vol 61 issue 5 - ocea employee 2008 october november december

OCEA EMPLOYEEThe official publication of the Orange County Employees Association

County threatens massive layoffs...

Bargaining approaches in our eight County units! A time for strength through our unity!

See inside front cover!

Class Warfare?You better believe it?

New OCEA President Robert Gibson is welcomed by Past President

Frank Eley! See page 4!COuntY sPEnds MOnEY thAt COuLd hAvE PrEvEntEd LAYOffs— On rEMOdELing thE bOArd Of suPErvisOrs LObbY! sEE PAgE 4!

OCtObEr-dECEMbEr 2008volume 61, issue 5

at the

An important message from OCEA to all of our members . . .

OCEA and the County Together Will Confront Hard Times During 2009 Bargaining

OCEA’s 2009 bargaining with the County approaches in a climateof a credit crunch, mayhem on Wall Street, and high prices . . .

As all of us are aware, OCEA members are facing high prices for gasoline, food, housing, and just about everything else. In recent months, we have been subjected to a cascade of bad economic news. Among the more significant things are the following:

1. The plunge in home prices/values. Many of our members have seen a severe decline in their home equity, which had formerly been viewed as a cushion that might be relied upon in bad times.

2. The collapse of stock market prices. The stock market’s recent massive decline has had a devastating effect on 401(a), 401(k), and other deferred compensation accounts, and it has also impacted the way in which people view defined-benefit plans such as the ones offered by the County of Orange. Increased employee and employer contributions are looming.

3. A crunch in the job market. In the past, the County has implemented layoffs in times of financial stress. Overall, the job market is an extremely difficult one.

4. The shambles of the state budget. This could reduce funding for important County programs.

Of course, the foregoing is an extreme simplification. But when you look at the facts surrounding the above points, you realize that the economic picture at present is bleak. For example, consider the job-market crunch. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported:

In September, employers took 2,269 mass layoff actions, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month . . . . Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer; the number of workers involved totaled 235,681, on a seasonally

adjusted basis. The number of mass layoff events this September increased by 497 from the prior month, while the number of associated initial claims rose by 61,726. Layoff events reached their highest level since September 2001, a month that experienced substantial layoff activity due to the September 11 attacks.

Of course, the “human toll” of such actions is beyond calculation. Many of our members have been directly affected, for they have family members or friends who have been laid off, or who are not able to find work.

This is the atmosphere in which we are heading into 2009 bargaining in our eight County of Orange bargaining units. (Our members in the Superior Court have contracts that do not expire until September 2011.) The County is claiming a shortage of money, but so are our members! One of our principal tasks as a labor union will be to impose some sort of order on all of these elements as we go head-to-head with the County in bargaining.

Remember to send us your home email address. That will be OCEA’s primary means of communicating with its members during bargaining with the County.

The present dismal state of the world economy has not seen any real precedent. Now, more than at any time since the 1994 County bankruptcy, it is essential that OCEA’s members demonstrate a unity of purpose and

determination. We all must remain rock-solid behind OCEA as we move forward into 2009 bargaining.

The Rising Sun: This centuries-old chair has special relevance today. It was used by George Washington during the continuous sessions of the Constitutional Convention (1787). According to James Madison, Benjamin Franklin said that he had often looked at the sun behind the President “without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting. But now I ... know that it is a rising ... sun.” Let’s pull together and work toward a rising sun for OCEA members and their families!

1O C E A E M P L O Y E ECome to our next “OCEA Presents” event. See page 19 for details!

What is your job worth to you and your family?

Would you give a little bit of your time, if it meant you could keep your job?

We are standing at the beginnings of a crisis of heroic proportions. A Register headline in December screamed, “California crushed under mountain of unemployment claims.” The story explained that, “Things are expected to get even worse.”

Are public sector jobs at risk in the County? The answer is an unequivocal “yes.” The County is threatening massive layoffs. In the past, the County and other agencies have resorted to layoffs as a partial solution to financial problems.

Remember The American Crisis? It was one of Thomas Paine’s works, and the first pamphlet in the series was published in 1776. Its first words were:

“These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

Our nation is again in crisis, and so is our County.

The actions that you take as OCEA members during the next few months could mean the difference between being employed or not. Think of what this means for you and your family.

We need to develop a group of OCEA members whom we can count on.

Please, pick up the phone and call your OCEA Labor Relations Representative at this number:

(714) 835-3355Be a part of something bigger than yourself!

Do it for yourself and your family. You won’t be sorry!

2 O C E A E M P L O Y E E Come to our next “OCEA Presents” event. See page 19 for details!

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830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 • (714) 558-1034 • www.velece.com

It’s not easy purchasing insurance. Sometimes it can feel like you’re paddling upstream. You don’t need the added stress of worrying about your insurance coverage. Velece Insurance Corporation has a comprehensive range of affordable coverages suited to OCEA members just like you.

It’s simple.You need to know that your insurance coverage won’t fail you at a critical time.

We have access to multiple carriers, and offer many lines of coverage with no broker fee, so we can offer you the policy that best suits your needs. Because everyone’s needs are unique, we offer optional coverages, so you get increased protection that’s just right for you and your budget.

Contact one of our specialists about quality coverage that can be custom-tailored to meet your needs—and make sure your assets don’t go down the drain.

Could it be any simpler than that?

Life can be this simple again.


FEATURES 4 Message from Frank Eley

Class warfare?

5 General Manager’s MessageWhat’s around the corner?

6 OCEA Hosts FundraiserOCEA members help demonstrators!

7 Legislative BreakfastOCEA plays main role!

8 Chop at the TopCounty threatens layoffs!

10 OCEA Presents . . .Doing us proud!

12 SSA Adoptions“Give us a contact!”

15 Protest at the Board of Supervisors

OCEA watches the OCERS Board!

16 I Love My Job!Meet Niki Wilson!

20 Special Events & DiscountsOCEA members can save money!

DEPARTMENTS 17 OCEA New Members 19 OCEA Adopt-A-Pet 21 OCEA Calendar 24 OCEA Classifieds

OCEA EMPLOYEEVOLUME 61, ISSUE 5 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2008

What’s Going On?

OCEA Presents! (Page 10)

SSA Adoptions “kickoff” event! (Page 12)

2009 Bargaining coming up! Send us your email address! (Back Cover)

h What is OCEA Labor Relations Representative

Jason Motsick doing? See page 6!

Cover:OCEA members and staff are marching to the Administration Building at the Santa Ana Civic Center to protest a proposed appointment to the Orange County Employees Retirement System’s Board of Retirement. Shown in this photograph are OCEA members, OCEA Board of Directors members, and OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino. The date was October 21, 2008.


This year has been a wild ride, and I am delighted to have been OCEA’s President during 2008. For 2009, our OCEA Board of Directors has chosen Robert Gibson to be your OCEA President, and I only hope that you will support Robert with as much enthusiasm as you have supported me. Robert is one of OCEA’s most dedicated members, and he has long experience on the OCEA Board.

I’ll still be a member of the Board of Directors, and I’ll continue to be a member of the Executive Committee (as Past President). I look forward to working with Robert and the rest of the Board.

Therefore, I want to say “thank you” to the

Board, and to all OCEA members who have supported me during the past year.

Let me leave you with something to think about: class warfare.

Have you ever noticed that the ultra-conservatives don’t like the term “class warfare”? They use it as a part of an accusation. In this past Presidential race, John Edwards was heavily criticized by Republicans for his “class warfare”-oriented campaign. Barak Obama’s themes were not much different, when you get down to it.

And we have class warfare in America. And the enemy is taking shots at us whenever they engage in union-busting, or in promoting anti-

union legislation. The same thing usually applies when companies take away pension plans, or substitute 401(k)s.

It seems to me that there is a fundamental “truth” that more and more people are beginning to recognize. That truth is that “corporate greed” is one of the primary problems confronting America today. It may even be the most significant problem we face.

Think a little about how the corporations control our lives in so many ways. As more and more people (including members of both major parties) begin to recognize that the wealth of this country really is concentrated in the hands of a relative few, working people as a group will not remain willing to tolerate it.

Many people talk about the vanishing middle class, but others are claiming that the middle class has already ceased to exist.

What’s the moral to all of this? Support OCEA. Become an active participant. No one can accomplish much alone, but working together we can move mountains.

Frank Eley

OCEA Past President

Frank Eley welcomes new President, Robert Gibson!

Call it like it is: Class WarfareFrank Eley

OCEA Past President

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 CHAIRSArlyn Buck ............................................................. Courtesy

Arlyn Buck ....................................................Special Events

Ron Cooper ............................................................... Bylaws

Frank Eley ...........................................................Retirement

Chris Prevatt .......................................................Legislative

Lezlee Neebe ........................Magazine/Communications

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 2008 by the Orange County Employees Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion or contents prohibited by law. Printed by Anchor Printing, Tustin, CA.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Russell Baldwin ........................................ Forensic Science

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

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

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

Ron Cooper ..............................................Assessor’s Office

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

Becki Daher .................................................Sheriff-Coroner

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

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

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

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

Steven Johnson .................................. Health Care Agency

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

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

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

Phyllis Oudmayer ........................ Child Support Services

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

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

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

Editor: Thomas A. Sawyer

Design & Layout: Kevin Rush830 North Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701

(714) 835-3355

Class warfare isn’t always as obvious as the Johnson County Range War of 1892, in Wyoming. Shown here are “Wolcott’s Regulators,” who were aligned with the wealthy ranchers in their conflict with the small farmers.

Watch for Robert Gibson’s first President’s Message in our January-March 2009 issue.


Ever wish you had a time machine? You know, one that worked “first time, every time,” as they used to say in the Zippo lighter advertisements. (After all, you wouldn’t want to get stuck in another era.)

But it would definitely be excellent to have a time machine, and perhaps go forward to a time when the “wearisome problems” of our time indeed have been solved.

The Time Machine was published 110 years ago. And guess what—so far, the weari-some problems are still here. Honestly, I think they always will be. We may not be able to solve them, but we can deal with them.

Now, I’ve been looking at the economy. Yes, times are hard. And indeed, the economic picture is bleak, and the stock market has destroyed the financial lives of millions. This is the very time when our members need more money!

Still, I recognize that the County isn’t made of money. You cannot expect the same bargaining results in bad times as in good. That is reality. But we need to stay together and make the best deals we can.

But there is little note of compromise in the County’s current message. And, likewise,

there will be no note of com-promise in OCEA’s messages either, until the County’s approach signals a willingness to compro-mise.

In the end, having a time machine could be a scary thing. But it is almost as daunting to travel into the future “one second at a time,” as we all do.

We can all deal with the future, and we can prosper, but we all need to hang together as OCEA members!

In solidarity,

Nick Berardino OCEA General Manager

OCEA General Manager’s Message

2009 Bargaining: Looking for Some County “Energy”. . .

What’s Around the Corner? Nick BerardinoOCEA General Manager

Or did he go forward, into one of the nearerages, in which men are still men, but with

the riddles of our own time answered and its wearisome problems solved?

—H.G. WellsThe Time Machine, 1898

H.G. Wells, author of The Time Machine

IMPORTANT: See the inside front cover for an important message. Please make certain that OCEA has your home email

address. Send your home email address to [email protected].

This will aid us in communicating with you regarding bargaining!

Nero Fiddles While Rome BurnsThe Orange County Board of Supervisors has begun a $400,000 remodel of their lobby. This has to be one of the best examples of bad timing in mankind’s history. Work was begun at the same time the County announced a proposed layoff of more than 200 employees (coupled with proposed mandatory furloughs for many others) in the Social Services Agency. Below are two photographs taken by OCEA on December 15, the same day on which OCEA held a membership meeting under the OCEA building, to discuss the proposed layoffs. See pages 8 and 9 for more information on proposed layoffs.


OCEA Labor Relations Representative Tim Steed, center, and OCEA Senior Labor Relations Representative Loretta van der Pol were among those from OCEA who showed their support during the picketing. Many members of our OCEA Board of Directors were also there, as were members of one of our affiliates, the Anaheim Municipal Employees Association.

Left: The arrests are about to begin.

Ambience: This photo shows what it was like—OCEA staff members, OCEA Board members, UNITE HERE supporters, and others were at the fundraiser. The two “Franks”:

Left, Frank Flavin, an OCEA Labor Relations Representative, and

OCEA Past President Frank Eley were among the many from OCEA

who were at the fundraiser.

On November 19, 2008, OCEA members and friends gathered in OCEA’s Assembly Room for a fundraiser, in support of labor demonstrators who were arrested while supporting union values. It all happened during a demonstration on August 14, 2008, in which many union members and supporters walked picket lines to show disapproval of Disney’s poor wages for its hotel staff, and to stand up against threatened impairment of contract provisions relating to healthcare for the workers and their families.

Many OCEA members, OCEA Board members, and OCEA staff members joined in the demonstration.

Thirty-two demonstrators were arrested and are facing fines of $711 each—a total of more than $22,000. We collected donations toward the fines that these demonstrators are facing for their civil disobedience.

The following quotations were included on OCEA’s flyer advertising our fundraiser:

As a follower of Jesus, I feel strongly about justice issues, so, I was hoping that by joining with more than 30 others in such civil disobedience, we would further empower the Disney Hotel workers’ cause in a forceful yet peaceful way; and also to make the tourists going to Disneyland aware that Disneyland is not the “happiest place on earth” while its workers suffer.

The Rev. Minh-Hanh Nguyen Associate Rector, Saint Anselm Episcopal Parish

Throughout the world Disneyland symbolizes a place where families come together to make dreams come true. Disney’s threat to take away health care

OCEA Members Hold Fundraiser to Aid Pro-Union Demonstrators

for their workers shows the greed that sustains the Disney image. The recent civil disobedience that took place at the doors to the happiest place on earth demonstrates that the community will not accept Disney’s lack of respect to their workers and that we will continue to support and stand side-by-side with workers throughout their struggle.

Carolina Vilchis From El Centro (Latino Youth Group in Santa Ana)

On this page are photographs of the original demonstration and of the fundraiser.


Left: The arrests are about to begin.

On Saturday, October 18, 2008, OCEA had a leading role at the 2008 Legislative Breakfast of the Orange County Labor Coalition, held at the Orange County Labor Federation Headquarters in Orange. OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino gave an inspiring talk, while OCEA Labor Relations Representative Tim Steed kept the event moving along briskly. (We followed it up with precinct walking! Many OCEA Board members, OCEA members, and OCEA staff members volunteered to walk for pro-labor candidates.)

Among the legislators and candidates who addressed the attendees at the breakfast were the following longtime OCEA favorites: former Senator Joe Dunn, Senator Lou Correa, Assemblyman Jose Solorio, and Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez.

Collectively, the Orange County Labor Coalition represents more than 200,000 households in Orange County, with nearly twice that number of registered voters. Promoting and supporting the welfare of our represented employees and that of all working families is the coalition’s highest priority, and is the common goal that has united the member organizations. In addition to OCEA, member-unions of the Orange County Labor Coalition include these unions (or locals of these unions): AOCDS, CSEA, CTA, IBEW, IUOE, OCAA, SEIU, SEIU/UHW, Teamsters, UNITE HERE, UFCW, AFSCME, and others.

OCEA Plays Main Role in 2008 Legislative Breakfast!

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez

pulled no punches! In the background is

OCEA Labor Relations Representative Tim

Steed, who introduced the speakers.

OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino addressed the

crowd. To the left is Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido. About 20 legislators and candidates spoke briefly.

Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez shared some heartfelt and enthusiastic views.

Senator Joe Dunn, who while in office proved himself to be one of the best friends the labor movement has ever had.

Senator Lou Correa, as always, was articulate and inspiring.


SSA Proposes Layoffs and Furloughs . . . More layoff proposals are expected soon, in the Health Care Agency, the Probation Department, and elsewhere.

Almost as a symbol of its cluelessness, the County at the same time announced a $400,000 remodel of the Board of Supervisors lobby (see photos on page 5).

Above: Industrial “death warrants,” issued cold-bloodedly by SSA managers and the County.

Above: OCEA staff members and Board members listen attentively.

Above: A wide shot of the meeting, showing the wet ground. Members braved the rain to attend.

Above: OCEA Labor Relations Representative Tim Steed urges OCEA members to stay involved.

Above and right: Stoic OCEA members meet beneath the OCEA building on December 15.


OCEA members met under the OCEA building on December 15 to talk about options. Here is the message that OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino sent to our Social Services Agency members the morning after the membership meeting:

To all OCEA members in the Social Services Agency:

Last night [we] braved the cold and the rain to meet in the parking area under OCEA’s building and get updated on the Agency’s fiscal challenges and OCEA’s actions to date. I spoke about the budget stalemate in Sacramento, the State’s ever-expanding budget deficit, and the efforts OCEA is taking to make sure the Agency isn’t just crying wolf.

Members heard about the team of experts OCEA has gathered to support our efforts, including former County Chief Financial Officer Gary Burton and the law firm of Silver, Hadden, Silver, Wexler & Levine.

Those present also voiced strong support for OCEA’s mantra of “Chop at the Top.”

There was widespread agreement that these difficult economic times present a great opportunity for the County to thin the bloated ranks of management. OCEA members let it be known that they’re also prepared to sacrifice by overwhelmingly agreeing that OCEA should meet with the County and discuss the possibility of having all SSA employees—including managers—take at least some unpaid days off between now and the end of June.

I’ll keep you posted as this difficult situation continues to develop.

In solidarity,

Nick

OCEA Proposes “Chop at the Top!”

Under the OCEA building . . .

Above: OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino shares information with OCEA

members regarding the County’s unacceptable proposals.

at the


OCEA Women’s Forum Committee Members

The OCEA Women’s Forum sponsored OCEA’s participation in these events!

Our OCEA Women’s Forum Committee works hard to present

the fun and useful programs of

Watch our website www.oceamember.orgfor announcements of future

OCEA Women’s Forum events!

Our OCEA Women’s Forum is “doing us proud”!

Linda RomoDistrict Attorney’s Office

Debbie FyvieChild Support Services

Kathy LittleDistrict Attorney’s Office

Helga MezaSocial Services Agency

Victoria MorozSocial Services Agency

October 22, 2008OCEA Presents… “Breast Cancer and Early Detection Awareness”

These days, many women with breast cancer are experiencing long-term survival! Mortality rates for breast cancer are declining each year due to increased mammography and early detection, plus advances in treatment and research. Our “OCEA Presents” presentation explored early detection and treatment!

September 28, 2008OCEA joined with the 2008 Susan G. Komen “Race for the Cure”!

On September 28, OCEA had its own team participating in the “Race for the Cure” in the Fashion Island Center of Newport Beach. This was an important event designed to increase public awareness and raise money for breast-cancer research. The Susan G. Komen Foundation has held the event annually for a quarter of a century. The now-famous event includes 5K runs/walks. Last year, over one million people participated. The goal is that someday we will live in a world without breast cancer. We are proud that the OCEA Team took Third Place for the size of our team, in the Government category.

November 19, 2008

OCEA’s Holiday Fair

Our OCEA Women’s Forum held its annual Holiday Fair in late November. Spirits were high, and attendance was excellent. This year, we combined our Holiday Fair with our 2008 Holiday Food Drive kickoff, and the generosity displayed by our members was touching.

OCEA Stewards Sheila Fujimura and LouJean Duncan.

The OCEA team.

Our award.

OCEA Past President Frank Eley makes a contribution to

OCEA’s Holiday Food Drive.

Identify Theft: Help Prevent It! • Types of fraud • Prevention of identity theft • Resources if you have been a victim of identity theft

Introduction to Balance, a Financial Fitness ProgramCertified financial counselors will be available to answer questions about money management, personal finance, money-management counseling, debt-management plans, and credit-report reviews. Sponsored by Orange County’s Credit Union.

Wednesday, January 28 – Noon to 1:00 p.m.And…


Left to right: Court Chief Exectutive Officer Alan Carlson, OCEA Board of Directors member Russ Baldwin, and OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino.

Court CEO Alan Carlson speaks informally with OCEA Labor Relations Representatives Aaron Peardon (center) and Jason Motsick (right).

Left to right: OCEA General Counsel Don Drozd, OCEA Senior Labor Relations Representative Jim Riley, and Superior Court Employee Relations Officer Susan Rohde share a laugh, though Jim seems to be focusing primarily on the comestibles.

On October 23, 2008, OCEA members held a reception for Alan Carlson, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer for the Orange County Superior Court. OCEA members, staff, and Board members joined to say “Welcome aboard” to Alan! These pictures captured the moment!

Court CEO Alan CarlsonOCEA Welcomes…

OCEA Announces Board of Directors Election Results for 2009/2010Our 2008 Board of Directors election results (for 2009/2010) are in! Nine seats (of a total of 19 on the Board) were open. Ten members competed for the seats. Nine of the 10 candidates were incumbents. (Ten seats will be open in late 2009.)Those chosen by our membership for the two-year term are the following: Arlyn Buck, Alan Dean Clow, Ron Cooper, Maria Corona, Frank Eley, Jeff Gallagher, Butch Garcia, Lezlee Neebe, and Pamela Waters.All of the incumbents who ran were re-elected.The ballots in the annual election were counted by the Tustin accounting firm of Donna J. Bernbrock, Certified Public Accountant. All ballots were sent directly to that firm in preaddressed envelopes.All nine Board of Directors members elected by our members were seated at the Board’s December 16, 2008, meeting at OCEA Headquarters.Thanks to all of those who ran for the Board of Directors, and all of those who got involved by casting your ballots. You all showed that one of the hallmarks of OCEA is the commitment of its membership!At the December 16, 2008, meeting the Board selected the following members as officers: Robert Gibson (President); Lezlee Neebe (First Vice President); Arlyn Buck (Second Vice President); Phyllis Oudmayer (Secretary); Chris Prevatt (Treasurer); Luisa Camino (Insurance Officer); and Frank Eley (Past President).

Robert GibsonOCEA President

Ournew

officers

Lezlee NeebeFirst Vice President

Arlyn BuckSecond Vice President

Phyllis OudmayerSecretary

Frank EleyPast President

Luisa CaminoInsurance Officer

Chris PrevattTreasurer


November was National Adoption Awareness Month. The Orange County Adoption Program held its Fourth Annual “Adoptions Awareness” Kickoff Celebration on October 30, 2008. The event was held at the Social Services Agency in Orange. The theme of this year’s Kickoff was “GIVE US A CONTACT.”

Children and Family Services Staff were invited to submit a contact-information card of a group or organization that would be interested in having an Adoptions staff member present information on the adoption process. The goal is to provide community outreach and accurate adoption information to as many people as possible. It is the Adoption Program’s belief that more people would pursue adoption if they had accurate County adoption information.

The Kickoff began with having the OCEA Hot Dog Wagon provide lunch for the Children and Family Services Staff. While the hungry eaters waited in line, adoption workers Melyssa Lopez, Diemmy Tran, and Senior Social Services Supervisor Diane Mitsch were available to answer any and all adoption questions and to encourage staff to fill out contact cards.

Then at 2:00 p.m., the Kickoff went from the OCEA Hot Dog Wagon in the parking lot to the lobby of the building. The Adoptions Program invited all of

SSA Adoptions says: “Give Us a Contact!”SSA’s Adoption Program Holds Fourth Annual

“Adoptions Awareness” Kickoff

Gary Taylor, Deputy Director of Children and Family Services, foreground, and Ann Robinson, Secretary II, examine one of the many beautiful Heart Gallery photos that adorned the facility. The Heart Gallery of Orange County seeks “to inspire Southern Californians who otherwise might never see themselves as potential adoptive and foster parents.”

Thank you to Children and Family Services staff for submitting this article!

the Children and Family Services Staff to enjoy a free bag of popcorn and soda while viewing thirteen beautiful Heart Gallery portraits of a few of the Orange County Children who are available for adoption. The children can also be viewed on the Heart Gallery website at www.heartgalleryoc.org.

The Kickoff then continued with the Fourth Annual Adoption Staff Photo Display Contest. The Adoptions Staff were encouraged to display in a creative, imaginative, and colorful manner a photo display of children who are available for adoption or who have been adopted. The top three displays were created by Patty Markus, Ellen Leek and Marisa Leon, and Ana Hernandez. Congratulations to the winners!

The main purpose of the Adoptions Kickoff is to increase the awareness of the need for adoptive families. If you know of a group or organization that may be interested in hearing about the adoption process, please contact Adoptions Recruiter Patrick Hammond at (714) 704-8946, or email him at [email protected].

The goal is to provide community outreach and

accurate adoption information to as many people

as possible. It is the Adoption Program’s belief that

more people would pursue adoption if they had

accurate County adoption information.


SSA Adoptions says: “Give Us a Contact!”

A great photograph showing some of those who attended the give-us-a-contact event. Here we see many County employees taking part, but the event will have much wider impact as

attendees share their impressions with friends and relatives. The October 30, 2008, kickoff was the fourth annual event of its type.

The “walk of stars” featured photographs of children hoping to be adopted, as well as pictures of successful celebrity-adoptees. Included was an “Adoptee Walk of Fame” and a section called “Who can they become?”

In the foreground, Senior Social Worker Alane Condet displays a mysterious “Mona Lisa” smile. In the background, SSA employees ponder a photograph taken on a digital camera.

Information Technician Sonia Garcia (left) and Social Worker Marcia Ruth are showing enthusiasm!

Senior Social Services Supervisor Lavarez Harris and Adoption Recruiter Patrick Hammond pause for the camera during the event. In the background, tasty beverages are served to thirsty attendees.


AMEA Members Stay Involved!

Statement of Circulation

Anaheim Municipal Employees Association members were active in supporting the demonstration against Disney on August 14, 2008 (see also page 6 of this issue). Left to right: Margaret Hunter (AMEA), Mike Holmes (AMEA), Jason Motsick (OCEA), Brian Beger (AMEA), Dave Pangle (AMEA), and Tim Steed (OCEA).

Your Employee Assistance Program

Marital, Family, Emotional, Legal, Financial, Chemical Dependencies

For 24-hour, 7-days-a-week confidential assistance:

(800) 221-0945www.esscocorp.com


On October 21, 2008, a large group of OCEA members marched to the Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting to protest the proposed appointment of Thomas Flanigan to the Orange County Employees Retirement System’s Board of Retirement. Flanigan was a John Moorlach-promoted candidate, and the expectation was that Flanigan would be just one more pro-Wall Street, pro-Moorlach person on the Retirement Board. Despite strong opposition, and presentations by many pro-labor speakers, the Board of Supervisors appointed Flanigan. Those who voted against his appointment were Supervisor Pat Bates and Supervisor Janet Nguyen. These two Supervisors deserve the gratitude of OCEA members for their go-slow approach to the matter.

Flanigan brings with him a great deal of “baggage.” He was formerly the OCERS Chief Investment Officer, but was asked to resign in 2005. The Register reported that during the past 10 years, Flanigan was also “let go” by two other systems.

OCEA members protest Board of Supervisors appointment of formerly ousted investment manager…

OCEA Past President Frank Eley addresses the Board of Supervisors.

OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino briefs the crew at OCEA headquarters, prior to the Board of Supervisors meeting.

Members of the Board of Supervisors listen to arguments for and against the appointment.

OCEA supporters in the audience at the Board meeting.

Attired in red shirts, OCEA members are on the move toward the County’s Administration Building. In the foreground are then-

President Frank Eley (left) and then-Treasurer Ron Cooper.


I love my job because frankly, I have one of the largest offices at the County of Orange. While I admittedly spend slightly more than half my time in a trailer office that’s only about 100 square feet, I can walk or take a drive outside and I have 1,530 acres of open space at my disposal. This includes native lands to be preserved in perpetuity; nonnative grasslands being cleared for restoration of sensitive habitats; and of course, highly engineered compacted, dirt-covered cells of trash.

Yes, I work at one of Orange County’s landfills. And – no pun intended – it is fulfilling work indeed. Even at my desk when I’m reviewing habitat mitigation monitoring reports or coordinating a strategy for permitting our next phase of development, I can look out my window to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center, knowing that those batteries, paints, and solvents aren’t ending up anywhere near our groundwater supplies – and that the next time I have a DIY project at home I can peruse the selection of used paints at the

“Stop ‘n’ Swap” center. Below the center, I know that the restored willow scrub thriving in our on-site creek provides a home to several endangered songbirds, and meanwhile contributes to a healthy watershed as the channel makes its way down to the nearby beach.

I can also look out my window and know that within a year or two, I’ll be looking out the window of a new “green” building that is already in the works, complete with recycled materials, energy-saving construction, and even a rooftop garden. And it feels good knowing this type of environmental work is a team effort, even if it’s ultimately driven by the need to collect and process millions of residents’ individual refuse to the point of invisibility. As long as I can see the numerous resources OC Waste & Recycling is protecting every day, I’ll be happy to keep coming to work.

I was born in Galveston, Texas, but was raised in the Bay Area and then Dana Point. I moved back to Orange County

after school, and currently live in San Clemente. I love hiking, swimming, jogging, and the outdoors and coastline in general. As a volunteer, I work with Surfrider Foundation on their environmental education program. I also like to cook and bake in my free time, and I always enjoy catching up with old friends and family in the area, as well as traveling to exotic destinations (my next trip looks like it will be to the Philippines) and exploring other geographies and cultures.

Niki Wilson, on the job.

A “kick-back” Niki, at a “Dine at the Dump” function.

This photograph was taken in 2007, during a trip Niki made to Australia.

OCEA’s “I Love My Job” Contest

Niki WilsonEnvironmental Engineering Specialist, OC Waste and Recycling

Note: OCEA member Niki Wilson won second prize in OCEA’s first “I Love My Job” contest. (Our July-September issue carried our first article in this series, one by Marcy Crede-Booth.) We plan to announce the winner of our second competition in the near future.


Juanita Aguilar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtKerry Anderson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentMichelle Aragon . . . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD)Alyssa Arman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyRene Arroyo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentMarcia Astier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyCynthia Aston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyRosina Avila . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .District Attorney’s OfficeFreda Ayers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentLindsay Ayers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentUsman Azeem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentDeanna Azevedo . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyLindsey Babcock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtAlex Baldaray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyMonica Banken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyNina Banken. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyEsther Barajas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentEsther Barr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyJacqueline Barry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public LibraryEunice Bautista . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Auditor-ControllerElizabeth Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentMercedes Becerra . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencySean Bengtson . . . . . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD)Matthew Beyl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Wayne AirportJennifer Boehm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtRebecca Braun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public LibrarySean Brazeau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyKathleen Bridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyRobert Brown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencySheri Bull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtSean Buono. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyBrian Burgwald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Wayne AirportLee Burke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentMagali Buzzio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyIan Carmona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public DefenderLaura Carr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public LibraryShae Carrillo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentNicholas Castro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Human ResourcesOlivia Castro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyGloria Castruita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .County Clerk’s OfficeChantel Cepeda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtDaryl Chamberlain . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD)Wayne Chan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyVictor Chavez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtAmy Cheng . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Wayne AirportAlan Chun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Child Support ServicesJanet Chun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Auditor- Controller’s OfficeKimberly Coates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyJason Colacchia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyChris Cooke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .District Attorney’s OfficeCelina Corley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentClara Corona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtJorge Corona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentJessica Cortez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyPaul Comsa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentElyse Corlett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencySteve Cote. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Auditor-Controller’s OfficeMonica Crabtree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentRomelyn Cruz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtPerla Cucue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyHelen Cuevas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtMary Irelyd Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentElizabeth DeCortes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyPeggy Delima. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencySilvia DeManrriquez. . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentMelinda Detoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentJeffrey Deutsch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentDat Dinh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyAnh Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentJason Dundis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtJodie Elliott. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyLizbeth Escobar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentIrma Estrada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentPerry Evans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . County Executive OfficeDonna Farley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentAndrew Felix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentTamara Fisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentMaricarmen Flores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtLinda Fradin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Wayne AirportMartha Galvan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyDiana Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Wayne AirportMelanie Garcia. . . . . . . . . . . .Auditor-Controller’s OfficeRyan Garciacano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentNader Ghobrial . . . . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD)Terry Goins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyConsuelo Gonzales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyJudith Gonzalez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyLuis Gonzalez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyMaricella Gonzalez . . . Housing & Community ServicesDavid Gould . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyChristina Guerrero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtSheryl Gulla Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentRoman Gutierrez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentKenneth Hamilton. . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentKathy Hannon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyKourtnee Hanson`. . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentCastolina Haro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentVirginia Harting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtDebbie Hendricks . . . . . . . . .Auditor-Controller’s OfficeGiovani Hernandez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency

OCEA CITIES and DISTRICTS

Garden Grove CEA

ICEA Irvine

Yorba Linda CEA

Orange County Water District

Placentia CEA

Orange County Fire Authority

Marti CarrollKathleen McCall

Diana O’BrienAi Phan

Regina BanuelosRichard BrannanAmir DorostiCrystal EldridgeJanet MartellLindsay Sampson

Gary ScottErin ShaperoAmanda StahleyYu SunElicia VojtkoAndrew Zelinko

George Salsgiver John Skeene

Christina FullerJames HaydockDennis Hoang

Marsha WestroppChristopher Wilson

Robert Makowski Hubert Washburn

Kevin HansenNatalie Parsons

Lydia PerijaChristy Romero

RECRUITING OCEA STEWARDS

RECRUITING OCEA MEMBERS

Arlyn BuckEva BurdettVanessa CastroMaria CoronaLoujean Duncan

Larry EdwardsStephen MataGayle McQuownLezlee NeebeChristine Rand

Linda RomoFrances StevensJohn TranRudy Zamudio

Diana AcostaAmjad AfzalKelly BarbozaKim BurnettVeronica CastroDavid ClarkWayn DachenhausenCarina DelgadoCynthia ElizaldeMaria EscobedoLinda Faris

Esmeralda FigueroaRachel GarciaJuana HernandezElena JemmottMelissa JohnsonSalina KennedyNorri LauDella LopezMirabelle MoradaSandy NguyenEmma Noor

Valerie OxfordAntero PagunsanAnita RodriguezYvonne RodriguezLat SharaschandraRonnie ShulmanLaura TrottierRachelle VavraYesenia VenegasTeresa Ybarra

OCEA NEW-MEMBER ROSTER

Costa Mesa CEAElizabeth Gonzalez Vera Tiscareno

IPEA IrvineAndrew BestSarah ChmielakChristina CiampaCheryl Martinez

Chinh NguyenAndrew PhamLisa Thai

Mesa Consolidated Water District EACharles Martin Leanne Talbott

Jose Hernandez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencySergio Hernandez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentPeggy Herrera . . . . . . . Housing & Community ServicesHai Hoang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentMichael Hobbie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtJennifer Hogbin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyScott Holstein. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . County Executive OfficeAmy Hong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Assessor’s OfficeAdelaide Hsu. . . . . . . . Housing & Community ServicesRalph Ignacio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtSharon Ishikawa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentMollie Ito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Auditor-Controller’s OfficeDebra Jideofor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .County Clerk/RecorderCecilia Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentDebra Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyElizabeth Juarez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyLaura Kaminski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyTyng Kao. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentMona Khalaf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyCharles Kim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD)Dae Kim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentSung-Yun Kim . . . . . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD)Amanda King. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentGeorge Kocis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyRebecca Lau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtKasey Lauro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentJulissa Lazcano . . . . . . Housing & Community ServicesTrang Le . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer-Tax CollectorLisbet Leal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyAmanda Lean . . . . . . . . . . . . . .District Attorney’s OfficeMegan Leasure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtJerry Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentStella Lemus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentMichelle Leon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyNorma Leon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyLinda Lesar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtAndre Lewis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .District Attorney’s OfficeSusan Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .District Attorney’s OfficeMatthew Liechty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentKimberly Logsdon . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentJessica Lomeli. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtArturo Lopez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentGabrielle Lopez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public LibraryIrene Lopez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . County Executive OfficeChristina Madrigal . . . . . . . . . . . Child Support ServicesDonna Magyar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentShannon Marinelli. . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyAudy Marlissa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyMeghan McInerny. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyLula McLemore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public LibraryElaine McWilliam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtAnnette Medlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyErin Means . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyJoseph Medina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentSusan Mellen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyBrandon Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD)Jeffrey Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD)Brian Mitzel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtDeedra Molinet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyPaula Monical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentMaria Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyJackelyne Mora Navarro . . . OC Public Works (RDMD)Thomas Morales . . . . . . . . . . . .District Attorney’s OfficeIvy Mussack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyRuby Navarro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyKarla Navia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyHannah Ngo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyAmanda Nguyen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentElizabeth Nguyen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyDiana Nguyen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentRobert Nguyen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyVu Nguyen . . . . . . . . . . Housing & Community ServicesKristen Nino. . . . . . . . . . .Integrated Waste ManagementChristy Norris . . . . . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD)Shawn Noss . . . . . . . . . Public Administrator/GuardianCesar Orozco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentCesar G. Orozco. . . . . . . . . . . . . OC Waste and RecyclingLauren Ortega . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Wayne AirportErik Oviedo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public LibraryAlvin Papillion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentYoungin Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentClare Parr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentAurora Pavia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtJian Peng. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD)Rene Perez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentCarey Perkins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyKristina Persaud . . . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD)Kristen Pfeifer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentMichele Poholsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentAna Pope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyMatthew Quan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentLillian Quezada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtAdriana Quintana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyJorge Quintero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentMarisa Quintero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentAmeneh Rahimzadeh . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyShaliss Railey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyCesar Ramirez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentDarline Ramirez. . . . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD)Hugo Ramirez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency

Roberto Ramirez . . . . . . . . . . . .District Attorney’s OfficeJennifer Rasca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyRosemarie Raymundo . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentJessica Real . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtMegan Reed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyCandace Rivas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public LibraryElva Rivas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyChristine Rivell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyBrittany Robbins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentCenia Robinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyDiane Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyPerry Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentLennie Rogers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .District Attorney’s OfficeAngela Romo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtLaura Rubio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtMirtha Salatierra . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer-Tax CollectorClaudia Saldana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentConnie Saldana . . . . . . . . . . . . .District Attorney’s OfficeAlma Sanchez . . . . . . . Housing & Community ServicesDonald Santucci. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentErwin Sarmiento . . . . . Public Administrator/GuardianSusan Sawley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyLindsay Scattergood . . . . . . .Auditor-Controller’s OfficeGinamarie Scherzi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyLorette Schwary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtPatricia Sendis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtAnnasophia Servin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Registrar of VotersDennis Shaffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentBobby Sharma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtSurjiwan Sharma . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyAnneke Sherohman. . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentFrances Shine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentEric Shippy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentSharon Simmons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyAlexandra Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentSandra Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtMary Elizabeth Sobral . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyMichelle Spitaleri. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyJohn Stearns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyKathryn Steelman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencySamuel Strong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentMarisol Suarez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentEleanor Sutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtNathan Swaringer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyIra Syncheff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentTammara Tagaloa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyLina Takkesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . County Executive OfficeMuhammad Tariq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtMelanie Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentSteven Tidwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentRoberto Tinoco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentEna Toledano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public DefenderNermina Topalovic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtJose Torres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyChan Tran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtJason Tse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyAdrian Uribe . . . . . . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD)Cesar Urrutia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentAngelica Valdez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentMarlene Valdez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyLourdes Vazquez. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyCaroline Vega. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentPaul Venegas . . . . . . . . . .Integrated Waste ManagementMelissa Villar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentKim Visser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Assessor’s OfficeElizabeth Walker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentBarbara Walker Mitori . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public LibraryMaria Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff’s DepartmentAaron Warren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyAndrew Weinberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior CourtTamera Whitesides . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyTitania Whitfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court

Cara Wilkerson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyNicole Williams . . . . . . Housing & Community ServicesLiyang Xu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation DepartmentRachel Zack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care AgencyGloria Zamora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyJoyce Zeller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Social Services AgencyCarmen Zepeda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Registrar of VotersEthan Zimmerman . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation Department


Attention Clerical Supervisors!

Consider Joining COOS!If you are an office supervisor, you should know about our organization called the County of Orange Office Supervisors (COOS).

The group was formed in 1961. It is made up of office supervisors from throughout Orange County departments and agencies, and it is comprised of many of the key people who make County government function in its service to the people of Orange County.

COOS offers opportunities to experience valuable contacts and gain insight into other areas of County operations. Besides the programs that are offered, which usually feature a guest speaker from within the County, private industry, or college, it is a chance for members to exchange ideas, information, and problems of their own. Subjects covered include: leadership, human relations, employee relations, communication, planning, training, motivating employees, and interviewing applicants. The group emphasizes educational development.

Each year members bring their boss to the annual holiday December meeting. During this meeting the officers for the coming year are introduced.

Meetings are held at 11:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the Hacienda Restaurant in Santa Ana. All office supervisors are invited to join. For further information contact Pam Rainey, COOS President, Assessor’s Office (714) 834-5031. For a membership application, contact Debi Murray, Secretary, Assessor’s Office (714) 834-2768.

In both photographs (left to right): Don Karr, John Powell, OCEA Senior Labor Relations Manager Loretta van der Pol, Andrew Wilkinson, and Ron Vance. The four gentlemen depicted are all Court Services Technicians.

OCEA Senior Labor Relations Representative Loretta van der Pol had people ducking-and-covering in the moments before the march to the Board of Supervisors meeting on October 21, 2008. In an exuberant display of team spirit, Loretta made like a Rockette, while her right shoe made like a rocket. (See arrow in left photograph, showing the location of the footwear in flight. The lines shows the trajectory of the shoe.)

Hit The Deck!

OCEA Member Encourages Body-ScansLinda Lopez, Senior Public Health Nurse, Received Early Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Condition

You may have seen OCEA’s announcements for body scans by Pacific Health and Wellness. On several occasions in recent years, PHAW has conducted a variety of scans in our OCEA Assembly Room, at reasonable rates (and with discounts for various “packages”). At least one OCEA member has reason to be glad that OCEA has provided facilities for PHAW: Linda Lopez, a Senior Public Health Nurse for the County.Linda took advantage of the scanning in March of this year. She signed up for several scans, including the kidney scan. She was alerted to the existence of a kidney problem. She discussed this with her doctor, and what followed was, according to Linda, a “whirlwind.” Linda was diagnosed with cancer (renal cell carcinoma). She was admitted to the City of Hope in March, and they performed a robotic partial nephrectomy (removal of a portion of a kidney).Prior to the scans, Linda had not experienced any symptoms, and she attributes the discovery of the cancer to the scans she received at OCEA. Linda tells us that her prognosis is good.Linda has several lessons to share. We have to advocate for our own healthcare; we must participate in health screenings; we must “be aware” and do our own research on available treatments.Apart from her encouraging story regarding her health, Linda is a busy person. She is on the Board of Directors of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Orange County. The Court-appointed advocates play a crucial role in cases involving child-abuse. Often they are the chief voice of the child, and frequently they are the only consistent adult in the child’s life. There exists an ongoing need for advocates, and Linda is making a particular effort to reach out to the Hispanic community, where there is a great need for volunteers to serve as advocates.


Billy is a male, 6 months old, white, short-hair rabbit, ID# A0928365. Billy is friendly and curious, and he loves to play.

Dingo is a neutered male, 5 years old, tricolor, Australian Shepherd, ID# A0927528. Dingo is an energetic boy who would make a great jogging buddy.

Winston is a male, 4 years old, brown, short-hair Chihuahua, ID# A0926780. Winston is a little cutie who is easy to walk and handle.

Razzle is a male, 3 months old, brown tabby-and-white, domestic short hair, ID# A0923717. Razzle would love to find a home with lots of toys and a cozy bed to snuggle in.

Lily is a spayed female, 5 years old, brown tabby, domestic short hair, ID# A0925981. Lily loves to be talked to, and she will roll over for you to pet her belly.

Logan is a male, 1 year old, brown and white, Mini-Lop mix, ID# A0927528. Logan is a sweet and mellow bunny who loves to nap.

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!

Identity Theft:How to Help Prevent It• Types of fraud • Prevention of identity theft

• Resources if you have been a victim of identity theft

And . . . Introduction to Balance, a Financial Fitness Program

Certified financial counselors will be available to answer questions about money management, personal finance, money-management counseling,

debt-management plans, and credit-report reviews.

Sponsored by Orange County’s Credit Union.

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

(714) 835-7654 Fax • www.oceamember.org

When: Wednesday, January 28, 2009Time: Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Where: OCEA Assembly Room(830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana)

Parking is available under the building and in the dirt lot north of OCEA.

Please RSVP if possible. Call Cathy Yatch, at (714) 835-3355 ext. 211, or email her at

[email protected].

HOSTED BY:


Special Savings for OCEA Members! Check OCEA’s website, www.oceamember.org, for full details!

OCEA Discounts

AutomotiveThe Red Book: Purchase new cars at fleet prices! The original fleet discount purchase plan in California offers a statewide network of participating dealerships whose professionalism and integrity can be relied on. Call 1-800-422-4561 or log on to www.RedBook4Autos.com.

Avis: 5% off & up depending on program! Call 1-800-331-1212 or log on to www.avis.com for more information; OCEA’s AWD# T815000.

Budget: 15% off regular price! Call 1-800-455-2848 or log on to www.budget.com for more information; OCEA’s DCD# X627900. For Budget Truck Rental call 1-888-NEED-TRK. OCEA’s Truck Rental code 56000052043.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 10% off regular price! Call 1-800-736-8222 or log on to www.enterprise.com for more information; OCEA’s # 32E8228; use OCEA for company name.

Hertz: 5% off regular price in daily & weekly rentals! Call 1-800-654-8216 or log on to www.hertz.com for more information; OCEA’s CDP# 1335448. Fee waver for the Hertz #1 Club Gold Membership ($60) available at OCEA Special Events office.

Wheeler’s Auto Service: 10% off all parts and labor. Walking distance from downtown Santa Ana, at 327 West 17th St., (714) 543-4689. Wheeler’s Auto Service is very reliable and ready to serve you.

Candies, Flowers, & moreProFlowers.com: 20% off (or more!) all flowers, candy, fruit & more! To receive a free catalog or place your order call 1-800-210-2279, or log on www.proflowers.com/vip and enter the case-sensitive code OCEA.

SunKissed Design: Exquisite floral design, specializing in weddings and events. 10% discount and free delivery! For more details please contact Maria Maag or Mirra, (714) 997-3619; fax (714) 997-8565. Store address: 292 S. Tustin, Orange, CA 92866.

Cosmetics, Jewelry, & moreArbonne: Pure! Safe! Beneficial! 20% off all health and beauty products for men, women and children. Please log on to www.christaluther.myarbonne.com. You may also place your order by calling Christa at 714-932-4602.

Avon: 10% off plus FREE shipping and free gift for all OCEA members when you shop online at www.youravon.com/leticialopez. For more information contact Letty Lopez at 714-308-3661.

BeautiControl: 15% off a variety of quality skin care, spa, and makeup products, and a free gift with purchases over $45. Please contact Jessica Gonzalez at 714-335-8050 or log on to www.beautipage.com/jessicagon for more details.

Cookie Lee: 10% off & free shipping on all CL Fine Fashion Jewelry. For a free catalog, to place an order, or to schedule a home/office show or fundraiser, email Eva McNamee at [email protected]. To view the catalog online, log on to www.cookielee.biz/evamcnamee or call 562-879-4911.

Mary Kay: 10% off all skin care and cosmetics for men, women, and children. For free consultation or brochure, or to place your order call Jo Padore at 949-559-8022, or log on to www.marykay.com/jpadore.

ElectronicsApple Computers: 17% off selected Apple products including iPods and much more! OCEA members are offered discounts on Apple products through the Apple Government Employee Purchase Program. Please log on to http://www.apple.com/r/store/government/state/epp.html.

Verizon Wireless: 15% discount on your calling plan monthly access fees and accessories! Please call the Government Sales Rep. Tim Slaton at 949-241-2425 for more information. Offer is valid for California state and local government employees with proof of current employment.

Entertainment & TravelTicketsatWork.com: Up to 40% off Cirque du Soleil nationwide performances, Las Vegas shows & attractions, Walt Disney World Resort exclusive offers, New York & Broadway Specials, and much, much more! Please log on to OCEA website www.oceamember.org for more information.

HealthDental Office of Dr. Sue Kim: Initial visit, which includes exam, X-rays, and oral cancer screen, is $25. All treatment 20% off; most PPO/HMO plans accepted. PPO plans: 50% off copayment. Office located across from Federal Court building. We serve you right on time! 408 W. 4th St., Santa Ana, CA 92701. 714-836-9999, www.suekimdds.com.

DiversiCare Medical & Therapy Center: Live well! Treat yourself to wellness! Saving over $375! Only for OCEA members: 1) Initial consultation, 2) Initial exam, 3) Report of findings, 4) One introductory massage therapy session, 5) One chiropractic treatment session, 6) X-rays (if necessary), all for only $30. Office address: 1212 N. Broadway, Suite 118, Santa Ana. Other saving plans available. To schedule your appointment, please call 800-717-0766.

Orthodontic Office of Mark J. Weisenberg, DDS, MS: Complimentary orthodontic examination; $750 discount off full Invisalign treatments, which also includes a free home teeth-whitening kit ($300 value); 15% off orthodontic braces treatment that is not covered by insurance; Delta Dental provider; accepts most PPO plans; office address: 17781 Santiago Blvd., Villa Park, CA 92861. Phone: 714-974-9000.

Restore Health Chiropractic: A savings of over $200! Exclusively for OCEA members: Chiropractic consultation, comprehensive exam and one chiropractic treatment only $20; for more details please call Dr. Bohlken at 714-505-1901 or email her at [email protected].

PhotographyArtistic Bridals & Portraits Photography: Offering 10% off wedding photography & event plans from their already low prices (additionally, a special OCEA MEMBER ONLY plan is also available). 15% off outdoor portrait sittings and all portrait prices. 25 years experience! For more information please log on to www.nemo4u.com, or call Mike Nemeth at 949-496-4559.

Main Photo & Imaging Services: 20% off all your photo and digital needs! Specializes in quality photo finishing, electronic digital enhancing, video equipment, cameras, darkroom supplies, and repairs. For more details and stores locations, please log on to www.mainphoto.com or visit OCEA website at www.oceamember.org.

OC Image Services & Tip Wynn Photography: Conveniently located in Artist’s Village in downtown Santa Ana, offering corporate photography, special portraiture, and event coverage for up to 25% discount exclusively for OCEA members. Tip Wynn offers children’s and family photography, as well as occasional wedding service. Their studio is located at: 204 N. Broadway, Ste. C, Santa Ana, CA 92701; phone (714) 875-0937. Please log on to www.ocimageservices.com and www.tipwynn.com to view the samples of their work!

30 Minute Photos Etc.: Online boutique photo service, based in Irvine, offers instant saving of 40% off for all OCEA members on their photo orders. Please log on to www.30MinPhotos.com and enter case-sensitive corporate code IRVINE.

RestaurantsPasta Bravo (at the Block): 20% off catering for all your personal and corporate occasions. For more information on the discount or to place your order please call store manager at 714-769-4031. OCEA membership card required at the time of delivery.

The Rib Trader: 15% off catering for any of your occasions! For menu and details on ordering process please call the owner, Medhi Karr, at 714-744-9288, or fax your request to 714-633-8760. OCEA membership required at the time of delivery.

Special OccasionsDigital Personal Publishing: Pre-purchase a credit to make a beautiful hardbound photo and/or memory book and receive 10% in FREE product. Other available products can be seen at www.crazy4storybooking.com. Contact Heritage Makers Digital Publishing Consultant Melodie Jones at 714-401-0926 or [email protected] for more details.

Custom Made Gift Baskets: Celebrate your loved ones’ special occasions with a very personal touch! For samples of gift baskets and available discounts on them please call Lisa Sipprell at 949-235-1144.

PartyLite: 20% off all purchases. Catalogs available at OCEA Special Events office. To view candles, and/or to order please call Adrienne Ponce at 323-541-5709 or log on to www.partylite.biz/butterflydelyte.

Scrapbooking: 10% off all products! Contact Close To My Heart consultant Andrea Lewis at 714-777-1170 or log on to www.alewis.myctmh.com for more details.

Wagstaff Music: 25% off DJ services, karaoke, or live bands! To book your next event contact Bryan Wagstaff at 714-437-7712.

Wire-Wrapped Silverware: Unique! Beautiful! Inexpensive! Brilliant idea! For more information on all products and available discount call Barbara Newber at 714-393-9518.

VacationsAmtrak: Please visit OCEA website www.oceamember.org for information on available discounts in 2009.

Club Med Vacations: 30% to 50% off on last-minute vacation packages! Please contact Lavonne Campbell at 714-991-7222 or visit OCEA’s Special Events website for the most recent listing.


OCEA Members Special! Sign up for a COSTCO Gold Star Membership: Take advantage of the current special promotion! Offer not valid in store! Fill out this form and return it to the OCEA Special Events office with your check for $50 payable to COSTCO. If you have any questions or concerns regarding either this promotion or your membership, please contact Ms. Belinda Lopez, a COSTCO Marketing Representative, at (714) 277-6049.

Look at this Great Deal from Costco

Grand Canyon Railway: 20% off train travel & stays at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel or 10% off on already discounted packages! For more information on OCEA Corporate Program please call 1-866-422-9724 or log on to www.thetrain.com/corporate to book your journey. Corporate code: OCEA.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: 15% off the Palm Springs Aerial and 10% at the gift shops with the Alpine Club card – FREE OF CHARGE – available at OCEA Special Events office. Discount expires in December 2012.

SCAT Travel: Offers substantial discounts on a variety of cruises exclusively for OCEA members. Call Sandy Cuny at 714-669-9019 for details.

SeaWorld Vacations Partner Hotels: Variety of discounts on selected hotels now conveniently offered to all OCEA members who plan on visiting San Diego and San Diego SeaWorld Resort. For full list of hotels and available discounts please log on to www.seaworldvacations.com or call 1-800-25-SHAMU and press 8; SeaWorld Vacations Partner Hotels’ brochure is also available at OCEA Special Events office.

WellnessJust for Kicks: A new fitness program just for women! 15% off initial season sign-ups. For more information on the program please log on to www.justforkicksfitness.com or call Cindy at 714-996-0394.

LifeTurn Weight Loss Program: No products! No pills! No shots! 40% off first 3-month cycle and 75% off on the second. For more information please call 714-423-5858.

MonaVie: The Premier Acai Antioxidant Juice Blend. A 100% nutritious beverage with no caffeine or sugar added. Improve your overall health. Buy one bottle, get the second bottle 50% off, plus enrollment bonus. For more details, please call Helene Fowler, independent distributor, at 951-440-2420. Website: www.mymonavie.com/hfowler.

OCEA CalendarSecond 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!


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 separately. For park hours please call 760-918-5346 or log on to www.legoland.com/plan-your-visit.hours.htm. Tickets expire JANUARY 31, 2009!!!

SAN DIEGO WILD ANIMAL PARK: OCEA Price: $27/Adult; $19/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, 2009!!!

SAN DIEGO ZOO: OCEA Price: $27/Adult; $19/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, 2009!!!

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 separately. 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 separately. Tickets expire DECEMBER 31, 2009!!!

uNIVERSAL STuDIOS HOLLYWOOD: OCEA Price: $53/Person ages 3 & up (Reg. $67/Adult; $54/Child under 48”). No Black-Out Dates. Parking fee $12/vehicle paid separately. Tickets expire MAY 31, 2009!!!

Special Events

So Cal AttractionsAQuARIuM OF THE PACIFIC: OCEA Price: $15/Adult; $10/Child ages 3-11 (Reg. $20.95 & $11.95). Open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Black-Out Dates: Dec. 25. Parking fee $7/vehicle. Tickets expire NOVEMBER 30, 2009.

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: $59/Adult; $47/Child ages 3-12 (Reg. $66.50 & $50), 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: $59/Adult; $47/Child ages 2-11 (Reg. $60 & $47.50); 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 separately. 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). Brand-new show!!! 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/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/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:

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!!!

DISNEY DAYS 2-fers*: OCEA Price: $59/Adult; $51/Child ages 3-9 (Reg. $69 & $59). Tickets expire JUNE 30, 2009! Tickets valid for a 1-Day visit to Disneyland Park and a 1-Day visit to the California Adventure Park.

Second visit must occur within 30 days following the first day of usage, but no later than the expiration date.

*Note: it is not a Park Hopper ticket. Both visits cannot be used on the same day. One person in the group visiting the Park must be a So Cal resident with valid ID. For information on parks hours, Black-Out dates, parking fees, and much more please visit www.disneyland.com.

Disneyland Resort parking fee: $15/vehicle paid separately. 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: $25/Adult; $18/Child ages 3-11 (Reg. $41.99 & $22.99 for So Cal Residents Program). 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 separately. Tickets expire MARCH 31, 2009!!!

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.


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 Rangel if you wish to cancel your ad, or regarding corrections or other changes. Mail your classified ads to Sunny Rangel 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. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: www.reaoc.org.

ORANGE COuNTY OFFICE ON AGING: Free information on services for older adults. 1-800-510-2020.

FOR RENT: $575/shared bath or $650/private bath (utilities included), $300 deposit. In a quiet Anaheim neighborhood, close to 91 freeway/5 freeway, house located in a cul-de-sac, close to Anaheim plaza. No smoking/drugs. Available now. Please call: (714) 991-1643 evening or (714) 403-9063 daytime. 12/08

FOR SALE: 1993 Bounder / Fleetwood / 34-foot / Class A Motorhome / extra clean / 40,609 miles. Asking $23,500. Great condition . . . everything works! Fully furnished. Will sell fully equipped. Features: 2 TVs with VCRs, AM/FM cassette stereo, microwave, oven, 2 roof air-vents, 2 air-conditioners (front and back), electric step, and much more. Immaculately maintained. One previous owner. Moving and no RV parking available. Need to sell quickly. (714) 914-4457 12/08

FOR SALE: Pine Armoire! Excellent condition. Use for TV or clothes storage. Fits a 32-inch TV. Has shelf for DVD, cable box. $100. Call Laura at 714-296-7785. 12/08

ROOM FOR RENT: $700/month (includes utilities), $350 deposit. In quiet Lakewood neighborhood, close to shopping, restaurants, parks, and freeways. No smoking/drugs/animals, but must like dogs. Available 1/1/09. Call 714-305-3206. 12/08

FOR RENT: In Norco, horse property with a beautiful view. Three bedrooms plus office, 2 bathrooms, 2-car garage with plenty of parking. Tile and laminate flooring, freshly painted, granite countertops. Approximately one-third acre, with horse corral and chain-link fencing. $1850 month. Available January 2009. Call Maria at (951) 205-2446. 12/08

FOR HIRE: Math/homework tutor available after school and/or weekends. Orange County area only. Please call Vicky at (714) 487-2818 or (714) 728-7092. 11/08

SALE OR RENTAL: San Felipe Marina Resort & Spa located in Baja, California, only a few hours away on its own beautiful private beach. This is a two-bedroom, sleeps up to eight. Resort offers many activities to enjoy for you and your family. Website: www.sanfelipemarina.net. For more information contact (951) 343-9115. 11/08

FOR SALE: Five Chihuahua mix pups $50, and their mother (age 3-5 years?) $25, need loving homes. We rescued the mother and her pups from Bakersfield. The owner was going to put them all down. For pictures of them and more info please email Tina at [email protected]. 11/08

FOR SALE: English Bulldog puppies. $1,800, AKC registered, Champion Line, have vaccinations, one white male, two brown/white females, need a loving home. Great gift. Call Monica only if seriously interested. (714) 289-2726. 10/08

FOR RENT: $500/month. Shared bath. Community pool, tennis court, kitchen and laundry privileges. House located in University Park in Irvine near UCI and IVC schools. No pets, no smoking, no drugs, and no alcohol. For single female only. Call (949) 231-9411. 10/08

FOR RENT: Unit in beautiful Lake Arrowhead. Gated community with all amenities including indoor swimming-pool, Jacuzzi, basketball/tennis court(s), health equipment, game room. Two unit condo (upper & lower), sleeps 8, washer/dryer, upper full kitchen, private balcony(s) with table and chairs and gas fireplace(s). Minutes from Lake Arrowhead Village and Big Bear Lake. $1500 per week - both units (weekday and weekend dates may be available). Please contact Richard (OCDA) at (760) 822-7398, or [email protected]. 10/08

FOR RENT: Gorgeous two bedroom, two bath condo in Garden Grove. New paint, ceramic tile, wood floors, cathedral ceilings, huge windows, skylight, new light-fixtures, Berber carpet, indoor washer and dryer (included), refrigerator (included), and huge walk-in closet. Two pools, streams and ponds with ducks and fish. Gated and on-site security. Very peaceful. Small pets allowed with no extra fees or charges. $1700 per month. 50% deposit. E-mail Selina at [email protected]. 10/08

FOR SALE: Quilt, 1920’s American, handmade, cotton, multicolor “wheel” design, pink back. Perfect condition, clean, no soil, stains, tears, etc. Colors still vibrant. 67 inches by 80 inches. Great Christmas gift! $100. To see, call Linda at (714) 974-9125. Please leave message, if no answer. 10/08

FOR RENT: Cabin in Big Bear Lake area. Two bedrooms, full kitchen, TV/VCR/DVD, wood-burning stove. Linens/towels included. Near ski slopes. $110/night. Call Sly at (714) 686-9790, or email [email protected]. 10/08

FOR SALE: Two Sea-Doos, double trailer with new tires, and two Sea-Doo stands. $4500 (Year: 1996; make: Bombardier; Model: GTI.) (Year: 1995, make: Bombardier, model: XP.) 1997 Zieman Trailer with new tires. New extra parts for the 95 XP. If interested, please call (714) 914-4457. 09/08

FOR SALE: Buena Park house for sale. $539,000. Must see! Beautiful turnkey home in great area. Public records show 3/1.5 property has been remodeled to 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1535 square feet, with permits. Full kitchen remodel. Two full bath remodel. New exterior stucco, roofing and windows. New flooring throughout. Flagstone walkway to front door and rear patio. Built-in barbeque. New landscaping front and rear. Located between Knott and Valley View off Ball Road. Email us for more info: [email protected] or 714-865-6533. 09/08

FOR SALE: Black cast-iron book holder $10; old straight-back wooden chair $25; old bat-wing folding wooden table $100; ceramic Asian figurine $10; old wooden tool box $15; old brass artillery shells $20 each; old brass fire-hose connector $20; old wooden 7-Up transportation box $20; wood workshop jig-saw $20; record turntable $20; full-length adjustable dressing mirror $50. Contact: Tom at [email protected] or leave message at (949) 643-9211. 09/08

FOR RENT: Condo for rent in downtown Santa Ana, two bedrooms, two baths. Across from courthouse, walking distance from shopping, restaurants, art galleries, museums. Two clubhouses, family environment, ideal for couple. Central air, heat. Two pools. Onsite security. $1,375/month, security deposit negotiable with good credit. Call Gloria at (714) 380-9795, Monday-Friday, 9:30-5:00, or Saturday 9:30-3:00. 09/08

FOR RENT: Woodbridge Laurels Irvine condo for lease. Two bedrooms (downstairs master bedroom and bath), two baths. Spacious front patio, end unit. Use of all Woodbridge facilities, including pools, tennis courts, and banquet rooms. Outstanding schools. Immediate availability. Please contact: Coldwell Banker, Ellie Haenel at (949) 887-1975. 09/08

Stay informed! Please send your home email address to [email protected]

Who can do it?How can I do it?Find the answers!

When: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.January 16, 2009March 16, 2009May 15, 2009

Where: Anaheim Community Center

250 E. Center St.,Anaheim

Adoption!

FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER CALL:

(714) 704-8946(Does not replace SSA Orientation Meeting.)

It’s “crunch time”!

2009 Bargainingi n o u r e i g h t C o u n t y u n i t s

Our County contracts expire in June 2009!

The only sure method that we have to communicate with you is through home emails. There are limits to the ways in which OCEA is permitted to use the County’s email system. Emails directed to your home are OCEA’s most effective method of communicating current information to our members.

As bargaining approaches, we want to help keep you informed on important developments regarding issues that we will be addressing.

We need your home email address to keep you updated as important information becomes available!

Please send your home email address to [email protected]

Above is a photo of the 2007 OCEA Bargaining Team. In early-to-mid-2009, we will be heading into bargaining again. We need to stay united. Remember, OCEA members play a significant role in determining the course bargaining takes.

Act now!

Orange County Employees Association830 North Ross StreetSanta Ana, CA 92701

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vol 61 issue 5 - ocea employee 2008 october november december

Documents

county approaches

county units

ocea members

important county programs

family members

job market

jobmarket crunch

bargaining approaches