SACRAMENTO- On March 28, 2023 California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) officers and directors met at CSLEA headquarters and via Zoom for their first board meeting of 2023. New to the board of directors is Association of Special Agents – Department of Justice (ASA-DOJ) President Benjamin Greenhagen.

“It’s an honor to represent ASA-DOJ and to work with the other great affiliates of CSLEA,” said Greenhagen.

Also in attendance were several CSLEA affiliate vice presidents.

“It is encouraging to see our affiliate vice presidents attend our board meetings and see first-hand the union business that is conducted and to hear the reports given by our chief counsel and general manager, our staff and our consultants,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. “We have a very dedicated and enthusiastic board and each director works hard for their particular affiliate as well as all of our CSLEA members.”

President Barcelona informed the directors that CSLEA Political Consultant Peter Mitchell was absent from the meeting as he had the opportunity and invitation to meet with the President and Vice President of the United States in Washington D.C. “Our members can be proud that we have a political consultant of this caliber and be assured that he is a positive representative for all that we are working toward,” said Barcelona.

CSLEA Legislative Advocate Shane LaVigne updated directors on activities in the Legislature, the release of the State budget and anticipated May-Revise, the bills that CSLEA supports, opposes and is keeping a watch on, along with possible trailer bills.

“It is important that our CSLEA directors hear from our political and legislative consultants as they are on the frontlines of the political and legislative side of what we do to protect our members,” said CSLEA President Barcelona. “They greatly contribute to CSLEA’s strength in getting things done for our members.”

“It is impressive to see how active our CSLEA reps are on a variety of law enforcement bills at the Capitol while continuing to prepare for vital contract talks at the same time. Our staff are constantly collaborating with people and organizations to serve our members,” said CSLEA Director and Association of Deputy Commissioners (ADC) President Marcus Nenn.

Always fighting for the rights of CSLEA members, CSLEA Chief Counsel Kasey Clark updated the board on the work and successes of the CSLEA legal team and the legal challenges ahead by groups that are working to hamper the strength of unions.

“I appreciate the work of CSLEA officers, directors and staff. There is daily work on behalf of CSLEA members from CSLEA’s Legislative Consultant Shane LaVigne and Political Consultant Peter Mitchell. CSLEA’s Legal team is second to none, responding to the needs of our members and the CSLEA staff is one hundred percent dedicated to our mission. I appreciated the updates from all, today,” said CSLEA Director and Fire Marshal and Emergency Services Association (FMESA) President BJ Jones.

CSLEA CFO Ricardo Sanchez spoke to the board about CSLEA’s budget and membership outreach, including new employee orientations, site visits, introducing union membership to those who have not joined and membership retention.

CSLEA Director and Foundation Chair Dr. Kenneth Ehrman advised the Board that CSLEA is once again offering scholarships this year and that applications are due in May.
“We like to give the students plenty of time to get letters of recommendation from their instructors and to be sure they are submitting applications that have been completed accurately” said Ehrman. “We look forward to announcing our eight $1,000 recipients in August.”

Chief Counsel Clark wrapped up the board meeting with a contract update, stating that CSLEA’s negotiations team would be meeting on March 29th to review, research and prioritize proposals. Actual negotiations with the State are not likely to begin until May.