Important Update
Legislative Update – October 15, 2024
By Shane LaVigne, LaVigne Strategies
End of Session:
Governor Gavin Newsom faced a September 30th deadline to act on over 1,200 bills sent to him this year, providing a clearer view of his political philosophy as he enters his final two years in office. Newsom signed 1,017 bills into law and vetoed 189, giving him a veto rate of just under 16%, slightly above the decade-long average. His decisions reflected a pragmatic, fiscally cautious approach, likely influenced by the state’s economic uncertainties.
Governor Vetoes Bill Guaranteeing Pay Equity Between California Department of Insurance Investigators and Department of Justice Special Agents
Veto message cites interference in collective bargaining process as basis for veto for AB 2872
SACRAMENTO – On September 20, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom returned AB 2872 to the Legislature by way of veto. The bill would have required immediate pay equivalency between California Department of Insurance (CDI) Investigators (which are presently included in a Statewide class with other Unit 7 peace officers) and California Department of Justice (DOJ) Special Agents (which are designated by a separate class code).
Advocacy
Speaking Out for Our Members at the Capitol
Our political and legislative consultants work to make sure your voice is heard in Sacramento, helping CSLEA support candidates and legislation that promote the best interests of our members and public safety as a whole.
Find it Fast
Our Legal Team
We employ a staff of five attorneys. Our mission is to defend Unit 7 members in disciplinary proceedings and to enforce the collective bargaining agreement between CSLEA and the State of California.
Working For You News
CDI Detectives at CDI Rancho Cucamonga Office Learn About Union’s Role in Responding to Officer Involved Shootings
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – On October 30, 2024, California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Senior Counsel Jim Vitko met with California Department of Insurance (CDI) detectives at CDI’s Rancho Cucamonga office to discuss CSLEA’s role in responding to officer involved shootings. As an invited participant, Vitko addressed the protocol CSLEA follows when the union is advised […]
CSLEA and ASA-DOJ Speak to Special Agents at DOJ in Sacramento and San Diego
SACRAMENTO – On October 22 and 24, 2024, representatives from the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) and the Association of Special Agents-Department of Justice (ASA-DOJ) conducted new employee orientations at the California Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (DMFEA) San Diego regional office and at DOJ’s Advanced Training Center in […]
CSLEA Attends ABC Retirement Lunch for Sal Martinez
SACRAMENTO – On October 30, 2024, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) hosted a retirement lunch for Sal Martinez, an ABC agent, president of the association California Alcoholic Beverage Control Agents (CABCA), and a director at the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA). Attending the lunch on behalf of CSLEA were President Alan […]
CHP Dispatchers Training in Riverside Meet Union Representative Steve Fulton
RIVERSIDE – On October 29, 2024, CHP dispatchers training at the Ben Clark Training Center in Riverside met with Steve Fulton, secretary-treasurer for the CHP Public Safety Dispatchers Association (CHP-PSDA) and a representative of the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA), to learn about the protection and services associated with union membership. Fulton is also […]
CSLEA Welcomes Senior Legal Counsel Kja Harper-Gopaul
HUNTINGTON BEACH – On October 7, 2024, the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) announced the hiring of Senior Legal Counsel Kja Harper-Gopaul. Harper-Gopaul is joining the CSLEA legal team in its Southern California office based in Huntington Beach, in preparation for the retirement of CSLEA Senior Counsel Jim Vitko. “Although it will be […]
CSLEA Senior Counsel Jim Vitko Announces Plan for Retirement
SACRAMENTO – After 15 years serving California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) members with representation and legal assistance, CSLEA Senior Legal Counsel Jim Vitko is announcing his plans for retirement. “Jim is a wealth of knowledge given his decades of experience as a law enforcement officer and attorney,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. “He has […]
News
Two San Bernardino County Residents Arrested on Indictment Alleging $2.1 Million Scheme to Illegally Get COVID Jobless Benefits
The California EDD Investigation Division assisted with this investigation “It is important that law enforcement continues to identify and investigate those who are suspected of illegally obtaining COVID jobless benefits, so as to protect publicly funded assistance to those in need. The goal in 2020 was to quickly assist those who were suddenly without jobs […]
Three Arrested in Skimming Operation in Kern County
California Department of Social Services EBT Fraud and Theft Detection Unit assisted with this investigation “We applaud the investigative work done by those who conducted this sting operation in an effort to protect public funds and those who rely on assistance to purchase food and necessities.” – CSLEA President Alan Barcelona KERN COUNTY – On […]
Convicted Killer Sentenced to Life for Murder in San Joaquin County
DA recognizes CSLEA Member Richard Johnson from the California Department of Justice for his “invaluable investigative work” “We are very proud of our CSLEA members who work in forensics at the California Department of Justice as they assist prosecutors with their cases. Their work is the, often times, unseen layer in public safety and criminal […]
Twelve Suspected Unlicensed Contractors Face Charges After Yuba City Sting
“These stings work to protect consumers from suspected unlicensed contractors who have not passed State tests or background checks. The stings also work to educated the public on the potential dangers of hiring a contractor who does not have a State license.” CSLEA President Alan Barcelona YUBA CITY –On October 15-16, 2024, the Contractors State […]
CDFW Wardens Assist Trinity County Sheriff’s Office with Narcotics Search Warrant
“Serving search warrants is a dangerous job and it is vital to officer safety that law enforcement officers have the support and back-up they need when conducting these searches. CDFW wardens work with their local law enforcement officers in an effort to protect the pubic and assist with investigations.” CSLEA President Alan Barcelona WEAVERVILLE – […]
Driver at Navarro Beach Campground Convicted of DUI
FORT BRAGG – On October 28, 2024, a Mendocino County Superior Court jury found Bruce Joseph Gallyot, 46, of Rohnert Park, guilty of alcohol-impaired driving, a misdemeanor. The impaired driving occurred on June 23, 2024 in the Navarro River Redwood State Park at the Navarro Beach campground. A concerned eyewitness called 9-1-1 to report the […]