Special guests include six candidates for California governor

SACRAMENTO – California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) officers and directors met at CSLEA headquarters on February 11, 2025 for their first quarter board meeting.  In addition to receiving updates from consultants and staff, the board had the opportunity to listen to presentations from, and ask questions of, six candidates currently seeking election for the Governor of California.

“This will be a crowded field as November 2026 approaches, and we as union leaders want to interview the candidates so that we make an endorsement decision that helps to elect the candidate that shares the visions of CSLEA and its members,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  “Our questions focused on labor, public safety, retirement, recruitment, pay, housing, insurance, the high cost of living in California, and working with legislators on both sides of the aisle.  We sincerely thank each candidate for spending a full 30 minutes with us.”

The candidates who met with CSLEA directors:

Each candidate thanked CSLEA directors for their law enforcement, public safety and consumer protection work for the State of California and acknowledge that CSLEA represents a broad group of enforcement professionals. 

Items of business for CSLEA Directors

Following three hours of speaking with the candidates, CSLEA directors received the following reports from staff and consultants:

Communications – CSLEA Communications Director Teri Cox updated directors on eblasts sent to members, updates to the website, the mobile app, communications regarding upcoming site rep training, an article featuring the number of new members in January, top earnings for membership sponsors, and a summary of work by CSLEA and CSLEA Legal. 

CFO Report – CFO Ricardo Sanchez presented the board with the Statement of Financial Position which included expenses, revenue, variance, statement of activities, assets, liabilities and equity.

Membership Report – Membership Committee Chair Ricardo Sanchez updated the board on the total number of members, POFF and safety.  He encouraged affiliate presidents to reach out to non-members to discuss the importance and safety net of union membership.

Legislative Report – Legislative Advocate Shane LaVigne informed the board that legislation for the year is still being introduced with the number of bills expected to total at least 1600.  He also advised the board that PEPRA reform is likely to be among the bills discussed at the Capitol this year.

PAC Report – Political Consultant Peter Mitchell updated the board on the presidential election, and the expectation of a very crowded field for the race for California governor.  He further spoke about tariffs, insurance, immigration, and the public’s desire for solutions and “common speak”.

Legal Representation Committee and Legal Defense Fund Report – CSLEA Chief Counsel Kasey Clark disseminated the LRC and LDF reports for review by the board.  He provided a summary of one LRC case which was denied and two active LDF cases.

Foundation Report – Committee Chair Kenneth Ehrman informed the board that there are no updates as of yet as to possible 2025 CSLEA scholarships.

Conference Committee Report – Committee Chair Tina Brazil confirmed for the board a 2025 membership conference is being planned for October 24-25^th in Reno, Nevada with formal announcements to members regarding save the dates and hotel information to follow.

Comments from Directors following the meeting:

CSLEA Senior and Unit C Vice President and CHP-PSDA President Tina Brazil – “I want to thank the current candidates for governor that came and talked to the CSLEA BOD today.  The board of directors represented their members with great questions and concerns.  Also, a decision has been made on the 2025 CSLEA conference.  This year’s conference will be October 24-25^th in Reno, Nevada.  There will be a great program with great classes.  Save the date.  More info will be coming.”

CSLEA Unit B Vice President and CARII President Tom Ineichen – “Thank you, President Alan Barcelona and the PAC/Leg committees for arranging a very full schedule of candidates for governor for our board to hear from.  It was great to listen to their presentations and have the opportunity to ask questions.  It felt great to be ahead of the pack and to be well-informed of our options as we move into the next cycle of politics in California.”

CSLEA CFO and CALEE President Ricardo Sanchez – “CSLEA looks to support like-minded candidates who support job classifications of CSLEA members.”

CSLEA Director and CAFI President Paul San Gregorio – “The CSLEA board of directors met with and had an in-depth question and answer session with six prospective candidates for California’s next governor.  Each candidate provided their own unique view on what California should be like under their leadership.  Each one had public safety as one of their top priorities along with implementing change and fiscal responsibility.”

CSLEA Director and CACI President George Tiongson – One of our important jobs is getting our issues to those who can effect change.  I continue to make sure our issues are brought to the table and at the forefront of their minds.”

CSLEA Director and ASA-DOJ President Ben Greenhagen – “The board gained a lot of different insight from a variety of gubernatorial candidates and their views of improving public safety for all Californians.”

CSLEA Director and CAFDI President Joel Lambert – “Thank you to all the guests who spoke with us today.  We have much to consider in the months ahead.”

CSLEA Director and ACWO President Cesar Bustos – “I would like to thank all of the candidates who spoke with us today.  Their insight was enlightening and I am looking forward to learning more about them as the campaign for governor progresses.”

CSLEA Director and FMESA President BJ Jones – “Each of the candidates we spoke with today clearly identified some of the changes that the voters of this state have declared.   Prop 36 overwhelmingly passed and each candidate provided their specific insight and understanding. They all made valid points and demonstrated their knowledge, skills and abilities. As the number of candidates pursuing election for governor of California increases, I look forward to further meetings and asking questions.”

CSLEA Director and COLRE President Enrique Razo – “I want to thank the CSLEA administration for organizing today’s meeting with some of the gubernatorial candidates in California.  Our organization does not rest, we continue to work to ensure a brighter future for our membership by continuing to build political rapports.”

CSLEA Director and AC-DOJ President Gunther Scharnhorst – “Today, the CSLEA board met with a number of candidates for governor.  Meetings like this are CSLEA’s chance to gain a foothold in shaping policies that will affect our members.”

CSLEA Director and CABCA President Bryant Pender – “I appreciate the time and thoughtfulness each candidate brought to these discussions. Our members serve on the front lines of public safety, and it is imperative that we support leadership that is dedicated to real solutions and the challenges we face.”