California Treasurer John Chiang speaks to CSLEA Board of Directors

SACRAMENTO - California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) directors met at CSLEA headquarters on September 14, 2016 for their third quarter meeting.  Each CSLEA director is the president of one of CSLEA's 18 affiliates and all were present with the exception of one who was called upon to help battle a fire in our state.

"We had the presidents of our affiliates at the board table along with some of their own  board members present in the boardroom," said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  "We really appreciate a full house, so that we can bring as many people up to date on the contract, legislation, elections, our membership outreach, media and membership concerns.  Those who attend get a full picture of the non-stop work that goes on each quarter to move our association and members forward."

During the board meeting, directors inquired about the contract ratification vote.  They were pleased to learn that CSLEA experienced its  largest participation in voting than  in any CSLEA contract ratification process.  Some affiliate presidents expressed the desire to hold affiliate elections through an electronic ballot as well.

Like many CSLEA members, directors are disappointed that salary increases and adjustments have been delayed.  CSLEA Political Consultant Peter Mitchell and CSLEA Legislative Advocate Shane LaVigne explained to the Board that there was a massive amount of legislation at the Capitol this session and although CSLEA did what it needed to do to get the contract in place in a timely fashion, the contract had to be prepared into legislation, passed by the legislature and prepared for the Governor to sign, all things that were not in the hands or control of CSLEA.

"Eight hundred bills went to the Governor's desk," said LaVigne.  "The Governor will be signing and vetoing legislation until the end of the month."

Tom Ineichen

"After hearing  that the governor signed our MOU bill,  it was refreshing to learn that the delay was due to the massive clog in legislation and end of session," said CSLEA Unit B Vice President and California Association of Regulatory Investigators and Inspectors (CARII) President Tom Ineichen.

The CSLEA Board welcomed new CSLEA Director and Association of Motor Carrier Operation Specialists (AMCOS) President Lynn Brenneman.   This was Brenneman's first CSLEA board meeting.    "I am humbled and honored to represent AMCOS members as their new president," said Brenneman.  "My goal is to work tirelessly as their  voice for all things motor carrier related.   I look forward to meeting all of our AMCOS members and want them to be safe, keep up the hard work, and to be hopeful good things are yet to come."

Lynn Brenneman

In addition to welcoming a new CSLEA director and affiliate president, CSLEA said goodbye to Steve Bradley, CSLEA director and affiliate president of State Employed Fire Fighters Association (SEFFA).  Steve has retired from service and is no longer eligible to serve on the board.  "We thank Steve for his hard work and dedication," said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  "For years, as an affiliate president and CSLEA director, he was committed to his members and to the Legal Defense Fund.  He has been an asset to our board and our members."

"It has been an honor to work with all of you," Bradley told the board.   "It's been great to be a part of this organization."

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona and Steve Bradley

In discussing the future of  SEFFA which represents approximately 44 firefighter peace officers, the board decided to dissolve the SEFFA affiliate and move the firefighter peace officers into the affiliate Fire Marshal and Emergency Services Association  (FMESA).

Daren Watkins

"Congrats to Steve Bradley on his retirement.  FMESA  looks forward to continuing the representation of his former SEFFA members that are now part of FMESA," said FMESA President Daren Watkins.  "We will make sure to keep your issues on the forefront as we continue forward."

Special guest, California Treasurer John Chiang spoke to the CSLEA board for nearly an hour, addressing the economy, housing, education, retirement and plans to provide for a better tomorrow here in California.  Chiang stressed the importance of education especially with the predicted loss of Baby Boomers from the job market.  "We'll lose a lot of expertise and if we don't maintain that skill set, we're going to lose out," said Chaing.  Chaing also thanked CSLEA directors for their support over their years during elections.

"Treasurer John Chiang's visit underscores the importance of working with elected officials who are both knowledgeable about, and interested in, issues that affect CSLEA members and all Californians," said CSLEA Director Marcus Nenn, president of the CSLEA affiliate Association of Deputy Commissioners (ADC).

California Treasurer John Chiang with CSLEA Board of Directors

The third quarter board meeting also included reports on the Legal Defense Fund, Legal Representation Committee, an update on local, state and federal elections, legislation, and communications.

George Tiongson

"We continue to look out for the best interests of our members," said CSLEA Director and California Association of Food & Drug Investigaotrs (CAFDI) President George Tiongson.  Tiongson also urged members to keep up with CSLEA updates and news by checking the website and "liking" the CSLEA facebook page."

Kenny Ehrman

"Today was an especially great day to be here in Sacramento on the heels of our contract being signed," said CSLEA Unit A Vice President and Association of Motor Vehicle Investigators of California (AMVIC) President Kenny Ehrman.  "I've spent the last seven years on the Board of Directors and this was truly a memorable day."

Matt Yarbrough

"This was good news that the governor signed our contract," said CSLEA Director and President of Resource Protection Peace Officers Association (RPPOA) Matt Yarbrough.   "But today we are back at work as the issues continue."

CSLEA Senior Vice President Tina Brazil

In summary, CSLEA Senior Vice President and President of CHP-Public Safety Dispatchers Association Tina Brazil said,   "Our BOD meeting today was full of information, Treasurer John Chiang talked to us about the future of California and CalPERS.  We said goodbye to our affiliate president, Steven Bradley of SEFFA who is retiring.    All of the topics and information covered in our board meeting shows how much this organization cares about its members and continues to work and protect them."