Special guests Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire and Assemblymember Juan Alanis speak with CSLEA directors
“We thank the California legislators who take time out of their busy schedules to attend a CSLEA Directors’ meeting to learn more about our members and to discuss issues that impact our careers, our families and our day-to-day living. They are very attentive when we provide feedback and provide updates on legislation. It is important that we have a strong working rapport with them.” – CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
SACRAMENTO – The California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) board of directors held its 2024 fourth quarter meeting at CSLEA headquarters on December 10 2024. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence for fallen officers and military personnel, the first order of business included the election of CSLEA unit vice presidents.
The Election of Unit Vice Presidents
Unit A-Vice President Kenny Ehrman, Unit-B Vice President Tom Ineichen, and Unit-C Vice President Tina Brazil all ran unopposed and were re-elected by a unanimous vote of affirmation. Brazil was also re-elected as CSLEA Senior Vice President.
“Congratulations to our unit vice presidents and thank you for always being available to the affiliates within your units,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.
Special Guest Speakers
Special guest speakers included Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire who attended the meeting via Zoom and Assemblymember Juan Alanis who addressed the Board in person.
Senate Pro Tem McGuire addressed the vacancy rates within Bargaining Unit 7 job classifications, the cost of living and the trouble some State employees have trying to live within the communities in which they work due to the high cost of housing. “It’s up to the State to make your jobs and lives easier,” said McGuire, as he thanked the directors for their public safety work. McGuire addressed the passage of Prop 36 and the issues that California needs to focus on fixing, “There is no shortage of issues in our state.” He stated the Senate’s major focus in 2025 would be, affordable energy, housing and good jobs.
Assemblymember Juan Alanis spoke to the Board about public safety bills he worked on last year and inquired about the kinds of public safety bills CSLEA would like to see introduced in 2025. Alanis is vice chair of the public safety committee, and also addressed the passage of Proposition 36. He stated it is important that law enforcement educate California legislators about the jobs they do and what laws could help or hinder their public safety work.
Special Recognition
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona presented a plaque of appreciation to retiring ABC Agent Sal Martinez who served on the CSLEA Board of Directors and as president of the association California Alcoholic Beverage Control Agents (CABCA). President Barcelona thanked Martinez for his service to CSLEA and CABCA members, and spoke to the board about Agent Martinez’s negative experience with a Sutter County district attorney who chose to try Martinez, a peace officer, on charges stemming from an off-duty incident in which Martinez acted as any peace officer would. CSLEA successfully defended Martinez. Martinez worked with CSLEA to express to members the importance of having access to CSLEA’s Legal Defense Fund (LDF).
President Barcelona also presented a plaque of appreciation to retiring CSLEA Senior Counsel Jim Vitko. “Retire like you worked, with style, grace, and a touch of mischief, you will be missed by the CSLEA Board of Directors,” said Barcelona.
“When I came on board here as an attorney some 15 years ago, I came from the CSLEA Board of Directors, and I had a whole lot of police experience coming in, not a whole lot of legal experience, and it was a whole different of set of skills I had to learn. The legal staff here saw that I learned them. Thank you to the Board, it has truly been a pleasure,” said Vitko. “You all seriously do good work, be proud of yourselves, I believe the work that you do is worth it.”
Staff and Committee Reports
Communications: CSLEA Communications Director Teri Cox presented updates made to the CSLEA website and mobile app, reviewed 4th quarter emails, and recent work on affiliate elections.
Foundation Committee: Committee Chair Kenneth Ehrman reported that the scholarship committee is in a lull between awarding scholarships and offering them.
PAC/Leg: Legislative Advocate Shane LaVigne spoke to the Board about the Legislature’s special session, PEPRA, possible public safety related bills in 2025, and Prop. 36.
Political Consultant Peter Mitchell recapped elections, what worked for candidates and what didn’t, and what Californians can expect in upcoming contests. He stated the economy, immigration, and crime continue to be the top issues facing candidates. Mitchell spoke of why politics matters and how it impacts everything from careers to 401Ks to quality of life.
CFO/Membership Report: CSLEA Chief Financial Officer Ricardo Sanchez presented where CSLEA stands in its current annual budget, including assets and expenditures. He also presented updated membership numbers and spoke of how CSLEA and the State maintain the membership database.
LDF and LRC Report: CSLEA Chief Counsel Kasey Clark presented three Legal Defense Fund cases currently being addressed to defend CSLEA members as well as one Legal Representation case. Clark commended newly hired CSLEA Senior Counsel Kja Harper-Gopaul on the successful outcome of her first Legal Representation case as a CSLEA attorney.
Conference Committee Report: Committee chair Tina Brazil reported that CSLEA is working on a potential membership conference in October 2025.
Remarks from CSLEA Directors following the meeting:
“Today’s meeting is a perfect example of the work the BOD does as a collective. Coming together to meet and examine the issues our members are facing and taking action to resolve them,” said CSLEA Unit A Vice President and AMVIC President Kenneth Ehrman.
“As the new president of CABCA and the newest member to the CSLEA board, I was genuinely impressed by the passion, professionalism, and dedication demonstrated by the CSLEA Board of Directors in advancing our mission to preserve, protect, and enhance the quality of life, benefits, and pay for our members. As we anticipate the challenges that lie ahead in 2025, I am confident in the support of the CSLEA Board in tackling these challenges head-on together,” said CSLEA Director and CABCA President Bryant Pender.
“Once again, great discussions with the Board as 2024 comes to an end. Consultants Shane LaVigne and Pete Mitchell bring amazing insight into the current political picture. I appreciate Senate Pro-Tem McGuire and Assemblymember Alanis discussing the upcoming year in the Legislature. Both gentlemen spoke well and hopefully paint a picture of positive change for everyone in California,” said CSLEA Director and FMESA President BJ Jones.
“It was encouraging to hear Senate Pro-Tem Mike McQuire’s interaction with the CSLEA Board of Directors. I especially found his comments and support of law enforcement and public safety enlightening, and it gives me hope with this newly elected Senate. His comments regarding their top three priorities of tackling energy prices; the insurance issues of affordability and access for all; and the housing crises in California were an encouragement. Especially since these are issues we see in our regulatory work as well as something we struggle with every day as consumers. I look forward to seeing these goals addressed and hopefully some relief for us all. I also was pleasantly surprised to see Assemblyman Juan Alanis, come and speak to our directors, discuss the issues related to the public safety commission and give his support of law enforcement and public safety. It was refreshing to hear them support our members, and the work we do for the safety of all Californians. Thank you to our leadership and political consultants for keeping us in the presence of California’s leadership and policy makers, so we can inform them and keep them abreast of our efforts to protect the public and the environment,” said CSLEA Unit B Vice President and CARII President Tom Ineichen.
“I look forward to another successful year for CAFDI and CSLEA in 2025,” said CSLEA Director and CAFDI President Joel Lambert.
“Today’s meeting offered some interesting perspectives on how CSLEA is working with key legislators and our attorneys to address coming challenges. The good news is that recent political and economic developments may create opportunities to restore lost safeguards for members and stakeholders,” said CSLEA Director and ADC President Marcus Nenn.
“SPPOAC and CSLEA are always looking to improve our members’ pay and benefits. If you look at the new agreement, newer Rangers and Lifeguards will be getting a HAM adjustment increase in take home pay. This is a great thing. We will then look to increase everyone’s pay/benefits when we sit down to negotiate our next contract,” said CSLEA Director and SPPOAC President Matt Yarbrough.
“The final CSLEA BOD meeting for 2024 ended with two speakers from our State Legislature. Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire and Assemblymember Juan Alanis were receptive and positive toward the new legislative session pertaining to hearing and moving forward on public safety issues and strengthening CSLEA’s position on critical issues affecting our membership and working and salary conditions,” said CSLEA Director and CAFI President Paul San Gregorio.
“The COLRE Board members wish the entire CSLEA family the best Holiday season ever,” said CSLEA Director and COLRE President Enrique Razo.
