On  November 16, 2018, the Hospital Police Association of California (HPAC) held its final Board of Directors (BOD) meeting of the year at the Embassy Suites Hotel in San Luis Obispo. The following BOD Members, representatives, and guests attended:

President Luis Jimenez – DSH-Coalinga

Vice President/Secretary Michael Hakker – DSH-Patton

Treasurer Ezra Cosby – DSH-Coalinga

Sgt. At Arms  Thomas Pica – DSH-Coalinga

Director Jose Leal – DSH-Metro

Director Richard Danner – DSH-Napa

Representative Bryant Durfee – DSH-Atascadero

Representative Robert Barraza – DSH-Atascadero

CSLEA Legal Counsel Dave De La Riva

The Board discussed prioritizing contract proposals, in which an increase in salary is always the first priority. Other priorities include safety equipment (i.e. firearms), maintaining and/or improving medical benefits and retirement, 4850 time for on duty injuries, and presumptive injuries (L.C. 3212).  Collective bargaining proposal forms can be located on the CSLEA website. All members are encouraged to submit their proposals to their local site reps who will forward them to the board so that we can review and combine any similar proposals. Contract proposals are due on or before 02-28-19.

The board also discussed initiating an annual HPAC Membership Scholarship Program. One scholarship will be awarded to a qualifying member’s dependent at each State Hospital/ DDS facility annually. This would be offered in addition to the existing CSLEA scholarships. Specifics regarding the scholarship amounts, application process, eligibility requirements, qualifications, etc. are in the process of being developed. There will be more information to follow at the next BOD meeting.

The board also voted to establish an HPAC Membership Retirement Program. Each board member was encouraged to submit ideas concerning what could be presented to the retirees (i.e. retirement plaque/ badge).  Eligibility for the program would require a minimum of five years of service within a member’s respective departments, the retiree being a full union member, and the person retiring in good standing (not in lieu of termination, etc.). Finalization of the program and how to sign up will be disseminated in the near future.

The board discussed ways in which we may be able to provide affiliate incentives to get more members active in the union. The board would like to get more officers interested in helping and being active participants in union activities.

The board discussed attending various police officer association training seminars, which include topics such as POBR/ IA investigations, contract negotiations, use of force, workers comp litigation, etc.

CSLEA Legal Counsel Dave De La Riva provided updates regarding pending grievances/arbitration for HPAC members.

We hope to have the next board of directors meeting in early 2019 to prepare for the upcoming contract negotiations.

If you have any questions, please contact one of the board members.

Fraternally,

Luis Jimenez
HPAC President