Special guest Assemblymember Josh Hoover speaks with directors

SACRAMENTO – California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) officers and directors met at CSLEA headquarters September 24, 2024 for their third quarter board meeting of the year. In addition to receiving updates from consultants and staff, the board had the opportunity to listen to, and ask questions of, California Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom).

“When an elected official stops by for a short visit to CSLEA headquarters to attend our board meeting, it is a great opportunity for our directors to introduce themselves, learn a little more about the legislator and his/her work, to ask questions and bring up concerns,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  “We very much thank Assemblymember Hoover for taking the time out of his very busy schedule to drop in and meet with us and to learn more about our CSLEA members and the jobs they do.”

Among the topics discussed, Assemblymember Hoover briefly addressed housing, homeowner’s insurance, fentanyl, and Proposition 36.

“Listening to Assemblymember Josh Hoover was refreshing.  It is my hope that all of our elected officials can work together to change the current state of affairs in our state,” said CSLEA Director and FMESA President BJ Jones.  

CSLEA President Barcelona opened the Board of Directors meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for fallen law enforcement officers and members of the military.

Updates and items of discussion at the board meeting:

• The board received an update from CSLEA Director of Communications and Public Affairs Teri Cox regarding open enrollment and the opportunity for CSLEA peace officer members to enroll in PORAC’s police and fire health plan, membership recruitment, the announcement of CSLEA’s 2024 scholarship awards, affiliate elections, the CSLEA website, and the introduction of new CSLEA director Gunther Scharnhorst.

“This was my first CSLEA board meeting.  It was a pleasure to meet such a knowledgeable and dedicated group of people,” said Scharnhorst, president of AC-DOJ.   “I look forward to many more of these productive meetings.”

“Take a look at the CSLEA website.  If you are not receiving emails from CSLEA, update your email address information so that you are receiving important information,” said CSLEA Director and CACI President George Tiongson.  “If you would like a site visit, let us know.”

• CSLEA Political Consultant Peter Mitchell informed CSLEA officers and directors about candidates running for federal and state offices, various poll results and issues that will weigh on voters as they make their decisions in November, the move by some city and counties in California to change from an at-large election system to district elections, why money and endorsements count, and the vacancy rates in public safety jobs.
• Capitol Advocacy Legislative Advocate Shane LaVigne presented the board with bills signed, vetoed, or still on Governor Newsom’s desk.  The legislative session wrapped up at the end of August, resulting in a thousand bills sent to the governor.   He discussed the history of, work on, and outcome of bills including AB 2872.  He also presented the propositions that Californian’s will vote on in November.          

“Thank you again to CSLEA and our political team for another insightful update on the status and condition of California’s political status and recent legislative session,” said CSLEA Unit-B Vice President and CARII President Tom Ineichen.  “It was particularly encouraging to hear from Assemblymember Josh Hoover, about his work in the assembly and the efforts he and his colleagues have made to ensure a safer California. While we celebrate some of the accomplishments of the new legislation the Governor has signed, it’s clear that we still have significant challenges ahead in addressing the crime and safety issues California has been facing. This underscores the importance of CSLEA’s continued commitment to keeping California safe for everyone. Let’s stay engaged and proactive as we navigate these issues together!”  

“It was an informative BOD meeting today as we received many important legislative updates regarding a lot of the propositions on the upcoming election day ballot that concern public safety,” said Ben Greenhagen, CSLEA director and ASA-DOJ president.

“The meeting covered a lot of important topics, including how the election could affect you and your families. It was great hearing from Assemblymember Hoover about his concerns around CSLEA members,” said Trevor Pell, CSLEA director and ACWO president.

• CSLEA Chief Financial Officer Ricardo Sanchez updated the board on CSLEA financial matters including the current and future budget.  He also presented the board with a membership report, stressing the importance of reaching out to non-members and conducting site visits.
• CSLEA Chief Counsel Kasey Clark provide updates regarding CSLEA Legal Defense Fund and Legal Representation Committee work.  He informed directors of CSLEA personnel changes in CSLEA’s Southern California office and the plan for a smooth transition for a change in attorneys.  He presented background and a synopsis of an LDF case involving a member impacted by SB 2.
• CSLEA Unit-A Vice President and Foundation Chairman Kenny Ehrman thanked CSLEA scholarship committee members for their work scoring scholarship applications, reported that he had received emails thanking CSLEA for the scholarships, and reported to directors that the amount CSLEA awards is dependent on donations received.  
• CSLEA Senior Vice President and Conference Committee Chairwoman Tina Brazil reported the research being done for a membership conference in the spring. 

 The CSLEA board meets four times a year.   The next CSLEA board meeting will be held in December.