On Thursday, March 28, 2013, the  California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) board members and officers met in the Sacramento office to discuss the many issues facing CSLEA, CSLEA affiliates and CSLEA members.

One of the very important issues discussed was the bargaining process for Unit 7.

"We're gearing up.  We're finalizing preparations," CSLEA Chief Counsel Kasey Clark informed the board.  "We have logged nearly every proposal that came in from our members, there were several hundred."

The CSLEA negotiations committee and CSLEA legal division spent four days reviewing proposals sent in by CSLEA members to be considered for negotiation. Initial bargaining dates are set beginning April 11 through May 31.

CSLEA Legislative Consultant Craig Brown cautioned the board about negotiations.  "The rosy stuff you hear about the budget won't translate into raises," said Brown.  "Bargaining won't be pleasant."

"Let's be optimistic," said Clark.

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona has written a letter in support of the legislation* that would ratify the agreement between CSLEA and the state.  "Assembly bill 236 provides the mechanism for legislative ratification of that agreement," said Barcelona.

While the bargaining process is confidential from start to finish, Clark advised CSLEA will keep members as informed as possible along the way.

The CSLEA negotiation team consists of: CSLEA President Alan Barcelona, Unit A Vice President Kenneth Ehrman, Unit B Vice President Francine Toth, Unit C Vice President Tina Brazil and CSLEA Chief Counsel Kasey Clark.

Other items discussed at the quarterly meeting:

• Ron Cottingham, president of the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), Michael Durant, PORAC vice president, Ed Fishman, PORAC legal defense fund legal administrator and Maria Jimenez, insurance and benefits manager, presented to the CSLEA board of directors the impressive benefits  to  CSLEA and CSLEA members should CSLEA join PORAC as a member organization.  The move would not only enhance CSLEA's political clout at the Capitol but would also give CSLEA members access to an array of benefits including the PORAC Blue Cross Health Plan, group long-term disability for both sworn and non-sworn members, and PORAC LDF.  CSLEA  board members and staff will be providing additional information and discussing the possibility of a move to PORAC with their affiliate boards and members.

• Retired DMV Investigator George Pena was introduced as CSLEA's new field representative.  Pena retired with more than 27 years of state service.

• CSLEA Member Services Director Paul Satkowski reported the addition of 151 new members between September 2012 and February 2013.   He presented new membership material which provides information on CSLEA benefits and the growing importance of full membership.

• CSLEA Chief Counsel Kasey Clark provided updates on the CSLEA legal defense fund and the recent victories in cases involving grievances, internal affairs and whistle blower retaliation.   CSLEA Senior Vice President Tina Brazil was introduced as  a new Legal Defense Fund trustee.  CSLEA Board Member Terry Beatty was introduced as the new chairperson of the CSLEA Legal Representation Committee.

• CSLEA Political Consultant Peter Mitchell addressed the board about CSLEA's strong stance in California's political arena and the importance of involvement with other law enforcement associations such as Orange County Coalition of Police and Sheriffs (OC Cops).

• The CSLEA board reviewed and adopted changes to clean up the CSLEA Constitution and Standing Rules.

• The CSLEA board discussed this year's BBQ's, the first April 20th in Upland.  Also discussed was a mini conference in San Diego.

• In conclusion, CSLEA President Alan Barcelona discussed his pride in all CSLEA members, sworn and non-sworn, and the important public safety work performed each and every day.  Public safety is vital and it is the important common denominator among all CSLEA members, said Barcelona.