summer 2016

A PUBLICATION OF THE CALIFORNIA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

June 26–28, 2016 • 2016 CFDA ANNUAL CONVENTION • Redondo Beach, CA

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CFDA NEWSLINES 3

CONTENTS

CFDAOne Capitol Mall, Suite 800Sacramento, CA 95814(800) 255-2332cfda@amgroup.us

CFDA Board of Directors 2016–2017

OFFICERS

Kathleen McLaughlinPRESIDENT

Erlinda ValdezVICE PRESIDENT

Tiffany GallarzoTREASURER

Darren DieboldSECRETARY

Dennis SteinerIMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

DIRECTORSKristi Ah You

Homer Alba

Amanda Amundson

Sean Douglass

Teri Featheringill

Eric Smith

Karen Franzen

Brian Kestenblatt

Fred Nalder

George Perez

Andrea Picot

Robert Risher

Mike Rogers

Sonya Simpson

APPOINTMENTSMerrill MeffordPARLIAMENTARIAN

James DraperRECORDING SECRETARY

Editorial StaffBob AchermannEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/PUBLISHER

Ryan KingEDITOR

Katelyn HicksEDITOR

2016 CFDA CONVENTION2016–2017 CFDA Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4CFDA Past Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4New Officer Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Meetings & Panel Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Membership Meeting & Service of Remembrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Scholarship Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Basketball Free Throw Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Annual President’s Banquet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Sponsors & Exhibitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

FEATURES5 Important Considerations for Adding Cremation Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24How Long Can You Live Without a Paycheck? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

DEPARTMENTSPresident’s Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Legislative Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6American River College Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Cypress College Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Welcome, New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11In Remembrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21News Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22HR Question of the Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Job Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

ADVERTISERSAmerican Crematory Equipment Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11ASD — Answering Service for Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Dowling Aaron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Federated Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Funeral Directors Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Lamcraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Live Oak Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Miller & Sons Funeral Car Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8SCC — Southern California Crematory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Security National Life Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Serenity Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24TSYS Merchant Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

SUMMER 2016 ∙ VOLUME 35 ∙ ISSUE 2

Newslines is a quarterly publication of the California Funeral Directors Association (CFDA). As the official publication of the CFDA subscriptions are included in membership dues. All original papers and other correspondence should be directed to the editor.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CFDA Newslines, One Capitol Mall, Suite 800, Sacramento, CA 95814, (800) 255-2332.

© 2016 by the California Funeral Directors Association (CFDA). All material subject to this copyright may be photocopied for noncom-mercial educational or scientific uses. Permission to reprint articles or portions of articles may be obtained by writing to the managing editor. Proper credit and copyright notice should accompany all reprinted material. We reserve the right to edit material submitted for clarity and length. Opinions expressed by individuals through the pages of this publication do not necessarily represent the official position of the California Funeral Directors Association.

4 SUMMER 2016

CFDA Board of Directors 2016–2017 at the CFDA Convention

(left to right) Back Row: Kristi Ah You, Eric Smith, Darren Diebold, Sean Douglass, Robert Risher, Fred Nalder, Homer Alba; Front Row: Teri Featheringill, Mike Rogers, Karen Franzen, Dennis Steiner, Kathleen McLaughlin, Erlinda Valdez, Tiffany Gallarzo, Sonya Simpson, George Perez; Not Pictured: Amanda Amundson, Brian Kestenblatt, Andrea Picot

CFDA Past Presidents(left to right) Back Row: Scott Pennington, Ronald Day, Ron White, Jack Jensen, Todd Beckley, Mark Kuhn, Merrill Mefford; Front Row: Vic Savino, Dick Jungas, Fredrick “Ric” Newton, Dennis Steiner, President Kathleen McLaughlin, Rick Gutierrez, James Draper, Jill Glasband, Executive Director Bob Achermann

CFDA NEWSLINES 5

T here are so many people to thank for making this year’s “Pier to Peer” Convention in

Redondo Beach so memorable. In no particular order:

Our Convention Committee Chair, Tiffany Gallarzo and her team really raised the bar this year. They put together a great slate of informative speakers covering a wide range of topics. Truly something for everybody. The speakers kept us engaged and I know we all took away a lot of great information.

Tiffany will once again be the Chair for next year’s convention and she and Darren Diebold, her co-chair, are already analyzing this year’s event and laying the groundwork for next year in Monterey!

Our vendors and sponsors are absolutely the best! They bring to us new products, new trends, new information and new insight into our ever evolving profession. They are so giving of their time and we are so appreciative.

Thank you to Los Angeles County Funeral Directors Association and Orange County Funeral Directors Association for the Hospitality Suite they hosted on Monday evening. The educational opportunities of convention, go hand in hand with the ability to connect with each other in a more relaxed setting.

Tuesdays banquet was made more special with the quick wit of Mark Kuhen as the Master of Ceremonies. Jill Glasband and Merrill Mefford,

my longtime friends and mentors were outstanding as the installing officers. Greg Wilson Blessed the evening with his heartfelt invocation.

Karaoke with Trey was a huge success!! So much fun to see everyone getting their groove on! What a wonderful world!

A Special thank you to Immediate Past President Dennis Steiner. I really learned a lot from him this past year. He raised the bar and I look forward to keeping up the momentum he started.

Last but not least, our CFDA staff who help keep us on track. We are appreciative for all you do.

Your newly elected CFDA Board is looking forward to a productive year. We are looking to build a stronger educational program to help you better serve your families and your company. Our Legislative Committee will continue to monitor and keep you apprised of what is going on in the Capital.

I encourage you to become involved in not only CFDA, but your local funeral associations too. Attendance at convention and workshops not only benefit you by the content of the program, but by the networking and meeting of your peers.

Our Board is only as strong as its members. Luckily we have VERY strong members!

THANK YOU and cheers to an exciting year!

Kathleen McLaughlinCFDA President

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

“I encourage you to become involved in not only CFDA, but with your local funeral associations too.”KATHLEEN McLAUGHLINCFDA President

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date

6 SUMMER 2016

BILLS BEING MONITORED BY CFDA as of May 26, 2016 Prepared by Merrill Mefford and Terry McHale

AB 1899, as amended March 16, 2016 (Calderon).

Insurance: production agents: license examinations.

Existing law requires the Insurance Commissioner to give, at least once each month, in each of the cities in which he or she has an office, qualifying examinations for production agent licenses. Existing law requires every qualifying examination for a production agent license to be in writing and to be of sufficient scope to satisfy the commissioner that the applicant has sufficient knowledge of, and is reasonably familiar with, the insurance laws of this state and with the provisions, terms, and conditions of the insurance that may be transacted pursuant to the license sought, and that the applicant has a general and fair understanding of the obligations and duties of the holder of that license.

This bill, commencing January 1, 2018, would require the examination for a license as a life agent, life-only agent, and accident and health agent be provided in English and Spanish.

SB 1005, as amended June 16, 2016 (Jackson).

Marriage.

Under existing law, a reference to “husband” and “wife,” “spouses,” or “married persons,” or a comparable term, includes persons who are lawfully married to each other and persons who were previously lawfully married to each other, as is appropriate under the circumstances of the particular case. Under

existing law, registered domestic partners have the same rights, protections, and benefits, and are subject to the same responsibilities, obligations, and duties under law, whether they derive from statutes, administrative regulations, court rules, government policies, common law, or any other provisions or sources of law, as are granted to and imposed upon spouses. Existing law requires, where necessary to implement the rights of registered domestic partners, gender-specific terms referring to spouses to be construed to include domestic partners.

The bill would replace references to a “husband” or “wife” with references to a “spouse,” would define “spouse” as including “registered domestic partner,” and would make other conforming and related changes.

SB 1234, as amended May 31, 2016 (De León).

Retirement savings plans.

Existing federal law provides for tax-qualified retirement plans and individual retirement accounts or individual retirement annuities by which private citizens may save money for retirement. Existing law, the California Secure Choice Retirement Savings Trust Act, establishes the California Secure Choice Savings Program, administered by the California Secure Choice Retirement Savings Investment Board, contingent on specified funding and interest criteria being met. Existing law prescribes the composition of the board and its duties and provides that it acts as trustee in entering contracts and accepting moneys, among other things. Existing law prohibits the board from permitting enrollment in the program until enactment of a statute expressing legislative approval of program implementation. The program requires specified eligible employers, as defined, to offer a payroll deposit retirement savings arrangement and requires eligible employees, as defined, who do not opt out of the program, to contribute a portion of their salary or wages to a retirement savings account in the program, as specified. Existing law requires contributions from the wages of employees participating in the program to be deposited in the California Secure Choice Retirement Savings Trust, which is continuously appropriated and

administered by the board. Existing law authorizes the board to adjust the employee contribution amount between 2% and 4%, inclusive, of the employee’s annual salary or wages, as specified.

This bill would express legislative approval of the program and its implementation on January 1, 2017. The bill would require the board to design and implement the program and would prescribe certain parameters that the board is to consider and utilize in establishing the design. The bill would specify that funding and first year administrative costs may be appropriated in the annual budget from the General Fund and would require the board to repay the amount appropriated, plus interest, as specified. The bill would provide that investment policy decisions, including asset allocation and investment options, are entrusted to the board as a fiduciary, and would revise certain principles that the board is to consider in connection with investment policy. The bill would make various changes to existing duties of the board, including those regarding dissemination of information and the entities with which the board is to collaborate and cooperate. The bill would require the Treasurer to appoint an executive director of the board, to serve at its pleasure, and to determine the duties of the office and its compensation. The bill would eliminate the duty of the board to ensure that insurance or some other mechanism is in place to protect the value of individual accounts. The bill would repeal the duty of the board to conduct an initial market analysis to determine if the condition for the implementation of the program can be met and associated provisions.

This bill would require eligible employers that do not offer specified retirement plans or accounts to have a payroll deposit retirement savings arrangement so that employees may participate in the program within specified time periods based on the number of eligible employees that the employer has, and the bill would authorize the board to extend these time periods. The bill would authorize the board to adjust the employee contribution amount described above up to 5% and would prescribe other limits on increasing employee contributions. The bill would authorize the board to make annual, automatic escalations of employee

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

CFDA NEWSLINES 7

contributions subject to certain limitations, including that the employee may opt out, as specified. By authorizing the board to increase moneys that are deposited into the California Secure Choice Retirement Savings Trust, which is continuously appropriated, the bill would make an appropriation. The bill would authorize the board to adopt regulations to implement the program and would provide that the adoption, amendment, repeal, or readoption of a regulation authorized by this section is deemed to address an emergency. The bill would make various conforming changes.

SB 1284, as amended March 28, 2016 (Hernandez).

Human remains: conservator of the person or estate. This bill is sponsored by CFDA.

Under existing law, if a decedent has not otherwise given directions, the right to control the disposition of the remains of the

deceased person, the location and conditions of, interment, and arrangements for funeral goods and services vests in, and the specified corresponding duty devolves upon, certain persons in a specified order of succession. Existing law lists these persons, in order, as an agent under a power of attorney for health care who has the right and duty of disposition, the surviving spouse, other specified relatives, and, when the decedent has sufficient assets, a conservator of the person, a conservator of the estate, and the public administrator.

Existing law requires, if the agent under a power of attorney, the surviving spouse, or any of the other specified relatives who have the right to control the disposition and arrange for funeral goods and services fails to act or cannot be found within a specified period, that the person’s right to control the disposition and arrange for funeral goods and services be relinquished and passed on to the person or persons of the next degree of kinship in accordance with the above list. Existing law

also provides that if any of those persons who would otherwise have equal rights to control the disposition and arrange for funeral goods and services fail to agree on disposition and funeral goods and services to be provided within 7 days of the date on which the right and duty of disposition devolved upon the persons, a funeral establishment or a cemetery authority having possession of the remains, or any person who has equal right to control the disposition of the remains, may file a petition in the superior court, as specified, seeking an order of the court determining, as appropriate, who among those parties will have the control of disposition and to direct that person to make interment of the remains. These provisions do not apply to a conservator of the person or a conservator of the estate that fails to act or cannot be found within the specified period.

This bill would add a conservator of the person and a conservator of the estate to the above provisions for purposes of relinquishment or petition, as specified.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

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8 SUMMER 2016

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CFDA NEWSLINES 9

AMERICAN RIVER COLLEGE REPORT

Many of the licensed funeral service practitioners in California will know that the

American River College Funeral Service Education program is an extension of the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science. Graduates of the SFCMS who have worked with or visited the ARC program you will know that we house the transcripts of all the alumni of the former program and display all of the graduation photos from both the former college’s locations. We take pride in our heritage and tradition that link us to the prestigious institution. To this end we have worked with one of the most notable professors from SFCMS, Hugh “Mac” McMonigle to collect some reflective stories from the program. Here is one for your enjoyment.

Have you moved? Changed your name? New Funeral Director?

LET US KNOW! cfda@amgroup.us

An Update From the American River College Funeral Service Education Program

From the Desk of “Mac” Hugh A. McMonigle

Are You Telling Me How to Do My Job?

“As the San Francisco County Mortician, I often would take custody of remains and hold

them until investigation was complete . Many times we would release to a mortuary when

funds or a family was found . One day, I had a call from a mortuary who were authorized to

remove and hold the services with disposition . The man showed at the mortuary school

in a full sized funeral coach to pick up the body . Our holding room was in the back of the

building . Originally there was plenty of room to go around the building, but an addition had

been put on the building with apartment upstairs and the larger holding room on the lower

floor . I could put the van or same sized vehicle around the drive because they had a shorter

turning radius even though there was about six inches more width with the mirrors sticking

out to the sides . One of the staff members would collapse both side mirrors to the sides to

give themselves that much more room . When this guy in the full size funeral coach arrived,

I told him to park under the overhang and we would bring the body through the building .

He said “I have been a teamster for over thirty years, are you telling me how to do my job?”

He was kind of belligerent in his attitude, maybe because I did not belong to his union . In

any case, he insisted he was going to drive around the building, so I agreed to meet him in

the back where the transfer could only be seen by one apartment building . When I came

outside, there was the funeral coach, but in going around the building, about thirty inches

of chrome had been scraped off and some white of the building was on the rear-side of

the coach .

The driver said “What am I going to tell my boss?!”

I looked him straight in the eye and said “tell him you’ve been a teamster for thirty years and

no one tells me what to do .”

Graduates from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science will fondly remember Hugh McMonigle as “Mac”. Mac is located in the bay area and provided the ARC FSE program with several stories from the SFCMS. For more information about the FSE Program at ARC please feel free to contact Damon de la Cruz, PhD at 916.484.8158. Please also visit our website for more information about the FSE program including our 1 year track.

www .arc .losrios .edu/ARC_Programs_of_Study/Health_And_Education/Funeral_Service .htm

Chris Donhost, Jolena Grande (Cypress College),

and Damon de la Cruz (American River College), at the CFDA Conference

10 SUMMER 2016

CYPRESS COLLEGE REPORT

Cypress College Hosts Funeral Service Educators and Practitioners From Across the United States

The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), the only nationally recognized accrediting agency for Mortuary Science Programs by the United States Department of Education (USDOE), annually reviews the curricular content of courses taught in colleges and universities across the nation whose graduates are preparing for licensure as funeral service practitioners. Educators, licensed professionals, and funeral service associations are invited to participate in the highly regarded task of maintaining relevant and practical curriculum that our accredited Funeral Service Education programs teach to our future funeral directors and embalmers.

In partnership with, and funded through, the incredible generosity of the Hilgenfeld Family Foundation, the ABFSE chose Cypress College to host this year’s summer curriculum workshop on June 3 and 4, 2016. With more than 25 funeral service educators, industry practitioners, and representatives from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association (NFD&MA), the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association (ICCFA), and the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSEB) in attendance, the participants in this two-day workshop methodically reviewed the curriculum content in Accounting, Ethics, and Communication Skills relating to funeral service practice.

In addition to their daily work tasks, the attendees were also treated to evening entertainment events showcasing southern California, like the Forest Lawn Memorial Parks and Mortuaries-sponsored tour of the Mummies Exhibition at the Bower’s Museum in Santa Ana on Friday night. The proposed revisions made to the accounting, communication skills, and ethics content areas of the curriculum will continue to be reviewed throughout summer, and distributed this fall with a solicitation for comments until spring 2017. In April, at the ABFSE annual meeting in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, voting members of the ABFSE will be asked to approve the updated curriculum outlines for adoption by accredited funeral service education programs.

Cypress College Prepares for the Fall 2017 Funeral Service Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program

In early 2015, Cypress College was granted permission by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Board of Governors to participate in the Baccalaureate Degree Pilot Program authorized when Governor Brown signed SB850 (Block, 2014), where 15 community colleges received authorization to offer a bachelor degree on their local campus. Being billed as the “$10,000-bachelor-degree,” California residents will pay a mere $130 per unit for upper division coursework, and there is financial aid, grants and scholarships available.

The Mortuary Science Program faculty have been working in collaboration with local industry partners and Advisory Committee members to develop the 42-units of upper division courses and program curriculum that will be offered beginning in August 2017. Students attending the associate degree programs at American River College and Cypress College, as well as graduates of accredited funeral service education programs, possessing either certificates or associate degrees, will now be able to complete their bachelor degree at Cypress College.

Needing as few as 8 classes at the upper division level, Cypress College Mortuary Science Program alumni who have already earned their Associate in Science-Mortuary Science degree will be able to complete their undergraduate Bachelor in Science degree in as little as 18 months.

With many of the courses being offered in a hybrid format between online and on-campus meetings, this baccalaureate degree completion program has the flexibility for students to continue working while completing their degree.

For more information about the baccalaureate completion program please visit www.cypresscollege.edu/academics/academicPrograms/HealthScience/MortuaryScience.

(left to right) Back Row: Gary Brown (St . Petersburg Community College, Florida), Bob Arvidson (Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Illinois), Brian Mullins (Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, Texas); Second Row: Jeff Zeally (Salt Lake Community College, Utah), Mary Allen-Martin (San Antonio College, Texas), Shawna de la Cruz (ICCFA, California), Damon de la Cruz (American River College, California), Tony Wallace (Gupton-Jones College, Georgia); Third Row: Mark Evely (Wayne State University, Michigan), Sally Pike (ABFSE, Missouri), Glenn Bower (Cypress College, California), Lacy Robinson (NFDA, Michigan); Fourth Row: Wayne Cavender (Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, Texas), Karen Scott (Malcolm X College, Illinois); Fourth Row: Elise-Marie Surucu (Cypress College, California), Jolena Grande (Cypress College, California), Dede Frank (Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Illinois), Martha Thayer (Arapahoe Community College, Colorado)

Not Shown: Craig Emmick (Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Washington), Donita Greene (Catonsville Community College of Baltimore County, Maryland), Keri Haines (ICFSEB, Arkansas), Patricia Traffas (ICFSEB, Arkansas), Shun Newbern (NFD&MA, California)

CFDA NEWSLINES 11

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Track price shoppers, pre-need and at-need calls anywhere, anytime with ASD’s award-winning mobile app and real-time dispatch reports. Let ASD keep you ahead of the competition!

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Collect the required First Call information and immediately dispatch to a designated transport company.

Notify multiple employees of a passing.

Contact a specific on-call person depending on the day or time of death.

Copy central dispatch so you can track the status of every call.

www.myASD.com 1-800-868-9950

Wallace Featheringill6/27/29–5/29/16

Father of Teri Featheringill

James Joseph Gentile7/11/53–3/15/16 Funeral director

Olga Gutierrez Alba de Marez10/25/36–3/25/16

Sister of Homer Alba

IN REMEMBRANCE

12 SUMMER 2016

2016 CFDA CONVENTION IN REDONDO BEACH

The New Executive Team: Darren Diebold, Tiffany Gallarzo, Erlinda Valdez, and Kathleen McLaughlin

Past President Merrill Mefford installing new President Kathleen McLaughlin

New board members Mike Rogers, Karen Franzen, Sonya Simpson, and Robert Risher .

Installation of New Officers

CFDA NEWSLINES 13

2016 CFDA CONVENTION IN REDONDO BEACH

Dick Fallbeck Award: California’s Funeral Director of the Year, Chanell O’FarrellHollywood Forever, Los Angeles

presented by Homer Alba, and Past President and event MC Mark Kuhn

Employee of the Year, Martha Castaneda, Douglass Family Mortuary President’s Award, Dennis Steiner, presented by

Executive Director Bob Achermann .

Supplier of the Year, Mark Sawyer,

The Dodge Company

Young Funeral Director of the Year, Antonio Cuevas, Sunset Funeral Care, Redlands

Awards

14 SUMMER 2016

2016 CFDA CONVENTION IN REDONDO BEACH

Meetings & Panel Discussion

CFDA NEWSLINES 15

2016 CFDA CONVENTION IN REDONDO BEACH

16 SUMMER 2016

2016 CFDA CONVENTION IN REDONDO BEACH

Membership Meeting & Service of Remembrance

CFDA NEWSLINES 17

2016 CFDA CONVENTION IN REDONDO BEACH

Abigail Adam Cypress College

Mary Ferwerda American River College

Mildred Manrique Cypress College

Scholarship Winners The CFDA, through the Professional Development Committee, is committed to recognizing applicants who will be productive death care professionals, will stay and work within our profession and provide excellent care for the families we all, one day, will serve . Being a service-related profession, it is our desire to help those with a financial need . In consideration of that, this June the CFDA awarded scholarships to three mortuary college students .

18 SUMMER 2016

2016 CFDA CONVENTION IN REDONDO BEACH

Free-Throw ContestThree-Peat Not in the Stars for Kathleen By Homer Alba, CFDA Board Member • Redondo Beach, CA • June 27, 2016

Even a home court advantage could not salvage Kathleen McLaughlin’s monumental attempt at a three-peat in the Annual CFDA Basketball Free

Throw Contest. However, and as usual, Kathleen came out on top again as she captured the best prize; the Presidency of the California Funeral Directors Association.

For those of you who were initiated to this early morning ritual, Kathleen had run a string of victories from the beginning tennis event in San Jose to last year’s basketball competition in San Francisco. A span of seven years of wearing the crown of laurels which is symbolic of one who is victorious.

This year’s finalists included one person who diligently and strategically elevated his game from 3rd place the initial year, a runner-up finish last year and finally captured the #1 spot. We are talking about the new champion; Eric Smith a board member from Northern California. His keen eye and steady hand were the key to victory.

A surprise 3rd place finish went to someone who just happened to be there and tried her luck. Melody, from the management group, showed us what “beginners luck” is all

about. A very unorthodox method also helped someone else make the final round. Kristi Ah You stepped up to the free throw line and her high heels must have given her the right angle to make enough free throws to qualify her for the final round. However, it was not to be as her foot ware walked away in her time of need.

Another person who broke through the winner’s circle was Omar Gallarzo; husband of our future CFDA President, Tiffany. He was focused and steady in his approach through the early and final rounds.

Although the purse(s), as in money, was meager by NBA standards, it certainly was enough to cover a decent amount of drinking with friends we hope to see again next year.

And so, as the curtain falls on Kathleen’s monumental tennis and basketball championship saga, let’s dedicate ourselves to unseat Eric Smith next year in Monterey. The pressure is always on the current champion. Actually, regardless of who won or lost, all of those attending had a good time and this convention left us with much energy and enthusiasm as we look forward to Monterey next year.

CFDA NEWSLINES 19

2016 CFDA CONVENTION IN REDONDO BEACH

Annual President’s Reception & Banquet

20 SUMMER 2016

2016 CFDA CONVENTION IN REDONDO BEACH

&SponsorsExhibitors

THANK YOU,

CFDA NEWSLINES 21

SPONSORSBatesville BD & J Wrongful Death Lawyers

RECEPTION

Chosen PaymentsWORKSHOP / AV

Donate Life CaliforniaEDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS

PrecoaPAST PRESIDENT’S LUNCHEON

Carriage ServicesCOFFEE

Association of California CremationistsCOFFEE

Elite Merchant SolutionsBINGO CARD

Elite Merchant SolutionsLANYARD

American Crematory Equipment Company

Astral Casket

Inglewood Park Cemetery

NFDA

Regions Institutional Services

Regional Pathology and Autopsy Services

Security National Life

Matthews Aurora Funeral Solution

GOLD SPONSOR ADDITIONAL SPONSORS:

SILVER SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSORS

Cortez Cremations & Funeral Services

Regular MemberDennis Everett ∙ National City, CA

San Diego Eye BankSpecial Vendor Member

Erika Schnapp ∙ San Diego, CA

Chosen PaymentsSpecial Vendor MemberJim Luff ∙ Moorpark, CA

Oct 6, 2016Law Review CourseHilton Garden Inn Sacramento, CA

Nov 9–10, 2016Committee & BOD MeetingsCFDA Office Sacramento, CA

Jan 11–12, 2017Committee & BOD MeetingsHyatt Regency Monterey, CA

welcomecalendarJan 8, 2017Law Review CourseRose Hills Memorial Park Whittier, CA

April 19–20, 2017Committee & BOD MeetingsCFDA Office Sacramento, CA

June 11–14, 2017CFDA ConventionHyatt Regency Monterey, CA

Danilo Donadio - AP Photo

22 SUMMER 2016

News Briefs

AB 15: End of Life Options ActAs a result of the passing of AB 15, The End of Life Options Act, the California Department of Public Health issued All County Letter (ACL) 16-07 on June 9th, 2016. The letter is reprinted below.

TO: Local Registrars of Births and Deaths, Chief Deputy Registrars of Births and Deaths, County Coroners and Medical Examiners, Funeral Directors, County Recorders

SUBJECT: Reporting Causes of Death for End of Life Option Act

This All County Letter provides information regarding accurate reporting on the cause of death on the California Certificate of Death when a person uses an aid-in-dying drug to end his or her life as authorized by the End of Life Option Act (the “Act”).

Certifiers (physicians, coroners, and medical examiners) should not report the cause of death as “pursuant to End of Life Option Act,” or use similar phrases. Instead, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends that they report the underlying terminal disease as the cause of death. This approach complies with applicable law; will best ensure the reliability and usefulness of data collected from the death certificate for state, national, and international surveillance purposes; and will effectuate the California Legislature’s intent regarding the confidentiality of patients’ participation in the Act.

The Act does not itself provide guidance regarding reporting of the cause of death on the California Certificate of Death when an individual exercises rights under the Act, other than to provide that such a death, occurring pursuant to the Act, is not suicide. Therefore, certifiers should not report suicide as a cause or related condition to cause of death when an individual properly exercises his or her rights under the Act.

However, reporting “pursuant to End of Life Option Act,” or using similar phrases, as a cause of death would not be consistent with applicable law. Specifically, Health and Safety Code Sections 102825 and 102860 require certifiers to identify on the certificate of death the “disease or condition directly leading to death, antecedent causes, other significant conditions contributing to death.” Because the “End of Life Act” is not a “disease,” “condition,” or “antecedent cause” of death, it should not be listed on the death certificate.

Instead, CDPH recommends that certifiers report the underlying terminal disease. Such reporting advances the data collection and analysis purposes for which death certificates are used. From a public health perspective, in terms of collecting vital statistics data that informs policy decision-making by the State, reporting the underlying condition(s) that began the chain of events resulting in an individual’s death is of paramount usefulness.

Mr. Coffee of Italy, RENATO BIALETTI, Buried in his Famous Moka PotRenato Bialetti, the Italian coffee king who turned an aluminum coffee pot into a multi-million-dollar business, died earlier this year at the age of 93. As one last wish, Bialetti had his ashes interred in a large replica of his famous Moka pot.

Designed by Luigi di Ponti in 1933, the patent was then sold to Renato’s father Alfonso Bialetti, an aluminum vendor. His father sold 10,000 units annually at local markets but his business was interrupted by World War II.

Upon returning from a German prisoner of war camp in 1946, Renato had bigger and better ideas for the coffee pot. He pulled out his father’s old machinery and resumed production. He then designed a massive marketing campaign that spanned across billboards, newspapers, and magazines. The most charming part of the brand was the mustachioed caricature that donned every coffee pot.

Fast forward 60 years and the company has sold more than 200 million Mokas internationally. Not only is it a fixture in 90 percent of Italy’s kitchens, it also remains a symbol of Italian style worldwide.

Bialetti’s Moka urn now lies in the family plot in Omega, Italy.

CFDA NEWSLINES 23

Further, such reporting is consistent with national and international practices on data gathering regarding mortalities. The State Registrars in all of the States report cause of death data drawn from death certificates to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), where the cause of death is coded according to the International Classification of Diseases, Rev 10 (ICD-10). CDPH fulfills this reporting obligation using data from California Certificates of Death. These coding rules are standardized, not only nationally but internationally, so that causes of death can be compared and understood in a standard fashion.

CDPH has been advised by NCHS that the term “pursuant to the End of Life Option Act” (or similar terminology) would be coded as R99 (unknown cause of death) relative to Section 107 of the California Certificate of Death and would therefore negate the accuracy and value of the data in terms of analyzing national and international public health trends. Therefore, to maintain a uniform observance and maintenance of a satisfactory system of registration, the

State Registrar advises that language such as “pursuant to the End of Life Option Act” (or similar terminology) not be recorded in Section 107 or Section 112 of the California Certificate of Death, and instead report the underlying terminal disease.

Such reporting also appears to best advance the Legislature’s intentions when enacting the Act, and particularly that participation in the Act be confidential. The Act contains language designed to protect the confidentiality of participation. Stats. 2015, 2nd Ex. Sess. 2015, ch. 1, § 2. (“The interests in protecting the privacy rights of the patient and his or her family in this situation strongly outweigh the public interest in having access to personally identifiable data relating to services.”) Because California is an “open records” state, meaning that the public can access information on an individual’s death certificate, notations on the death certificate regarding participation in the Act (e.g., “pursuant to End of Life Option Act”) would become a matter of public record. Accordingly, CDPH recommends that such terms not be recorded in Section 107

or Section 112 of the California Certificate of Death, and that the underlying terminal disease be reported instead.

If you have questions regarding this matter, please contact Ms. Laurie Taylor at (916) 650-6872.

Sincerely,Original signed by:

Tony Agurto, MPADeputy State RegistrarAssistant Deputy DirectorCenter for Health Statistics and Informatics

If you have questions regarding this matter,

PLEASE CONTACT

Ms . Laurie Taylor(916) 650-6872

Christopher A. Brown, Esq.

Funeral and Cemetery Law Chair Dowling Aaron, Inc. CFDA Member Past CFDA speaker Cemetery and Mortuary Association of California Member

Advising funeral establishments and cemeteries for over 20 years• Regulatory compliance• Purchase/sale of businesses• Permitting/Licensing on local/statewide basis• Litigation defense in third party suits and internal employee disputes

cbrown@dowlingaaron.com8080 N. Palm Avenue, Third Floor, Fresno, CA 93711559.432.4500 | www.dowlingaaron.com

24 SUMMER 2016

Many funeral homes are expected to update their facilities and add new cremation equipment this year. Funeral home walls, carpets and furniture receive wear and tear over the years, and a fresh, updated look can attract new families and business. Many owners are also looking to offer a new experience to their customers by increasing service options and adding new equipment. If you would like to increase your business by adding cremation services, there are important considerations to keep in mind.

1: Plan for the Future

Across the US, cremation is becoming increasingly more popular with reports showing California with some of the highest rates in the country. As a funeral home owner, you have the option to outsource the cremation or have the full service in-house. When weighing the financial impact to your business, consider the loan payment for equipment and construction or lease payment, any additional staffing and inventory needs versus the revenue generated from the services. Compare that figure to the revenue generated when outsourcing the cremation and run financial projections to see what will benefit your business long-term.If you decide adding a crematory is your best option, begin to prepare for financing, any construction needs and how to will communicate new services to your community.

2: Should I Lease or Purchase the Cremation Equipment?

When your funeral home needs new cremation equipment, you have the option to purchase or lease. Depending on your financial needs, both options come with advantages.Leasing a crematory offers the advantage of no required down payment. You are also not bound by any personal guarantees, collateral or lien requirements. It may also be easier to qualify for a lease than a loan. However, lease payments may hinder your cash flow, so it is important to consider financing the purchase.A business loan to purchase a crematory typically has a longer loan term, meaning you have lower monthly payments and more time to pay off the debt. You also have the flexibility to add working capital if you need

to increase staffing or make facility updates.When considering a loan, think about your market’s preferences. Should you add a viewing area? Do you need space to display rental caskets? Working with a lender who understands the industry and can include the crematory purchase and other financing needs into one loan may be your best option.

3: Do Your Homework on Zoning in Your Area

As the use of cremation gains popularity, more and more communities are increasingly concerned about emissions from crematories. This has created resistance by some residents in the community.In 2004 for example, the San Rafael City Council pushed cremation activities to strictly industrial zones, while San Leandro has completely banned cremation being carried out anywhere in the city limits. Several cities in the Bay Area have also joined the fight.Zoning ordinances across California are designed and enforced under the different local jurisdictions. Be sure to check your local ordinances before you are too far along in the process. If you have multiple locations, decide if each location needs a crematory or if one location service them all.Also take note of any building or structural changes your funeral home may need to add the crematory—some jurisdictions will require approval for seemingly small changes.

4: Improve Your Cash Flow by RefinancingAs an investor in your business, you want to look for ways to financially improve your business. How can you serve your customers better while also boosting profits? Are there new ways to generate additional revenue? One way to improve cash flow without making drastic changes is to refinance existing debt.Seek a loan with a 20–25 year term, no balloon payments and competitive interest rates. By comparing your current monthly payment to what your new monthly payment could be, you can see if refinancing will free up cash for your business. These monthly savings provide an opportunity to make improvements to

your funeral home, to increase marketing efforts or expand your business.If you are considering adding a crematory to your funeral home in the next few years, refinancing debt now will allow you to save and put money towards the purchase.

5: Create a Sales Strategy for Your New Cremation Services

As you plan to add a crematory and new services, create a marketing and sales strategy to make the most of your investment. Research the local competing funeral homes to find how yours can stand out. Study their marketing strategies, branding, equipment and types of services offered. Also pay attention to the needs and requests of families you serve for new offering ideas. In addition to bringing awareness to your new services, it is vital that your sales team can explain the value of both traditional burial and cremation, as well as the services surrounding them. Does your staff offer a service with a rental casket as addition to a cremation?  Are receptions and celebration services fully explained? Utilize industry research and sales strategies to ensure your staff is meeting the needs of families.Advertise any unique extra services you could have introduced. Put in place a solid social media marketing strategy. You can create a Facebook business page that regularly provides educational posts. Traditional marketing channels including radio, TV and newspaper ads can help you reach a demographic who may not be as active on the Internet.Conclusion

As a funeral home owner, you must invest in your business and future success. The increase in cremation has required many funeral home owners to adjust their business strategies. By creating more options and providing a better experience for families, you can grow your business. Favorable financing terms to purchase equipment, expand, refinance and renovate can help you reach your business goals. If you have questions on where to begin, or how financing can help you get started, contact Tim Bridgers, Senior Loan Officer at Live Oak Bank at tim.bridgers@liveoakbank.com.

EXPERT ADVICE: FINANCE

Important Considerations for Adding Cremation Equipment5 By Live Oak Bank Funeral Home Lending Team

CFDA NEWSLINES 25

©2016 Live Oak Banking Company. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.

“Live Oak Bank changed my business altogether. Being able to consolidate debts and grow my

business made all the difference.”

Watch Steve’s story at liveoakbank.com/turner

ACQUISITION | REFINANCE | EXPANSION | SUCCESSION | RENOVATION

FUNERAL HOME FINANCING

Steve Turner Walker Mortuary, LTD.

Second Generation Funeral Director

 

 

 

 

 

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S e r e n i t y T r a n s p o r t a t i o n , I n c . Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Surrounding Counties

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26 SUMMER 2016

RISK MANAGEMENT CORNER

100 million Americans are not

protected by private disability insurance.

Disability is more common than you think.

As long as you have the ability to earn an income, you are able to accumulate assets and provide for yourself and your family. But what would happen if you became disabled and could no longer work?

The odds of becoming disabled are compelling. Consider these statistics:

• More than 10% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 64 have a disability. 1

• Nearly 90% of disabilities aren’t work related and, therefore, don’t qualify for work-comp benefits. 2

• 100 million Americans are not protected by private disability insurance. 3

Owning a disability income insurance policy should be a necessity, like other insurance you have to protect other assets. For instance, you insure your home, car, and possessions — don’t neglect to protect the income that pays for them.

Disability insurance can help ensure that money will continue to come in the door to help pay your bills if a sickness or injury prevents you from performing the material and substantial duties of your regular occupation.

1 U.S. Census Bureau, Selected Social Characteristics in the United States: 2009.

2 National Safety Council, Injury Facts, 2008 edition.

3 Council for Disability Awareness, Long-Term Disability Claims Review, 2005.

How Long Can You Live Without a Paycheck?By Federated Mutual Insurance Company

QUESTION: An employee was written up for calling out sick but the employee had a doctor’s note excusing them from work. What is the legal way to withdraw a write-up from an employee’s file?RESPONSE: Absent an employment contract, including a collective bargaining agreement, that addresses this issue, there is no federal or state law that governs here. If the employer has determined that it issued a disciplinary action in error, it has discretion to determine whether/how to handle such situation and should adhere to its policy and past practice in this situation. If this is the first situation of its kind, the employer can determine how to approach the issue but should be cognizant of the precedent being set so that it follows suit in any subsequent similar scenarios.If the employer seeks to expunge the disciplinary action so that there is no record of it, such that the employee’s file appears as though it was never issued, we are not aware of any reason why the employer cannot simply remove it from the

file and dispose of it. If the employer wants to maintain a record of the write-up but does not want it to have any impact on the employee or the employment relationship, it can leave the write-up in the employee’s personnel file and attach a note to it explaining that it has been effectively (though perhaps not physically) removed. The latter approach may be desirable if, for example, the employee did not provide proper notice in advance of the absence when he or she should have done so. In this situation, while the disciplinary action remains on file as evidence that the employee failed to adhere to company policy by providing proper notification of an excused absence, once he or she did so the employer can note that the write-up was effectively “removed” even though it physically remains in the file (again with an attached document to indicate the “withdrawal”).

© 2014 Advisors Law Group, All Rights Reserved

How do I remove a disciplinary write-up from personnel files?

CFDA NEWSLINES 27

Please make it home safe

today.

We believe you deserve more than just insurance. You deserve valuable risk management tools—like the “What is Important to You” distracted driving prevention program—designed to help you and your employees make it home safe today.

Federated Mutual Insurance CompanyFederated Service Insurance Company*

Federated Life Insurance CompanyOwatonna, Minnesota 55060

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