Maria Paulin, (714) 985-2888 ext. 100. Promo code: OCEA.
Outdoors Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: OCEA members save 15% on regular adult and child Tram admissions and 10% at gift stores and restaurants. Restrictions apply. The Alpine Club cards are available at the OCEA Special Events office free of charge. Card valid through Dec. 2016.
Banking
Party Rentals
Orange County’s Credit Union: Receive a $50 bonus with a new checking account. Present this offer at the Ross Branch of Orange County’s Credit Union by August 31, 2015 to receive the offer. Normal approval standards apply. Offer is available to “new” Members only. Must open a personal checking account, enroll in e-Statements, sign up and qualify for a Debit MasterCard, and either set up and receive Direct Deposit or make 5 Debit Card purchases within 60 days. Bonus typically paid within 90 days. Bonus represents dividends deposited into your account and may be reported to the IRS. Any taxes are your responsibility. The new checking account must remain open for 90 days or bonus may be reversed. Min. opening deposit is $25 for all accounts except Better Than Free which has no minimum. Membership in Orange County’s Credit Union is available to anyone who lives or works in Orange County. Membership fee is $5. Federally insured by NCUA. Promo code OCEA50 (888) 354-6228 www.orangecountyscu.org
OC Fun Party Rentals: Looking for a jumper rental company that offers safe, clean, affordable and great-looking jumpers? OCEA members receive $10 off per hour of entertainment, per rental item booked! This offer excludes additional concessions servings and all helium tank rentals. For more information call (714) 914-7159, email ocfunpartyrentals@ gmail.com or visit their website www.ocfunrentals.com.
Education University of Phoenix delivers rigorous coursework in a flexible format to allow students to balance work and home life while earning their degrees. OCEA members are eligible to receive a 10% savings on the cost of tuition among other benefits such as access to innovative technologies including electronic textbooks and course materials, online library and more. For more details visit www.oceamember.org
Purchase tickets: To order by mail, please include: 1) name and phone number, 2) letter stating your ticket order, and 3) check payable to OCEA for the full amount of the ticket order plus $6.40 for shipping and handling. Send orders to: Special Events, OCEA, 830 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA
Photography & Art Artistic Bridals & Portraits Studio: 15% off wedding photography and event plans from their already low prices. OCEA member-only plan is also available plan is also available. Visit www.nemo4u.com to view samples of work. Call Mike Nemeth at (949) 496-4559 today! 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.
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. OCEA makes no guarantees on mailed orders. Shipping and
Services
Wireless
ADT Security Services: Residential and Business Security that include Burglary, Fire, Carbon Monoxide, Online Access, Video, and Home Automation Features. 24 Month monitoring agree required, Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. Prices subject to change. Some insurance companies offer discounts on homeowner’s insurance. Please consult your insurance company. Offer subject to change. CA ACO7155. Please contact Jeff Spatz at (714) 907-2995 or by email jspatz@adt.com
Please note: Wireless discounts are applicable to all Orange County and City employees. Proof of employment is required.
Travel & entertainment Hotels and Resorts: Save $250 on your next vacation. Cancun, Hawaii, Florida, Jamaica, Aruba, Paris, Italy, Dubai, Australia and many more locations. With over 200,000 hotels and resorts available through the savings program, you will find familiar brands and hotels around the world. Create a free guest account and receive $250 in savings! Frank Apuron (949) 874-0655; info@ASunsetAway.com; www.ASunsetAway.com.
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.
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 866-6398354. T-Mobile: 15% discount on qualifying monthly recurring phone charges. Promotion code: 13302TMOFAV. Discount contact: Daniel Chacon, (310) 651-0603 or T-Mobile Government Program, (866) 464-8662. Verizon: Save 15% on select monthly plans. Apply online using Government Employee Program E-Code EMD70. Discount Contact: www.verizonwireless.com/getdiscount.
CKO Kickboxing: Free trial class or 25% off yearly membership for OCEA members! Gym is located at 2201 N. Tustin Ave., Suite 120, Santa Ana, Ca 92705. For details call Alissa Abbey at (949) 467-4979. Elite Fitness: Exclusive offer for OCEA members! 25% off gym membership (Reg. $65); no initiation fees, no contract; no cancellation fees; 20% off personal training; FREE 1st class (MMA, yoga, cardio, weights, salsa or Bachata); $20 off a 60-min. massage. Conveniently located at 214 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701. For more information call Joaquin or Elia, (714) 760-4638 or visit website www.elitefitnessdowtown.com.
handling charges cover costs of certifying and insuring mailed tickets. For further information, contact Joanna Nachurski at (714) 835-3355 or at joanna@oceamember.org. Ticket hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Vote Chris Prevatt for OCERS Retirement Board in Nov. 2015
You can now purchase certain tickets online at www.oceamember.org/etickets OCEA EMPLOYEE
27
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 Production Manager Kevin Rush if you wish to submit an ad, make changes to a current ad or cancel an ad. E-mail your ads to krush@oceamember.org; send them to OCEA, 830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, Ca, 92701; or fax them to (714) 835-7654. CARPOOLERS NEEDED Visit www.ridematch.info to request a carpool matchlist from the regional rideshare agency. Learn more about alternative commute options at www.commutesmart.info.
FOR SALE Three colorful barstools for a cheerful kitchen. Asking for $100 for all three. Contact Michael at (714) 603-8192. 06/15 Memory Storage Items: Micro SD: 2GB (7 available) $2 each; 4GB (10 available) $5 each; 8GB (5 available) $6 each. USB Memory Stick: 4GB ( 6 available) $6 each; 8GB (5 available) $7 each; 16GB (4 available) $9 each. SD Memory Card: 2GB (3 available ) $4 each; 4GB (6 available) $5 each; 8GB (2 available) $6 each. SONY M2 Duo memory stick $8. SONY 2GB Duo memory stick $6. SONY 8GB Duo memory stick $14. Olympus 2GB XD memory card $14. Please call Beth Duesund at 310-429-9145 if interested or need additional information. All items for sale are NEW. 06/15 Miscellaneous Items: Maglite “AAA” (2 available) $5. Maglite “AA” (3 available) $6. Sony Earbuds (blue or purple available) $7. Panasonic Remote & Mic for iPad & iPhone $7. Sony Sweet Little Buds w/Speaker & Case $8. Sony Cyber-shot Bloggie (red or silver) $5. Plantronics Cordless Headset for cellphones $20. Koss Communications Stereophone $20. V7 Over-the Head Stereo Headset $10. Franklin 12 Language Translator $25. Bluetooth Wireless Tilt Wheel Laser Mouse $20. Belkin TuneCast Universal (listen to any MP3 player in the car) $10. HipCase Leather Folio with Belt Clip for iPod nano in Black (2 available) $5. Intec Home Power (powers up Nintendo handhelds at home) $5. Please call Beth Duesund at 310-429-9145 if interested or need additional information. All items for sale are NEW. 06/15 Mobile Home For Sale in Corona. Spacious 2 bedroom and 2 bath; Master Bedroom has large tub and separate shower unit. Attached den has it’s own entrance and covered patio area. Home located in gated community with clubhouse and pool/ jacuzzi amenities. Formal dining room with vaulted ceiling and kitchen nook area. Indoor laundry facility includes washer/dryer. Extra storage/tool shed located on lot under covered parking area that fits 2 cars. Close to 91 freeway at 6th Street exit. Priced to Sell at $44,900. Contact Information: 909-732-6677 or 714-227-3546. 6/15 Flat screen LG 42-Inch TV. Model # 42LN4500. Used for less than 6 months. $350.00 OBO. Great condition. Call or text 714-402-5412 for email Frank at f.hernandezmph@ gmail.com. 6/15 Scuba diving supplies. Paid $400+ asking $100, only used once: gloves, booties, snorkel, high quality mask, fins/men’s size 10-11, scuba gear bag; great deal, text or call 714-348-5759, e-mail soulchek@yahoo.com. 6/15 Roller Blade Skates. Hardly used, size 10/11 (men/women) w/ protective wrist, knee, elbow gear $35, text or call 714-348-5759, e-mail soulchek@yahoo.com. 6/15 Men’s mountain bike. Needs tune up. $30, text or call 714-348-5759, e-mail soulchek@yahoo.com. 6/15 Christmas Tree. 7.5 feet, Douglas Fur; lighted, $75, text or call 714-348-5759, e-mail soulchek@yahoo.com. 6/15 5.11 Women’s clothing. (2) 5.11 Women’s Short Sleeve Tactical Polo Shirts. Brand new, with tags. Black; Size Medium. $35 for each or $65 for both. (2) Pairs of 5.11 Tactical Women’s Taclite Pro Pants. Brand new, still in original packaging with tags. Black and TDU Green; Size 8 Regular. $45 for each or $85 for both. If interested, please contact: Renee at ReneeJ84@hotmail.com. 5/15
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Sofa and Chaise lounge set. Purchased in 2007 from Ashley Furniture Stores; brown microsuede fabric; in good condition; asking for $250.00.Buyer must arrange pickup. Pictures available. For more information please contact Chad and Chantel Callahan at chachacallahan2011@gmail.com or 760-415-6086. 3/15 Furniture for sale. Items include: 5 piece oak bedroom set with 2-year-old Sealy mattress; two 56” TV’s; two beige cloth material loveseats; 42” antique oak claw-foot table with insert; oak and glass door hutch; oak sofa table and end tables; coffee table; oak table lamp; treadmill. Pictures available; call for pricing. Information: Lee, (714) 681-6588. 12/14 Corn roaster. Brand new, fully equipped, never used. Heavy duty 3,500 pound axle and 15” Goodyear steel-belted radial tires mounted on chrome directional wheels; 2x3 rectangular tube frame. Heavy duty Bulldog hitch, 2” ball; heavy duty top crank fold up Bulldog jack. Cold and hot water equipped, fire extinguisher, top rack. Roaster has minimal rust damage due to storing. $7,500; buyer must arrange pickup. Pictures available. Information: Damian, dloza714@me.com. 2/15 Men’s Murray mountain bike. Black frame. $50. Information: Michael, (714) 6038192. 8/14 Rogers drum set. A 7 piece 1972 modified Rogers kit with a new Pearl Masters 14x6.5” maple snare drum. Sabian and Paiste cymbals, SKB hard cases, Pearl and Tama hardware. All in excellent sound and condition. Selling as a complete kit; pictures available upon request. $2,600. Information: Tom, tjs3781@hotmail.com. 2/15
REntals Office Space Available. Furnished or unfurnished for professional or share of two professionals.$750/mo OBO Full window view with greenery. Sublease off 5 Fwy and Lake Forest Drive. City of Laguna Hills. Contact: Angelo Lugo at (949) 613-1844 or (949)212-6228. 5/15
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 Bargain timeshare: Great vacation location Honolulu Hawaii, Kuhio Banyan Club Timeshare. Waikiki Beach just blocks away, the International Market is just across the street. Ala Wai Golf Course is close by and the Yacht Harbor is within minutes, many restaurants, night clubs, shops nearby. The studio suite has full bath, sleeps up to four persons, Murphy bed and couch bed. Usage is annual floating red week, deeded ownership, free cable tv, in room safe. Sale price of $100.00 bargain price, timeshare company requires all persons on the deed to submit a credit check. Contact Shirley at (951) 258-2613. 3/15 Howard’s Time Share Resort Weeks: Contact Howard at (714) 313-1290 or hsnitowsky@hotmail.com if you would like to confirm a timeshare resort week in Cabo San Lucas, Hawaii, and other resort destinations in Mexico. These prime, beach front, world-class resorts, with a good variety of dates and suite types, are in high demand, all at very attractive prices - so please request your peak demand weeks early. OCEA MEMBERS RECEIVE A 5 PERCENT DISCOUNT.
Vote Chris Prevatt for OCERS Retirement Board in Nov. 2015
Free movie tickets when you refer a friend! One of the ways Velece Insurance Corp. is able to keep our prices so low is we don’t spend thousands of dollars on advertising. We use our resources to provide the best services to our customers, and we rely on our members to recommend us to their friends and family. To help encourage our clients to make those recommendations, we offer great incentives for referrals. For every policy that is signed by someone you referred, you get TWO FREE MOVIE TICKETS.
Go online to Velece.com or call 714-558-1034 to speak to an agent today!
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 • motorcycle • classic cars • watercraft • recreational vehicles • home • condo • renters • mobile home • earthquake • umbrella • commercial • mexican insurance
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Orange County Employees Association 830 North Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
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