ANAHEIM - On May 15-17, 2015, the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Political Action Committee (PAC) attended the 2015 California Democrats Convention at the Anaheim Convention Center in Orange County.

"This is where the California Democratic Party puts in the groundwork for what it wants to make happen in 2016," said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  "This is an opportunity for us to meet with elected officials, including Governor Jerry Brown, to discuss the needs and sentiments of our valued California Statewide Law Enforcement Association members.  We speak on behalf of our members and make sure their voices are heard.  As we are shaking the hands of elected officials, our members are shaking those hands as well.  We never lose sight of that.  We work for our members every day."

Among the general session speakers at this year's convention were U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Kamala Harris, State Controller Betty T. Yee, State Treasurer John Chiang, Secretary of State Alex Padilla and Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones.

California Senate President pro Tem Kevin De Leon and Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins were luncheon legislative leadership speakers followed by U.S. Representative (Ret) Barney Frank at dinner.

"It’s always a rewarding endeavor to attend these events. The opportunity to interact with the legislature and constitutional officers allows us to build effective working relationships," said Kenny Ehrman, CSLEA Unit A Vice President, FOP Lodge #77 Vice President, and Association of Motor Vehicle Investigators of California (AMVIC) President.

“It’s impressive to see CSLEA President Alan Barcelona and Directors connecting and reaching out to our political leaders," said CSLEA Director and California Association of Regulatory Investigators and Inspectors (CARII) President Tom Ineichen.  "CSLEA has a significant presence in this arena.  It was great to see our legislators and elected officials.”

The CSLEA PAC members who attended the California Democrats Convention included:

Alan Barcelona, CSLEA President

Ricardo Sanchez , CSLEA CFO and California Association of Law Enforcement Employees (CALEE) President  

Tina Brazil, CSLEA Senior Vice President and CHP Public Safety Dispatchers Association (CHP-PSDA) President

Kenny Ehrman, CSLEA Unit A Vice President, FOP Lodge #77 Vice President, and Association of Motor Vehicle Investigators of California (AMVIC) President

Al Cardwood, CSLEA Board Director and Association of Special Agents-DOJ President

Kevin Highbaugh, CSLEA Board Director, FOP Lodge #77 Secretary and California Alcoholic Beverage Control Agents (CABCA) President

Tom Ineichen, CSLEA Board Director and California Association of Regulatory Investigators and Inspectors (CARII) President

Francine Toth, CSLEA Board Director and California Organization of Licensing Registration Examiners (COLRE) President.

From left to right: Al Cardwood, Tom Ineichen, Ricardo Sanchez, Kevin Highbaugh, Senate President pro Tem Kevin De Leon, Alan Barcelona, Tina Brazil, Frank Capetillo, Francine Toth