SACRAMENTO - A new legislative session has just begun at the State Capitol and the Governor has introduced his proposed budget.  What better time to meet and greet California's new and veteran assemblymembers and senators?  That's the thought behind the Annual Legislative Reception hosted by the California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations (CCLEA) in partnership with the California Contract Cities Association.  The annual reception was held at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel on January 12, 2016.

"The California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) was well represented at this event," said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  "Eleven of us on the CSLEA board and affiliate boards, were able to shake hands and speak with legislators in a light, friendly atmosphere which helps set the tone for the year of work and discussions ahead."

"Attending this annual reception opens the doors to a positive rapport with lawmakers whom we may need to call upon for assistance with issues that impact our members," said Kenny Ehrman, vice president of CSLEA Unit A and FOP Lodge 77, and president of Association of Motor Vehicle Investigators of California (AMVIC).  "Likewise, if they are seeking information, they may call upon our expertise for matters involving public safety."

Joining Barcelona and Ehrman from the CSLEA Board of Directors were:

• Ricardo Sanchez, CSLEA CFO and president of California Association of Law Enforcement Employees (CALEE),
• Kevin Highbaugh, president of California Alcoholic Beverage Control Agents (CABCA),
• Frank Capetillo, president of California Association of Criminal Investigators (CACI),
• George Tiongson, president of California Association of Food and Drug Investigators (CAFDI),
• Luis Jimenez, president of Hospital Police Association of California (HPAC),
• Tom Ineichen, president of California Association of Regulatory Investigators and Inspectors (CARII),
• Daren Watkins, president of Fire Marshal Emergency Services Association (FMESA),
• Chris Fowler, FMESA vice president OSFM,
• Chris Ehrman, vice president of Association of Motor Vehicle Investigators of California (AMVIC).

Some of the legislators in attendance included:

• Senate Pro Tem Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles),
• Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel),
• Senator Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo)
• Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont),
• Assembly GOP leader Chad Mayes (R-Yucca Valley),
• Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino),
• Assemblymember Ling Ling Chang (R - Diamond Bar),
• Assemblymember Rocky Chavez (R – Oceanside),
• Assemblymember Kansen Chu (D-San Jose)
• Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove),
• Assemblymember Tom Daly, (D-Anaheim),
• Assemblymember Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale)
• Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles)

"Also at the reception were our brothers and sisters of the Fraternal Order of Police," said Barcelona.  "California FOP President Roger Mayberry and presidents and office holders from California local lodges were there.   California FOP was very well represented."

From California FOP - Legislation Committee Chairman Alan Barcelona, National Trustee
Stephen James, President Roger Mayberry, 1st Vice President Kevin Mickelson