- Important items discussed include candidates for governor and whether to endorse prior to the primary election
- Guest speaker: Assemblymember Phillip Chen (AD59)
SACRAMENTO – On May 26, 2026, 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
- CFO Report
- CSLEA financials
- Annual audit of CSLEA finances
- Membership report
- Legal Defense Fund (LDF) and Legal Representation Committee (LRC) Reports
- Guest speaker: Assemblymember Phillip Chen (AD59)
- RTO and CDI parity updates
- Scholarship Committee Report
- Legislative and Political Advocacy Report
- Executive Session: Endorsing a Candidate for Governor
- Membership Events
“One of the most important things we do as a Board during an election year that includes candidates for governor, is to decide who and when to endorse a candidate. State employees know it is important to support a candidate that is labor-friendly and is like-minded when it comes to the issues that will impact our jobs, salaries, working conditions and retirement security,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. “Our second quarter board meeting allowed us to consider our options with all 18 directors in one room. In addition, we received important CSLEA updates from our consultants, staff, committee chairs, and chief financial officer on work that has taken place since our last Board meeting in March.”
Communications Report: CSLEA Communications Director Teri Cox updated directors on website activity that included online membership applications, membership discount applications, and number of members who used the website to contact CSLEA, email delivery, and communications assistance provided to CSLEA’s 18 affiliates. Directors inquired about expanding communication with members via text messages.
CFO Financial Report: CSLEA CFO Ricardo Sanchez presented his financial report to the board which reflected CSLEA’s budget including assets and operating expenses.
CPA Steve Olds (Williams & Olds Accounting, Auditing, Tax & Consulting Services) summarized the annual audit of CSLEA finances.
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 requested directors to reach out to non-members to encourage them to join. In addition, Sanchez and membership services representatives plan to visit work sites in Southern California during the second and third quarters of this year.
Legal Defense Fund (LDF) and Legal Representation Committee (LRC) Reports: CSLEA Chief Counsel Kasey Clark and Senior Counsel Ryan Navarre updated CSLEA directors on LRC cases which included arbitration involving DMV Licensing Registration Examiners and the filing of a Cal/OSHA complaint involving State Parks rangers. Clark also disseminated LDF information on three pending cases for review by the Board.
Special Guest: Assemblymember Phillip Chen (AD59)greeted CSLEA directors, thanked them for their service and support, and spoke about law enforcement bills. He also stressed the importance of the role that CSLEA directors have in educating legislators about the jobs CSLEA members do and the issues impacting public safety and public safety employees.
“Our sincere appreciation to Assemblymember Chen for always being available to CSLEA and for always being open and honest about the challenges that are present in the legislature and California. Assemblymember Chen has always been supportive of CSLEA members, law enforcement and public safety.”
RTO and CDI parity updates: CSLEA Chief Counsel Kasey Clark updated directors on the CDI parity issue as well as the Return to Office order.
Scholarship Committee Report: CSLEA Scholarship Committee Chairman Dr. Kenneth Ehrman reported that the deadline for CSLEA scholarship applications is May 31, 2026. Identifying information on qualified applications will be redacted and applications will be sent to committee members for scoring.
Legislative & Political Reports: CSLEA Legislative Advocate Shane LaVigne updated the Board on CSLEA supported and opposed legislation, the budget and the legislature’s timetable.
In executive session, CSLEA Political Consultant Peter Mitchell’s main focus was on the upcoming primary and the long list of candidates running for California governor. CSLEA has been conducting candidate interviews as well as polling.
“This is an unprecedented race for governor given the enormous list of candidates, both known and unknown, and several candidates whom we have supported in past elections for various offices. That said, CSLEA directors decided the most prudent course at this time is to refrain from endorsing a single candidate until the general election draws nearer,” said CSLEA President Barcelona. “We will continue exploring our options, continue our conversations with candidates, and continue conducting and reviewing polling.”
Membership Events: CSLEA Conference Committee Chair Tina Brazil discussed possible options for meeting with CSLEA members during 2026.
Comments from CSLEA Directors Upon Meeting Adjournment:
CSLEA Director and ADC President Marcus Nenn: “It was eye opening to hear about all the law enforcement bills our legislative analyst reviews and manages for CSLEA members. There never seems to be a shortage of ideas from every corner of the State about how law enforcement professionals should do their jobs.”
CSLEA Director and CACI President George Tiongson: “We continue to monitor and leverage our membership to ensure we are consistent in our mission to improve and maintain benefits. A reminder, update your contact information with CSLEA and check out our discounts program, BenefitHub, as BenefitHub reports users can save up to $2500 a year.”
CSLEA Director and FMESA President BJ Jones: “Listening to Philip Chen, Assemblymember for California’s 59th District, was truly refreshing. His candor, insight, and professional background provided an enlightening perspective on public service and leadership. I especially appreciated his detailed reflections on his experiences in State Government and the journey he began in 2016. His thoughtful comments and firsthand observations offered valuable context into the challenges and responsibilities of serving the people of California.”
