- Important items discussed include CSLEA’s push for recruitment, retention and salary increases for membership
- Interviewing candidates for California Governor – candidates included Steve Hilton, Matt Mahan, and Eric Swalwell
SACRAMENTO – On March 11, 2026, the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Board of Directors met at CSLEA headquarters to discuss union business at its second meeting held in the first quarter of 2026.
“Although our CSLEA officers and directors just met in January, there is much work to be discussed and done as a Board, and we felt it was imperative to meet as a group to press forward with our mission,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. “The State simply must address the issues having a growing negative impact on its public safety and consumer protection employees, including staffing, safety, and affordability.”
The meeting agenda included: (in order of presentation)
- Scholarship Committee Report
- Conference Committee Report
- Gubernatorial Candidate Interviews
- Legislative and Political Reports
- Communications Report
- CFO Report
- CSLEA Financials
- Membership Report
- Legal Defense Fund (LDF) and Legal Representation Committee (LRC) Reports
“We want to thank candidates for governor Steve Hilton and Matt Mahan who met with us via video conference, and Eric Swalwell for travelling to CSLEA headquarters to meet with us in person. The candidates introduced themselves and addressed the many questions CSLEA directors had as CSLEA continues its endorsement considerations,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. “Each candidate was sincerely appreciative of the work our CSLEA members do and each is aware of the work that must be done to improve recruitment, retention, salaries, affordability, public safety and consumer protection.”
“The gubernatorial candidates who spoke today appeared to have a solid grasp of the issues facing our state,” said CSLEA Director and FMESA President BJ Jones. “The questions posed by the CSLEA Board of Directors were insightful and helped highlight each candidate’s perspective. Through their responses, we were able to gain a glimpse into how each candidate would attempt to address the challenges that continue to affect California.”
“I appreciated each of the gubernatorial candidates taking the time to meet with us and seek our endorsement,” said CSLEA Director and CABCA President Bryant Pender. ” An endorsement from CSLEA carries weight because it signals credibility, competence, and trust on issues that many voters see as central to effective state leadership. As the union representing the majority of the state’s law‑enforcement agencies, we have firsthand insight into California’s public‑safety challenges, and our support can serve as a meaningful indication that a candidate’s plans for crime, emergency response, and community safety are grounded in reality rather than rhetoric. That is why we take this decision seriously, knowing that we will be working with the next administration to address California’s public‑safety challenges and to secure compensation that properly reflects the responsibilities carried by those who safeguard our state.”
Scholarship Committee Report: CSLEA Scholarship Committee Chairman Dr. Kenneth Ehrman reported that a 2026 CSLEA Scholarship announcement has not yet been made and is pending confirmation of donations to CSLEA’s non-profit foundation.
Conference Committee Report: In CSLEA Conference Committee Chair Tina Brazil’s absence, CSLEA CFO Ricardo Sanchez updated directors on the expense of CSLEA’s 2025 Membership Conference and opened up a discussion of how best to meet with members throughout California that would minimize travel and expense for members, staff and directors.
Legislative & Political Reports: CSLEA Legislative Consultant Shane LaVigne updated the Board on what is likely to be the biggest topic and challenge at the State Capitol for years to come and that is State budget shortfalls. He and his team are finalizing plans for a CSLEA Units B and C legislative advocacy day on March 23rd.
CSLEA Political Consultant Peter Mitchell updated the Board on upcoming elections on the federal, state and local level. He addressed polling, approval ratings, voter turnout and endorsements considerations.
Communications Report: CSLEA Communications Director Teri Cox updated directors on communications activity including website articles, eblasts to membership, and contributions by individual directors to inform membership and the public.
CFO Financial Report: CSLEA CFO Ricardo Sanchez presented his financial report to the board which reflected CSLEA’s budget including operating expenses, assets, revenue, and liabilities.
Membership Report: Sanchez reported CSLEA membership numbers and stressed that there are non-members in Bargaining Unit 7 who are benefiting from the year-round work CSLEA does yet not contributing financially to union efforts. He reported that membership representatives will be working to meet with non-members throughout the state, starting in the Sacramento region.
Legal Defense Fund (LDF) and Legal Representation Committee (LRC) Reports: CSLEA Chief Counsel Kasey Clark updated CSLEA directors on two LRC cases which include one arbitration and one settlement agreement. He discussed one new LDF case and updated the Board on the status of an ongoing case involving a legal challenge to POST’s decertification of a Lottery Investigator’s license based on an audit of his background investigation.
