vol 62 issue 3 - ocea employee 2009 july august september

OCEA EMPLOYEEThe official publication of the Orange County Employees Association

Protect Your Pension! Vote

RUSSELL BALDWINfoR REtIREmENt BoARD

octoBER/NoVEmBER 2009

2009 ocEA HEALtH fAIROctOber 6, 2009 • 10:00 a.m. tO 1:00 p.m.

Make a Difference . . .

JULY–SEPTEMBER 2009Volume 62, Issue 3

Instructions for registering online to be on OCEA’s Team:1. Go to www.ockomen.com, and click on the “Race for the Cure” button.

2. Decide whether you would like to REGISTER or DONATE. Then . . .

3. Follow the instructions below:

TO REGISTER: Click the button on the top left that says “Register Here.” Read and approve the waiver and then choose to join a team. A new menu will appear. Scroll down until you find “Orange County Employees Association #2197.” Fill out the form and select which level of participation you would like to sign up for.

TO DONATE: In the middle of the left column, click on “Donate to Support a Participant or a Team.” Enter Cathy Yatch (OCEA Team Leader), and click on “Search” to find the Orange County Employees Association’s Team. Then click on the name “Cathy Yatch.” Fill out the form and select at which level you would like to donate on behalf of OCEA’s team.

OCEA has its own team!We want to help beat breast cancer! Join us by walking, running, or making a pledge!

Follow the instructions below to DONATE to and/or JOIN the OCEA Team.

Below is the web address to DONATE to and/or JOIN the OCEA Team:https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=310226&supId=225549617

In 2008, OCEA was awarded 3rd place for the 2008 Largest Team, Government Category!

JOIN IN ThE2009 SuSAN G. KOmENRACE fOR ThE CuRE!

For more information contact Cathy Yatch at [email protected].

Orange County Employees Association830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 • (714) 835-3355 • www.oceamember.org

For more information (or if you have any questions about the Race) contact Cathy Yatch, OCEA’s Co-Team Leader, at (714) 835-3355, or send an email to [email protected].

Where: fashion IslandWhen: September 27, 2009

1O C E A E M P L O Y E E

FEATURES 2 President’s Message

Rising to the occasion during difficult times!

3 General Manager’s MessageThe handwriting is on the wall!

6 OCEA’s Exceptional MembersMeet your fellow OCEA members!

8 Our Exceptional OCEA Boardof DirectorsMeet our Board!

10 Our Exceptional OCEA HotDog Wagon!Our OCEA hot dogs won’t bite!

13 San Clemente City EmployeesAssociationAn exceptional affiliate!

16 2009: An ExceptionalBargaining YearCheck out the photographs!

18 OCEA Labor Management CommitteesOCEA members are involved!

20 Two Exceptional OCEAPrograms“OCEA Presents,” and our OCEA Steward program!

22 Our Exceptional OCEA StaffMeet our staff!

30 Special Events & DiscountsOCEA members can save money!

DEPARTMENTS 19 OCEA Adopt-A-Pet

28 OCEA Classifieds

29 OCEA New Members

OCEA EMPLOYEEVOLUME 62, ISSUE 3 JULY–SEPTEMBER 2009

What’s Going On Here?

Just this: An OCEA Hot Dog Day! Sarah and about 200 other County

employees at the HCA facility on Seventeenth Street paid us a visit

at a recent OCEA Hot Dog Day event there. See page 10 for more

pictures taken at this event!

h Microbiologists rock! OCEA member Sarah Fitzpatrick, a Public Health

Microbiologist with the Health Care Agency, has reached the front of the

line and is preparing for an enjoyable lunch. Sarah has been employed by the

County since late 2006, and she joined OCEA immediately after being hired.

Be prepared! OCEA’s Open Enrollment is from September 21, 2009 to October 23, 2009!

2 O C E A E M P L O Y E E

One of the duties of the office of President for OCEA is to attend meetings on behalf of the Board of Directors. Unfortunately, of late, that has meant attending many meetings discussing layoffs, reductions, and furloughs.

I was also recently reassigned to a temporary position within my Department at a different work location. After having been assigned to Juvenile Hall for the last 13 years, it was quite a challenge.

My Department has been hit particularly hard during the recent financial crisis, and many valued employees have been laid off. While the cuts have been disparate (and I could write many articles arguing about the management decisions for these cuts), I will save that for another time. This message is about the positive environments I have experienced and which have been related to me from other areas of the County, Court, and other cities and entities in which OCEA represents our members.

With the financial cuts, many of our members have been reassigned to different positions, and those left behind are expected to do more with less. All of our agencies that deal with social issues are experiencing an increase in demand for their services at a time when their funding

and staff have been decreased. I am proud to say that the very spirit that led our members to a life of public service is going strong. I am proud of the work we are doing in these most difficult of circumstances. I am proud of our members’ empathy for their displaced coworkers.

The warm reception I received not only from old colleagues (most of whom were kind enough not to mention how much I’ve aged) not seen for many years, but also from all of my new co-workers, was wonderful. I have seen this same attitude displayed over and over again towards the public we serve as they too struggle with the same economic issues. I have seen our members go out of their way to help their displaced co-workers, some of whom now have 75-plus mile commutes. I have seen our members step up and volunteer to assume new duties and work harder to get the job done.

OCEA’s staff, leadership team, and Board of Directors remain committed to guiding our union through these difficult times. We know our mission, “To advance the welfare and security of Orange County local government employees and their families.” Be assured that your union

works, lives, and breathes this mission; we will not let you down.

Yours faithfully,

Robert Gibson OCEA President [email protected]

OCEA President’s Message

Rising to the Occasion During Difficult TimesRobert Gibson

OCEA President

“I have seen our members step up and volunteer to assume new duties and work harder to get the job done.”

Re-elect Russell Baldwin to the Retirement Board in the Oct/Nov 2009 election!

October/November 2009!Protect Your Pension! RE-ELECT

RUSSELL

BALDWINRetirement Board


Ah, when to the heart of manWas it ever less than a treasonTo go with the drift of things,

To yield with a grace to reason,And bow and accept the end

Of a love or a season?

— Robert Frost, “Reluctance,” 1913

When people analyze labor relations, they don’t normally go to Robert Frost. Instead, the labor movement’s best-known rhymes are found in poems like “Bread and Roses” (by James Oppenheim, 1911) and songs like “Solidarity Forever” (by Ralph Chaplin, 1915).

But a look at Robert Frost’s poem “Reluctance” elucidates what is going on in our County with regard to labor, employee rights, and the economy.

It is to be expected that any poem by Robert Frost will have several layers of meaning, and the above quotation (one stanza from Frost’s poem “Reluctance”) is not an exception. It is not my aim to give a detailed explanation of this poem and its meaning, even if I were qualified to do so. But one of the meanings of this poem seems to be that we are reluctant to “go with the flow” when it is more comfortable to maintain the status

quo and resist change.

Frost notes that when their time has come, leaves release themselves from their trees, and their life is over. The leaves don’t fight it. Their fate is inevitable. In the words of “the Borg,” in the Star Trek universe, “Resistance is futile.”

When I think of these concepts, I think of the County, its executives, and its high-level management. Regarding their way of life, and their approach to employee relations, government, and life in general, the handwriting is on the wall. It is all over, except for a little time and some grousing.

They do not know it, though. For the most part, they are blind to what is going on around them and to its political implications.

They see the economic disarray around them, and they cannot see that they are part of the cause. Moreover, they think the solution is to take from the innocent. They maintain their levels of perks in the present financial disaster and simply cannot see themselves the way others do.

Rightly or wrongly, editorial writers are claiming that there is no reason why public employees should receive greater benefits than employees in the private sector. Maybe this is true, but what is more valid is the contention that private-sector employees should have better benefits than they do.

And in the midst of this criticism of public employees, a truth is emerging, namely that higher-ups are receiving better benefits than rank-and–file employees.

Ironically, these executives are among the first to point fingers at the rank-and-file.

Shared suffering is something they don’t understand. That is why the executives are unwilling to accept cuts to their own bloated benefits.

In terms of County employees, “chopping” has been occurring. But my prediction is that, sooner or later, it will begin to impact those at the top. The public won’t stand for the present way of doing things. The current approach is unfair.

Until then, those at the top will continue in their failure “to yield with a grace to reason.”

But as I said, the handwriting is on the wall.

In the end, Robert Frost knew more about labor relations than most people would imagine!

In solidarity,

Nick Berardino OCEA General Manager

OCEA General Manager’s Message

For County Leadership, the Handwriting is on the Wall Nick Berardino

OCEA General Manager

Robert Frost in 1941.

“Shared suffering is something they don’t understand. That is why the executives are unwilling to accept cuts to their own bloated benefits.”

Come to the OCEA Health Fair on October 6,2009! 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.


E M P L O Y E EOrange County Employees Association

OFFICERSRobert Gibson ........................................................President

Lezlee Neebe ...........................................1st Vice President

Arlyn Buck ............................................2nd Vice President

Phyllis Oudmayer .................................................Secretary

Chris Prevatt ..........................................................Treasurer

Luisa Camino ...........................................Insurance Officer

Frank Eley .....................................................Past President

COMMITTEE CHAIRSJeff Gallagher ......................................................Legislative

Chris Prevatt ............................................. Budget/Finance

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dan Beam ....................................................Sheriff-Coroner

Arlyn Buck ................................................... Social Services

Luisa Camino ......................................SSA/Adult Services

Alan Dean Clow ....................................... Public Defender

Maria Corona ..................................... Health Care Agency

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

Debra Fyvie ....................Dept. of Child Support Services

Jeff Gallagher ........................................................Probation

Eusebio “Butch” Garcia ....................Social Services Agency

Robert Gibson .......................................................Probation

Al Jabbar ............................................. Health Care Agency

John Leos ...............................................................Probation

Gary Morrison .........................................Assessor’s Office

Lezlee Neebe .....................................Superior Court Clerk

Cheryl Neuenschwander .................Superior Court Clerk

Phyllis Oudmayer .........Dept. of Child Support Services

Chris Prevatt .................... HCA/Tobacco Use Prevention

Bill Stein .......................................................Sheriff-Coroner

Pamela Waters ..........................................................Library

The OCEA Employee magazine (USPS 004-330) is published quarterly (January-March; April-June; July-September; and October-December) by the Orange County Employees Association, 830 N. Ross, P.O. Box 177, Santa Ana, CA 92702; telephone (714) 835-3355. Periodical postage paid at Santa Ana, California. Subscription prices: members, $3.00 per year; non-members, $6.00 per year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Orange County Employees Association, P.O. Box 177, Santa Ana, CA 92702-0177. Advertising in the OCEA Employee magazine does not constitute OCEA endorsement of the products or services advertised. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the Orange County Employees Association unless specifically so stated. Contributions in the form of articles, photographs, human-interest incidents, retirement news, etc., are welcomed and encouraged. Association office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except public holidays. OCEA reserves the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. Photographs will be returned only upon request. Copyright 2009 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: Thomas A. Sawyer

Design & Layout: Kevin Rush

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

Department of Child Support Services Operates Innovative “Gateway Program”During the past five years, the Orange County Department of Child Support Services has seen a 30-percent increase in collections per employee. This achievement can be traced to a number of causes, but one of the major contributors to the increased collections has been the CSS “Gateway Program.”

The emphasis of the Gateway Program has been to allow the Department’s employees to “connect” better with the families they are serving, while at the same time increasing productivity. A major focus of the program is the use of an online forms system, through which forms may be filled out at home or at the CSS office. Another major component is the Department’s “forms clinic,” where staff and volunteers aid customers in understanding and completing the forms. The third major building block of the Gateway Program is the “pre-default intervention” program, in which the Department reaches out to non-custodial parents in a less-threatening way, in an effort to establish a workable support amount without the necessity of “going to court.” The Department says that pre-default intervention “increases participation, and lowers conflict.”

According to Steve Eldred, Director,

Orange County Child Support Services, “Together, these three initiatives comprise an integrated approach to customer service—reaching out to customers from the beginning of the case, and establishing a positive relationship. Customer participation is key to long-term performance. This led naturally to the choice of a name for the combined effort: The Gateway Program. These separate projects [online forms, forms clinic, and pre-default intervention] together make up one front-end welcome to the new customer on both sides of the parenting equation.”

Programs which save money and achieve stellar results are highly desirable in this era of budget cuts. Steve says, “Especially in these challenging economic times, CSS must work to partner with both parents to make them successful in their effort to financially support their children.”

The National Association of Counties has awarded a 2009 Achievement Award to the Department for its Gateway Program, “in recognition of an effective and innovative program which contributes to and enhances county government in the United States.” The program is one of seven County programs to receive this prestigious honor.

OCEA Board of Directors member (and Steward) Phyllis Oudmayer, left, and Steve Eldred, Director, Department of Child Support Services.

Join OCEA in the 2009 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on September 27! See inside front cover for details!


2009 OCEA Health FairPresented by the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust

Tuesday, October 6, 200910:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Vendors, Giveaways, Screenings, and Fun in the OCEA Parking Areas!

Representatives from health organizations will attend to help educate attendees regarding health-related topics, such as flu shots, cholesterol and glucose screenings, lung capacity screenings, back massages, and financial education. Free screenings and tests will be offered, as well as literature on important health topics. It will be a great time of giveaways, information, and exciting door prizes!

Attendance at the OCEA Health Fair is a permitted use of Annual Leave, subject to approval by your supervisor.

Make a Dif ference . . .

Orange County Employees Association830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 • (714) 835-3355 • (714) 835-7654 Fax • www.oceamember.org

in your well-being! in your family’s future! in your community!

. . . in your life



Christopher Welch is a Correctional Services Technician with an intriguing alter ego. His “other self” was revealed toward the end of this year’s negotiations process, when he and other 2009 OCEA Bargaining Team members staffed the check-in and information tables in the OCEA Assembly Room during the contract-ratification election in June. It turns out that Chris writes screenplays and some poetry, and he is formulating ideas for a novel. Right now, he has about half a dozen scripts and other projects in the process of being considered for financing, or to be sent to agents for consideration.

One major completed project is an independent feature film entitled End, which is being “shopped around” to film festivals, studios, and agents. End and other films Chris has written (or had some other role in developing) have been directed by his sister, Megan Welch. You can find out more about the movie by going to Megan’s website, “The Director is In”:

http: //directorisin.blogspot.com/ 2009/07/end.html

Megan says, “End is the tale of Molly & Matt, a father and teenage daughter who are trying to survive a pandemic of the walking dead. Matt has decided the best course of action as society crumbles around them and civilization flees is to fortify his house . . . and proceed with life as close to normal as he can.” Megan stresses that this is not a traditional “zombie movie.” Instead, Megan says, the film is “about the people that were pushed to the very edge of despair and how they deal with finding a way to move forward every day.”

The premiere screening of End was held in a theater at Cal State Fullerton, in July. Chris says: “It is a memory that I will never forget—one that I will cherish forever. I can only hope Megan and I get to relive it in the months ahead as we start getting accepted into film festivals.”

When Chris was hired by the Sheriff’s Department in 2005, he became a third-generation County employee. (His father, Steve Welch, is still hard at work after 35 years.) Chris works in the

Central Men’s Jail in Santa Ana, is an active OCEA Steward, and is a member of the CST Committee. Along with his regular job with the Sheriff’s Department, and all of his creative projects, he volunteers a lot of his time at his church. Asked about how he manages all of these self-imposed demands on his time, he says, “I never really eat or sleep.”

CST Christopher Welch Writes Indie Feature Film, End

Raymundo Mejia Makes News in the DA’s Office

Raymundo Mejia, a forensic IT specialist in the District Attorney’s Office, has been called a “genius” by those who know him. He was an active OCEA Steward for years before leaving the County in 2006 to start up a “green energy” business in Arizona, marketing a new kind of solar energy generation, for which he holds the patent. Raymundo returned to the DA’s office last year. In July 2009, the Orange County Register internet edition featured a photograph of Raymundo displaying equipment used to analyze computer hard-drives for evidence.

Bill Mansoor Writes on Tech Subjects

Bill Mansoor is a Technical Systems Specialist with the Orange County Health Care Agency. He recently assisted with the writing of a new book, titled Computer and Information Security Handbook, authored by John Vacca, who also wrote The World’s 20 Greatest Unsolved Problems. Bill’s contribution to the handbook is Chapter Nine, “Intranet Security.”

SSO Tanya Reed Sets World Records

OCEA member Tanya Reed has set world records for squat lift (380 pounds), bench press (314 pounds), and dead lift (418 pounds). She set the records on July 3, 2009, at the United States Powerlifting Federation National Meet in La Mirada. Congratulations, Tanya!

Do any of your co-workers have an interesting backstory?

Nominate them to be featured in a future issue by sending an email to

[email protected].

OCEA’s Exceptional Members

OCEA member Chris Welch, shortly before an informational presentation that he and other CSTs made to Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and five members of the Sheriff’s staff. The presentation took place in OCEA’s Assembly Room.



The year 2009 has great opportunities for giving blood in drives sponsored by the American Red Cross, at many County work locations.

From the American Red Cross website, www.redcross.org:

Every minute of every day, someone needs blood. That blood can only come from a volunteer donor, a person like you who makes the choice to donate. There is no substitute for your donation.

When you make a blood donation, you join a very select group. Currently only 3 out of every 100 people in America donate blood.

Sign up online at www.givelife.org (sponsor code: OC1).

If your work location is not currently listed below, please contact Vanessa Van Mil, at (714) 697-5491 to inquire about setting up your blood drive for 2009!

Give Blood in 2009!

Here is the present 2009 schedule:

October 7 and 8: Hall of AdministrationOctober 8: Social Services Agency – Grand Avenue

October 20: Children and Family ServicesOctober 29: Department of Child Support Services

The OCEA Retirement Committee—a Meaningful New Opportunity to Help Protect Your Greatest Benefit.Responsible OCEA Members Needed for the OCEA Retirement CommitteeThe Carrot: Many of us sit at our desks wondering and worrying about how the state budget will impact the County, whether and when the economy will recover, and whether our jobs will be secure in the future. To cope, some pull out our little sheet of paper and look down the lines to find out when we can retire, and dream that in just so-many-years we will be able to achieve our dream and retire with a measure of security.

The point being, that a considerable, integral portion of our current compensation today is what we contemplate receiving after we retire. Of course, retirement benefits are not the only reason for working hard and staying loyal to the County. But for most of us, retirement benefits are, as they should be, one of our biggest motivators and in many ways our most valuable benefit.

OCERS: Our retirement benefits are administered by the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS). OCERS is not part of the County, but an independent entity established for the primary purpose of holding, investing, administering, and distributing our pension contributions and those contributions that

are made on our behalf by the County.

Under current long-standing California law, our right to our pension benefits is guaranteed. But the contribution rates we pay, the way our contributions are invested, and other important matters concerning our pensions are determined by OCERS. OCEA-represented members of the retirement system and other General Members of the system are entitled to elect two representatives as trustees of OCERS. In order to ensure that OCEA can always provide competent, knowledgeable, and committed candidates for those positions, OCEA is embarking on an exciting new initiative.

OCEA’s Newest Committee: OCEA President Robert Gibson and the OCEA Board of Directors are in the process of establishing a new committee—the OCEA Retirement Committee. The purpose of the committee will be to develop OCEA members who have a special interest in and commitment to retirement issues and to groom some of them to be candidates for the OCERS Retirement Board. To that end, it is anticipated that at least some members of

the OCEA Retirement Committee will also attend Retirement Board meetings to start learning about the Retirement Board, the issues it faces, and the ways it addresses those issues.

The OCEA Retirement Committee will hopefully be comprised of a small number of talented OCEA members—whether they are OCEA Stewards, OCEA Board of Directors members, or any other OCEA members—who share the strong commitment, the interest, and the aptitude to eventually handle the workload and responsibility of being a member of the Retirement Board.

You, Make Sure! We are now actively seeking OCEA members to step forward and express their interest in becoming members of the committee.

So, to all OCEA members: if you are interested in becoming a member of the OCEA Retirement Committee, and in actively “watching” over your greatest benefit, send me an email at [email protected] letting me know at this time.

Frank EleyOCEA Past President



Robert Gibson (OCEA President, Probation Department) has been an OCEA member for over a decade and has been an OCEA Board member since 2005.

Lezlee Neebe (OCEA First Vice-President, Health & Welfare Trust Committee member, Superior Court) has been on our OCEA Board of Directors since 1995!

Arlyn Buck (OCEA Second Vice-President, Health & Welfare Trust Committee member, Social Services Agency) has been an active member of OCEA for more than 17 years and has been an OCEA Board member since 1998.

Phyllis Oudmayer (OCEA Secretary, Child Support Services) is an informed, active OCEA Steward. She joined our Board of Directors back in 2006.

Maria Corona (Health Care Agency) is a long-time active OCEA member and OCEA Steward and has been an OCEA Board member since 2008.

Debra Fyvie (Child Support Services) joined OCEA in 1999. She is a dedicated Steward and has been an OCEA Board member since early 2009.

Jeff Gallagher (Probation Department) is one of the best all-around Stewards OCEA has ever had and has been an OCEA Board member since 2002.

Butch Garcia (Social Services Agency) is an active OCEA member who has served us well as an OCEA Steward and as an OCEA bargaining team member. Butch has been an OCEA Board member since 2007.

Al Jabbar (Health Care Agency) is a new member of our Board and a member of the OCEA PAC Executive Board. Al has been an OCEA Board member since August 2009.

“Be confident that your union is here to protect and preserve the benefits and gains made by those that came before us.”— OCEA President Robert Gibson

“I care for our employees and totally support the union.”

— OCEA Board member Phyllis Oudmayer

“I think it is of the utmost importance to fight for the rights of the working man.”

— OCEA Board member Gary Morrison

“They say ‘lead, follow, or get out of the way.’ I wanted to help lead us to where we still have to go.”

— OCEA Board member Bill Stein


The

Board of Directors


Chris Prevatt (OCEA Treasurer, HCA/Tobacco Use Prevention) is a longtime OCEA member. Chris has made great contributions to OCEA as an OCEA Steward and has been a Board member since 2007.

Luisa Camino (OCEA Insurance Officer, Health & Welfare Trust Committee member, Social Services Agency) has been an OCEA member since 1986 and has been an OCEA Board member since 1998.

Frank Eley (OCEA Past President, Health & Welfare Trust Committee member, OC Public Works) served as our OCEA President for eight years and has been a Board member since 1985.

Dan Beam (Sheriff-Coroner Department) is a member of the SSO/DC Executive Committee and has been a Board member since August 2009.

Alan Clow (Public Defender’s Office) has been an outstanding OCEA member for many years and has been a Board member since 2005.

John Leos (Probation Department) is a longtime OCEA Steward. John made major contributions to the team effort during 2007 negotiations and has been a Board member since 2008.

Gary Morrison (Assessor’s Office) has been an OCEA member since 1999 and is an active supporter of OCEA events. Gary has been a Board member since early 2009.

Cheryl Neuenschwander (Health & Welfare Trust Committee member, Superior Court) has been with OCEA since 1984 and has been a Board member since 1995.

Bill Stein (Sheriff-Coroner Department) has a reputation as a dedicated OCEA Steward and has been a Board member since 1999.

Pamela Waters (Health & Welfare Trust Committee member, Orange County Library) joined OCEA in 1988 and has been a Board member since 1993.

“Be confident that your union is here to protect and preserve the benefits and gains made by those that came before us.”— OCEA President Robert Gibson

“They say ‘lead, follow, or get out of the way.’ I wanted to help lead us to where we still have to go.”

— OCEA Board member Bill Stein

“Everything at OCEA is the best of everything.”

— OCEA Board member Luisa Camino

“I believe in the union and want to be a part of making Orange County a great place to work.”

— OCEA Board member Debbie Fyvie



In the way of simple joys, there are few things better than an OCEA hot dog, consumed by a happy OCEA member, on a summer day! For the size and cost (free), it’s hard to beat an OCEA hot dog!

We’ve been serving our dogs for many years now, and each year has been better than the previous year. By the time the dust settles this year, we will have held about 60 OCEA Hot Dog Days in 2009 alone!

The photographs on this page were taken at an OCEA Hot Dog Day held at the Health Care Agency facility on Seventeenth Street, in Santa Ana. It was one of the best OCEA Hot Dog Days ever! We served about 200 great people, and dispensed about 400 hot dogs!

Left to right: OCEA members Maria Lopez and Lam Phan gather their lunch to go find a seat in the shade!

Clowning around! Luis Hinojosa and Sandra Alvarez share smiles with us as they near the front of the line.

OCEA member Jugo Lopez has reached the front of the line!

OCEA member Daisy Sevilla displays a trace of a smile!

OCEA Office Specialist Jerry Martel waits patiently for more dogs to serve to members.

OCEA members Jesse Lopez (left) and Erica Vengara were there!

Our 2009 season will soon be drawing to a close, so be sure to come out to one of our remaining OCEA Hot Dog Days!



All smiles! OCEA Hot Dog Days are happy days!

2009 OCEA Hot Dog Schedule

All OCEA Hot Dog Day events start at 11:30 a.m., except where otherwise noted. This schedule is subject to change! Be sure to check the OCEA website (www.oceamember.org) for current information.

Thurs., September 10 RDMD/Sheriff (Hutton Towers) - 320 N. Flower Street, Santa Ana

Tues., September 15 “The Pit” - Civic Center - 12 Civic Center Plaza

Thurs., September 17 West Court/PHN/Probation (Westminster) - 8141 13th Street, Westminster

Tues., September 22 Braden Court - 1337 Braden Court, Orange

Thurs., September 24 MOB/OCH/Theo/Lamoreau - 401 The City Drive, Orange

Tues., September 29 Central Court/Law Library - 515 N. Flower St., Santa Ana

Thurs., October 1 North Court - Fullerton - 1275 North Berkeley, Fullerton

Tues., October 6 OCEA Health Fair

Thurs., October 8 SSA ARC

Thurs., October 15 RDMD/Sheriff (Hutton Towers) - 320 N. Flower Street, Santa Ana

Tues., October 20 Fire Authority

Thurs., October 22 SSA Eckhoff - 840 N. Eckhoff (behind building), Orange

Adoption!

Who can do it?How to do it?

Find the answers!

WHEN: October 16, 20086:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Anaheim Community Center250 E. Center St., Anaheim

FOR INFORMATION &

TO REGISTER CALL:

(714) 704-8946

(Does not replace SSA Orientation Meeting.)



At our August 18, 2009, OCEA Board of Directors meeting, our Board elected two new members. These new Board members are Dan Beam and Al Jabbar. They were chosen to fill the vacancies left by departing Board members Russell Baldwin and Steve Johnson. Although we have said farewell to two fine Board members, we are fortunate that two other committed OCEA members have been added to the Board.

Dan BeamSheriff-Coroner Department

Dan is a Sheriff’s Special Officer II, and he was hired by the County in 1988. Dan is the current Vice Chair of the Sheriff’s Special Officer Executive Committee. Dan joined OCEA in 1990. He has been a member of several OCEA Bargaining Teams and is an active OCEA Steward. One of the things he likes about OCEA is the “unity of the members and the direction that OCEA is headed to protect County employees.”

Al JabbarHealth Care Agency

Al Jabbar began working at the County of Orange as an Office Supervisor in the Health Care Agency in 2006 and joined OCEA at the same time. After becoming actively involved at OCEA as a Steward, he became aware of OCEA’s Political Action Committee, and he is a valued member of the PAC Executive Board. Al is an outspoken and issue-oriented person, and he wants to be a loud voice for County workers and their families.

OCEA’s 2009 Scholarship Winners Announced

At the August 18, 2009, OCEA Board of Directors meeting, the Board announced the winners of the 2009 OCEA Board of Directors Scholarships. Two scholarships have been awarded, each one amounting to $2000. The judging was made by a special Board Committee, and all of the applications were subjected to a rigorous judging process. The winners are the following two deserving applicants:

Jesse RaymundoJesse Raymundo is truly an outstanding citizen, and we can be proud of him as a recipient of one of the 2009 OCEA Scholarships. Jesse is a 2009 graduate of Glendora High School, and he expects to attend Citrus College beginning this fall. Jesse plans to enter the nursing profession. Jesse has a distinguished record of service to his community and to his parish. At Glendora High School, Jesse was a member of the National Honor Society. He was also founder and president of the Filipino Club, as well as being a member of the New Hope Club and other clubs. Jesse is interested in photography and videography. He plays basketball, and he enjoys spending time with family and friends. Jesse’s father is OCEA member Jesse Raymundo.

Congratulations, Jesse!

Duane LuuDuane Luu is another deserving 2009 OCEA scholarship recipient of whom we all can be proud. Duane has an exemplary record of academic achievement and service to the community. He is set to attend UCLA beginning in the fall. While at Orange High School, Duane was a member of the National Honor Society, the Key Club, the Red Cross Club, and the Drama Club. Duane was his graduating class’s salutatorian. Duane plays tennis and basketball, and he enjoys reading and writing. Duane’s mother is OCEA member Lana Luu.

Duane, congratulations!

Proud OCEA Scholarship recipients! OCEA Board of Directors member Pamela Waters (center) congratulates our scholarship winners Duane Luu (left) and Jesse Raymundo for their hard work as both scholars and citizens.

Al Jabbar (left) and Dan Beam.

OCEA Board of Directors Election is Set for November!Ten positions on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Employees Association will be filled in the general election to be held in November 2009. Members should indicate a desire to be a candidate by completing and returning to OCEA an application, available through Linda Bates at the OCEA office and also on the OCEA website. To be eligible to be a candidate for the Board of Directors, a person must be a regular member employed in a representation unit represented by OCEA, must be actively employed by the County for all or a portion of the six-month period immediately preceding nomination for a position on the Board, and must

meet at least one of the following qualifications: 1) three years as a regular member in good standing; 2) one year as an employee representative or representation unit executive committee member; or 3) current or prior service as a member of the OCEA Board of Directors. A candidate is ineligible if the candidate’s election would increase the number of Directors from the Department or Office where the candidate is employed to more than three. (Article VI, Section 1, OCEA Bylaws.)

In order for the Nominations and Resolutions Committee to certify that applicants are members in

good standing, applications must be submitted to Linda Bates at OCEA no later than noon on September 14, 2009. (Note: Nominations of candidates may also be made by a written petition of at least 25 regular members who have been members for at least 120 days at the time the petition is submitted. The petition must be submitted to the Board at the September Board meeting.) Applications and additional nomination information and requirements are available at OCEA Headquarters, (714) 835-3355—or on the OCEA website (www.oceamember.org) via the “Get Involved” tab.

OCEA Board of Directors Welcomes Two New Members, Al Jabbar and Dan Beam



OCEA Calendar

Second Tuesday each month OCEA Steward Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Third Tuesday each month OCEA Board of Directors Meeting 3:00 p.m.

Third Thursday each month OCEA PAC Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Third Thursday each month OCEA Steward Training 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Fourth Thursday each month Court Steward Meeting 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Check out our website (www.oceamember.org) for the latest information on OCEA events!

The San Clemente City Employees Association is one of OCEA’s many outstanding affiliates. Approximately 150 employees are represented by SCCEA, and they perform a wide range of city services to the public (including services to the large numbers of tourists who visit year-round).

Here is an interesting note about SCCEA board member Mark Iverson: Mark was working at the Mesa Consolidated Water District six years ago when they organized and became OCEA members!

The Association’s Board of Directors represents a good cross-section of the membership and their positions, and everyone agrees that San Clemente is a nice place to work!

The SCCEA Board of Directors! Front row, left to right: Danna McIntosh (Treasurer), Environmental Services Coordinator; Mark Chavez (Vice President), Senior Contract Inspector; and Scott Larkins, Parking Meter Technician. Back row, left to right: Sean Nicholas, Associate Planner; Stanley Beck (President), Laboratory Supervisor; Brian Brower, Information Systems Analyst; and Mark Iverson, Chief Operator. Not pictured: Frank Felix (Secretary), Golf Course Mechanic.


Join the Orange County Employees Association Team!


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 $10.12 per pay period), or

• Have mandatory paycheck deductions of the agency fees set by OCEA each year (currently $7.72 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

• To be a member of a bargaining team

• To purchase upgraded dental, vision, long-term disability, and other supplemental employee benefits

• To participate in the OCEA discount program which offers a wide array of local merchant discounts

• 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, nonlabor 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.

Agency Fee Appeal Procedure

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.

8. All hearing costs shall be borne by OCEA, unless OCEA and the objector agree otherwise.

This procedure does not preclude any other legal remedies available to an objector.

Agency Fee Policy

1. Any person:

a. who is not a member of OCEA,

b. who is employed in a representation unit represented by OCEA, and

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.

3. An agency fee objector must notify the General Manager of OCEA in writing of his or 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.

• 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.

• Expenses for the education of members, board members, officers, and staff intended to prepare the participants to better perform chargeable activities.

• 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 non-chargeable 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 nonmembers 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 decision-maker, whichever first occurs.

Annual Notice to Agency Fee Payers

Orange County Employees AssociationAgency Fee Calculation and

Agency Fee AmountORANGE COUNTY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION

STATEMENT OF ALLOCATED CHARGEABLE AND NONCHARGEABLE EXPENSESFOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

TotalExpenses

$ 1,895,3121,225,583

20,377107,909101,838

20,425280,004

32,7578,981

25,62019,118

111,920312,299

73,987

$ 4,236,130

$ 204,899101,833114,684

$ 421,416

$ 4,657,546

100.00%

Chargeable

$ 1,576,9001,019,685

16,95464,71290,99120,425

189,34931,852

8,981–

19,11866,07626,572

–

$ 3,131,615

$ 151,47475,28184,782

$ 311,537

$ 3,443,152

73.93%

Nonchargeable

$ 318,412205,898

3,42343,19710,847

–90,655

905–

25,620–

45,844285,727

73,987

$ 1,104,515

$ 53,42526,55229,902

$ 109,879

$ 1,214,394

26.07%

Direct Expenses

Salaries and WagesEmployee BenefitsEmployee MileageProfessional FeesAffiliates and Chapter ExpensesRepresentation ExpensesCommunication ExpensesBoard of DirectorsAssociation Election ExpensesDonations and ScholarshipsConferencesMember RelationsOrganizational SecurityLegislative

TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES

InDirect Expenses

Office and AdministrativeBuilding ExpensesDepreciation

TOTAL INDIRECT EXPENSES

TOTAL EXPENSES

PERCENTAGES



October/November 2009!Protect Your Pension!

RE-ELECT RUSSELL

BALDWINRetirement Board

We’re voting for Russell—and here’s why:

• Russell will continue to fight to preserve your retirement benefits!

• Russell is one of us—a County employee for over 15 years!

• Russell is an OCEA member and an OCEA Steward (for over 15 years)!

• Russell is seeking his third term!

• Russell has the experience!

• Russell is committed to enhancing our future!

• Russell is honest and will demand accountability!

In the October/November 2009 election, we will be choosing Russell for the Retirement Board for the THIRD TIME! We need Russell on the Board to help balance out the anti-employee faction on the

Retirement Board! Let’s keep a strong “employee voice” on the Retirement Board!

Let’s lead the way!ELECT RUSSELL BALDWIN!



At the table! Left to right: OCEA President Robert Gibson, with Board members John Leos and Arlene Buck.

Waiting for the crowd! Left to right: OCEA Steward Dan Karr, with OCEA Board of Directors members Pamela Waters and Steve Johnson.

Happy members vote! These three smiling OCEA members are placing their ballots into the ballot box for the Health Care Professional Unit.

Getting information! Two knowledge-seeking OCEA members receive information from bargaining team member Wellington “Coach” Bennett while bargaining team member Chris Welch reviews the computer screen.

OCEA Members Ratify Agreements!A serious, yet optimistic, tone prevailed as OCEA members ratified the new MOUs in late June, and as the MOUs were in turn approved by the Board of Supervisors on July 21, 2009. The contracts were hailed as a step forward for both labor and management.

Our 2009 negotiations in our County units took place during the worst economic times. The County has been experiencing severe budget shortfalls, and many employees have been laid off or furloughed. The state’s budget underwent a total collapse, and this has hit the County workforce hard, because many County programs depend on state funding.

Given the colossal financial problems swirling around us, we did well by preserving salaries at present levels for the first year of the

agreement, and achieving a reopener on salaries for the second and third years.

We preserved the 2.7% at 55 retirement benefit for those members who choose that route. However, investment losses have made the continuing cost of the 2.7% at 55 retirement benefit untenable for many employees. In view of this, we agreed to a hybrid option for those who desire that. The hybrid option offers a 1.62% at 65 benefit, accompanied by a defined-contribution plan with some degree of employer matching.

Health benefits, vacation, holidays, premium pay, PIP, and reimbursement programs were preserved without reduction or other impairment. The contracts will run from June 19, 2009, through June 14, 2012.



After the vote and before the count! Here are the ballot boxes for all eight County bargaining units.

Help when it’s needed! OCEA Steward Margo KnifeChief with her lovely granddaughter Meriah.

Waiting for approval! Left to right in foreground: OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino, OCEA President Robert Gibson, OCEA Assistant General Manager Lisa Major, and OCEA Labor Relations Advisor Jim Riley, at the July 21, 2009 Board of Supervisors meeting.

The results are in! OCEA President Robert Gibson reads the vote counts.

Vote-counters in action! This shot gives an idea of the vote-counting activity.

Stamp of approval! The Orange County Board of Supervisors shortly before they approved the Memorandums of Understanding.



Child Support Services LMC UpdateOCEA Labor Relations Representative Aaron Peardon

Report for Meeting of July 22, 2009

The Child Support Services quarterly LMC meeting was held on Wednesday, July 22, 2009. The meeting was co-chaired by Cindy Tran-Chang and Debra Fyvie and sponsored by OCEA Labor Relations Representatives Frank Flavin and Aaron Peardon. Also attending were Yasie Malek and Phyllis Oudmayer.

The OCEA Hot Dog Wagon will be present at the 2009 Child Support Services Employee Recognition Day on August 20, 2009. OCEA is happy to partner with CSS management in saying “thank you” to all of the hard-working Child Support Services employees. The LMC will be participating in the next town-hall meeting in September, and we hope to make CSS employees more aware of the value of this committee. We will also be taking part in the next CSS newsletter, so please look for our article.

The CSS LMC is fundamental in creating a collaborative working relationship between labor and management and improving the working lives of CSS employees. During these tough economic times, it is important to keep communication between management and labor open; the LMC is an important avenue to achieve this goal. If you are interested in becoming an LMC member, please contact Aaron Peardon at [email protected] or Frank Flavin at [email protected]. We are always looking for suggestions, particularly in the area of cost savings. If you have any ideas, please contact an LMC member or go to the CSS intranet site and submit your suggestion to the LMC. Every idea will be reviewed. You can also check out LMC updates on the new and improved OCEA website at www.oceamember.org.

Probation LMC UpdateOCEA Labor Relations Representative Llesena Ontiveras


The Probation Department LMC met on July 2, 2009 at OCEA. OCEA Labor Relations Representatives Jason Motsick, Frank Flavin, and Llesena Ontiveras were in attendance. The following items were discussed:

On-the-Job Training Clarification: Los Piños staff training at Juvenile Hall will be job-shadowing and employees will only restrain during an emergency.

Availability of Additional Laptops at Juvenile Hall: The issue of cabling and hardware was presented as a potential barrier to bringing in more computers. The equipment from Los Piños may be available. However, it still needs to be cleaned and inventoried. Staff was reminded that SIRs can be handwritten.

Rain Gear for Trash Runs: The majority of units do not have rain gear. Rain gear may be available from Los Piños. David Burnham is to look into this.

Parking at SAO: Several staff members have indicated that they have safety concerns. Chris Bieber is to follow-up on the employee concerns.

Internet Policy: Access to certain sites is banned. Management indicated that internet usage is being monitored and they are still finding abuse. It was brought up that some of the banned sites are useful to staff as they provide gun, drug, and gang information. Keith Gotts suggested that a list of sites be generated for discussion and access approval.

Showers After Being Pepper-Sprayed: Jason Motsick asked for clarification on the procedure for showering after being pepper-sprayed. Showers for staff use were identified in the kitchen supply-room area, warehouse area, and IRC property-room area.

Public Defender LMC UpdateOCEA Labor Relations Representative Bo Gutierrez

Report for Meeting of June 30, 2009

Three new members were welcomed to the LMC: Sonia Ruiz (IA Juvenile), Ben Savill (Investigator Juvenile), and Maria Vann (Clerical CJC).

OCEA discussed approval of the new contracts. Members had questions about the overtime provision. Members also had questions about the hybrid retirement plan and were told that there would a six-month window for existing employees to elect. OCEA will conduct extensive informational training seminars, in conjunction with OCERS, in the workplace so employees can make an informed decision about their retirement options.

The committee reviewed the suggestions for the cost-savings list that was assembled from the beginning of the year. Forty-five suggestions had been submitted that were fit into five categories: supplies and books, savings for staff, generate more income, improve efficiencies, and safety issues. Out of the 45 suggestions, 28 have been completed, which is a 62% completion rate. This is an outstanding accomplishment and shows the hard work and diligence with which the committee members have been working with management to accomplish the job.

Health Care Agency LMC Best Practices CommitteeOCEA Senior Labor Relations Representative Loretta van der Pol


A review and discussion took place regarding the letter to go out to all Behavioral Health Services staff explaining the results of the recently completed, comprehensive Resources Needs Assessment Survey, including how the tables themselves could be made accessible to staff on the Intranet. The letter will include a reference to the new financial aid resource, “Educational and Professional Reimbursement Program (EPRP),” and it will indicate that more information will be provided to explain how to access those funds, as well as how this source differs from other tuition reimbursement.

An initial attempt to evaluate staff retention resulted in numbers that are not useful under the current conditions due to the past year’s movements and functional consolidations. An attempt will be made to establish baselines on current staffing and capture data going forward.

OCEA introduced the new topic area that was negotiated for development under the umbrella of this committee, namely training-needs assessments for staff impacted by the collapsing and merging of functions due to the budget cutbacks.

Health Care Agency LMC UpdateOCEA Labor Relations Representative Bo Gutierrez

Report for Meeting of August 6, 2009

Regular Business: A new co-chair was elected unanimously and will begin his term in July.

Sponsor Updates: HCA’s sponsor discussed the Town Hall meetings, which will continue on a quarterly basis. Alternate worksites are being examined. The OCEA sponsor discussed the newly negotiated LMC subcommittee that was derived from the Health Care Professional Unit negotiations. The sponsor also discussed whether the LMC had any objections to an OCEA photographer taking pictures of the proceedings, and the committee expressed no objections. HCA Human Resources discussed the FLSA provisions that will be required for all HCA employees to follow and emphasized that training will be conducted for employees from management down.

Subcommittee Reports: Recruitment announced that there are 19 members, down 3 from previously. Communications/Project Development provided an update on progress, and there were honorable mentions. Workplace Enhancements: The FTP server was approved. There was one submission taken under consideration (relating to smoking at the entrance of Building 12).

Superior Court LMC UpdateOCEA Labor Relations Representative Aaron Peardon

Report for Meeting of August 12, 2009

On August 12, 2009, the Orange County Superior Court and OCEA held an LMC meeting. Aaron Peardon of OCEA and Tom Barr of Court Human Resources sponsored the meeting. Barbara Burns, Vicky Brizuela, Gil Gutierrez, Cathy Harmon, and Tricia Penrose represented management. Marci Dambert, Suzie Galvan, Debbie Steinman and Rick Burns represented labor. We also welcomed new LMC member Wendy Adams to the group. Wendy is replacing long-term member LouJean Duncan who retired at the beginning of the month.

The discussion continued to focus on cost-savings ideas. One such idea was put forth by Marci Dambert, who suggested that prior to destruction of a file, cases be given to the courtroom so that judges can keep any original documents that they



would like. This could reduce the need of printing from the electronic file. We also reviewed several suggestions that came to LMC members via email or the intranet. The LMC will be making recommendations to executive management based on these ideas and will post responses on the court intranet page.

The suggestion sub-committee of the LMC has been formed again. This group will be tasked with reviewing employee suggestions and bringing recommendations to the larger LMC. OCEA Board of Directors member Lezlee Neebe as well as Shannon Sipilovic and Carolyn Gregor will be participating in this committee. We look forward to their contributions.

Finally, the LMC will be discussing the creation of a committee to work on activities to boost employee morale. We have invited OCEA Board of Directors members Phyllis Oudmayer and Debbie Fyvie to come to our next meeting, scheduled for November 17, 2009. They will be sharing information about successful committees currently operating in the Department of Child Support Services. During these tough times, with less resources and heavier workloads, it is important to keep up the morale of employees. We have a dedicated workforce, and the LMC is committed to helping maintain production levels, while making Orange County Superior Court an enjoyable and healthy place to work.

OCEA/HCA Labor Management CommitteeOCEA Senior Labor Relations Representative Loretta van der Pol

Announces Recipients of Steve Ambriz Team Excellence Award

The award winning team is recognized!

The Orange County Health Care Agency conducts an annual awards ceremony at the Hall of Administration to recognize employees’ years of service and other accomplishments. It is a well-attended event, and family members of award recipients are often also present. One of the awards presented at this ceremony is the OCEA HCA Labor Management Committee’s “Steve Ambriz Team Excellence Award,” which is given annually to the work unit that best exemplifies the principles of “Enlightened Leadership and Team Excellence” through creative collaboration. Nominations are solicited in the late spring.

This year’s event was held on Thursday, July 23, 2009. The award was given to the entire Adult Mental Health Services Anaheim Clinic staff, under the leadership of Service Chiefs Tracy Rick and Kelly Higdon.

Team members include: Ken Alma, Lisa Chau, Hal Cook, Robert Cormier, Kevin Flynn, Jairo Gomez, Rebecca Gonzales, Patricia Hikida, Lori Horwitz, Marco Ibarra, Denise Joseph, Sherie King, Liz Lopez, Mauricio Mairena, Diane Martin, Tony Medina, Lauren Mestro, Vuong Nguyen, Kim Passaro, Gerald Rogers, Sandy Rosen, Maria Salanga, Rodrigo Sigala, Bruce Scott, and Linda Tran.

While the entire narrative in the nomination was impressive, the objectively quantifiable quality indicators identified under the heading “Problem Solving” were really strong. Improvements in chart compliance, shorter client waiting times, reductions in complaints to The Office of Patients’ Rights, and minimized interruptions in patients’ medications were some of the examples provided.

Cogswell: Female, 2 years old, white brown, Short Hair Rabbit, ID# A0970631. Cogswell is a friendly rabbit who is ready to go home with your family today!

Elton: Male, 3 years old, brown and white, Chihuahua Mix, ID# A0967492. Elton is a charming boy who is looking for his forever home!

Casey: Neutered male, 5 years old, white, American Eskimo, ID# A0724917. Casey is absolutely adorable and he is looking for a new buddy!

Diego: Neutered male, 5 years old, black and white, Domestic Short Hair, ID# A0948397. Diego is a loving cat who would be a “purrfect” addition to your family!

Angel: Female, 10 months old, apricot, Standard Poodle, ID# A0971370. Angel is a loyal companion and a sweetheart! Bring her home today!

Macy: Female, 1 year old, white and black, Domestic Short Hair, ID# A0970800. Macy loves to cuddle and she is looking for a family to call her own!

In this issue of the OCEA Employee, in association with the Orange County Animal Care Center, we present six

exciting animals on the prowl for new owners.

These animals are so beautiful that they may not be available when you inquire. Other animals are available!

Please call (714) 935-6848 or go to www.ocpetinfo.com for more information!



OCEA Stewards listen attentively.

Our Stewards met at noon in the OCEA Assembly Room on July 14, 2009. Among the speakers were OCEA Past President Frank Eley, who delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the new MOUs.

OCEA General Counsel Don Drozd shares information on Wills and Trusts during an “OCEA Presents” event sponsored by the OCEA Women’s Forum on June 24, 2009.

Don’s presentation drew a huge crowd!

Our “OCEA Presents” events continue to be exciting and informative. They have gained a reputation as the “go to” events for members seeking useful knowledge on important subjects. Be sure to join us at one of our future events. Lunch is served, too!

Our Stewards have been described as “OCEA’s backbone.” They play an essential role in transmitting information to our members, and in guiding them through work-related problems.



Some Questions and Answers Regarding Your Pension and the New Contracts Negotiated Between OCEA and the County for OCEA-Represented Employees

Q. How do the new agreements impact my current retirement benefits?

A. They don’t. All OCEA-represented County employees retain their current pension formula and benefits unless you take affirmative action to elect a different retirement benefit (see below).

Q. Do I need to take any action to keep my current retirement benefits?

A. No.

Q. What about the changes to our retirement benefits I’ve read and heard about?

A. Both current and new County employees in bargaining units covered by the 2.7%@55 retirement formula (all bargaining units except Probation Services and Probation Supervisory Management) are given a one-time option to elect a new retirement plan.

Q. What is a 2.7%@55 retirement formula?

A. Your 2.7%@55 retirement plan is a straight defined-benefit plan – once vested you are guaranteed a lifetime monthly benefit when you retire based on your earnings and years of County service. The primary investment risk is borne by the employer. Subject to certain limitations, when you retire at age 55 or older, you will receive a benefit equal to 2.7% of your highest three-year average earnings (highest single year for Tier I employees) for each year of County service. The higher your earnings and the longer your years of service, the greater the monthly benefit.

Q. How is the new optional retirement benefit different from the current benefit?

A. The new optional retirement benefit is referred to as a “hybrid” plan. It is part defined-benefit plan – but the benefit formula is considerably lower (1.62%@65) – and part defined-contribution plan.

Q. What is a defined-contribution plan?

A. A defined-contribution plan is a retirement plan in which an employee may make contributions and any contribution by the employer is either fixed or capped at a set maximum amount. An individual account is set up for each participant and the level of benefits available at retirement is based on the amount of employer and employee contributions plus or minus any investment gains or losses on those contributions. There is no guarantee of future benefits, and all investment risk is borne by the participant.

Q. If I elect the new hybrid plan, will the County make any contributions to my account?

A. Yes. During the first plan year, the County will make a “matching contribution” of 100% of the contribution you make up to a maximum of 2% of your salary. For example, if you contribute 2% of your salary of the plan, the County will also contribute 2%. If you contribute less than 2% of your salary, the County will contribute the same amount you contribute. If you contribute more than 2% of your salary, the County will still only contribute 2%. After the first plan year, the County will make a “matching contribution” of 50% of your contribution up to a maximum of 4% of your salary (such that the maximum County contribution would be 2% of your salary).

Q. Can the percentage of the County’s contribution to the defined-contribution plan ever increase?

A. Possibly. OCEA and the County are forming a study group to recommend criteria to establish the level of County matching contributions in the future.

Q. When do I have to make an election if I want to select the new hybrid plan?

A. The final date to make an election will be 180 days after currently pending state

legislation authorizing the new plan becomes law. The earliest the opportunity to make an election will expire would be late February 2010.

Q. What if I do nothing?

A. You will keep your current 2.7%@55 retirement benefit formula.

Q. I’m in the Probation Services Unit (or Probation Supervisory Management Unit). What are my options?

A. You don’t have any option—the new hybrid retirement plan is not available to employees in your bargaining unit.

Q. Is the new hybrid retirement plan mandatory for new County employees?

A. No. New employees in applicable bargaining units will be able to choose between the 2.7%@55 retirement formula and the new hybrid retirement plan, just like current employees. However, new employees will only have 45 days from date of hire to make their election, and if they fail to make any election, they will default to the new hybrid retirement plan.

Q. What if I don’t know whether I should stay in the 2.7%@55 retirement plan or elect the new hybrid retirement plan?

A. You don’t have to make a decision now. In fact, you should only make a decision once you are satisfied that you are fully informed about the advantages and disadvantages of your choice. OCEA will be conducting an ongoing educational campaign over the next several months designed to ensure that you obtain the information you need to make an informed decision. Watch for e-mails, read the OCEA magazine, and check the OCEA website often for educational materials and announcements regarding informational meetings.



Two of our distinguished Board of Directors members have recently submitted their resignations from our Board of Directors, namely Russell Baldwin and Dr. Steven Johnson. Both of these fine gentlemen have made significant and lasting contributions to the Board of Directors and to our organization as a whole, and we are sorry to have to bid them farewell in their departures from the Board (although both will continue as County employees and as OCEA Stewards).

Russell BaldwinSheriff-Coroner Department

Russell is a Senior Forensic Scientist in the Sheriff-Coroner Department. He was hired by the County in 1990, has he been an OCEA member since 1991. Russell has been a member of the OCEA

Board of Directors since 1999. He served as our First Vice President (2004-2007) and as Second Vice President (2003-2004). He has been an OCEA Steward since 1998. Russell has been a member of OCEA Bargaining Teams, an LMC member, an OCEA Health Fair volunteer, and a member of the Sheriff’s Professional Staff JLM Committee. Russell is also a member of the Orange County Employees Retirement System’s Board of Retirement. Russell has a reputation for his strong commitment to OCEA and employee rights.

Steven JohnsonHealth Care Agency

Steve Johnson, MD, is a Psychiatrist (Health Care Agency AMHS). He was hired by the County in 1993, and he has been an OCEA member since 1995. Steve has been on the OCEA Board of Directors since 2007, and

he served on the Legislative Committee (2007-2009). Steve is an OCEA Steward, and he was an original member of the Health Care Agency Labor Management Committee. Also, he was a member of the original bargaining team for the Healthcare Professional Unit (2001). Steve has also served on several other OCEA Bargaining Teams. In his two years on the Board he earned the respect of our Board for his dedication and his well thought-out contributions and suggestions.

Llesena Ontiveras!

It would be hard to find a more enthusiastic, caring person than Llesena. She possesses a consistently upbeat attitude. Llesena has been with OCEA as a Labor Relations Representative since late 2007. Among the agencies in which she is involved are the Social Services Agency, the Assessor’s Office, the Clerk of the Board, and Public Administrator/Public Guardian. Llesena received her BA (in anthropology) from UCLA, and later was awarded a master’s degree from Cornell in industrial and labor relations.

Frank Flavin!

Frank has been employed by OCEA as a Labor Relations Representative for several years. Much of Frank’s time is spent working with OCEA members in the Probation Services Unit and in the Sheriff’s Department. He is heavily involved in the OCEA Peace Officers Protective League and the State Coalition of Probation Organizations. Frank is known County-wide for standing up for employee rights and “telling it like it is.”

Tim Steed!

Tim has been with OCEA since May of 2007. He is one of OCEA’s Labor Relations Representatives, and the areas in which he is involved include John Wayne Airport, the Clerk of the Board, OCERS, the District Attorney’s Office, the Social Services Agency, OC Public Works, and other areas. Tim was raised in Orange County, and he wholeheartedly believes in the labor movement as a way employees can improve their lives by standing together. Also, Tim likes to be politically involved!

Kevin Rush!

Kevin is OCEA’s graphic designer. He has been employed by OCEA since early 2008. Kevin takes many of the photographs you see in our magazine, and he designs almost all of the printed materials that OCEA issues. Kevin has primary responsibility for the layout and design of the OCEA Employee magazine. He also plays a key role in the updating of our OCEA website.

At OCEA, we pride ourselves on having an outstanding staff! Let’s meet a few OCEA staff members . . .

OCEA Board of Directors Bids Farewell to Two Board Members

Russell Baldwin and Robert Gibson.

Robert Gibson and Steve Johnson.



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24 O C E A E M P L O Y E E Join OCEA in the 2009 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on September 27! See inside front cover for details!

25O C E A E M P L O Y E EBe prepared! OCEA’s Open Enrollment is from September 21, 2009 to October 23, 2009!


Visit us on the internet atwww.AffinityDentalCenter.com

1920 E. 17th St., #100, Santa Ana, CA 92705 • 714-953-6881

• New Look • New Vision

• Same Great Service & Staff

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

714-953-6881

Doctors: Dr. De Priest, Dr. Spear, Dr. Sepulveda, Dr. Winslow, Dr. Eugenio, Dr. GladkovHygienists: Tram, Cindy, Janet, Eve’ette, Michael, HuongAssistants: Lupe, Emily, Shefali, Linda, Paul, Guadalupe, Elizabeth, Diana, Mireya, Nary, JudyFront Office: Veronica, Martha, Chris, Debbie, Sandra, Ana, Gressiy, Irma

Thank you OCEA members & families for over 30 years of support!

After 30 years of serving Orange County we are going through some changes. As part of this process, we are expanding our services and our staff to meet your dental health needs for the 21st Century. So as our patient, you will see the same familiar faces as well as some new ones. We are working hard to bring the community and our patients the next generation of dentistry and we look forward to serving them for many generations to come. We are grateful and honored to be a part of this community and to be able to serve the members of OCEA and their families. We want to thank you for so many years of dedication to our office and for your continued trust in our staff. Come and see the improvements we have made to bring you and your family the best dental care in Orange County.

Many Thanks,

The Management & StaffAffinity Dental Center


27O C E A E M P L O Y E ECome to the OCEA Health Fair on October 6,2009! 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.


Our OCEA website is a great resource for OCEA members! This is available to help you keep up to date with whatever is going on that might impact you, your job, and your family. Staying in touch during these difficult times is more crucial than ever before.

We need to be able to keep in touch with you with special members-only email updates on the budget, layoffs, and furloughs. So please, register today!NOTE: You can now view the MOUs for all County agencies and departments, and you can also buy tickets online for Disneyland, SeaWorld, the Aquarium of the Pacific, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the Discovery Science Center, with more to come!

HOW TO REGISTER (OCEA MEMBERS ONLY):The “MyOCEA” feature of the website allows you to obtain information specific to you. It will tell you which MOU applies to you, and which OCEA Labor Relations Representative is assigned to serve you. You can sign up for email updates. You can order various tickets online. BUT YOU NEED TO REGISTER. Here is how you do that:

1. Go to the far upper-right corner of just about any page of the OCEA website. You’ll find the word “REGISTER.” Click on that word, and you will see a form that you need to fill out. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are “required” items.

2. In filling out the form, please pay special attention to the “Username.” Your username does not have to be your real name. NOTE: If you use a name that is already in the system, and you click the “Submit” button, you will be returned to the form. Above the “Username” field, you will see this message: “Someone else has already chosen this login name. Please try another.”

3. If all of the fields have been filled out properly, and you click the “Submit” button, you will see a welcoming note with a brief explanation.

4. Then, 72 hours following your registration, you will be able to enter the “MyOCEA” area of the site to view information that is specific to you.

In order to access “MyOCEA” you need to complete the registration process.

Check it out, surf the site, and register at “MyOCEA”!

OCEA Classifieds

Classified ads are a free service to all members. Only members may submit ads. Ads may be edited or rejected by OCEA. Notify Sunny Hermosillo if you wish to cancel your ad, or regarding corrections or other changes. Mail your classified ads to Sunny Hermosillo at OCEA Headquarters, or fax them to her at (714) 835-7654, or email them to her at [email protected].

REAOC: Join the Retired Employees Association. Participate for only $1.00 a month. P.O. Box 1496, Brea, CA 92822-1496. Call 714-840-3995; FAX 714-840-7189. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.reaoc.org.

ORANGE COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING: Free information on services for older adults. 800-510-2020

CARPOOLERS NEEDED: Go to www.ridematch.info to request a carpool matchlist from the regional rideshare agency. Learn more about alternate commute options through www.CommuteSmart.info.

FOR RENT: Room for rent. Private room, own bath and large walk-in closet. Plenty of parking, pool and spa. Walking distance to river trail. Must be okay with dogs (they are friendly). Asking $600 a month. Please contact: Joanne Taylor at (714) 974-8554.

FOR RENT: 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment located behind Crystal Cathedral. $1,100/month. Call Lois at (714) 539-2968.

FOR RENT: 2-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom, 2-story condo. End unit with one-car attached garage. New kitchen cabinets and granite countertops. Scraped ceilings throughout condo. Outdoor patio. Gated community. Association pool and spa. $1700 rent with $1300 security deposit. Available in August 2009 and is in excellent condition. Please contact Nancy at (714) 401-1746.

FOR RENT: 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo in Mission Viejo (off Crown Valley Pkwy near MV Mall, Mission Hospital). Small fenced yard, attached garage, community pool and spa, washer and dryer hook-ups. Stove, microwave, fireplace, 2-story (no one above or below), vaulted ceilings. Available now: $1,875/month, one-year lease. Call Steve at (949) 701-9901.

FOR RENT: $1260/month, newly remodeled 2 BR townhouse at Santa Ana/Tustin border. Beautiful greenbelt community. One attached-garage parking spot and one open-space parking. Newly installed laminate floor, stairs and fresh wall-paint. Central AC/heater & ceiling fan. Share washer/dryer with other units. Water bill included. Close to Fwy 5 & 55. Available now. Call (949) 302-6827.

FOR SALE: Photography equipment: Pentax K 1000 with 52mm & 140mm lenses (manual SLR); Minolta Maxxum 7000 (auto/manual SLR); Olympus Stylus 105; Nikon Lite Touch Zoom 110 AF; Sunpak Flash Auto 221. Call (949) 466-9657 or email [email protected].

FOR SALE: Labrador puppies, 2 females and 2 males, ready for a new home. They were born March 14th. They have their first shots and were dewormed. We are asking for $400. Call (714) 720-8736 (Carmen) or (714) 720-7845 (Carlos).

FOR SALE: 2006 Toyota Sienna LE Van for sale. One owner, clean record, only 18,000 miles. A/T, power sliding-door, power seat, 8-passenger seating, air conditioning, power steering, power windows, privacy glass, power door-locks, tilt wheel, cruise control, multi compact-disc/MP3, premium sound, navigation system, alloy wheels, front and F&R side air bags, ABS (4-wheel), stability control. $17,000. (Compare to Blue Book retail: $20,130; private-party value: $17,780.) Call Ricardo Ricardo at (951) 796-8091.

Stay informed! Please REGISTER and sign up for email updates at

www.oceamember.org



Wendi Adams Superior CourtYavuz Akbulut Superior CourtCristina Amaro Superior CourtDenise Arevalo Public WorksChristopher Armstrong Sheriff’s DepartmentMirtha Arredondo District Attorney’s OfficeLaura Ashley Sheriff’s DepartmentUatoa Atuatasi Public WorksKarina Avalos Public LibraryAndrew Avila Sheriff’s DepartmentChristopher Barrington Superior CourtRosa Becerra Child Support ServicesRobert Block Superior CourtRobert Boris Public WorksRosalva Brito Superior CourtMitizi Cabaltica Health Care AgencyJuan Cabrera Dominguez Superior CourtRamiro Carlos Public WorksChristine Carr` Superior CourtAmber Cecil Superior CourtMaria Chacon Social Services AgencyFrances Chavira Probation DepartmentDiane Chen Social Services AgencyBrittany Christopher Superior CourtVictor Condee Superior CourtTammy Connors Public LibraryLinda Contreras Superior CourtCraig Counts Sheriff’s DepartmentBobbie Cunningham Probation DepartmentJoel Cunningham Sheriff’s DepartmentNoemi Dagio Social Services AgencyTiffany Dang Superior CourtChristina Dascenzo Treasurer/Tax CollectorAnnette Diamond Assessor’s DepartmentMayra Diaz Superior CourtJenny Diaz Avendano Superior CourtLauren Do Probation DepartmentDina Duvall Public WorksStacy Dyer Social Services AgencyDaniel Escobedio Social Services AgencyStephen Faulkner Superior CourtPriscilla Flores Probation DepartmentMario Franquez Superior CourtTomas Fuerte Probation DepartmentHannah Fullmer Superior CourtRebecca Galindo Superior CourtCora Garcia Superior CourtNorma Garcia District Attorney’s OfficeRosa Garcia Superior CourtJuan Gomez Social Services AgencyNoemi Gonzalez Superior CourtKristofer Green Public WorksKelly Grijalva Probation DepartmentAubrey Guest Public WorksVanessa Hamilton Sheriff’s DepartmentJoan Hart Superior CourtLisa Hernandez Superior CourtMyra Hernandez Community ResourcesTan Ho Superior CourtNathaniel Hosea Superior CourtGiselle Hua Community ResourcesCynthia Hutchison Social Services AgencyMaria Ibarra Cano Social Services AgencyPatricia Iwaniec Superior CourtOphelia Jew Superior CourtAbigail Johnson Superior CourtSaul Juarez Superior CourtFrancis Kan Superior CourtJeffery Kanarek Social Services AgencySusan Keagy Social Services AgencyDenise King Superior CourtStephanie Klingaman Superior CourtWebster Labrador Public WorksGary Lopez Community ResourcesLoan La County Executive OfficeEsperanza Leon Treasurer-Tax CollectorLinh Ly Integrated Waste ManagementSandra Ly Public WorksJose Macias Public WorksElia Madrigal Probation DepartmentAda Maldonado Superior CourtIllia Maman County Executive OfficeEzekiel Marron Probation DepartmentMiguel Mendiola Social Services AgencyAngelito Mora Health Care AgencyGustavo Munoz Probation DepartmentRaul Murillo Public WorksHarold Nelson Superior Court

Pamela Newcomb Integrated Waste ManagementTrang Nguyen Health Care AgencyElizabeth O’Brien Public DefenderAndrea Ortega Probation DepartmentJoanna Oyzon Public LibraryRobinson Panaligan Health Care AgencyCelenia Perez Public DefenderBrian Petros Health Care AgencyAdriana Pfeifer Public WorksLisa Phelps Superior CourtEric Pittman Social Services AgencyLillian Pontell Superior CourtFrancisco Prado Sheriff’s DepartmentEileen Pytel Superior CourtLarry Quach Public WorksElina Quiroga Community ResourcesMarhiell Ramirez Public DefenderStephanie Rangel Superior CourtFelicia Revers Health Care AgencyCarolyn Reza Superior CourtJodi Roa Superior CourtMaria Robles Sheriff’s DepartmentMarina Roman Superior CourtGrichel Ronquillo Superior CourtMichelle Ruiz Superior CourtSonia Ruiz Public DefenderRicardo Ruvalcaba Public WorksJessica Salas Social Services AgencyPenelope Santos Child Support ServicesErwin Sarmiento Public GuardianKatherine Shaw Superior CourtAdam Shuck Public WorksAlfred Sianez Superior CourtMark Smallwood Public WorksGlenn Stitz Superior CourtStephen Sturz Superior CourtLorena Tamayo Superior CourtDani Thomas OCERSRobert Torres Superior CourtMatthew Tran Registrar of VotersMonalisa Tran Community ResourcesThuy Tran Superior CourtErnesto Trejo County Clerk-RecorderCarolyn Vadrevu Superior CourtYolanda Veitia Sheriff’s DepartmentMario Villalobes Superior CourtNancy Vuong Community ResourcesChristopher Wallace Community ResourcesChris Waterman Social Services AgencyPaul Weaver Public WorksLatricia Williams Superior CourtDonald Witt Public LibraryIlan Wolf Social Services Agency

OCEA CITIES and DISTRICTS

Garden Grove Employees League

Orange County Water District

Orange County Sanitation District

Anaheim Municipal Employees Association

Orange County Fire Authority

Mike Greene

Daniel Bott John McGuire

Rosa AguilarAngela Hale

Dennis Wells

Jesus BecerraBrian Berger

Jordan BergerJesse CamarenaVeronica EmamiRobert HappleJimmy HoangDyan Hobday

Katherine LoweTalina Luna

Venessa MoffittMichelle Nichols

Mark NietoApolinar RamosNicole Sanchez

Michael SistrunckSusan Staszak

Edgardo UbungenThu Vu

Thomas ArzateLaura Fernandez

Brodie LefebureRamon Ramirez Perez

RECRUITING OCEA STEWARDS

RECRUITING OCEA MEMBERS

James ArkynsEva Burdett

Richard BurnsLa Tanya Carter

Monica ChavezMaria Corona

Marci DambertRobert Gomez

Robert HendricksRalph Klimek

Margot Knife ChiefGayle McQuown

Victoria MorozConnie SchonertChristine Teague

Gustavo AvilaKamlesh BaghaIrma Caballero

Debra CagleErica Carlos

Shirley ChavezIrma Cook

Tiffany DangVictor Enciso

Robert EsparzaJuana EusebioBessie Gomez

Rhonda GonzalezTerry Guerrero

Casie HaLira Marie Labrado

Michael Macias Susana Mills

Meliza MisaEvacel Najera

Pamela NewcombCaroline Nguyen

Phuong Uye NguyenEmma Noor

Angelica OrtizNestor PerazaYolanda Perez

Sonia PonceLillian Pontell

Eugene ShvetskyMarilyn TrofaDenise WeaverPamela Young

Lady Yu

OCEA NEW-MEMBER ROSTER

Costa Mesa CEAMichelle Albright

Samara BarnesThu Do

Lidian EstecoePatricia Lara

Irvine CEADeanna BlackGinni Burch

Virginia Kean

Allyson MaddyDominic Recchia

Damon Shackelford

OCEA is growing stronger every day. . .We often say that new members are OCEA’s “lifeblood.” We need new members to keep OCEA strong. And we need the ideas that new members share with us, so that we can continue to evolve as an organization.

Thank you to all OCEA members who have recruited new members!



OCEA Discounts

Automotive & Car RentalsThe Red Book: New cars at fleet prices! Call (800) 422-4561 or logon to www.RedBook4Autos.com for details.

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

Budget: Up to 25% savings on selected cars through Tickets-At-Work Corporate Program. Corporate code: X989202. Call (800) 455-2848.

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

Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 10% off regular price! Call (800) 736-8222. Corporate code: 32E8228

Hertz: 5% off daily and weekly rentals! Join Hertz #1 Gold Club online and save more! Corporate code: 1335448. Call (800) 654-8216.

Thrifty Car Rental: New!!! Great savings through Tickets-At-Work Corporate Program! Visit our website for more details. Call (800) 847-4389.

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

Candies, Flowers, & moreProFlowers.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

SunKissed Floral Designs: 10% discount and free delivery on all floral arrangements! Located in Orange. Call Maria Maag at (714) 997-3619.

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

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

Restore Health Chiropractic: Savings of over $200 exclusively for all OCEA members! Call Dr. Laura Hazen at (714) 505-1901.

Cosmetics, Jewelry, & moreAvon: 10% off plus FREE shipping and free gift for all online orders. Visit www.youravon.com/leticialopez.

BeautiControl: 15% off a variety of quality skin-care, spa, and makeup products. Visit www.beautipage.com/jessicagon

Mary Kay: 10% off all skin care and cosmetics for men, women, and children! Call Jo Padore at (949) 559-8022.

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

Big Ear, Inc.: 15% off all hearing protection, headphones, adaptors, Ipods and more! Please contact Ariel, a Big Ear certified technician, at (949) 378-2599 or visit his website at www.1404.bigearinc.com.

Verizon Wireless: 15% off calling plans and accessories! Contact Tim Slaton at (949) 241-2425.

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

JewelryCookie Lee: Complementary catalog plus 10% off & free shipping on all OCEA members’ orders! For more information contact Eva McNamee at (562) 879-4911.

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

PhotographyArtistic Bridals & Portraits Photography: 10% off wedding photography & event plans from their already low prices. OCEA members-only plan is also available! Call Mike Nemeth at (949) 496-4559 today!

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

OC Image Services & Tip Wynn Photography: Log on to www.ocimageservices.com and www.tipwynn.com to view their professional images. Up to 25% off on selected plans!

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

RestaurantsPasta Bravo (at the Block): 20% off catering for all your personal and corporate occasions. Call Store Manager at (714) 769-4031 for more information. OCEA membership card required at the time of delivery.

ScrapbookingClose to My Heart: 10% off all essential material to make your memories last for generations! Contact Andrea Lewis at (714) 777-1170 or visit www.alewis.myctmh.com.

Digital Personal Publishing: Great savings on story-booking to cherish for years to come! Professional consultation offered by Melodie Jones at (714) 401-0926 or [email protected].

Special OccasionsCustom Made Gift Baskets: Celebrate your loved ones’ special occasions with a very personal touch! Call Lisa Sipprell at (949) 235-1144 for more information.

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

Wire-Wrapped Silverware: Unique and Brilliant! Contact Barbara Newber at (714) 393-9518 to purchase her inexpensive pieces of art!.

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

Grand Canyon Railway: 20% off train travel & stays or 10% off already discounted packages! Call (866) 422-9724 or visit www.thetrain.com/corporate. Corporate code: OCEA.

WellnessJust for Kicks: A new fitness program just for women! 15% off initial season sign-ups as well as new lower rates! For details, please visit www.justforkicksfitness.com. Corporate code: OCEA

LifeTurn Weight Loss Program: One-of-a-kind program to help you lose weight. 40% off first 3-month cycle and 75% off the second. Call (714) 423-5858 and ask for Cheryl Dison.

Emergency Kits are Available at the OCEA Special Events office!

Pre-designed emergency kits and supplies to help you through the unexpected emergency that could confront you or your family are now available at discount prices at the OCEA Special Events office!

Recognized worldwide as the leader in emergency planning needs, Survivor Industries, Inc., has the right kit for you and your family (1 to 10 persons). For more information or to place an order please call (800) 263-6818 and tell the operator you are an OCEA member. You will be connected to the right party.

Look for the symbol of the Ark…the standard for Preparedness!

Survivor Industries, Inc., is located at 1621 Emerson Ave., Oxnard, CA 93033Email: [email protected] Web: www.survivorind.com



So Cal AttractionsAQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC: OCEA Price: $15/Adult; $10/Child ages 3-11 (Reg. $23.95 & $11.95). Open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Black-Out Dates: Dec. 25. Parking fee $7/vehicle paid at the entrance. Tickets expire NOVEMBER 30, 2009.

*PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS ONLINE AT WWW.OCEAMEMBER.ORG.

BOOMERS FAMILY FUN CENTERS: OCEA Price: $15/Person (Reg. $29.99). Arcade games and batting cages not included; NO EXPIRATION!!!

CATALINA FLYER (Newport Beach at the Balboa Pavilion): OCEA Price: $54/Adult; $40/Child ages 3-12 (Reg. $68 & $63), round-trip fare. No Black-Out Dates. Reservation required. 1- 800-830-7744. For more information please log on to www.catalina-flyer.com. NO EXPIRATION!!!

CATALINA EXPRESS (Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point**): OCEA Price: $56/Adult; $46/Child ages 2-11 (Reg. $66.50 & $51); Black-Out Dates: July 4-6 & Aug. 30-Sept. 1. Reservation required. 1-800-891-5652. For more information on departure schedule please log on to: www.catalinaexpress.com/scheduleFares.php. Tickets expire DECEMBER 31, 2009!!!

**Dana Point departures will be an additional $2 per person payable at time of check-in.

DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER: OCEA Price: $11/Adult; $8/Child ages 3-17 (Reg. $12.95 & $9.95). Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Black-Out Days: Thanksgiving & Christmas. Parking fee $3/vehicle paid at the entrance. NO EXPIRATION!!!


K-1 SPEEDWAY: OCEA Price: $15/Person (Reg. $25.95). No Black-Out Dates. Standard race good anytime at any K1 locations; includes one-year K1 Speed license for new drivers. Drivers must be at least 4’11” to drive. NO EXPIRATION!!!

MEDIEVAL TIMES DINNER & TOURNAMENT: OCEA Price: $42/Adult; $32/Child ages 12 & under (Reg. $54.65 & $37.40). Reservation required: 714-521-4740. No restrictions. Tickets expire SEPTEMBER 30, 2009!!!

PIRATE’S DINNER ADVENTURE: OCEA Price: $47/Adult; $33/Child ages 3-11 (Reg. $56.95 & $37.95). Reservation required: 1-866-439-2469. Tickets expire NOVEMBER 30, 2009!!!

Movie TheatersAMC THEATRES (LOEWS & CINEPLEX): OCEA Price: $6/person. (Reg. $11.50.) Special engagements excluded during the first two weeks on new releases. Valid 7 days a week. NO EXPIRATION DATE.

CENTURY CINEMA: OCEA Price: $6.50/person. (Reg. $10.50.) Special engagements excluded during the first two weeks on new releases. Valid 7 days a week. NO EXPIRATION DATE.

KRIKORIAN PREMIER THEATERS: OCEA Price: $7/person. (Reg. $10.50.) No restrictions. Valid 7 days a week. NO EXPIRATION DATE.

REGAL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP: OCEA Price: $6.50/person. (Reg. $10.50.) Special engagements excluded during the first two weeks on new releases. Valid 7 days a week. NO EXPIRATION DATE.

Amusement ParksDISNEYLAND & DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE:

*ALL DISNEY TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED ONLINE AT WWW.OCEAMEMBER.ORG.

Standard 1-Day 1-Park Admission: OCEA Price: $64/Adult; $56/Child ages 3-9 (Reg. $69 & $59). For information on Park’s hours please visit www.disneyland.com. Tickets expire DECEMBER 17, 2009!!!

Disneyland Resort parking fee: $15/vehicle paid at the park. Downtown Disney District parking fee: $6/hr. (up to 3 hrs. free with validation).

DISNEY ANNUAL PASSES:

Premium: $370/Person ages 3 & up (Reg. $389). No Black-Out Days. Parking pass included. Tickets valid for one year from activation date. Passes must be activated by JANUARY 2, 2010!!!

Deluxe: $256/Person ages 3 & up (Reg. $269). Black-Out Days schedule available in Special Events office. Tickets are valid for one year from activation date. Passes must be activated by JANUARY 2, 2010!!!

Parking pass $59 available for purchase only at Disney’s Will Call Center.

KNOTT’S BERRY FARM: OCEA Price: $27/Adult; $20/Child under 48” (Reg. $52.99 & $22.99). No Black-Out Dates. Not valid for Special Ticket Events Packages. For park hours please log on to www.knotts.com. Parking fee $6/vehicle paid at the park. Tickets expire MARCH 31, 2010!!!


LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA: OCEA Price: $43/Person ages 3 & up. (Reg. $63/Adult & $53/Child). Second-visit-free promotion!!! Second visit must occur within 90 days from the first. Parking fee $10/vehicle paid at the park. For park hours please call 760-918-5346 or log on to www.legoland.com/plan-your-visit.hours.htm. Tickets expire JANUARY 31, 2010!!!

*E-TICKET PROGRAM COMING SOON!

SAN DIEGO WILD ANIMAL PARK: OCEA Price: $28/Adult; $21/Child ages 3-11 (Reg. $35 & $26). Includes use of Wgasa Bushline Railway (parking excluded). For park hours please log on to www.sandiegozoo.com. Tickets expire MARCH 31, 2010!!!


SAN DIEGO ZOO: OCEA Price: $28/Adult; $21/Child ages 3-11 (Reg.: $35 & $26). Unlimited use of Guided Bus Tours, Express Bus, and Skyfari Aerial Tram. For park hours please log on to www.sandiegozoo.com. Tickets expire MARCH 31, 2010!!!


SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO: OCEA Price: $50/Adult; $45/Child ages 3-9 (Reg. $65 & $55). 2 Days of Fun Admission!!! For park hours please log on to www.seaworld.com. Parking fee $10/vehicle paid at the park. Tickets expire DECEMBER 31, 2009!!!


SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN: OCEA Price: $25/Adult; $15/Child under 48 inches (Reg. $59.99 & $29.99). Parking fee $15/vehicle paid at the park. Tickets expire DECEMBER 31, 2009!!!


UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD: OCEA Price: $55/Person ages 3 & up (Reg. $69/Adult; $54/Child under 48”). No Black-Out Dates. Parking fee $12/vehicle paid at the park. Tickets expire DECEMBER 31, 2009!!!

HalloweenKNOTT’S HAUNT NIGHTS

UNIVERSAL HORROR NIGHTS

DISNEY MICKEY’S TRICK-OR-TREAT PARTY

LEGOLAND BRICK-OR-TREAT

*CHECK FOR HALLOWEEN EVENT INFORMATION AT WWW.OCEAMEMBER.ORG.

Special Events

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 92701. Checks for over $500 not accepted. Ticket sales are final. Sorry, no refunds or exchanges. Please allow sufficient time! Mailed ticket orders are generally processed within five business days of receiving the order. Sorry, OCEA makes no guarantees on mailed orders. Shipping and handling charges cover costs of certifying and insuring mailed tickets. For further information, contact Joanna Nachurski at (714) 835-3355 or via email at [email protected]. Ticket hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Now you can purchase certain tickets online at

www.oceamember.org



It’s that time again! This year, OCEA benefit plan open-enrollment will be September 21 through October 23, 2009. This is your annual opportunity to review and make changes to your Health and Welfare and supplemental benefit elections. Among other things, during OCEA open enrollment you may make a wide variety of permissible changes, such as adding or dropping dependents, changing option packages, and (for OCEA members) upgrading certain plans.

Watch for Open Enrollment Packets! In mid-September, OCEA will mail open-enrollment packets to eligible employees. If you want to make changes, follow the instructions in the packet, and be sure to mail or deliver your changes to OCEA on or before October 23. If you fail to make changes during the open enrollment period, with limited exceptions you will not be able to change your benefit elections until open enrollment in late 2010.

(Remember, OCEA is not part of the County’s “pony” system.)

Open enrollment is a great time to review your benefit needs and those of your family, reassess your current benefits, and examine your many alternatives. For help, call an OCEA Benefits Administrator at (714) 835-3355.

September 27, 2009Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Last year we had great participation from members and friends! OCEA was recognized with a Third Place in the “Largest Team—Government Category.” We all had a great time! See inside front cover to join the OCEA Team.

November 4, 2009OCEA Food and Toy Drive

Don’t forget OCEA’s second annual Food and Toy Drive. It’s a fine opportunity to help others in need! Plan now to join us at the event kickoff!

Please RSVP if possible. Email Cathy Yatch at [email protected] or call her at (714) 835-3355, ext. 211.

HOSTED BY:

2009 “OCEA Presents” Meeting Topics

Most meetings are held in the OCEA Assembly Room from Noon to 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served.


Protect Your PensionVOTE OCT/NOV 2009

R e t i r e m e n t B o a r dRussell is OCEA’s choice!

Russell Baldwin is a long-time OCEA member who served on our OCEA Board of Directors for many years. In the OCT/NOV 2009 election, we will be choosing Russell for the Retirement Board for the THIRD TIME! We need Russell on the Board to help balance out the anti-employee faction on the Retirement Board! Let’s keep a strong “employee voice” on the Retirement Board!

We need Russell Baldwin, so that we can continue our success on the Retirement Board!

Let’s lead the way! RE-ELECT RUSSELL!

Orange County Employees Association830 North Ross StreetSanta Ana, CA 92701

2009 OCEA Health FairPresented by the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust

Tuesday, October 6, 200910:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Vendors, Giveaways, Screenings, and fun in the OCEA Parking Areas!Representatives from health organizations will attend to help educate attendees regarding health-related topics, such as flu shots, cholesterol and glucose screenings, lung capacity screenings, back massages, and financial education. Free screenings and tests will be offered, as well as literature on important health topics. It will be a great time of giveaways, information, and exciting door prizes!

Attendance at the OCEA Health Fair is a permitted use of Annual Leave, subject to approval by your supervisor.

Make a Dif ference . . .

Orange County Employees Association830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 • (714) 835-3355 • (714) 835-7654 Fax • www.oceamember.org

in your well-being! in your family’s future! in your community!

vol 62 issue 3 - ocea employee 2009 july august september

Documents

exceptional ocea staffmeet

cathy yatch ocea team

ocea health fairoctober

fellow ocea members

ocea steward program

exceptional ocea hotdog

ocea member sarah fitzpatrick

largest team