vol 67 issue 2 - ocea employee 2014 april may june

OCEAEMPLOYEEVOLUME 67, ISSUE 2 • April–June 2014

Building a Bridge to the futureour County ContraCt Built the Bridge—together we will Cross i t Pg. 17

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OCEA EMPLOYEE

2 Educate. Involve. Activate.Become a stronger union member in three simple steps.

4 OCEA scholarship deadline in JulyApplications for one of three scholarships due July 25.

5 2014 Open EnrollmentHealth & Welfare and supplemental benefits open enrollment will occur Sept. 1-30.

8 Nurses build healthy communitiesMeet three nurses dedicated to improving public health.

17 Building a bridge to the futureLearn how OCEA is working to insulate your County wages and benefits from poisonous politics.

18 2014 OCEA Hot Dog ScheduleWorking people, snacking together.

Labor’s Joint Legislative Conference 2014OCEA joined unions from across the state in Sacramento on March 17 and 18, 2014, to discuss Labor’s agenda for the coming year as part of Labor’s Joint Legislative Conference 2014 presented by the California Labor Federation and State Building and Construction Trades Council. Pictured, OCEA Board members at the conference, from left to right: Russell Baldwin, Ryan Ramos, Alicia Hernandez, Alan Dean Clow, Lezlee Neebe, Sharron Anderson, Gary Morrison, Anjali Sunny, Pamela Waters and Rick Burns.

11

2 President’s message 3 General Manager’s message 4 OCEA news briefs 4 OCEA calendar 7 OCEA Member Announcements

20 Meet your OCEA Board members 22 OCEA tickets 22 OCEA e-ticket program 23 OCEA discounts24 OCEAclassifieds

NEws & UPdAtEs

FEAtUREs

VOLUME 67, ISSUE 2 • April–June 2014

OCEA EMPLOYEE 1

President’s message

Lezlee NeebeOCEA President

Ask any member of your OCEA Bargaining Team and they’ll all tell you the same thing: These last two years of County negotiations have been the most difficult in our union’s history. The political climate in O.C. hasn’t been this hostile toward public employees ever, and we all felt it at the bargaining table.

Thankfully, your bargaining team put up a persistent fight against deep cuts to your family’s security. In February, OCEA was fortunate that a neutral, third-party mediator stepped in with his own proposal through the mediation process—a proposal that OCEA members and the Board of Supervisors both approved.

The contract is for 15-months and will expire in July 2015. Our contract built the bridge, and will allow us a window of time to work on initiatives that will protect your families from the politics that have ensnared these negotiations.

We will work tirelessly to reshape the face of Orange County government and what that means to the future of public employment. You can read more about the bridge agreement in the “General Manager’s Message” on the following page, and in our negotiations update on page 17, but I wanted to write this month to tell you how critical it is that you stand with us and become active.

Your paycheck, your retirement and the security of your family depend on your involvement in your union. Our grandparents built the middle class and it is up to us to rise to the occasion and preserve the American Dream.

We all have commitments—to our families, our jobs, and, if there’s time, ourselves—but there are ways for every member to participate. I hope, over time, you will work through each of these categories on your path to becoming a stronger union member.

Educate: The first step is to educate yourselves on the issues affecting you and your family’s security. You can stay updated by reading OCEA’s emails and the OCEA Media Brief. Being

knowledgeable about the Board of Supervisors and OCERS retirement board will give you a better understanding of reasons for the direction OCEA’s member-leaders take our organization.

Involve: If you’re already educated on union issues, then involve yourself. You can start by becoming a workplace leader—a person who helps OCEA by updating co-workers during breaks and lunches about important union news. If you’re already a workplace leader, then OCEA’s Steward Program is the right place for you.

Our monthly meetings—which are open to all members—provide a deeper level of union interaction. Here, you will get detailed updates from OCEA’s leaders, with the expectation that you return to the workplace and help spread that information to the largest number of your fellow members as possible.

Activate: The final step is to activate. Later this year, OCEA’s stewards, Board members and staff will become activists, walking precincts and making phone calls, to educate voters on issues that will affect working families for years to come.

Some of those same activists will become members of the next OCEA Bargaining Team, helping us to cross this very important bridge and secure a new agreement. When working people stand together we can preserve the middle class.

Will you stand with us?

In solidarity,

Lezlee Neebe OCEA President

Educate. Involve. Activate.

Get involved!Become an active union member! Even if you don’t have the time to commit yourself fully, there are many little things you can do to help educate OCEA members and grow OCEA’s strength. If you are interested,

please sign up at www.oceamember.org/getinvolved so we can follow up with you.

OCEA EM PLOYE E Take a stand with your co-workers. Become a workplace leader at oceamember.org/getinvolved2

These past two years have been grueling for Orange County’s public workers, especially for the dedicated team of your co-workers who sat at the bargaining table during the most contentious County negotiations in OCEA’s history.

As all of you know too well by now, the Board of Supervisors began our contract talks by telling the world that these were “the Super Bowl of negotiations”—sending a clear signal to their supporters and campaign contributors that they intended to extract as much as possible from you and your families and that their political careers counted on it.

We saw that message loud and clear in the County’s proposals during these two years: No money, elimination of your rights, erosion of your benefits, huge cuts to take home pay.

It was only through each and every OCEA member standing together that we were able to evade their attacks.

Together, we told the County to pound sand when they delivered their last, best and final offer. And together, we accepted an independent third-party mediator’s recommendations for a short-term agreement—one that puts some money in your pockets, protects your rights, and that builds a bridge to bring us back to the bargaining table soon in a better position than before.

This year, we must stand together to rise to the challenges ahead of us and cross that bridge together.

What do we mean by that? Negotiations have not always been so political, and we are already working to restore sanity and objectivity to salary setting at the County. In other words, we are working with the County on strategies to keep politics away from your paychecks.

This is not an unprecedented idea. Back in the 1970s when Orange County was still filled with orange groves and strawberry fields, the business people on the Board of Supervisors adopted an objective, business-like approach to setting salaries.

They understood the value of an efficient and effective workforce.

They wanted Orange County to be the most efficient—and cost-effective—workforce in the state, and so they paid higher salaries to attract and retain the best of the best. That way, they could do more work and better work with fewer employees—

saving taxpayers money and delivering the best services possible.

Those businessmen came up with objective ways to measure efficiency and paid the workers accordingly. If the County ranked as the most efficient in the state—employees would earn salaries that were among the highest. Conversely, an inefficient workforce would earn less.

We know, and you know, that you are among the most hard-working, intelligent, innovative groups of employees in the State of California. It’s time you were rewarded for that.

But to do this, and to meet our other bargaining objectives during this coming year, we need each and every member of OCEA to stand together and to cross this bridge together. It’s easy to get involved—the first step is just signing up online at www.oceamember.org/getinvolved.

In solidarity,

Nick Berardino OCEA General Manager

General Manager’s message

Nick BerardinoOCEA General Manager

Crossing the bridge: How we keep politics away from your paycheck

OCEA EMPLOYEETake a stand with your co-workers. Become a workplace leader at oceamember.org/getinvolved 3

May 12 5:30 p.m. Political Action Committee Meeting

May 13 Noon-1 p.m.; 5:30-7 p.m. Steward Meeting

May15 Noon-1p.m.;5:30-6:30p.m. OCEAPresents:UpcomingEmployeeBenefitChanges

May 20 3 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting

May 26 Memorial Day observed

June 9 5:30 p.m. Political Action Committee Meeting

June 10 Noon-1 p.m.; 5:30-7 p.m. Steward Meeting

June 17 3 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting

June 25 Noon-1 p.m. OCEA Presents: Social Networking—Facebook, Twitter & more

July 4 Independence Day observed

July 8 Noon-1 p.m.; 5:30-7 p.m. Steward Meeting

July 14 5:30 p.m. Political Action Committee Meeting

July 15 3 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting

July 23 Noon-1 p.m. OCEA Presents: Wills & Trusts

EMPLOYEEOrange County Employees Association

OFFICERSLezlee Neebe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .President

Alan Dean Clow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Vice President

Gary Morrison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd Vice President

Butch Garcia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Secretary

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

Maria Corona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance Officer

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

COMMITTEE CHAIRSAlan Dean Clow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Legislative

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORSSharron Anderson . . . . . . . . County Executive Office

Russell Baldwin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff-Coroner

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

Judy Bowling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Defender

Rick Burns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court

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

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

Frank Eley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Works

Ian Foster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Works

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

Alicia Hernandez . . . . . . . . . Child Support Services

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

Gary Morrison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assessor’s office

Paul Nguyen . . . . . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency

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

Chris Prevatt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency

Ryan Ramos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency

Anjali Sunny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff-Coroner

Pamela Waters. . . . . . . . O.C. Community Resources

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 2014 by the Orange County Employees Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion or contents prohibited by law. Printed by Anchor Printing, Tustin, Ca.

Editor: Jennifer MuirDesign & Production: Kevin Rush

Content: Niyaz Pirani

830 N. Ross StreetSanta Ana, Ca 92701

(714) 835-3355

OCEA calendar

For a full calendar, including all committee meetings, visit our online calendar at www.oceamember.org.

OCEA news briefs

There’s still time to apply for one of three $2,000 college scholarships awarded through the 2014 OCEA Board of Directors Scholarship program. Applications can be downloaded from the “Hot Topics” menu on www.oceamember.org and must be submitted at OCEA or postmarked by July 25.

Only children or stepchildren of OCEA members—including those applicants whose legal guardian is an OCEA member—are eligible. Students must also be enrolled, or

intending to enroll, in an accredited community

college, college or university for the Fall 2014

quarter or semester to qualify.

A selection committee will review each student’s high school transcripts, current GPA and personal recommendations. Students

must also write a 750-word essay describing how they would use their college

education to improve the lives of working families. The essay will be the greatest determining factor in selecting scholarship winners.

Awards will be presented to the winners at the OCEA Board of Directors meeting Aug. 19.

Deadline approaching for 2014 OCEA Board of Directors Scholarship applications


OCEA news briefs

OCEA members can make changes to their Health & Welfare and supplemental benefits elections during open enrollment Sept. 1-30. During open enrollment, members can make a wide variety of permissible changes to their insurance, such as adding or dropping dependents, changing option packages, and, for OCEA members, upgrading certain plans.

OCEA will mail open enrollment packets to eligible employees in August. Make sure to follow all instructions closely and return the packet to OCEA in person or by mail by the Sept. 30 deadline. Remember, OCEA is not part of the County’s “pony” system; all correspondence must be sent directly to OCEA.

If changes are not made within the open enrollment period, with limited exceptions, members must wait until the following year to do so. For assistance with open enrollment, contact an OCEA Benefits Administrator at (714) 835-3355.

OCEA members from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Health Care Agency were honored for their heroism in mid-April at the Medal of Valor luncheon, hosted by the Sheriff’s Department.

The event, now in its 26th year, is produced by the Orange County Sheriff’s Advisory Council, a non-profit, charitable arm of OCSD that supplies support and funding for law enforcement programs when funding is not available.

Those honored are recognized in various categories

including valor, lifesaving, merit, courage and more. This year, nine OCEA members were celebrated at the event, including CSOs Kara Boyd and Jill Jackson, and Dispatcher Christina Byerley (Medal of Merit); SSO Kyle Robertson (Medal of Courage); SSOs Alex Bacon, Sean Fowler, Frank Kuskie and David Rapponotti (Medal for Lifesaving); and HCA LVN Mayra Davia (Certificate of Recognition).

Congratulations to all of the winners, and thank you for your dedicated public service! Check in the next OCEA magazine for a photo and more on the awards.

OCEA’s annual Health Fair, presented by the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust, will return from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, in the parking lot in front of OCEA.

Representatives from County agencies and various health organizations will educate attendees on health issues and treatments and provide screenings for cholesterol and glucose levels, carpal tunnel syndrome, bone density, blood pressure and other health conditions. Massage therapists will give free massages, and flu shots can be purchased for a nominal fee.

This year, the event is being held in conjunction with Health & Welfare Trust benefits open enrollment so OCEA members can get in-person assistance with their supplemental benefits elections. County medical insurance representatives will also be at the Health Fair to aid employees.

OCEA’s Farmers Market will return for the second year, providing free bags of produce for fairgoers, and a healthy lunch will be served, along with zucchini off the grill and free samples from vendor booths.

Open enrollment coming Sept. 1-30

County workers honored for heroism

OCEA Health Fair and Farmers Market returns Sept. 9

What’s going on in your workplace? Contact OCEA Communications/Social Media Organizer Niyaz Pirani at [email protected] if you would like to submit a workplace story idea for OCEA Employee magazine.


ThE musIc mAn: Doug Friedman first picked up a guitar in high school, and now, many years later, the longtime Public Works employee uses his riffs to benefit others.

Friedman, an environmental engineering specialist since 2001, volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County, but not in the same way most others interact with the organization.

Friedman has attended several of their “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” events to play guitar for the crowd as they walk and fundraise: “Any kind of event that has an audience sounds good to me,” he said. “I was looking for a place to play in front of people, and this happened to be for a good cause—which is even better.”

The walks help fund the organization’s goals to raise awareness and find a cure for Alzheimer’s, a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior, according to alz.org.

“I had two cousins that died from Alzheimer’s,” Friedman said. “They were triplets that my dad grew up with. They were our closest relatives.”

Friedman has volunteered at every local Alzheimer’s walk since 2011 and said he truly enjoys performing for people who appreciate his efforts. He shares the time with his wife, who attends events with him.

“They’re the best people I’ve ever played for. It’s not like going to a bar or something—people really care about what you’re doing,” he said. “They’re glad to see you and they’re glad you’re helping.”

This year Friedman will play fundraisers on Oct. 18 in Tustin, Nov. 1 in Huntington Beach, and Nov. 15 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Visit www.alz.org/oc to participate locally or donate to the cause.

OCEA Employee highlights the contributions of OCEA members in the community. If you volunteer or perform community service and want to share information about the organization you support, contact OCEA Communications/Social Media Organizer Niyaz Pirani at [email protected].

COmmuNIty WORKS

Maria and Doug Friedman at an Alzheimer’s Association event at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.


OCEA publishes member announcements for retirements, births, graduations, weddings, etc. If you have good news, please share it with us! Send your announcements with photos to OCEA Communications/Social media Organizer Niyaz Pirani at [email protected], and they will be printed in the next issue of “OCEA Employee!”

OCEA mEmBER ANNOuNCEMENTS

Ray Yarbrough, who worked with local youth throughout his career at the Orange County Probation Department, retired in January after 26 years with the County. A longtime union member, Yarbrough was a workplace leader in his department and had served on the OCEA Board of Directors since 2009.

He joined the County as a Deputy Probation Counselor and later promoted to Deputy Juvenile Correctional Officer II. In that capacity, he worked to positively influence youth at the shuttered Los Piños Conservation Camp and Juvenile Hall.

“Most of the time, whenever the kids would leave the institution, you never heard back from them,” Yarbrough said. “Occasionally you would get a phone call from one or two of them and they would thank you, and tell you what they were doing. That was rewarding.”

Yarbrough, who plans to travel and focus on hobbies in his retirement, said he will miss the excitement of helping his co-workers.

“Starting as a steward, then PSU Board member, and eventually OCEA Board member, was an eye-opener,” Yarbrough said. “I feel that we as a Board definitely help the members. We go after the County when we feel they are unjust.”

As tough as contract negotiations have been in recent years for County members, Yarbrough said

more members need to stand together and become educated and active to maintain union strength and help preserve the middle class.

“The County was trying to propose takeaways while employees have been struggling to get the job done. They need to get involved because if they don’t there won’t be a voice for the people,” he said. “If OCEA wasn’t there, there definitely wouldn’t be a voice,

and the people would have lost a lot already. People need to get

involved on all levels because solidarity is

where it’s at.”

OCEA Board member Ray Yarbrough retires


In recognition of nurses who are committed to improving the health of our nation, the American Nurses Association this year is celebrating National Nurses Week in the spirit of “Nurses Leading the Way.”

“Nurses are dedicated to providing care to others and generally spend the most time with patients,” said ANA spokesperson Jemarion Jones. “They often act tirelessly and selflessly in a high-stress job and don’t take time to recognize their own efforts and contributions. National Nurses Week is a chance to pause and reflect on this good work.”

More than 400 nurses work for the County of Orange through the Health Care and Social Services Agencies. They provide preventative education to the homeless, prenatal assistance for

underage mothers, healthcare for uninsured children, and more.

“The value is immeasurable. Public health nurses are leading the way in engaging patients in the care process so they can better manage their own health,” Jones said. “Given that health care in the U.S. is in the throes of shifting its emphasis from an illness care system to one focused on health promotion and disease prevention, public health nurses are poised to lead the way in developing policies and programs that will improve health conditions for all and to advocate for poor and vulnerable populations.”

These are the stories—in their own words—of OCEA members who strive to improve care for some of Orange County’s most at-risk residents.

NuRSES BuILD HEALTHY COMMuNITIESmEEt thREE NuRSES dEdICAtEd tO ImPROvINg PuBlIC WEll-BEINg

OCEA EMPLOYE E8

“I started working in mental health fresh out of college. I was a psychiatric technician for a while, which is similar to the level of a licensed vocational nurse, so I went on further and became a registered nurse. Once I became an RN, I did some medical oncology, but mental health was kind of a home base for me, so I went back.

I joined the County 19 years ago, working in the jails. I’m in the Intake Release Center at the Central Jails

Complex, screening and working with incoming inmates on their mental health issues.

Everybody goes through a medical screening to answer questions about medical problems, chronic issues or injuries.

I need to assign an appropriate housing area for them so they’re safe if they might be dangerous, but I also need to protect them because they might be a

victim of other people who are here. At any given point, just through mental health triage, we can see upwards of 50 new people coming in per day.

What makes me personally feel good, besides keeping up with the flow of people I have coming in, is when we do get somebody that has a serious mental illness and we can identify that, get them housed appropriately, and get them the treatment they need.”

Rachelle GardeaSenior Comprehensive

Care NurseIntake Release Center, Central Jai ls Complex

30 years in nurs ing


“I had this shirt when I was like 4 years old that said ‘I want to be a nurse when I grow up.’ My parents are not nurses. Everybody says ‘Oh, yeah, your mom is probably a nurse,’ but she was not. She worked for L.A. County for 30-something years as a statistical clerk. Everyone is like ‘Oh, your aunt’s probably a nurse,’—nope. It was just ingrained in my head, which is really weird. It’s like God told me at 4 years old: ‘That is what you are going to be.’

I played tennis through high school and my doubles partner also wanted to be a nurse. She found Mount St. Mary’s College. I did my 4 years there too, and it was the best 4 years of my life. I found

my County job at a nursing career fair.

You can’t really know public health unless you are exposed to it in school a lot. It’s different. A lot of it is dealing with healthier patients—not acute critical patients. It’s about prevention. We teach about nutrition and obesity, cessation of smoking and more. We also provide clinic care for children without insurance, and travel immunizations.

My favorite thing about the job is my patient contact. I am a nurse who sees patients, gives shots and does counseling. As a supervisor, if one of my nurses is out, I don’t mind jumping in there. It keeps my skills fresh.“

“It is the custom in the Philippines to be a nurse or a doctor, and I was told to be a nurse. I like helping other people, and I had to help my younger siblings go to school, so I didn’t regret it—I love nursing. I graduated in 1951. I was a nurse in the Philippines until I came to the United States in 1969.

I worked at Harbor Hospital in L.A. and later retired because I was helping to take care of my grandbabies. Later, I applied at the County, and they called me as extra help. I did that for 7 or 8 years before becoming an employee.

Right now I’m in the R.E.A.C.H. program—Risk reduction, Education

and Community Health—where we meet the homeless at places where they eat or sleep. We talk to them and connect them with resources, including places where they can apply for shelter. We conduct educational classes and teach them how to cope with life instead of turning to addictions. We also do preventative wellness clinics where we take blood pressure and blood sugar. If they need health insurance, we connect them.

I think it is the best life I could have ever had because I was raised around missionaries, all of my relatives are missionaries, and nursing, too, it is like a missionary work.”

Supervis ing Publ ic health Nurse

Family health 17th Street Cl in ic

15 years in nurs ing

Staff NurseR.E.A.C.h. program

17th Street Cl in ic63 years in nurs ing

Helen Topacio

Flora Colinco


Labor’s Joint Legislative Conference—held in Sacramento in mid-March—was bound this year by a unifying theme: When working people stand together, we can rebuild the middle class. This reminder of what solidarity achieves permeated every speech and meeting held at the conference, an annual gathering co-hosted by the California Labor Federation and the State Building and Construction Trades Council.

The event played out over two days—the first in conference rooms and the second at the State Capitol. More than 500 representatives from California unions discussed Labor’s 2014 agenda and our effort to continue supporting laws and lawmakers to help amplify the voice of working people in our State’s political hub.

On the first day, attendees discussed the wealth gap, 2014 political races, inequities for workers, involving more young workers in the labor movement, and the need for more good-paying union jobs—the kind that were the envy of our grandparent’s generation.

On the second day, union groups met with their region’s lawmakers and staff to seek support on various bills to improve the middle class. These same efforts last year helped to gain backing on 16 worker-friendly bills that were passed.

California’s labor unions stand together to rebuild the middle class

Onthefirstdayofthetwo-dayconference,CaliforniaLaborFederationExecutiveSecretary-TreasurerArtPulaskibringsthemeetingtoorder.


“The division between wealth and poverty is only growing larger. We need workers standing together, both union and non-union alike.”

Connie Leyva, California Labor Federation/uFCW Local 1428 President (below, center)

Speakers included, from left to right: Darrell Steinberg, Senate President Pro Tem; Robbie Hunter, State Building and Construction Trades Council President; Connie Leyva, California Labor Federation President; John A. Perez, Speaker of the Assembly; and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez.

In the evening session, California Governor Jerry Brown spoke about the importance of a strong labor movement in California and the many great wins Labor had in 2013.

OCEA EMPLOYE E Take a stand with your co-workers. Become a workplace leader at oceamember.org/getinvolved12

OcEA ADVOcATEs FOR cOuRT FunDInG: Last year, Labor advocated for 16 worker-friendly bills that ultimately were passed by the legislature—many of which we discussed with lawmakers during last year’s Joint Legislative Conference. This year, OCEA pushed for lawmakers to support the restoration of judicial branch funding back to 2008-09 levels.

A deficit in Court funding has caused the Court to try to reduce the pay and benefits of Court workers and reduce services to our communities.

“Across the state, courts have dealt with it in different ways—some have closed court houses, some have closed court rooms,” OCEA Operations Manager Charles Barfield said. “We saw attempts in O.C. to slash health care benefits and cut salaries for the lowest-paid workers, while employees are continually tasked to do more with less resources.”

OCEA members and staff are working in Orange County and Sacramento to gain support for the restoration of this critical funding: “By gaining broad support at the State level, we hope to turn the tide at the local level,” Barfield said.

Waiting in line to get into the State Capitol, OCEA Operations ManagerCharlesBarfield,firstontheleft,reviewshisnotes.Barfield,in several meetings throughout the day, urged lawmakers to examinewaystorestorefundingtothecourtsystem.

OCEA EMPLOYEE 13

Aside from OCEA seeking Court funding, a delegation from Southern California Labor advocated for laws that would guarantee sick leave for workers, and expose companies that force employees onto government subsidy programs through low wages and reduced hours and benefits:

Assembly Bill 1792 (Gomez): Expose Taxpayer subsidies to Low-Wage Employers

AB 1792 would provide transparency for taxpayers by allowing the State to determine which corporations employ workers supported by taxpayer-funded assistance programs. Workers

are forced onto those programs because of low wages, reduced hours and elimination of health care. Public-assistance programs were meant to help workers in a bind, not as a

permanent way to subsidize health care and resources for the workers of some of the richest corporations in America.

As of 2013, 24 states have identified employers who rely on public welfare to increase corporate profits. Wal-Mart leads all other American companies,

though some of its principal owners are included on the list of top 10 richest people in the country. AB1792 would require the California

Department of Finance to create a public report listing employers with more than 25 employees who receive benefits through Medi-Cal,

CalFresh, CalWORKS or the Women, Infants and Children programs, and expose companies that rip off taxpayers.

Assembly Bill 1522 (Gonzalez): Earned sick Leave for All california Workers

AB 1522 would guarantee every California worker sick leave to recover from illness, care for a sick family

member or bond with a baby after 90 days. The bill also protects workers from retaliation when they do use sick time. Currently, no U.S. law requires employers to provide paid sick days; nearly 40 percent of

workers earn no sick leave.

“For those without earned sick leave benefits, missing three and a half days of work equates

to losing an amount of money equivalent to an entire family’s monthly grocery budget,

according to the National Partnership for Women and Families.

A delegation from Southern California Labor, including members and staff from OCEA, advocated for laws supporting working families. The delegation met with Speaker of the Assembly John A. Perez, Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva and Senator Lou Correa.

OCEA EMPLOYE E14

Probation members talk realignment during Sacramento visitA week after Labor’s Legislative Conference, a delegation from Orange County Probation attended a similar support-seeking event for the State Coalition of Probation Organizations.

Law-enforcement officials from across the state worked to gain the support of legislators who carried a variety of safety-related bills.

OCEA’s delegation included Deputy Juvenile Correction Officer Chris Raahauge, an OCEA Probation Services Unit Board member; Probation Officer Denise Hernandez, PSU Board Vice President and a SCOPO director; and OCEA Senior Labor Relations Representative Frank Flavin.

They met with legislators including Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Senator Kevin De León and Assemblymember Isadore Hall.

“Making our statewide politicians aware of probation and the work that we do, and bringing probation issues to the forefront—considering the new challenges we face with AB 109 and the types of sophisticated criminals we are working with now—is very important to protect probation officers in the field, both in Orange County and statewide,” Hernandez said.

Members of SCOPO, including OCEA members and staff, poseforaphotoinLt.Gov.GavinNewsom’soffice.

LABOR’S 2013 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

these bills and actions, supported by labor and passed by lawmakers in 2013, helped to support the middle class.

minimum wage (AB 10, Alejo/steinberg): Increased the minimum wage by 25%, to $10 per hour, the highest rate in the country.

corporate tax breaks (AB 93, committee on Budget): Eliminated Enterprise Zone tax credits that rewarded companies for laying off union workers and relocating to areas with lower worker wages.

strengthen collective bargaining in the public sector (AB 537, Bonta/AB 646, Atkins): Clarified and improved the process for contract ratification, dispute resolution and impasse procedure.

charter city conversions (sB 311, Padilla): Moved charter conversions, such as the attempt by Costa Mesa, to the general election and created a more public process.

Protect prevailing wage and PLAs (sB 7, steinberg): Prohibited cities that ban prevailing wage and Project Labor Agreements from getting State construction funds.

PERB board (Gov. Brown): Appointed four Labor-supported members to the Public Employment Relations Board.

BAD BILLS IN 2014these bills proposed by lawmakers in Sacramento would harm working families and must be opposed.

AB 2628 (mansoor): Would give the Orange County Board of Supervisors greater power to appoint members to the board overseeing County employee retirement (OCERS).

sB 1313 (nielson): Would repeal the law that gives trial court employees collective bargaining rights and protections.

AB 2400 (Ridley-Thomas): Would make it more difficult for our trust funds to manage health care costs and provide adequate access to benefits.

AB 2095 (Wagner): Would create a chilling effect on workers exercising their rights by allowing employers to argue that a labor claim was filed in bad faith and get their attorney’s fees paid for by the worker.

sB 1114 (Walters): Would restrict employer contributions to retiree benefits.


upcoming Employee Benefit ChangesPresented by Orange County HRS (Employee Benefits) Department

Noon to 1 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 15, 2014OCEA Assembly Room, 830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, Ca 92701

Topics include:

Phase I: Healthcare Plan & Premium Changes

1) What are the Plan changes? When and how will they be implemented?

2) Affordable Care Act impact on health care

3) Cigna hmO & Kaiser hmO Plan changes

4) County PPO Plans (Administered by Blue Shield)—Wellwise & Sharewell PPO Plan changes

Phase II: Wellness

5) Wellness components:

a. health Risk Assessment (hRA)

b. Biometric screening

c. Non-SmokerAffidavit&reasonableavailableaccommodations

6) HIPAA&confidentiality

7) Future communication & activities

Please RSVP if possible by emailing Joanna Nachurski at [email protected]. Be sure to include which session you plan to attend. Both sessions will cover the same topics.

Complementary parking is available in the Diamond Parking lot in front of OCEA.

OCEA President Lezlee Neebe and OCEA Board member Rick Burns, both court clerks, and Carolyn Gregor, a court reporter and OCEA Steward, spoke at state Senate and Assembly hearings about court budget shortfalls and the importance of restoring funding to the courts.

OCEA Assistant General Manager Jennifer Muir with Governor Jerry Brown during on a recent trip to Oakland.

Following OCEA’s trip to the Labor conference, we continued our work in Sacramento. OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino and Assistant General Manager Jennifer Muir traveled to Oakland for the California Labor Federation’s candidate endorsements, and Superior Court members spoke at Senate and Assembly hearings to advocate for judicial branch funding.

After OCEA’s Sacramento trip ...


OCEA members and the Orange County Board of Supervisors recently approved a third-party mediator’s proposal, ending a tenuous 2-year negotiation unlike any seen in this union’s 76-year history. The approved contract—a 15-month deal which expires in June 2015— builds a bridge to the future for OCEA members. The agreement preserves crucial benefits and provides a salary increase for you and your co-workers, while allowing time for us all to determine new ways of insulating OCEA members from the harsh, anti-public-employee political climate that poisoned recent bargaining. And it is a short-term agreement that gives us an opportunity to see what happens with other groups before we officially get back to the table next year.

A generation ago, people like our grandparents joined together and negotiated wages that were the envy of the world, which paved the way for the American middle class. We too can stand together and rise to the challenge placed before us. Our contract built the bridge—together we will cross it!

With the bridge in place, we already have begun informal and preliminary discussions with the County about ways to determine future wage increases and improvements to your MOU by tying your raises to independently-measured performance metrics. That way, by taking this business-like approach, the County can finally get back to rewarding its workforce for being one of the most efficient and effective in the state.

Our goal is to work with the County to develop salary-setting methods and examine the future of what it means to be a public employee. And to be in the best position possible, we are holding off on any formal discussions until we can see what happens with other groups.

With your involvement, and the direction of OCEA’s workplace leaders, we will continue standing together to protect your family’s security. We need you to help carry us across the bridge. To get involved, please contact us at www.oceamember.org/getinvolved.

OCEA CONTRACT:BuIldINg A BRIdgE tO thE FutuRE

OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino and the OCEA Bargaining Team wait it out in a County meeting room during the mediation process.


DATE AGENCY LOCATION

5/14 Registrar of voters 1300 S. grand Ave., Bldg. C, Santa Ana

5/20 Community Resources—hCS 1770 N. Broadway, Santa Ana

5/21 AmEA Public Works 955 S. melrose Street, Anaheim

5/22 Probation—West Court PhN 8141 13th Street, Westminster

5/27 Fountain valley yard 1730 mount hermann Ave., Fountain valley

5/29 OCERS 2223 E. Wellington Ave. #100, Santa Ana

6/3 O.C. Water district 10500 Ellis Ave., Fountain valley

6/12 harbor Court Newport Beach 4601 Jamboree Blvd., Newport Beach

6/17 Sanitation district 10844 Ellis Ave., Fountain valley

6/18 loma Ridge (11 a.m.) 2644 Santiago Canyon Road, Silverado Canyon

6/19 SSA—CRO 2020 W. Walnut Street, Santa Ana

6/24 CEO-library headquarters 1501 E. St. Andrews Place, Santa Ana

6/26 Irvine City hall 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine

7/1 O.C. Fire Authority 1 Fire Authority Road, Irvine

7/10 Probation North 1535 E. Orangewood Ave., Anaheim

7/15 moulton Niguel Water district—the yard 26161 gordon Road, laguna hills

7/17 hCA 1241 E. dyer Road, Santa Ana

7/22 mesa Water district 1965 Placentia Ave., Costa mesa

7/29 garden grove 11222 Acacia Parkway, garden grove

7/31 JWA 3160 Airway Ave., Costa mesa

8/5 AmEA—City hall 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim

8/7 AmEA—Public Works Public Works yard, Anaheim

8/14 SSA 115 Columbia, Aliso viejo

8/19 North Court 1275 N. Berkeley Ave., Fullerton

unless otherwise noted, hot dog service begins at 11:30 a.m. This schedule is subject to change. View the Hot Topics section of www.oceamember.org for the most up-to-date list.

2014 schedule:

OCEA Hot Dog Wagon


8/20 Costa mesa 77 Fair drive, Costa mesa

8/21 CSS—Annual Staff Appreciation day 1055 N. main Street, Santa Ana

8/30 labor day at Santa Ana Zoo (10 a.m.) 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana

9/2 the PIt 12 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana

9/4 Sheriff—Aliso viejo Substation 11 Journey, Aliso viejo

9/9 OCEA health Fair (10 a.m.) OCEA, 830 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana

9/11 Animal Control 561 the City drive South, Orange

9/16 OCPW/Sheriff-hutton towers 320 N. Flower Street, Santa Ana

9/23 AmEA—Police dept./library 500 W. Broadway, Anaheim

9/25 Central Court/law library 515 N. Flower Street, Santa Ana

10/2 Probation/CSS/Sheriff 909 N. main Street, Santa Ana

10/9 mOB/OCh/theo/lamoreaux 401 the City drive, Orange

10/14 musick Farm 13502 musick, Irvine

10/16 SSA 744 N. Eckhoff Street, Orange

10/21 San Clemente 380 Avenida Pico, San Clemente

10/23 OCPW—glassell yard (3:30 p.m.) 2301 glassell Street, Orange

10/28 tustin library Courtyard 300 Centennial Way, tustin

11/11 veterans day Event, (10 a.m.) OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair drive, Costa mesa

OCEA’s resident grill masters Jerry Martel and Carlos Rosales cook hot dogs on the wagon.


At work with: OCEA Board member Frank Eley

Q: Why did you go into public service?

A: Like so many young people, I just saw the County as a stopping-over place. I was 22 years old and there was “NO WAY I was going to stay here more than a year or two until the recession was over.” That was in 1982.

Q: When did you start at the county of Orange, and what has been your career path?

A: I started in June 1982 as an engineering technician in Right of Way Engineering for the Environmental Management Agency, now O.C. Public Works. Ironically, since I was new, I was the only one in my section who wasn’t beating a deadline for a project, so I was the one who was selected to be first and go to the CAD training no one else wanted to attend. That led me to Computer Services—now Information Technology—where I am today.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A: Although helping users with the myriad of system, application, PC, and Computer Aided Design problems is rewarding, the most rewarding part is serving on the boards and committees that benefit my fellow employees across the County as a whole. I serve on the Deferred Comp Advisory Committee, the OCERS Board of Retirement, and, of course, the OCEA Board of Directors and Health & Welfare Trust.

Q: What are the challenges you face working in your field, and how do you overcome them?

A: Though the County is fully cognizant of the many concessions OCEA members have given over the last 5 years, the County has “rewarded” that sacrifice with layoffs, outsourcing, and in real dollar terms, salary cuts. Employees know this, but the biggest challenge I face every day is the misplaced negativity of some of the County workforce.

Instead of acknowledging that it is the County doing this, they turn it around in their heads and blame OCEA, the ONE advocate standing up for them and the working class.

Some fail to realize OCEA is a vessel to carry us through these times, to protect what we’ve got—but it takes a lot of work, and not a lot of people are rowing.

Q: What advice do you have for employees who want to be active at OcEA but don’t know how to get started?

A: As a famous film director once said, “80 percent of success is just showing up.” The steward meeting is still at the same time as it has been since I’ve been going in 1982—at noon and 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.

Be there.

Frank EleySystems Analyst IIOrange County Public Works

County employee since: 1982OCEA member since: 1982OCEA Board member since: 1985


Want to read more from your OCEA Board of Directors? visit the bottom left corner of OCEA’s homepage at www.oceamember.org and select “meet your Board” for bios and links to interviews and articles about your dedicated Board members.

At work with: OCEA Board member Pamela Waters

Q: Why did you go into public service?

A: I fell into it. The medical supplies company I was working for was bought out so I started working temporary positions through an agency. I accepted a position in 1986 at the library administration office across the street from what is now The Outlets at Orange. When the County employee whose job I was doing called the office to say she was not returning from maternity leave I was handed an employment application and was officially hired a couple months later.

Q: When did you start at the county of Orange, and what has been your career path?

A: I started in 1987. The first available County test was for a Typist Clerk, and as tests were given I moved into the position of Secretary II at the Public Library. I have been in the same position for my entire 27 years as a County employee.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A: The most rewarding part of my job is being able to help our patrons at a moment’s notice. Patrons call in upset when they receive a letter from our collection company. I’m able to calm them and walk them through how to fix the problem.

This prevents their library account from negatively affecting their credit report, or, if already on their credit report, assisting them with the process of paying the library charges. The public library system is committed to superior customer service and it makes me feel good when I am able to help our patrons.

Q: What are the challenges you face working in your field, and how do you overcome them?

A: I have always been a positive, upbeat person so when a person calls me with an emergency request regarding a negative on their credit report, it is a challenge as to how quickly I can fix their problem. When the economy started declining and the calls started coming in much more frequently, I was thankful to already have a hard and fast procedure in place so I could respond quickly.

Q: What advice do you have for employees who want to be active at OcEA but don’t know how to get started?

A: It’s so easy to be active, and there are many ways to help OCEA staff. The easiest way is to call your staff rep at (714) 835-3355 and tell them you wish to help. They’ll find something for you. You can also attend a steward meeting at noon or 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.

Pamela WatersSecretary IIOrange County Community Resources (Public Library)

County employee since: 1987OCEA member since: 1989OCEA Board member since: 1993


AMuSEMENT PARKS

cAsTLE PARk: $12.99/person 36” and above (Reg. $25.99). All-day unlimited rides, unlimited miniature golf and Buccaneer Cove (when in season). No blackouts; tickets expire Dec. 31. Tickets only available online.

DIsnEyLAnD: One-day One-park admissions, Park hoppers and annual passes: Visit www.oceamember.org for details. Tickets only available online.

knOTT’s BERRy FARm: $35/adult; $27/ages 3-11 and seniors 62 and up (Reg. $62 & $33). No blackouts; tickets expire Dec. 31. Tickets also available online.

LEGOLAnD: 1-Day LEGOLAnD-only admission: $67/adult; $62/ages 3-12, plus 2nd day FREE within 90 days of first visit. (Reg. $83-$73). No blackouts. LEGOLAnD Resort hopper admission: (LEGOLAnD, sEALIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAnD Water Park): $72/adult; $67/ages 3-12, plus 2nd day FREE; 2nd day must be used anytime between first visit and the expiration date (Reg. $107-$97). 5-Day LEGOLAnD Resort hopper admission: (LEGOLAnD, sEALIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAnD Water Park): $107/adult; $97/ages 3-12. All visits must occur within 5 days of first visit. *Water Park is seasonal and requires same-day use as LEGOLAND visit. All tickets expire Dec. 31. Tickets only available online.

sAn DIEGO ZOO: $38/adult; $30/ages 3-11 (Reg. $46 & $36). No blackouts; tickets expire Dec. 10. Tickets also available online. Tickets also available online.

sAn DIEGO ZOO sAFARI PARk: $38/adult; $30/ages 3-11 (Reg. $46 & $36). No blackouts; tickets expire Dec. 10. Tickets also available online.

sEAWORLD sAn DIEGO: single-day, plus 2nd day free: $64/ages 3 & up (Reg. $84/adult; $78/ages 3-9). Tickets available thru Sept. 30 only. Tickets expire Dec. 24. Fun card: $73/ages 3 & up (Reg. 84/adult; $78/ages 3-9). Blackouts: May 25; July 4-5 and 19; Aug. 2, 9 and 31; Sept. 1; Fun Cards available thru Oct. 31. Fun Cards expire Dec. 31. Tickets also available online. Tickets also available online.

sIx FLAGs mAGIc mOunTAIn: $41/ages 3 and up (Reg. $66.99). No blackouts; tickets expire Sept. 28. Tickets also available online.

unIVERsAL sTuDIOs hOLLyWOOD: Day admissions and annual passes: visit www.oceamember.org for details. Tickets only available online.

DINNER ENTERTAINMENT

mEDIEVAL TImEs DInnER & TOuRnAmEnT: $42/adult; $32/ages 12 & under (Reg. $57.95 & $35.95). Reservation required. Tickets expire Dec. 30.

PIRATE’s DInnER ADVEnTuRE: $36/adult; $28/ages 3-11 (Reg. $59 & $40). Reservation required. Tickets expire Nov. 30.

MOVIE THEATERS

Amc ThEATREs (LOEWs & cInEPLEx): $8/person (Reg. $12.50). Unrestricted admission. Subject to surcharge for large format, IMAX or 3-D. Valid nationwide.

cEnTuRy cInEmA: $7.50/person (Reg. $11.50). Unrestricted admissions. Subject to surcharge for large format, IMAX or 3-D.

kRIkORIAn PREmIERE ThEATREs: $7.50/person (Reg. $11). Unrestricted admission. Subject to surcharge for large format, IMAX or 3-D.

REGAL EnTERTAInmEnT GROuP: unrestricted admission: $8/person (Reg. $12). Subject to surcharge for large format, IMAX or 3-D. Restricted admission: $7/person (Reg. $12). Not valid during first 12 days of release or for special engagements. New-release upgrade for $1.50; subject to surcharge for large format, IMAX or 3-D. Valid nationwide.

ONE-TIME EVENTS

RInGLInG BROs cIRcus: 3:30 p.m. Sat. Aug. 2, Honda Center. Tickets will be available on pre-paid basis only. Deadline, ticket prices, and seating section are TBA. Visit www.oceamember.org for most current event information.

sEGERsTROm cEnTER FOR ThE ARTs: Visit www.oceamember.org for details. Offers only available online.

WALkInG WITh DInOsAuRs: 3 p.m. Sat. Sept. 6, Honda Center. $33/ages 2 and up (Reg. $39.50); seating section: 441; $69/ages 2 and up (Reg. $79.50); seating section: 227. Seating section may change without notice. Tickets available on pre-paid basis only. No refunds. Offer expires June 13.

OuT OF AREA

ORLAnDO VAcATIOn: Save up to 35% off your next family vacation to Orlando! Discount offers include admissions to Disney World; Universal Studios Orlando; Sea World and Aquatica; as well as vacation homes and Orlando hotels close to or on theme park property, at very affordable rates. Exclusive discounts available online only. Check for more information on www.oceamember.org.

TIckETs AT WORk: Take advantage of exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment and travel nationwide! Offers only available online include 25% off regular car rental rates; hotels; Las Vegas shows and attractions; New York and Broadway specials; South Florida attractions; ski resorts tickets; Six Flags theme parks; and more. Check for more information on www.oceamember.org.

SO CAL ATTRACTIONS

AQuARIum OF ThE PAcIFIc: $19/adult; $12/ ages 3-11 (Reg. $28.95 & $14.95). No blackouts; tickets expire Nov. 30. Tickets also available online.

BATTLEshIP uss IOWA: $13.50/adult; $7.50/ages 6-17; $11.50/senior 62 and up (Reg. $18-$10-$15). No blackouts; tickets expire one year from the day of purchase. USS Iowa is located at the Pacific Battleship Center at 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, CA 90731; visit website www.pacificbattleship.com for details. Tickets only available online.

BOOmERs! (FAmILy Fun cEnTERs): $15/ages 3 & up (Reg. $29.95). All-day unlimited rides and unlimited miniature golf passes, excluding arcade games, batting cages and food. No blackouts; tickets expire July 11.

cATALInA FLyER: $54/adult; $40/ages 3-12 (Reg. $70 & $53). Reservation required. Tickets expire Dec. 31.

cATALInA ExPREss: $62/adult; $53/ages 3-11 (Reg. $74.50 & $59). Reservation required. Blackouts: May 24-26, July 4-6, Aug. 30-Sept. 1. Tickets expire Dec. 31.

DIscOVERy scIEncE cEnTER: $12/adult; $10/ages 3-15 (Reg. $15.95 & $12.95). Tickets also available online.

mADAmE TussAuDs WAx musEum, hOLLyWOOD: $15/ages 3 & up (Reg. $26.95). Tickets expire Aug. 6. Prices are subject to change without notice. Tickets only available online.

sunsET cRuIsEs: $13/adult; $10/ages 2-12 (Reg. 25). Unlimited Drink Package: $13/person (Reg. $25). Offer based on availability. Reservations by phone (949) 675-0551 or online www.cruisenewportbeach.com. Tickets are not available at the OCEA Special Events office. Promo code: OCEA. Offer expires Dec. 31.

nEWPORT LAnDInG WhALE WATchInG: $15/adult; $10/ages 3-12 (Reg. $25). Based on availability. Reservations by phone (949) 675-0551 or online www.NewportWhale.com. Tickets are not available at the OCEA Special Events office. Promo code: OCEA. Offer expires Dec. 31.

SPORTS

k1 sPEED: $15/person (Reg. $25.95). Price includes one standard 14-lap race and 1-year K1 Speedway license for new drivers. Junior drivers must be at least 48”; adult drivers must be at least 4’10” to drive. No blackout dates.

nEWPORT LAnDInG sPORTFIshInG: ½-day trip: $ 1/2-day trip: $26.50/adult; $21/ages 2-12 (Reg. $41.50-$34); ¾-day trip: $45/adult; $40/ages 2-12 (Reg. $71-$61). Offer based on availability. Rod and tackle packs available at the additional charge. Reservations by phone (949) 675-0551 or online www.NewportLanding.com. Tickets are not available at the OCEA Special Events office. Promo code: OCEA. Offer expires Dec. 31.

WATER PARKS

AQuATIcA, sEAWORLD’s WATER PARk: single-day admission: $30/adult; $24/ages 3-11 (Reg. $40 & 34). splash Pass (multi-day admission): $37/ages 3 and up (Reg. 40). No blackouts; season duration: May 24-Sept. 28. Tickets also available online.

BuccAnEER’s cOVE at BOOmERs, IRVInE: $15/ages 3 and older (Reg. $29.99). No blackouts; season duration: March 28-Sept. 2. Tickets also available online.

knOTT’s sOAk cITy: $24/adult; $21/ages 3-11 (Reg. $34.99 & 24.99). No blackouts; season duration: May 16-Sept. 14. Tickets also available online.

LEGOLAnD WATER PARk: LEGOLAND California Resort Hopper ticket includes admission to LEGOLAND® California, SEA LIFE® Aquarium and LEGOLAND® Water Park. Water Park visit requires same-day admission to LEGOLAND and is open seasonally. $72/adult; $67/ages 3-12, plus Second Day Free! 2nd day must be used anytime between first visit and the expiration date Dec. 31. (Reg. $107-$97). Tickets only available online.

RAGInG WATERs: $28/ages 3-11 (Reg. $34.99). No blackouts; season duration: May 11-Sept. 22. Tickets also available online.

sIx FLAGs huRRIcAnE hARBOR: $24.99/ages 3 & up (Reg. $39.99/adult; $31.99/ages 2 up-under 48”). No blackouts; season duration: May 24-Sept. 28. Tickets also available online.

sPLAsh kInGDOm: May 10-Sept. 28. Visit www.oceamember.org for details. Tickets only available online.

WILD RIVERs: The park is negotiating with the County of Orange to relocate Wild Rivers in Great Park area in the near future.

Special savings for OCEA members! Check OCEA’s website, www.oceamember.org, for full details.

Prices subject to change without notice.

OCEA tickets

OCEA e-ticket programs

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


AuTOMOTIVE & CAR RENTALS

The Red Book: New cars at fleet prices! For details, go to www.redbook4autos.com or call (800) 422-4561.

Avis: Up to 25% savings on selected cars through corporate program. OCEA corporate code T815000. (800) 331-1212.

Budget: Up to 25% savings on selected cars through corporate program. OCEA corporate code X627900. (800) 455-2848

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

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

EZ Auto Test Only: Smog all vehicles including motor homes, change of title, out of state, and gross polluters! We are located at 2208 N. Main Street #B, Santa Ana, CA 92706 (at the corner of Main and Buffalo Street; near School First Credit Union). For details please call (714) 542-9400.

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

Promax Auto service: Do you need quality automotive service? With ASE Certified Technicians who have experience with both foreign and domestic automobiles, Promax Auto Service has consistently been voted #1 by the Reader’s Choice for Best Automotive Repair Shop in South Orange County. OCEA members save 20% off the total bill. Contact us at (949) 495-5156. We are located at 20742 Lake Forest Dr. #C2, Lake Forest, CA 92630.

Thrifty car Rental: Great savings through Tickets-At-Work Corporate Program! Call (800) 847-4389. Corporate code 0010229234.

BANKING

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

Orange county’s credit union: Auto loan rates as low as 1.99% APR. *APR is Annual Percentage Rate. The approximate payment per $1,000 on a new and used auto 60-month term loan at 1.99% is $17.52. Rate shown is for premium credit and includes a .25% discount for automatic payments. Loans without automatic payments will be .25% higher. Rate good for up to 100% financing on new and used cars. Longer terms of up to 84 months on new autos are also available. Call for rates. For used autos with mileage in excess of 100,000, there may be a small rate differential. Call for details. Minimum loan amount is $5,000. Certain restrictions apply. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. Normal approval standards apply. Membership in Orange County’s Credit Union is available to anyone who lives or works in Orange County. The Lifetime Membership fee is $5. (888) 354-6228 www.orangecountyscu.org.

CANDIES, FLOWERS & MORE

cherry moon Farms: 15% discount on hundreds of orchard-fresh gifts that make every occasion special. For more information call (800) 210-2279. Corporate code: OCEA.

Personal creations: 15% discount on a variety of personalized gifts, perfect for any occasion. For more information call (800) 210-2279. Corporate code: OCEA.

ProFlowers.com: 15% discount on a variety of gifts for all your personal and corporate occasions! Same-day delivery available! Call (800) 210-2279 to place your order. Corporate code: OCEA.

Red Envelope: 15% discount on a unique and wide-ranging collection of thoughtful gifts for every occasion. To order over the phone, call (800) 210-2279. Corporate code: OCEA.

shari’s Berries: 15% discount on high-quality hand-dipped berries, luxurious cheesecakes and gourmet baked goods. Call (800) 210-2279. Corporate code: OCEA.

see’s candy: Gift certificates good for 1 lb. at any See’s store! OCEA-members price $14.50 (Reg. $17.50). Certificates are available at the OCEA Special Events office by cash or ATM/debit card.

EDuCATION

university of Phoenix delivers rigorous coursework in a flexible format to allow students to balance work and home life while earning their degrees. OCEA members are eligible to receive a 10% savings on the cost of tuition among other benefits such as access to innovative technologies including electronic textbooks and course materials, online library and more. For more details visit www.oceamember.org

ENTERTAINMENT & TRAVEL

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

Palm springs Aerial Tramway: As an OCEA member you can enjoy all the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s attractions at up to 25% discount. The Alpine Club cards are available at the OCEA Special Events office free of charge. Card is valid for up to 6 persons. Discount contact (760) 325-1391.

scAT Travel: Offers substantial discounts on a variety of exciting cruises exclusively for OCEA members. Contact Sandy Cuny at (714) 669-9019 or by email [email protected].

ORTHODONTIST

Orthodontic Office of mark J. Weisenberg, DDs, ms: Excellent discounts on Invisalign treatments and orthodontic braces. Delta Dental provider. Located in Villa Park. To schedule your appointment, call (714) 974-9000.

PARTY RENTALS

Oc Fun Party Rentals: Looking for a jumper rental company that offers safe, clean, affordable and great-looking jumpers? OCEA members receive $10 off per hour of entertainment, per rental item booked! This offer excludes additional concessions servings and all helium tank rentals. For more information call (714) 914-7159, email [email protected] or visit their website www.ocfunrentals.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY & ART

Artistic Bridals & Portraits Photography: 15% off wedding photography & event plans from their already low prices. OCEA members-only plan is also available! Visit www.nemo4u.com to view samples of work. Call Mike Nemeth at (949) 496-4559 today!

sketches and clay molding: Local artist draws realistic sketches from photos creates statues and figures out of clay. References and work samples are available upon request. View my portfolio at http://bit.ly/XnBC8V. Christine, (714) 653-5172; http://bit.ly/XnBC8V

s8ved Photography: For your next Kodak-moment call George Reyes at (714) 609-0039 or email him [email protected]. Save 20% on any order. Visit www.s8vedphotography.com.

SCRAPBOOKING

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].

SERVICES

ADT security services: Residential and Business Security that include Burglary, Fire, Carbon Monoxide, Online Access, Video, and Home Automation Features. 24 Month monitoring agree required, Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. Prices subject to change. Some insurance companies offer discounts on homeowner’s insurance. Please consult your insurance company. Offer subject to change. CA ACO7155. Please contact Jeff Spatz at (714) 907-2995 or by email [email protected]

WELLNESS

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

WIRELESS

Please note: Wireless discounts are applicable to all Orange County and City employees. Proof of employment is required.

AT&T: County of Orange Employees receive up to 15% discount off their monthly service fee for rate plans with minutes or data usage included. Existing and new users qualify for the discount! For more information please contact Jeannie Acosta, (310) 990-1262 or [email protected].

sprint: Save 18% off select regularly priced monthly service plans. Plus, activation fee waived for new activations (up to $36 value; requires a new two-year agreement). This discount is available to all employees working at the state or local level within the State of California. Mention this code to claim 18% discount: GLSCA_COO_ZZZ; To order by phone: 1-866-639-8354; To order online: www.sprint.com/californialocalgovernment; To add 18% discount for existing Sprint customers: www.sprint.com/verify and click on the “Existing Customers” tab or call 866-639-8354.

T-mobile: 15% discount on qualifying monthly recurring phone charges. Promotion code: 13302TMOFAV. Discount contact: Daniel Chacon, (310) 651-0603 or T-Mobile Government Program, (866) 464-8662.

Verizon: Save 15% on select monthly plans. Apply online using Government Employee Program E-Code EMD70.Discount Contact: www.verizonwireless.com/getdiscount.

Special savings for OCEA members! Check OCEA’s website, www.oceamember.org, for full details.

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 at [email protected]. ticket hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. monday through Friday.

You can now purchase certain tickets online at

www.oceamember.org/etickets

OCEA discounts

OCEA MEMBER SPECIAL

$35 CARS, $45 TRuCKSIncludesCACertification,1996andnewer. Out-the-doorprice,noextracharges.

EZ AuTO TEST ONLY2208 N. main Street #B, Santa Ana, Ca 92706

CALL 24-HOuRS IN ADVANCE FOR APPOINTMENT

(714) 542-9400


OCEA classifieds

AuTO

2008 honda Accord Ex. 70,430 miles. Silver, black interior, clean title. $12,900. Information: George, (714) 333-7530.

CARPOOLERS NEEDED

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

FOR SALE

manufactured home. 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom manufactured home features a wheelchair lift and carport for two cars. Located in a 55+ senior park in Santa Ana. $47,000. Information: (714) 835-7654.

Bradley Digital smoker. Smoker includes: Bradley Digital 4-rack smoker; Bradley cold smoke cover; 2 extra heating elements; Auberins PID (temperature controller); 2 puck savers (metal pucks to push wood through the system); 32 hours of pecan pucks; 28 hours of hickory pucks and 16 hours of apple pucks. Also comes with custom rolling cart that can be used for storage and has a built-in cutting board. See pictures of what has been smoked in the machine here. $500. Smoker is located in Orange and is only available for pick up. Information: Jennifer or Bill, [email protected].

Whirlpool extra large capacity washer and dryer. Heavy duty top load washer and dryer in white; gas connections. Features quick wash, delicate and extra rinse cycles; can handle various load sizes. Must be picked up by purchaser. $350. Information: Lee, (714) 681-6588.

Rogers drum set. 1972 modified Rogers kit with a new Pearl Masters 14x6.5” maple snare drum. Sabian and Paiste cymbals, SKB hard cases, Pearl and Tama hardware. All in good to excellent sound and condition. Selling as a complete kit; pictures available upon request. $3,200. Information: Tom, [email protected].

xbox 360 package. Console is 10 months old; includes 2 wireless controllers, 5 games, wireless racing wheel with force feedback, power and audio/video cables. Pictures available upon request. $225. Information: Tom, [email protected].

Women’s evening wear. New, $50 each: David’s Bridal size 10 purple evening wear dress; David’s Bridal Size 16 champagne evening wear dress. Used, $25 each: Size XXL short-sleeve blue evening gown with top sequins; Size 14 rusty brown evening wear; Size 7-8 gold evening wear. Information: Emily, (714) 447-8814.

Electric double oven. White, in good condition; self-cleaning with three racks. Model No. RB270PXYQ. 28” x 56.5” x 22.5.” Must be picked up from Buena Park; photos available upon request. $350. Information: Kristal, [email protected].

nikon D7000 DsLR camera kit. Includes (1) Nikon D7000 DSLR body; (1) 18-200 mm AF-S DX NIKKOR f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II tele lens; (1) AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR tele lens; (1) AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G. $2,400. Information: Khanh, [email protected].

st. John knits estate sale. Women’s size 10, large selection of dresses, suits/pant suits, jump suits. Variety of colors. Information: (714) 319-3754 or [email protected].

RENTALS

Furnished bedroom in mission Viejo. Full-size bed, desk, chair, lamp and dresser. Includes all utilities, cable, Wi-Fi, water and trash, full kitchen access, one-time per week laundry usage and driveway parking. Renter can use community pools and spas, basketball court, walking trail and Lake Mission Viejo privileges. $800/month; $800 deposit. Renter needs to agree to a term of 6 months or longer. No pets. Information: Nina, (949) 829-3803 or [email protected].

RETIREE SERVICES

Retired Employees Association. Join the Retired Employees Association. Participate for only $3 a month. Information: (714) 840-3995, fax (714) 840-7189, email [email protected] or www.reaoc.org.

Orange county Office on Aging. Free information on services for older adults, (800) 510-2020.

SERVICES

Phone repair. iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S cracked screen replacement ($50); Samsung Galaxy glass/LCD replacement (prices vary). Information: Young, (714) 643-2399 or [email protected].

house or dog sitter. Loyal, trustworthy individual ready to take care of your home or pet’s needs for an affordable price while you are away. Able to work Friday-Sunday in various Orange County locations; please call to see if your city is one of them. References upon request. Information: Gabriella, (714) 335-3811.

VACATIONS/VACATION RENTALS

maui vacation rental. 1 bedroom, 2 bath condo in Kihei, Maui, available June 25-July 9, 2013. Maui Sunset condo is on the beach, on lush grounds with beautiful sunsets. Unit has complete kitchen (full-size refrigerator, stove, microwave and dishwasher) and in-room laundry. Amenities include mini-golf course, pool, jacuzzi and tennis courts. $1,500 for two weeks. Information: Susie Myhill, (714) 545-0892 or [email protected].

howard’s Time share Resort Weeks: Contact Howard Snitowsky at (714) 313-1290 or [email protected] about renting or purchasing timeshares around the globe. These prime beachfront, world-class resorts are in high demand, so please request peak demand weeks well in advance. OCEA MEMBERS RECEIVE A 5 PERCENT DISCOUNT OFF THE LIST PRICES, which can be downloaded here. Howard’s Time Share Resort Weeks destinations include: Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort & Spa; Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Resort & Spa; Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa; Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa; ME Cabo by Melia; Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa; Sands of Kahana; Imperial Waikiki Vacation Club; Royal Aloha Vacation Club Waikiki; Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Front Villas North; Kuleana Resort; Tahiti Village Las Vegas; Grandview Las Vegas.

WANTED

home for cat. One year old female cat named Rainbow needs a new home. Owners have two other cats who bully her. Information: Pam, (949) 529-8094.

Classified ads are a free service to all OCEA members. Only members may submit ads and ads may be edited orrejectedbyOCEA.TransactionsarenotOCEA’sresponsibility,asallsalesorexchangesaredoneattheresponsibility of the seller and buyer. Notify OCEA Communications Specialist Niyaz Pirani if you wish to submit an ad, make changes to a current ad or cancel an ad. E-mail your ads to [email protected]; send themtoOCEA,830N.RossSt.,SantaAna,Ca,92701;orfaxthemto(714)835-7654.


on the grill

Ball ParkBoar’s Head

ButterballFarmer JohnFoster Farms

Hebrew NationalOscar Mayer

equiPment

Weber Q series grillsIgloo or Rubbermaid coolers

Breads and Buns

Aunt Millie’sSara Lee

sides

Corn NutsFrench’s mustardFrito-Lay’s chipsHeinz ketchup

Hidden Valley Ranch dressingPlanters peanuts

Ritz crackersVlasic relish

desserts

Betty Crocker cake mixBreyer’s ice cream

Good Humor ice creamEntenmann’s baked goods

Hershey’s chocolateOreo cookies

soft drinks

Barq’s root beerCoca-Cola

Hawaiian PunchMott’sPepsiSprite

Minute MaidWelch’s

Beer

Budweiser/Bud LightMichelob

Miller Lite/Miller Genuine Draft/ Miller High LifeRolling RockShock Top

Stella Artois

UNiON-MAdE FOUrth OF JUlyFourth of July is when millions of Americans come together to celebrate our independence. It’s also a great day to stand together in support of the American labor movement by purchasing union-made food and goods. The list below covers nearly everything you’d need to throw a great BBQ, and is compiled from resources including the AFL-CIO, Union Label & Service Trades Department website, and UFCW, whose members make the majority of items on this list.

“Purchasing union-made food supports workers who earn a living wage and affordable health benefits. Union workers who earn a living wage are able to contribute back to our local economy buying goods and services, something poverty wage earners struggle to achieve,” said Rick Eiden, Executive Vice President of UFCW 324 in Buena Park, and President of the Orange County Labor Federation. “Purchasing union-made food for your Fourth of July events helps strengthen the middle class in our country.”

Tri Tip Chili

Ingredients:

•3-4Tvegetableoil(youcanusebacon fat if you have any but not necessary)

•4-5poundsoftritip,cutinto1”cubes

•2yellowonions,mediumdice

•4clovesgarlic,minced

•2redbellpeppers,mediumdiced

•4fresnochiles,smalldiced

•3driedanchochiles,toasted,soaked,andpureed(seedsremoved)

•1smallcantomatopaste

•1Tchilipowder

•1Tcumin

•11/2tcoriander

•1Tpaprika

•11/2tcocoapowder

•11/2tchipotlechilepowder

•1bottleofbeer,preferablysomething darker like an ale, maybe negro modelo or dos equis amber

•6romatomatoes,cutinto1/8”pieces

•3-4cupschickenorbeefstock(enoughtocoverthemeat)

•Saltandpepper,totaste

•Cornflourorcornstarch,ifneeded to thicken

•Sourcreamandcilantrotogarnish

Instructions:

1. heat a large shallow pot over a medium-highheat.Seasontri-tipcubes with salt and pepper. Seartri-tipcubesuntilbrownandseared on all sides. do it in small batches to get a good sear. remove the tri-tip from the pot and reserve.

2. Addtheonion,garlic,peppersand chiles to the pot you used tosearthemeat.Cookfor3-4minutes, until the vegetables soften.

3. Addthetomatopaste,anchochile paste and next 6 spices. Cook until the mixture is well mixed and begins to stick to the bottom–but be careful not to burn anything!–about 5 minutes.

4. Deglazethepanwiththebeer(pourthebeerintothepotand use a spatula to pull all the brown stuff on the bottom of the pan into the mix). reduce heat to low and mix well.

5. if you’ve been doing this in a pot and plan to cook the chili on the stove, at this point you should add the tomatoes, seared tri-tip and the chicken stock so the meat is almost covered. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cover, cooking on low for 2-3hours,oruntilthetritipisfallapart tender. you can also put thepotintheovenat275-300degrees for the same amount of time(2-3hours).

you can also move the chili to the slow cooker before you add the tomatoes, meat and stock, add them in the slow cooker andcookonlowfor2-3hours(bestifyoudon’thaveadutchoven to cook this in).

6. When the meat is tender, season with salt and pepper to taste. if the chili is a little to thin then youcanaddcornflourandallow that to thicken it, or mix cornstarch(1Tto1Tofwater)into the chili to thicken it to the desired consistency.

Orange COunty emplOyees assOCiatiOn830 North Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Want to be part of something bigger than yourself?

BECOME A WORkPLACE LEADER!There are many ways to help:

•BecomeaworkplaceleaderoranOCEAsteward•JoinOCEA’sPoliticalActionCommitteeorHealthandWelfareTrust•Representyourco-workersonanOCEAbargainingteamandmore!

Sign up at www.oceamember.org/getinvolved

vol 67 issue 2 - ocea employee 2014 april may june

Documents

ocea members

ocea employee

ocea tickets

ocea calendar

ocea board members

ocea bargaining team

ocea member announcements

ocea news briefs