Important items discussed include
- Guidance regarding CalHR’s request for side letter
- CSLEA membership dues adjustment
- Guest speaker: former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services and candidate for governor Xavier Becerra
SACRAMENTO – On June 18, 2025, the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Board of Directors met at CSLEA headquarters to discuss union business at its second quarter meeting. The agenda included: (in order of presentation)
- Communications Report
- Scholarship Committee Report
- Conference Committee Report
- Membership Report
- Legislative and Political Reports
- Guest Speaker – former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services and candidate for governor Xavier Becerra
- CFO Report
- CSLEA Financials
- CSLEA Membership Dues Adjustment
- Status of Bargaining (Executive Session)
- Legal Defense Fund (LDF) and Legal Representation Committee (LRC) Reports
“Part of our regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting was held in executive session in which CSLEA directors received a very important presentation and update from our CSLEA negotiations team. Following much discussion, and questions and answers, the Board provided guidance to the negotiations team regarding CalHR’s request for a side letter. We will be able to provide more information in the days ahead,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.
Outside of executive session, CSLEA consultants, staff, committee chairs, and chief financial officer updated CSLEA directors on work that has taken place since the Board’s last meeting in February. In addition, special guest, former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra spoke to directors about his candidacy to become California’s next governor.
Communications Report: CSLEA Communications Director Teri Cox updated directors on technical issues experienced with the CSLEA website and mobile app, the creation of forms and emails that have assisted CSLEA staff with their communications and record keeping, as well as assistance provided to CSLEA affiliates.
Scholarship Committee Report: CSLEA Scholarship Committee Chairman Dr. Kenneth Ehrman reported that committee members will begin reviewing dozens of qualifying scholarship applications next week. Once reviews are completed, scores will be tabulated and an announcement of the recipients will be made.
Conference Committee Report: CSLEA Conference Committee Chair Tina Brazil updated directors on the progress made for CSLEA’s General Membership Conference to be held in Reno on October 24-25th. She advised registration for the conference, classes and hotel would likely begin in August.
Membership Report: CFO Ricardo Sanchez reported CSLEA membership numbers and discussed ways in which CSLEA is reaching out to non-members in Bargaining Unit 7 who are benefiting from the year-round work CSLEA does yet not contributing financially to union efforts. He requested directors to reach out to non-members in their affiliates to encourage them to join.
Legislative & Political Reports: CSLEA Political Consultant Peter Mitchell updated the Board on political issues on the federal, state and local level including the United States presidency, candidates for California governor, the state budget, current events, public safety, and issues impacting peace officers.
CSLEA Legislative Consultant Shane LaVigne updated the Board on legislation including bills that CSLEA supports, opposes, or is watching, and the state budget process. The Legislature will break for summer recess following adjournment July 18th and reconvene August 18th.
Guest Speaker: Former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services and candidate for governor Xavier Becerra spoke to directors about his candidacy to become California’s next governor. Some of the issues he addressed included vacancy rates in state peace officer positions, balancing budgets, utility and insurance rates, transportation and housing.
CFO Financial Report: CSLEA CFO Ricardo Sanchez presented his financial report to the board which reflected CSLEA’s budget including operating expenses.
- Dues Adjustment: CSLEA directors discussed options for a membership dues adjustment. Annual dues adjustments are consistent with the CSLEA constitution. The dues adjustment will amount to $4.85 a month with the increase effective in the July 2025 pay period
This adjustment will assist CSLEA with operating expenses which includes paying CSLEA attorneys, staff and consultants who conduct important union business and assist members on a daily basis.
- CPA Steve Olds presented to the Board the annual audit of CSLEA finances, commending CSLEA on its strong statement of financial position.
Executive Session: CSLEA directors received a presentation and update from the CSLEA negotiations team regarding CalHR’s request for a side letter.
Legal Defense Fund (LDF) and Legal Representation Committee (LRC) Reports: CSLEA Chief Counsel Kasey Clark updated CSLEA directors on two Legal Defense Fund cases one of which involves a POST decertification. He advised the Board that the Legal Representation Committee met to consider four cases and authorized three for arbitration.
Comments from CSLEA Directors Upon Meeting Adjournment:
CSLEA Director and ASA-DOJ President Ben Greenhagen: “We had an important discussion regarding contract updates that will best benefit all CSLEA members during a time of budget uncertainty.”
CSLEA Director and CACI President George Tiongson: “Please take a look at the updated CSLEA website for news stories, updating contact information and it’s a good time to update your beneficiary. The website will be your reference for any contract negotiations.”
CSLEA Director and SPPOAC President Matt Yarbrough: “With the State’s budget shortfall, SPPOAC and CSLEA are stressing how far behind our peace officer positions are in pay compared to their local agencies. The State has agreed to complete a salary study by November and we will continue to fight for equity in pay for our members.”
CSLEA Director and ACWO President Trevor Pell: “It was great hearing from former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra on his campaign and achievements. Thank you to him for coming to speak to the CSLEA Board. ACWO will continue to advocate and fight for our valued wildlife officers.”
CSLEA Director and CABCA President Bryant Pender: “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the CSLEA negotiations team for their dedication and hard work, particularly in the face of the budget constraints currently impacting California’s public safety officers. Their commitment to protecting our salaries and benefits has not gone unnoticed.
It is deeply concerning that today our State finds itself in such a fiscal crisis—one that should not be borne on the backs of dedicated state employees already impacted by recruitment and retention issues. As we continue our conversations with gubernatorial candidates, including today’s meeting with former California Attorney General and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, we consistently emphasize that budgets are a reflection of values, and public servants are more than just line items on a spreadsheet.”
