Special guests include Senator Kelly Seyarto, Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez, and Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis
SACRAMENTO – California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) officers and directors met at CSLEA headquarters on January 6, 2026 for their first quarter board meeting. In addition to receiving updates from consultants and staff, the board had the opportunity to hear presentations from special guests State Senator Kelly Seyarto, Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez, and Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis.
“We were honored to speak with two of California’s legislators and the Lt. Governor,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. “They updated us on issues and legislation that impact our membership focusing on labor, public safety, housing, insurance, taxes and affordability in California. We thank them for making themselves available to us and we appreciate their support of the work our members do. It is important that our elected officials know who we are and listen to our directors about the challenges our members are facing while working for, and living in, the State of California.”
Items of business for CSLEA Directors
In addition to presentations from the three guest speakers, CSLEA directors received the following reports from staff and consultants:
Communications – CSLEA Communications Director Teri Cox updated directors on website articles and communications during and after the CSLEA membership conference in October, the number of members who have requested access to CSLEA’s discounts program, as well as the number of people who have contacted CSLEA through CSLEA’s website. CSLEA continues to report on visits it makes to new State employees assigned to Bargaining Unit 7 and sends greetings to members on special holidays and days of national recognition.
Membership Report – Membership Committee Chair Ricardo Sanchez updated the board on CSLEA’s membership numbers, both POFF and safety, as well as the number of people in Bargaining Unit 7 positions who are not supporting their union. Sanchez stated that the membership committee would be travelling throughout the state this year to speak with both members and non-members.
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.
Conference Committee Report –In the absence of Conference Committee Chair Tina Brazil, Sanchez updated the board on the number of attendees at CSLEA’s membership conference in October, as well as the cost of having it. Directors discussed if there might be other, more cost-effective ways to bring members together if the future.
PAC Report – Political Consultant Peter Mitchell updated the board on the federal and state political climate, candidates in future elections, and issues that impact CSLEA members.
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 2000. He discussed the challenges the State faces and where money is likely to be spent.
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 a new legal representation case the committee authorized and provided updates on several current LRC cases, as well as one LDF case.
Foundation Report – Committee Chair Kenneth Ehrman informed the board that there are no updates as of yet as to possible 2026 CSLEA scholarships.
Comments from Directors following the meeting:
CSLEA Director and FMESA President BJ Jones – “With the new year, it looks like we are going to be very busy. I look forward to working with the CSLEA Board to put us in the best position possible as we navigate the future fiscal challenges.”
CSLEA Director and SPPOAC President Matt Yarbrough – “CSLEA and SPPOAC will continue, this year, working on key issues for rangers and lifeguards, some highlights are pushing Parks management to fill the positions that were saved from being swept in the last budget, preparing for bargaining for pay raises and better working conditions, and meeting with management to solve issues in the field.”
CSLEA Director and CABCA Director Bryant Pender – “It was a pleasure to meet and speak with Senator Kelly Seyarto, Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez, and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis about the challenges ahead in the 2026 legislative session. Our discussions were highly productive, offering a valuable opportunity to align on the major challenges and priorities we anticipate in 2026. Throughout each conversation, we were able to exchange clear insights, surface shared concerns, and identify areas where collaborative action will be essential. I appreciated the openness and engagement from each of them as it helped deepen our understanding of CSLEA’s legislative landscape ahead, while also reinforcing the importance of continued partnership as we work toward effective, forward‑looking solutions for safer communities across the state.”
