RENO – California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) directors, consultants, staff, and members came together for a CSLEA membership conference at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno on October 24, 2025. The goal was to share common union goals, thoughts and ideas, to learn about topics that impact our work and home lives, and bond with one another.
“We kicked off the conference with a general membership session where I had the opportunity to welcome our members in attendance, introduce our consultants, attorneys and staff,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. “I thanked our members for their attendance, for their involvement with CSLEA, and for the incredible public safety and consumer protection work they do, day in and day out, for the State of California. Later in the day, I had the pleasure of speaking with many of our members, one on one, and that is when we really get to connect, and I get to hear, personally, what more CSLEA can do for them.”
Following introductions, CSLEA Political Consultant Peter Mitchell, a membership favorite, took center stage to talk all things politics. While the topic can be a turn-off or draining to some, Mitchell’s energetic, entertaining delivery showcased why political involvement and strength is important as it pertains to CSLEA, and the work CSLEA members do.
Mitchell’s ice breaker was his sportscoat, specially designed with republican faces outline in red on one side, and democratic faces outlined in blue on the other. “There’s no purple in the back of the jacket,” he laughed. The point he made was that as a political consultant, he is obviously all things politics, but it’s policy and not a political party that drives his work for CSLEA and its members.
“There is a reason why CSLEA is so involved in politics at the State Capitol,” said Barcelona. “As I have said before, those 100-plus people in the Legislature are driving the bus, they are writing the laws, and we must be able to communicate our views with them in order to protect and work for our members.”
Addressing CSLEA’s work with state legislators and legislation was CSLEA’s Legislative Advocate Shane LaVigne of LaVigne Strategies. LaVigne addressed legislation supported or opposed by CSLEA and why CSLEA’s contacts and work at the Capitol matters.
Both Mitchell and LaVigne answered questions from CSLEA members in attendance.
The General Membership Session was followed by an essential training session of Peace Officer Decertification under SB2. The course explored the latest updates on police decertification, agency reporting requirements, serious misconduct definitions, due process rights, and public disclosure laws. Presenter David E. Mastagni, a partner with the Labor Department of Mastagni Holstedt, APC., provided critical insights into new POST regulations and what has been learned from the appeals so far, and how to navigate the evolving landscape of licensure hearings.
The afternoon concluded with classes on retirement, ENDI, NDI, and Workers Compensation.
“Workers’ compensation can be a very complicated process and we want to be sure that our members injured on the job get the complete care they need and are protected financially,” said Barcelona. “We are grateful to Instructor Jonathan D. Char of Mastagni Holstedt, A.P.C., for his energetic presentation and educating our members on how to wase through the process and why the assistance of an attorney can be necessary.”
Day one of the two-day conference ended on a social note as CSLEA members, directors, attorneys, instructors and staff gathered at an evening reception to relax and enjoy each other’s company. There was much laughter, support and camaraderie.
