1. family and parenting
2. children

Volume 61, No. 2
OCEA Employee
Orange County, California
March/April 2008
OCEA Employee
The official publication of the Orange County Employees Association
OCEA Welcomes John Leos as
New Board Member
At its March 18, 2008, Board of
Directors meeting, our OCEA
Board of Directors chose elevenyear OCEA member John Leos to
fill a vacancy on the Board. John
is a Deputy Juvenile Correctional
Officer employed in the
Probation Services Unit. John has
been an OCEA Steward for four
years. He was a member of our
John Leos
2007 Coalition Bargaining Team,
and he was also on our PSU Bargaining Team.
John has been an active supporter of OCEA programs,
including service as an OCEA Labor Management
Committee member. He has also worked hard to
support political candidates and propositions endorsed
by OCEA.
John, welcome to our Board of Directors!
The Postman Always Rings Twice
OCEA is a classic example of democracy
in action. You, the member, are the most
important person in our “hierarchy.” You
elect our leaders, who in turn develop a
philosophy or strategy based on what our
members want. We often say that OCEA
can be just about whatever our members
want us to be!
Viewed from another standpoint, OCEA
IS our members, and our members ARE
OCEA. We get things done, because we do
it ourselves! We don’t depend on outsiders!
That philosophy has kept OCEA a leading
labor organization for decades!
u Page 3
But some of our members may wonder
exactly how they can take a more active
part in carrying out OCEA’s mission! Take
a look at the pyramid below! There is a
place for you there. You may take part
on one of OCEA’s Labor Management
Committees. You might join the OCEA
Women’s Forum Committee, or take part
on our OCEA Political Action Committee.
You might be interested in becoming an
OCEA Steward, or running for our Board
of Directors. You might even become
OCEA President!
Working on your taxes?
It all starts with a phone call to your OCEA
Labor Relations Representative:
Frank Eley is back as our OCEA President! Check out
his OCEA President’s Message for this issue!
u Page 2
Old Dogs, Children, and . . .
(You know the rest!)
OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino teaches some
lessons based on Tom T. Hall’s classic song “Old Dogs,
Children, and Watermelon Wine.” It's just a couple of
pages away.
OCEA: We’re on a roll!
Check out the OCEA “tax guide”
for help on your taxes.
At a recent OCEA Steward meeting, OCEA Labor Relations
Representative Tim Steed shared insights on how to locate potential
Stewards and help them get going! Tim made it seem easy!
OCEA President
Chosen by OCEA’s Board of Directors
OCEA Board of Directors
Elected by OCEA’s membership
OCEA Stewards
Trained members who support OCEA
Informal OCEA Leaders
Not necessarily stewards . . .
(714) 835-3355
u Page 5
A war is being waged . . .
. . . against the middle class. Learn more by looking at
our center spread.
u Pages 8-9
Special Events and Discounts
u Page 14-15
OCEA Member Recruitment
Drive Coming!
Watch our website for details!
www.oceamember.org
OCEA Stewards are listening avidly to presentations at our March 11, 2008, Steward meeting in OCEA’s Assembly Room.
OCEA CALENDAR
OCEA PAC Meeting
Third Thursday each month
OCEA Board of Directors Meeting
Third Tuesday each month
OCEA Women’s Forum
April 23: “Manage Your Money”
OCEA Steward Meeting
Second Tuesday each month
OCEA President’s Message
The Postman Always Rings Twice
Frank Eley
OCEA President
They say “the postman always rings twice.” I’m
not exactly the postman, but I’m back anyway,
“ringing” again. Some of you who have been
around a while will remember that I had the
honor of serving you as OCEA President from
1993 through the year 2000—from before the
County’s 1994 bankruptcy and extending several
years after that.
And now, here I am again!
I want to begin by saying “thank you” to our
Board of Directors, which has skillfully guided us
through difficult times over the past few years, for
their commitment and for the sacrifices they have
made for the good of our OCEA membership. I
especially want to single-out Sara Ruckle-Harms
for her friendship and leadership during the
past year, during which she served as OCEA
President. Sara is planning to retire this summer,
and it will be difficult to say goodbye to her!
It has now been a little over fifteen years since
I wrote my first OCEA President’s message, in
January 1993. Looking at it again now, I see that
the big picture hasn’t changed much. At that
time, I wrote: “Lastly, in looking to the New Year
ahead, it’s no secret that this will be the most
challenging year for OCEA in a long time.” But
then, as now, I expressed optimism that our team
would get through it all—as, of course, we did.
I little suspected at the beginning of 1993 that
less than two years later the County would be
filing for bankruptcy. But we got through that,
too, and those of you who were members then
will remember that OCEA played a key role in
opposing layoffs, and in getting us all through
the bankruptcy and its aftermath.
In any event, this year the challenges we face
are clear cut. We are continuing to withstand
attacks on our pensions and medical benefits,
and we are striking back at those people who
want to balance state and local budgets on the
backs of our members. In coming months, you’ll
be hearing more and more from OCEA about the
diminishing (and disappearing) middle class,
and about OCEA’s role in helping to preserve the
middle class.
We talk about the disappearing middle class,
but does that apply to us in “affluent” Orange
County? You better believe it! Consider the
following, from a 2006 article in the Orange
County Register:
Victor Becerra, director of UCI’s Community
Outreach Partnership Center, said the latest data
on incomes “exacerbates the claim by many, which
I think is true, that Orange County is economically
bifurcated. You have the wealthy and then you have
the poor. And increasingly shrinking, very rapidly, is
the middle class.
“The long-term implications in terms of a bifurcation
can’t be healthy,” and will hurt the county’s image
with people who might otherwise want to move or
travel here, Becerra said.
Overall, people in Orange County tend to earn
more money than elsewhere (even though we
Attention OCEA
Members!
OCEA is pleased to announce that applications for
the 2008 OCEA Board of Directors Scholarship
are now being accepted!
Here’s another great benefit of OCEA membership!
OCEA is sponsoring two $2,000 scholarships for
children or stepchildren of OCEA members (or whose
legal guardian or financially responsible grandparent
is an OCEA member). Eligibility for consideration is
contingent on enrollment (or acceptance with intent
to enroll) in an accredited college, university, or
community college. Further eligibility requirements,
selection criteria, and applications are available at
OCEA or on the OCEA website. Applications must be
received at OCEA on or before July 18, 2008, and the
awards will be announced at the August meeting of the
OCEA Board of Directors.
For scholarship application and rules,
call OCEA at (714) 835-3355,
or visit www.oceamember.org.
Page 2 – March/April 2008
have a poverty level of around 9%). But in spite
of these higher earnings, it is hard for many of
us—perhaps most of us—to make ends meet. Car
expenses, including gasoline, are a nightmare
in our car-based culture. How about housing?
If you are renting, forget it! You are paying skyhigh rents and there is little room for any taxdeductions to decrease that burden.
It’s even harder for those of us with children. A
lot of us have childcare or preschool expenses
that can easily run $4,000 per year—for one
child. Typical childcare expenses in families
with two children are often in the $12,000 range,
depending largely on the ages of the children. If
you are choosy about which schools your kids
are going to attend—well, so is everybody else!
The result is even higher housing costs.
So, our work is cut out for us. Let’s keep
informed, and let’s stay focused on our goals as
OCEA members during the coming year.
In conclusion, remember: I’m “ringing twice.”
And if you’ll give me the same kind of support
which you offered the fist time I rang, we’ll do
fine.
Here’s to a great 2008!
Frank Eley
OCEA President
EMPLOYEE
Orange County Employees Association
OFFICERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Frank Eley........................................ President
Robert Gibson.....................1st Vice President
Arlyn Buck........................ 2nd Vice President
Lezlee Neebe......................................Secretary
Ron Cooper...................................... Treasurer
Cheryl Neuenschwander...... Insurance Officer
Sara Ruckle-Harms.................... Past President
Russell Baldwin........................ Forensic Science
Arlyn Buck................................. Social Services
Luisa Camino.......................SSA/Adult Services
Alan Dean Clow......................Public Defender
Ron Cooper.............................. Assessor’s Office
Becki Daher..............................Sheriff-Coroner
Frank Eley............................................RDMD
Jeff Gallagher.................................... Probation
Eusebio “Butch” Garcia...... Social Services Agency
Robert Gibson.................................. Probation
Steven Johnson................... Health Care Agency
John Leos.......................................... Probation
Lezlee Neebe.................... Superior Court Clerk
Cheryl Neuenschwander... Superior Court Clerk
Phyllis Oudmayer.......... Child Support Services
Chris Prevatt........HCA/Tobacco Use Prevention
Sara Ruckle-Harms.................District Attorney
Bill Stein...................................Sheriff-Coroner
Pamela Waters.......................................Library
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Arlyn Buck.........................................Courtesy
Arlyn Buck.................................Special Events
Ron Cooper.......................................... Bylaws
Frank Eley.......................................Retirement
Frank Flavin.................................... Legislative
Lezlee Neebe......... Newspaper/Communications
Editor: Thomas A. Sawyer
Design & Layout: Kevin Rush
830 North Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 835-3355
The OCEA Employee newspaper (USPS 004-330) is published six times annually; bimonthly
for January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, and
November/December, by the Orange County Employees Association, 830 N. Ross, P.O.
Box 177, Santa Ana, CA 92702; telephone (714) 835-3355. Periodical postage paid at
Santa Ana, California. Subscription prices: members, $3.00 per year; non-members, $6.00
per year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Orange County Employees Association,
P.O. Box 177, Santa Ana, CA 92702-0177. Advertising in the OCEA Employee newspaper
does not constitute OCEA endorsement of the products or services advertised. The opinions
expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the Orange
County Employees Association unless specifically so stated. Contributions in the form of
articles, photographs, human-interest incidents, retirement news, etc., are welcomed and
encouraged. Articles for publication must be received by OCEA no later than the first of
each month. Association office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except
public holidays. OCEA reserves the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. Photographs will be returned only upon request. Copyright 2008 by the Orange
County Employees Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion or contents
prohibited by law. Printed by Anchor Printing, Tustin, CA.
OCEA is your union! Get involved!
OCEA General Manager’s Message
Nick Berardino
OCEA General Manager
“Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine”:
Is Our Dream Fading?
Back in the old days of the 60s, 70s, and even
80s, one of the top songwriters in the nation was
a man named Tom T. Hall. Even if you don’t
know the name, you’ve heard his songs. He’s
known as “The Storyteller,” because so many of
his songs tell a story. His song “Harper Valley
PTA” was a colossal hit for Jeannie C. Riley, back
in 1968. Of the countless songs Tom has written,
11 have reached number 1 on the country
charts, and 26 others have been in the Top 10.
As a recording artist, Tom has been terrifically
successful, and he has had such hits as “I Love,”
and the number-1 hit, “Old Dogs, Children, and
Watermelon Wine.”
If you’ve heard “Old Dogs, Children, and
Watermelon Wine,” you probably remember
it. It was the story of Tom’s meeting up with
an elderly man, who told Tom that he’d “tried
it all,” but the only things in the world worth
anything were “old dogs, and children, and
watermelon wine.” Tom’s picturesque language
and haunting melody were definitely the
makings of a great song.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a little about the
closing words of the song:
That night I dreamed in peaceful
sleep of shady summertime—
Of old dogs, and children, and
watermelon wine.
There is something strangely evocative, even
eerie, about these lines. This song was based
on a real occurrence in Tom’s life, and it seems
that Tom, the successful songwriter, saw this
other man’s philosophy as symbolic of some
real truth—and that he caught a glimpse of that
real truth as he slept that night. And note, it was
peaceful sleep! What’s better than that?
And, you know, life’s real, basic truths are apt to
be this simple. I don’t have any dogs. My kids are
growing up. I’ve never tasted watermelon wine
(and I don’t have any reputation as a drinker).
But to me, this song is a reminder that life is only
complicated because we make it that way.
But things are rarely black and white. At OCEA,
and in our actions with the County and Court,
and with many cities and districts, things are
unavoidably complicated, and getting more
so all the time. Whether we are preparing for
bargaining, studying legislation, handling
grievances, or dealing with any of a thousand
other OCEA matters, things are complex. They
require close study, and they mean occasional
sleepless nights.
Can we turn back the clock? No, we can’t. And
I don’t know that I would want to. In many
ways, America is better now than it has been
at any time in the past. The problem is, being
better off comes at a price, in cold dollars and
cents. We have better medical care available than
in the past, but its costs border on prohibitive.
Our houses and apartments are better built, and
many even have fire sprinklers, but this, too,
comes at a cost. We are living longer, and our
compensation has to pay, directly or indirectly,
for our expenses (including medical expenses)
during significantly longer lives.
In terms of pure “money coming in,” hardly
any of us are better off than our parents—and
in many cases, our parents had it pretty rough!
Household incomes are somewhat higher,
but that’s mainly because in many cases there
are now two people (or more) in a household
providing income to help the family scratch
toward the dream. The middle class is vanishing,
but it might be clearer if we said that the
American dream is fading.
In some ways, we are indeed better off than we
were in the past. But the bottom-line, irrefutable
point is this: we are not as well off as we would
be if it were not for things such as an unfair
system of taxes, breaks given to corporations,
exploitative employers, anti-union businesses,
unfair pay and benefits, junking of pensions by
major corporations, and so on. The little guy, the
person who often has no voice, is suffering so
the fatcats can have more money than they know
what to do with.
And, please, the canard that the rich are being
bled to death by taxes is ridiculous. The rich
people are—well, RICH! The people who are
being bled are the lower-class and middle-class.
What’s the solution? I don’t have all the answers,
but I am confident that all of us must play an
active role in OCEA if we are to reverse the
current trend. Unions are playing a key role, and
will continue to do so, in this struggle.
Look at these words, found toward the
beginning of Tom T. Hall’s song, “Old Dogs,
Children, and Watermelon Wine”:
I was sittin’ in Miami, pouring
blended whiskey down, . . .
See the contrast portrayed in this song? What
he drank was blended whisky; what he dreamed
about (“That night I dreamed in peaceful
sleep...”) was watermelon wine.
Our lives are one thing. Our dreams are another.
For most of us, the disappearing middle class will
only place our dreams that much farther away.
Nick Berardino
OCEA General Manager
Shorpy Higginbotham and Workplace Safety
In Orange County, in part due to the nature of
the primary occupations, work-related tragedies
seldom become big news. However, to the families
of those who have been killed or seriously injured
here, the results can be catastrophic. They live with
the horrible results long after most people have
forgotten about the tragic events.
Our current administration in Washington has an
extremely poor reputation regarding workplace
safety. As recently as January of this year, President
George Bush was threatening to veto a mine-safety
bill. It’s been that way for a long time. Here’s a
quotation from 2006, from the “Democracy Now!”
website (typifying the views of pro-labor activists):
For various reasons, we tend to think of coal-mining
as one of the most dangerous occupations, but as
a matter of fact, in the year 2000, timber cutters,
fishermen, and pilots were engaged in substantially
more dangerous jobs (based on fatalities).
Nonetheless, “extractive occupations,” which
include coal mining, were more than ten times as
dangerous as all occupations on average.
Critics contend that the Bush administration is beholden
to the mining industry and has gutted safety and health
regulations in the mines. They point to figures from the
Center for Responsive Politics which show that over the
last 6 years, coal companies gave $9 million to mostly
republican federal candidates.
One of the astonishing things about workplace
disasters is the shocking numbers of people who
have been killed in them. The worst coal-mining
disaster was a gas and coal-dust explosion in the
Benxihu Colliery (China), in 1942. The death toll was
an unbelievable 1,549. For those who say, “it can’t
happen here,” it should be noted that the United
States has suffered at least four mining catastrophes
which claimed 200 or more lives, including one as
recent as 1937. Less destructive disasters have also
been calamitous. One of the most remarkable of
these was the Farmington Mine Disaster, in 1968, in
West Virginia, which took 78 lives.
bladder from “falling rock” in a mine. Sadly, one
of his brothers, Jack, had been killed by a mining
mishap a few years earlier. n
If you read closely the November-December issue
of the OCEA Employee newspaper, you probably
noticed the little 1910 photo of men and boys
employed at the Bessie Mine, in Alabama. The
only boy whose full name was given was Shorpy
Higginbotham. It turns out that a number of
researchers have been intrigued by this boy Shorpy.
See, for example:
www.morningsonmaplestreet.com/henryhigginbotham1.html
Shorpy was born on November 23, 1896, so he was
fourteen when the photo was taken. Tragically, he
died January 25, 1928, after 10 days in the hospital.
He had sustained a crushed pelvis and ruptured
OCEA is your union! Get involved!
Shorpy Higginbotham, who was pictured in a 1910 “group shot”
in our November-December issue. Shorpy was a “greaser,” evidently responsible for greasing the axels of the coal cars at the
“tipple” at Bessie Mine, in Alabama.
March/April 2008 – 3
OCEA LMC Updates
Assessor Department LMC
Subcommittee Reports:
Aaron Peardon, OCEA Labor
Relations Representative
Workplace Enhancement: The FTP server issue has still
not been resolved and is still being researched. Conflicting
responses have been provided by the County Data Center as
to whether or not it’s feasible or allowable to have this link
to the State, primarily for the purpose of uploading large
files directly to it, rather than continue to send hardcopies by
Federal Express.
The Orange County Assessor’s Department Labor
Management Committee meeting was held on January 9,
2008. This is the second meeting in which OCEA participated.
The meeting was attended by several employees, including
OCEA members Bonnie Forsythe and Jerry Nava. OCEA
Labor Relations Representative Aaron Peardon introduced the
Department to their new OCEA representative, OCEA Senior
Labor Relations Representative Loretta van der Pol. Loretta is
returning to OCEA following a year off for medical reasons.
Over the past two years, OCEA and the Assessor’s
Department have worked diligently on establishing a strong
working relationship between management and employees.
With the help of members of management such as Shaw Lin,
Steve Harness, and County Assessor Webster Guillory, we
have formulated a relationship that mutually benefits both
sides. We continue to work on resolving employee issues at
the earliest possible point, and strive to improve the lives
of Assessor Department employees. Loretta brings many
years of experience into this endeavor and will continue this
important process.
Items discussed during the meeting included the security of
Department computer systems, earthquake safety, and cellphone usage. The Department is attempting to implement a
computer system that will simplify the security protocol for
the computer technology systems. On the issue of earthquakes,
Bonnie Forsythe suggested the idea of providing earthquake
safety kits to every employee. The idea is that these kits could
be kept under an employee’s desk and would help survival
in the event of a catastrophic earthquake. The Department
is going to investigate the possibility of providing these kits
and will follow-up during the next meeting. Lastly, Bill Price
asked Webster Guillory to define the Department’s policy on
cell-phone usage. Webster stated that employees need to use
their own judgment and common sense. The use of cell phones
in occasional personal emergencies is acceptable. The simple
point is, do not be on the phone throughout the day, or sending
and receiving text messages when you are supposed to be
working. We all will have issues that we sometimes need to
address, and as long as the use of cell phones is not abused, it
should not be a problem.
OCEA is happy to be a part of the Assessor Department
LMC, and we look forward to continuing to work with the
Department in resolving workplace issues through this process.
Health Care Agency LMC
Loretta van der Pol, OCEA Senior Labor
Relations Representative
Report for Meeting of January 9, 2008
The Workplace Enhancement, Communications/
Project Development, Recruitment, and Best Practices
subcommittees all met prior to the full meeting. Those
meetings were very productive.
The Team Leaders reported that the work put into the
Christmas Luncheon meeting was discussed and considered
very successful.
The HCA co-sponsor David Thiessen provided an update on
the unknown state of the impact of the Governor’s budget
announcement on County operations.
The new OCEA co-sponsor, Loretta van der Pol, introduced
OCEA’s Jason Motsick as the other new OCEA co-sponsor.
HCA’s Human Resources team member, Karen Hodel,
discussed the status of the upcoming graduation of 30+
participants in the HCA Leadership Training. She also
provided a description of a newer, more user-friendly
“Learning Management System” that tracks the County
courses taken by employees.
The caseload issue submitted by an employee in Adult
Behavioral Health appears to have been resolved and the
employee is satisfied. This LMC issue was closed.
A new issue involving the parking lot at the 17th Street
facility was submitted and research is to begin.
Communications/Project Development: The new
subcommittee chair discussed being approached by a couple
of new members about LMC handbooks; the location of
guidelines for the Team Excellence Award; and archived
information for past “What’s Up” and OCEA newsletter
articles. These issues were addressed after brief discussion.
Recruitment: Public Health (and specifically the Public
Health/Regulatory Health combination) is short one
representative on the LMC, as is Correctional Medical
Services. The subcommittee will work with management to
try and identify potential candidates.
Best Practices: This subcommittee has had to revamp its work
twice and is attempting to resume meeting.
New Business: There has been discussion in the recent past
about reducing the LMC meeting frequency to every other
month, with the subcommittees continuing to meet monthly.
The issue was tabled until next month, after the subcommittees
check on the viability of meeting on this basis, but with
flexibility on the dates and times. Reports would be submitted
to the LMC members after those meetings. There were also
opinions expressed about the benefits of both monthly and
bi-monthly meetings. The majority of the LMC members also
participate in one of the four standing subcommittees.
Report for Meeting of February 13, 2008
Questions were asked about Leadership Development
Training, training in general, and the timeliness of
reimbursements. The Human Resources representative on
the LMC gave some information on the training team, and on
where the most current reimbursement forms can be located,
but asked to be able to provide more detailed information in
the next meeting.
The committee voted to accept a new member, Gregory Fuller,
who works at one of the Drug and Alcohol Clinics.
In the January meeting, there had been discussion about
changing the larger committee’s meeting frequency to every
other month, while keeping the subcommittees on a monthly
schedule. It was determined that the status quo was working
and should be maintained.
Subcommittee Reports:
Communications/Project Development: The Team Excellence
Awards project is beginning for the current year. There was
discussion about the process that’s been used in the past and
how the HCA Executive Committee sets the deadline for the
announcement in the “What’s Up” newsletter.
Recruitment: The subcommittee is still functioning without
a chairperson. The LMC Co-Leaders will work with the
members to try to resolve the issue.
Representation appears to be equitable except in Animal
Care Services, so an e-mail was sent to the division manager
requesting some candidates.
There was also discussion about the target number of LMC
representatives being 30 to 35, while the core group is around
15. (The issue of non-attendance may need to be addressed by
the Co-Leaders.)
The OCEA/HCA LMC in action! Here we see several of the members of this large and effective Labor
Management Committee. The photo was taken at OCEA on February 13, 2008. Left to right: OCEA
Board member Chris Prevatt; Larry Pritchett; Co-Chair Greg Manning; Co-Chair Elizabeth Bausman;
and Karen Hadel.
Page 4 – March/April 2008
OCEA is your union! Get involved!
Workplace Enhancement: Progress is being made on the
storage of County records.
The issue of parking on 17th Street is progressing also, with
RDMD scheduled to conduct a traffic survey.
On the issue of file transfers, examples of the business
need for certain types of emails and files to have the size
restrictions lifted will be taken to the Executive Committee for
presentation to IT.
The issue of AMHS caseloads was closed and moved to the
Best Practices committee.
Report for Meeting of March 12, 2008
Two guests from the area in Human Resources responsible for
the processing of Educational and Professional Reimbursements,
as well as those for mileage, gave a good presentation on the
program. They walked the members through the steps, and
explained how and where delays can occur.
There were concerns raised about identity theft and the
need to put Social Security numbers on the forms, which
are usually ponied to Human Resources for processing,
then ponied again to the Auditor-Controller’s office for the
issuance of checks. The Auditor-Controller’s office is trying
to address this problem by looking at ways to switch to a
process or programming that will allow the use of employee
numbers, instead. At present, Social Security numbers are
needed because the reimbursements need to be loaded into
the W-2 program.
There was discussion about the unknown impact of the
state’s budget.
Subcommittee Reports:
Communications/Project Development: The application
process for the Team Excellence Awards are ready for
publicizing. The HCA Executive Management group will
discuss the project for approval at its next meeting, and it will
be on the LMC agenda in May. The applications will be made
available in June, which will keep it on track for presentation
at HCA’s Employee Appreciation event in August. Articles
and contact information will be placed in both the Agency’s
“What’s Up” newsletter and OCEA’s newspaper.
Recruitment: The subcommittee is still functioning without a
chairperson. The LMC Co-Leaders encouraged the members
to think about volunteering before the next meeting. If there is
no volunteer at that time, one will be appointed.
Representation is adequate in terms of having every area
represented, but the large areas may be under-represented. A
request will go out for candidates from CMS and Disease Control.
Workplace Enhancement: County Records are in the process
of being scanned and the problem of storage should be
diminishing very soon.
On the issue of parking on 17th Street, RDMD performed a
traffic study and will be taking the following actions: speed
bumps will be installed, “Stop” lines will be added in several
lanes, a pedestrian walkway will be striped in the primary lane,
and signage, including directional signs, will be repainted.
On the issue of file transfers, three examples of the business
need for certain types of emails and files to have the size
restrictions lifted were received. Another attempt to collect
examples will be made before going to the Executive
Committee for presentation to IT.
Public Defender LMC
Aaron Peardon, OCEA Labor
Relations Representative
Report for Meeting of November 29, 2007
The Orange County Public Defender’s Labor Management
Committee meeting was held on November 29, 2007. With
the departure of Marisol Daniels from OCEA, Labor Relations
Representative Aaron Peardon is once again the OCEA
representative for the Public Defender after nearly a year
away from the Department. The meeting was attended by
over twelve employes of the Department. Topics of discussion
included healthy recipes, healthy speakers, the staff Christmas
party, and the possibility of a Public Defender picnic.
OCEA member Maribel Franquez has taken the lead in
compiling healthy recipes from Public Defender employees
and posting them on the Department’s intranet for everyone
to share. Some of the recipes collected include roasted turkey,
garlic mashed potatoes, pasta fagioli, and sour creamapple muffins, all of which are healthy low-calorie choices.
Continuing with the theme of healthy employees, the
Department is discussing the idea of having speakers from
health-related organizations and companies come to lunch
meetings to discuss different topics of interest such as heart
health and early detection of cancer. OCEA Labor Relations
Representative Aaron Peardon is working with OCEA
member Nancy Jewell to provide names of possible contacts.
(Continued on page 7)
OCEA Staff Close-Up
Jini Childress
OCEA Receptionist
Nine times out of ten, when you call OCEA on
the telephone, or pay us a visit, the first voice
you hear, or the first face you see, is that of Jini
Childress, our OCEA receptionist. Jini answers
the phones, greets visitors, and performs many
other duties, including answering as many
questions as possible that do not involve
benefits or employee relations. (It is Jini who
prepares the list of new OCEA members you
see in each issue of this newspaper.)
Jini Childress at a recent OCEA Health Fair.
Jini was born in Yonkers, New York, a city
famous for the Yonkers Raceway (and fourth
largest city in the state). After three years
in New York, her family took a seven-year
“vacation” in Miami, Florida, and in 1953
moved to Hollywood, California.
Jini is married (and now has five
grandchildren), and loves cats, Sean Connery,
and Mel Gibson! She’s an avid reader and
says “Barnes and Noble will call if I've not
made a purchase in a week!” Her lifelong
dream is to go to England!
A perfect day for Jini? Spending all day at the
three-story Barnes and Noble at the Grove in
Hollywood with Starbucks on the first floor!
Adoption!
When: Friday, May 23, or July 18, 2008
Who can do it?
6:30 – 8:00 PM
Where: Anaheim Community Center
250 E. Center St., Anaheim
How can I do it?
FOR INFORMATION & TO REGISTER CALL:
Find the answers!
(714) 704-8946
(Does not replace SSA Orientation Meeting.)
Working on your taxes?
To help make tax time easier for our members, we are providing the following information!
The OCEA Payroll Deduction Amounts for Membership Dues, Voluntary
Insurance Plans, and Other Benefit Programs for 2007 Are Listed Below
Dental DHMO—DeltaCare CAM 42
OCEA Annual Membership Dues (County & Court)
Full-Time
$261.56
Part-Time or Extra-Help
$130.78
Member Only
Member with
1 Dependent
Member with
2 or More
Dependents
Health & Welfare
Participants (Option 1)
$71.28
$104.72
$265.26
Health & Welfare
Participants (Option 2)
$71.28
$104.72
$265.26
Health & Welfare
Participants (Option 3)
Vision Service Plan Insurance
$217.74
$413.02
$608.06
Non-Health & Welfare
Enrollee
$217.74
$413.02
$608.06
Retiree
$217.81
$413.08
$608.36
Delta Dental DPO Plan A+
Member Only
Member with
1 Dependent
Member with
2 or More
Dependents
Health & Welfare
Participants (Option 1)
$248.82
$661.70
$1,255.02
Health & Welfare
Participants (Option 2)
$248.82
$661.70
$1,255.02
Health & Welfare
Participants (Option 3)
$329.94
$758.68
$1,340.30
Non-Health & Welfare
Enrollee
$530.14
$980.46
$1,558.44
Note: For members of OCEA affiliates, the tax-deductible amounts are $261.56 for full-time,
full-year employees and $130.78 for part time or extra help full-year employees. The foregoing
does not apply to members of contract associations.
Member Only
Member with
1 Dependent
Member with
2 or More
Dependents
Option 1
no charge
$45.03
$160.98
Option 2
no charge
$45.03
$160.98
Option 3
$55.68
$73.02
$131.08
Non-H & W enrollee
$100.96
$146.04
$261.96
Retiree
$100.86
$146.05
$261.85
Pre-Paid Legal Insurance
Basic Plan
$179.52
Basic Plan with
24-hour coverage
$191.52
Extended Plan
$287.52
OCEA is your union! Get involved!
March/April 2008 – 5
HCA/OCEA
Team Excellence Award for 2008
In Memoriam
Jim Nowlin
Comprehensive Care Nurse, Correctional Mental Health
County of Orange
Longtime OCEA member . . .
Beginning in April, the Orange County Health Care Agency/OCEA Labor
Management Committee will be seeking nominations for the 2008 Steve Ambriz
Team Excellence Award. The award is expected to be presented in August.
For those who may be unfamiliar with the award and its criteria, it’s
intended to recognize the most effective work teams – those who exemplify
the principles of Enlightened Leadership and Team Excellence through
creative collaboration.
January 14, 1954 – January 31, 2008
Devoted husband, father, friend . . .
Friendly, wise, caring, smiling, outgoing,
helpful, loving—Jim was all these things.
1. A description of the nominee’s program and its accomplishments;
2. A description of how the nominee’s team shines in the areas of its talents,
strengths, going above and beyond, problem solving, self evaluation,
and creativity; and
3. The submission of any other information that would support the application.
When the open period for the submission of nominations begins in April,
information and applications will be available on the HCA website at
http://balsam/intranet/lmc/default.asp.
But words will never fully express
all that Jim was to those
who knew and loved him.
On the death of a friend, we should consider that the fates through confidence
have devolved on us the task of a double living, that we have henceforth to fulfill the promise of our friend’s life also, in our own, to the world.
—Henry David Thoreau
Frank Flavin Leaves
OCEA Board of
Directors and Joins
OCEA Staff
Nominees are evaluated through a points system that rates the following:
Once completed, they may be returned via e-mail to lmcteamexcellence@
ochca.com, or in a sealed envelope addressed to: HCA/OCEA LMC Team
Excellence Awards, HCA Human Resources, Bldg. 38-AE.
The deadline for the submission of nominations is May 1, 2008.
—Loretta van der Pol, OCEA Senior Labor Relations Representative
Know Your RIGHTS!
– I nvestigatory M eetings –
In the present discussion, references to Memorandums of
Understanding (MOUs) refer to agreements entered into
between OCEA and the County of Orange, or between OCEA
and the Court.
Before imposing discipline, an employer—such as the
County, the Court, a city, or a special district—may call
an employee in for an investigatory meeting.
Frank Flavin, left, receives a plaque
from OCEA President Frank Eley.
Frank Flavin has joined the
OCEA staff after several years of
service on our OCEA Board of
Directors. Frank recently retired
from County service, where
he had worked as a Deputy
Juvenile Correctional Officer II
in the Probation Department. In
connection with his retirement,
Frank recently resigned from
our Board of Directors and
PAC board. During the time
he was a County employee,
Frank was one of our all-time
great Stewards and received
the President’s Award (OCEA’s
highest accolade) multiple
times. We are lucky to have
him aboard as an OCEA Labor
Relations Representative!
Page 6 – March/April 2008
What is an investigatory meeting?
In most employment contexts, an investigatory meeting
(or investigatory interview) is a meeting attended by an
employee and one or more management representatives,
where the employee is asked questions about a subject
and where the employee reasonably believes that
discipline may be imposed on the employee as a result
of the employee’s answers.
It is possible that management will call the meeting
while believing that the employee will not be
disciplined. The purpose from management’s standpoint
might be the investigation of an employee other than the
one attending the meeting. The employee, however, may
have reason to believe that “if management knew what I
knew,” the employee might well be disciplined.
So, the two elements that are present are:
1. A meeting on a subject; and
2. A reasonable belief on the part of the employee
that he or she might be disciplined (as examples:
reprimanded orally or in writing; suspended;
reduced; discharged).
OCEA is your union! Get involved!
What are the employee’s rights relating to the meeting?
Boiled down, the employee’s rights are as follows:
1. The right to be informed of the subject matter of the
meeting.
2. The right to be informed that discipline might result.
3. The right to be informed that he or she has the right
to have a representative present.
4. The right to have a representative present.
5. The right against self-incrimination.
For County and Court employees, the information
specified in items 1, 2, and 3 must be in writing.
There are a number of rights that flow from the
above rights. For example, the meeting must be
scheduled at a reasonable time. The schedule of the
employee’s representative must also be considered. The
representative must be allowed to take notes, object to
questions, clarify answers, and so on.
Here it is in a nutshell:
Know Your Weingarten Rights!
You have the right to have your OCEA Representative
present at any investigatory meeting which you
reasonably believe may lead to discipline. If you are
questioned by your supervisor or other management
representative for alleged misconduct at work
respectfully request that you be allowed to contact your
OCEA Steward. Do not answer any questions until you
have talked to your representative. If you cannot contact
your OCEA Steward or OCEA Staff Labor Relations
Representative, ask to have your meeting rescheduled
until you have had an opportunity to consult with an
OCEA Representative or Staff Representative.
OCEA Staff Close-Up
Loretta van der Pol
OCEA Senior Labor Relations Representative
Loretta van der Pol is a Senior Labor Relations
Representative who joined OCEA in May,
2002. Formerly, Loretta worked as an analyst,
supervisor, and middle-manager in the federal
government, the California State University,
and cities and special districts for over
eighteen years after leaving the private sector.
That experience included developing and
administering large budgets, and supervising
or managing in facilities management,
human resources, communications, safety,
training, risk management, industrial
engineering, information systems, and
program development. Every position had
a large component of labor relations and
human resources responsibilities, including
conducting investigations, hearing and
deciding grievances, conducting negotiations,
advocating in arbitrations, developing job
classifications, and recruiting.
Loretta is one of OCEA’s most experienced
labor relations people. She has played a major
role in OCEA’s progress during her time here.
In addition, Loretta is generous, kind, and
friendly, and is always thinking about “the
other guy.” Loretta is active in the political
aspects of OCEA’s activities, and she played
a major role in our defeat of Proposition 75
(“paycheck deception”).
Loretta lives in Fullerton, and between her
and her husband,
they have four
children ranging in
age from twentyseven to twenty.
Two of the girls are
professional actors,
Loretta van der Pol
and the one in the
middle is an artist. The youngest attends
college and works part-time.
Loretta has a BA in Social Sciences, with an
emphasis in Political Science, and works
sporadically on a master’s degree. Her
interests include movies, cooking, family
events, and political activism.
OCEA Steward Close-Up
Steve Otting
OCEA Steward
OCEA Steward Locates “Lost” Money
Steve Otting, in the CEO’s Office, Aids in the Recovery of $8,000 by the Department of Child Support Services
Ever heard Brad Paisley’s song “Ain’t Nothin’
Like”? Paisley says:
“Ain’t nothin’ like finding twenty dollars in the
pocket of the britches that you wore last week.”
OCEA Steward Steve Otting has felt like that
pretty often during the last couple of years
as he has spent hundreds of hours of his own
time tracking down money in the “britches
that the County wore last week”—money
which belongs to the County, but which the
County has not claimed. These are funds that
escheated to the state for “safekeeping.” Steve
estimates that he has located about $150,000
in money owed to the County, which typically
the County has not taken action to recover.
One glowing exception: the Department of
Child Support Services, which claimed $7,975
due to Steve’s work.
Steve has been an OCEA member for about a
decade now, and an OCEA Steward for about
a year. Steve became a Steward after speaking
with OCEA Labor Relations Representative
Aaron Peardon, who told him that we needed
him as a Steward because of his concern for others.
Steve has been enjoying his experience as an
OCEA Steward. He says he is proud of being
a Steward, and helping watch out for those
he works with, but that the whole process is
also a learning experience, as he takes part in
Steward activities. He also believes that his
work is contributing to
the good of the agency.
Steve Otting at a recent
Steve is employed
OCEA
Steward Meeting.
by the County in the
County Executive Office, as an Accounting
Assistant II. He has a master’s degree in
organizational management, and says he gets
excited when he sees the dollar amounts that
the County is owed. Steve went through the
County bankruptcy and was one of those who
was laid off (but was ultimately called back).
Steve enjoys working for the County, and has
been employed by the County for seventeen
years. He says, “I enjoy helping people.”
OCEA LMC Updates - continued from page 4
OCEA was happy to donate ten movie tickets to the
Public Defender Christmas party. We also look forward
to participating in the Public Defender picnic if this event
is held. The idea of a picnic is a popular one and will be
discussed at the next LMC meeting.
Report for Meeting of February 28, 2008
The Orange County Public Defender’s LMC was held on
February 28, 2008. Attendees included Diana Hantsche and
Tom Havlena of Public Defender management as well as OCEA
members Leticia Baez, Maribel Franquez, Sandra Hanson, and
Charlene Marshall. Maribel Franquez is leading the ongoing
project of collecting healthy recipes for the Public Defender’s
online cookbook. OCEA Labor Relations Representative Aaron
Peardon is continuing to work with OCEA member Nancy
Jewell in contacting speakers from health organizations to
speak with employees about health-related issues.
assigned to locations that are closest to their homes. Diana
Hantsche explained that while this would be nice to do
for employees, it does not follow with the goals of the
Department. The Public Defender’s Office practice of
rotating among locations is designed to give employees
exposure to different courts and a broader knowledge of
the overall process of the work that is done. Therefore, the
practice of rotating will continue. The second request made
was for the addition of an investigative assistant at the 901
building. Diana Hantsche is going to look into this request
and report back to the committee at the next meeting. The
final suggestion was to give investigators access to MySpace
without having to go through their supervisors. The reason
for this request is that it is a valuable tool in conducting
investigations, as witnesses often have MySpace accounts
and the investigator can conduct research including seeing
pictures of what witnesses look like. Again, Diana will be
looking into this issue and report back at the next meeting.
This LMC has been very proactive on every issue brought
forward. Our next meeting will be in late June and I look
forward to continuing to work with this group to continue to
improve the workplace of Public Defender employees.
In discussing issues from last meeting, the Department is
unable to provide Bluetooth or global positioning satellite
technology to field investigators. The County policy for
taking phone calls while driving is to pull over to a safe
location and then proceed with the phone call. With current
budget restraints, the Department cannot afford to purchase
GPS systems at this time, but may revisit the issue in the
future. Currently the Department provides other means for
investigators to find locations while in the field. The Public
Defender’s office is still discussing the possibility of a staff
picnic in the summer and may also include an Angels game as
part of the festivities. OCEA has offered to provide the OCEA
Hot Dog Wagon for this event.
New business discussed included suggestions from
employees. One such suggestion was to keep employees
OCEA Labor Relations Representative Aaron Peardon (foreground) met on March 6, 2008, with a number of
our Law Library members, regarding upcoming Law Library negotiations.
OCEA is your union! Get involved!
March/April 2008 – 7
From our vantage point here in the year
2008, it is instructive to look back forty
years to the year 1968, and make some
comparisons. Many of today’s public
employees in Orange County were not
even born as of 1968, but a good many
of us were not only born, we were old
enough to have lived through, and
remember, that time.
No matter how you slice it, the year
1968 was an iconic year. For instance,
it was the year of the classic Steve
McQueen movie Bullitt. Who can forget
the car chase in that movie? And now
the Ford Motor Company has come up
with a 40th-anniversary salute to the
film and McQueen’s car. As Ford’s
website says: “AN ORIGINAL COMES TO
LIFE — THE 2008 MUSTANG BULLITT.
SEE IT. HEAR IT. GET INTO THE CHASE.”
And indeed you can get into the chase—
starting at $31,075. If only!
Steward Training!
OCEA Steward training is provided during two allday sessions. Here we see attendees at a recent session.
Page 8 – March/April 2008
OCEA is your union! Get involved!
What memorable events took place in 1968?
Every year has many events which distinguish it,
but 1968 truly was special. It was in 1968 that:
• North Korea seized the US spy ship USS
Pueblo
• The Tet offensive began (and ended)
• Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated
• Rioting broke out in the aftermath of the
assassination
• Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated
• Riots surrounded the Democratic National
Convention
• France became the world’s fifth nuclear
power
• Richard Nixon was elected President
Newsweek magazine has called 1968 “the year
that changed everything.”
To us, as union members, our main line of
thinking has got to be: how have things
changed for the worker? Are we better off now
than we were in 1968?
To put it in a nutshell, the answer is “No!”
Progressive commentator Joseph A. Palermo, in
discussing the recent History Channel program
“1968 with Tom Brokaw,” says:
Brokaw acce
“conservativ
argue that th
and scared t
disciplined t
severely and
could. Comp
shell of its fo
Brokaw laud
government
nakedly imp
Our kids tod
it—we had
in the form
opportunitie
Whether yo
foregoing, t
similarities)
with ideolog
And these m
of life, and ou
Okay, then.
perhaps disa
been some s
during the p
analysis of T
The moral: stay with OCEA! In thi
we all need the union! Check out th
working on!
Catastrophic Leave Bargaining
This photograph was taken on March 5, 2008, during bargaining on ca
OCEA Assembly Room.
epts the premise that America is more
ve” today, but one could just as easily
he workforce is simply more insecure
today; the cold hand of the market has
their wayward children far more
effectively than their parents ever
pared to 1968, the U.S. economy is a
ormer self, and the new status quo that
ds limits opportunity even while the
has grown more authoritarian and
perialistic.
day have it a lot harder than we had
far more support from the government
of educational and economic
es.
ou agree or disagree with the
the point is that the differences (and
) between 1968 and 2008 have to do
gy, attitudes, and ways of thinking.
matters have in turn impacted our ways
our incomes.
. Is the middle class shrinking—or
appearing altogether? There have
shocking economic happenings
period of 1968 to 2008. A mid-2006
The Brookings Institution, a non-
In the hallway at the Public Defender’s Office: OCEA staff members Jerry
Martel, Bo Gutierrez, and Aaron Peardon, with OCEA Steward Esther Fonseca.
partisan think-tank, shows that, in 1970, 58%
of metropolitan neighborhoods were “middleincome.” In 2000, that was down to 41%. And
the percentage of families earning middle
incomes also dropped.
Get this, from the website of Fight Crime:
Invest in Kids California (a “bipartisan, anticrime organization led by more than 350
sheriffs, police chiefs, district attorneys, and
victims of violence”):
The hardest hit are middle-income families,
earning between $30,000 and $60,000 per year,
who are generally not eligible for publicly-funded
preschool. In Orange County, higher-income
families are 61 percent more likely to enroll their
children in preschool than middle-income
families. The report calculated the expenses of a
family currently earning $50,000. Housing,
utilities, car, groceries, medical bills, clothing and
taxes add up to $51,180, leaving nothing to pay
for preschool.
OCEA Board member Alan Dean Clow at the
Public Defender site visit on February 5, 2008.
We may be making more money, but we’re
getting sucked into a whirlpool of expenses:
housing prices, childcare costs, vehicle
expenses, and medical costs.
is war, you need your union membership, and
hese photos to see some of the activities we are
OCEA Labor Relations Managers Bo Gutierrez and Aaron Peardon chat
with two charming Public Defender staff members.
Our OCEA Steward Program: A Key Program for
Our Leaders
In future months, you are apt to hear more and more about what the labor movement is doing to
help rebuild the middle class. If OCEA—our union—is to do its share, we need as much participation by our members as possible! Our OCEA Steward program is a crucial part of the process!
atastrophic leave provisions in the
OCEA is your union! Get involved!
March/April 2008 – 9
OCEA Board Close-Up
Luisa Camino
Social Services Agency/Adult Services
In view of the fact that March is Social Worker
Month, it is fitting that our Board of Directors
profile this issue is of Social Worker Luisa Camino!
In the entire history of OCEA, it is unlikely that
there has ever been a more enthusiastic and
cheerful supporter of OCEA than Luisa Camino.
Over the years, Luisa has made countless
memorable statements in support of OCEA. One
typical comment: “There is no union in the world
that can top OCEA!” Another: “For me, OCEA is
the best: the alpha and the omega of the County
workforce!”
Luisa is a 28-year veteran of County employment,
and she has been an OCEA member for a quarter of
a century! Many people come to Luisa for help, not
only on work-related issues, but on personal problems,
and she has always been willing to lend a hand.
For many years, Luisa has been a member of our
OCEA bargaining teams. When she speaks, people
listen, because she speaks with personal wisdom
and with the experience of a long-time County
employee. She knows what is right and what is
wrong, and she knows what will work, and what
will not work.
In addition to being an OCEA Board member (since
1998), Luisa is a longtime OCEA Steward. In 2001,
she received the OCEA President’s Award, for
her key role in supporting OCEA’s organizational
security during raids in the year 2000. The OCEA
President’s Award is the highest accolade that
OCEA bestows.
Luisa is a native of Cuba, and she moved to Orange
County in 1976. When time allows, she enjoys
reading, travelling, and watching movies.
Outspoken and faithful, Luisa supports OCEA with
her actions as well as her words. We are proud of
her and her contributions to our welfare!
Above: Here we see Luisa at our
2005 OCEA Health Fair, with
then-Assemblyman Tom Umberg.
Left: Luisa Camino during
OCEA's 2007 coalition
bargaining.
March is Social Worker month!
We are saluting our Social Worker members by making a contribution to Orangewood Children’s Home.
In order to help support Orangewood Children’s Home, and to recognize our Social Worker members
and the work they do, our OCEA Board of Directors has authorized a gift from OCEA to Orangewood
Children’s Home in the amount of $2,500.
OCEA Hot Dog Days
Are Right Around the Corner!
We are unveiling the legendary OCEA Hot Dog Wagon for the 2008 season! We will once again be serving hot
dogs and chips. Come on out for a dog or two, and meet OCEA staff members, OCEA Board members, and
OCEA Stewards!
Note: Schedule is subject to change! Check www.oceamember.org for the curent list!
All events below start at 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
RDMD / Sheriff (Hutton Towers)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
“The Pit,” Civic Center
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
SSA Eckoff
Thursday, April 24, 2008
District Attorney
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Central Court / Law Library
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Anaheim
Thursday, May 01, 2008
CSS / SAO
Monday, May 5, 2008
OCERS
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
HCA
Thursday, May 08, 2008
888 / 1200 N. Main, Santa Ana
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
West Court / PHN / Probation (Westminster)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
HCA—405 5th Street and Sycamore Locations
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
HCA—1241 E. Dyer, Santa Ana
Thursday, May 22, 2008
HCA—1725 17th Street, Santa Ana
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Central Jail (Flower Street)
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Library Headquarters / CEO, 1501 E. St. Andrews Place
Page 10 – March/April 2008
OCEA is your union! Get involved!
the
in
Voter Information Project
Gains Momentum
ring ! ”
OCEA Legislative Corner
“ O ur
ti
ha
s
Last year, OCEA played a key role in the establishing of the Orange County Voter
Information Project. It’s a non-partisan effort designed to increase the “say” that
working people have, regardless of their party affiliation. It’s a huge project, sending
representatives out to the front lines to encourage them to register. It’s also expensive,
but many unions have chipped in, and the program has met with great success.
Recently (March 8, 2008), the Orange County Register carried an extensive article on the
OC VIP. The article stated:
Nick Berardino, general manager of the county’s most politically active
union—the 17,000-member Orange County Employees Association—leads the
nonpartisan registration project. And without naming names, he acknowledges that
the drive is the result of years of frustration with the voting records of many traditionally
friendly elected officials.
“We appreciate the efforts of the elected officials,” he said. “But we feel that to ensure
progress and security for working families, labor cannot depend on them, because their
support has often waxed and waned with the political atmosphere.”
...
Apparently, the message is already being received. And the voter registration project has
lots of invitations once it finishes its work in central Orange County by next month.
“Numerous elected officials have demonstrated interest in moving this program into
their respective districts,” said Berardino, declining to name which officials want the
project in their back yards. “There is such an untapped source of power by reaching
out to those who have not participated that elected officials would love to see that
power unleashed in their districts.”
Do you have coverage to protect you when
faced with a mechanical breakdown?
Smart buyers choose deluxe protection plans.
Factory warranty coverage varies. It’s often overpriced—and most breakdowns
occur after the warranty expires. However, deluxe protection plans will continue
to provide valuable benefits in every major assembly of your vehicle.
You pay only a small deductible per visit, and repairs can be performed
anywhere in the US and Canada.
You save money now because the dealer’s service contract program just cannot
compare to our superior coverage and low price.
You save money in the long run, because it is the easiest way to plan ahead for
the future and to protect yourself from expensive repairs.
Several payment options are available!
Call Velece Insurance Corporation today to see if your vehicle qualifies for a
deluxe mechanical breakdown policy.
We’re open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.
Don’t wait! Give us a call today for a comparison quote.
We offer some of the lowest rates in the industry!
1 (800) 362-4322 • www.velece.com
OCEA is your union! Get involved!
March/April 2008 – 11
OCEA Classifieds
In this issue of the OCEA Employee, in association with
the Orange County Animal Control Center, we present six
exciting animals on the prowl for new owners.
Sol—spayed female, 2 years old, sable,
German shepherd mix, ID# A0873299. Sol is
a nice young girl and she loves being around
people.
Classified ads are a free service to all members. Only members may submit ads.
Deadline is first of the month preceding issue date. Ads may be edited or rejected by
OCEA. Notify Sunny Rangel if you wish to cancel your ad, or regarding corrections or
other changes. Mail your classified ads to Sunny Rangel at OCEA Headquarters, or fax
them to her at (714) 835-7654, or email them to her at [email protected].
REAOC: Join the Retired Employees
Association. Participate for only $1.00 a month.
P.O. Box 1496, Brea, CA 92822-1496. Call
(714) 840-3995; FAX (714) 840-7189. E-mail:
[email protected]. Website: www.reaoc.org.
ORANGE COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING:
Free information on services for older adults.
1-800-510-2020
Cider—female, 2 years old, red, Labrador
retriever mix, ID# A0876650. Cider is a
bit shy at first but warms up quickly if you
take the time to get to know her.
Hurley—male, 8 years old, brown tabby,
domestic long hair, ID# A0872502. Hurley
is sweet, laid back, and will purr for any
attention he receives.
Shamus—male, 2 years old, brown
tabby, domestic short hair, ID# A0876775.
Shamus loves attention and would make
a wonderful lap kitty.
Violet—female, 2 years old, gray, short
hair rabbit, ID# A0873301. Violet is a
calm girl with a gentle temperament and
lots of love to give.
Tyler—male, 1 year old, tan, short hair rabbit,
ID# A0874036. Tyler is a playful and spunky boy
who loves to hop about and play.
These animals are so beautiful that they may not be
available when you inquire. Other animals are available!
Please call (714) 935-6848 or go to www.ocpetinfo.com
for more information!
KAYAK FOR SALE: Cobra Expedition,
18 feet long, blue, sit on top, fast and lots
of storage room. Email me for photos at
[email protected].
Includes seat and thigh straps. Call Herb at
(949) 287-4644. $725. Costa Mesa. 03/08
FOR SALE: On English Riviera, UK, one-bed
apartment. Walk to ocean and town center.
Good for investment, easy to let. Brand-new
carpets, paint, kitchen cabinets and bathroom
tiles. $170, 000. Monthly ins/maint $120
(equivalent). Call Pam at (714) 704-8207. 03/08
FREE TO GOOD HOME: Two adult male
cats (brothers) are in need of a loving home.
They are both spayed and current on their shots.
Both are litter-box trained and both are very
social. They love dogs and people. They are
doggie-door trained and come and go as they
please. I have a very large, three tier cat tower
which they enjoy lounging around on that I will
be donating with them. I also have cat food
and toys to give. Please email me if you are
interested. Elizabeth, flyfishfollow2@yahoo.
com. 04/08
ROOMMATE WANTED: Female preferred.
$650/mo., utilities included. House located in
east Anaheim area near Anaheim Hills. Call
Gina at (714) 315-0245. 02/08
FOR SALE: Honda generator. Good condition,
$75. Cell phone, International Card, like new:
$20. Cell phone: Cellular: $15. Look a like
Straterferus violin full size, $500. Laptop
computer-Dell-Pen III, $150. 36-inch RCA
Color TV, $450. Please call Mr. Martin at (714)
731-2544. 04/08
FOR SALE: 1998 Chevy Tahoe. 2-door,
4-wheel drive, fully loaded. Leather interior,
oversized tires, running boards, trailer hitch.
79,390 original miles. Good condition. Needs
some electrical work, runs great. Selling with
Salvage Title. Asking $6,000 or better offer.
Call Ana at (714) 454-9716. 07/08
FOR RENT: Gorgeous 1,350 sq. ft. townhome
in Anaheim, 4 bedrooms with 3 full bath and
a side patio, direct access 2 car garage home
in a gated Anaheim neighborhood for lease
(minimum 1 year). Walking/biking distance
to elementary school. Close to Disneyland
and other shopping centers. Close/easy access
to the 5, 57, and 91 fwys. Lease for $2,000/
month+security deposit, available in January/
February 2008. No Smoking and pets allowed.
Please call (714) 422-6739. 02/08
FOR SALE: Beautiful custom home situated
on 5 acres of Pinyon Pines overlooking south
fork of the Kern River in the small mountain
community of Kennedy Meadows. Less than
3 hours from L.A., includes pedestrian and
equestrian easement to the wilderness, ideal for
horses, miles of motorcycle and snowmobile
trails, and excellent fishing streams, including
the Golden Trout Wilderness. Home is 1,950
square feet, has open pine ceilings, many large
windows, features 2 master suites, Trex decking
surrounding the home, 3-car garage and separate cozy guest cottage. Asking $650,000. Call
Art Long at (559) 850-5664 if interested. 2/08
FOR SALE: Custom mobile home, one bedroom, one bath, kitchen, dining/living room,
large patio w/ cover and space for 1 or 2 car
parking at door. Centrally located in Fullerton.
Lowest rent in area. $5,000 as is. Please call
Carolyn at (714) 974-7369 and leave message. 2/08
FOR RENT: Gated townhouse, available now.
Pool, spa, club house and tennis court, 1250 sf,
2 bed/1.5 bath, Traveritine flooring downstairs,
carpet upstairs, nice size patio (with cover),
washer, dryer, & refrigerator included! 1-car
garage w/ remote. Please contact Tom or Pei at
(714) 334-5194 or [email protected] if
interested. 3/08
FOR SALE: One mostly white ceramic
figurine of a reclining Asian lady in ancient costume, $25. One solid wood display shelf suitable
for a plate collection, $25. One 70-80 year old
solid wood chair (needs some re-glueing), $25.
Call Tom at (949) 643-9211 or email tngm1@
sbcglobal.net. 3/08
MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE: 2006 black
Suzuki GZ250, excellent condition, comes with
saddlebags and a bike cover, $2,700 obo. Call
Ryan at (714) 744-4838. 07/08
FOR SALE: Carbon Canyon, BREA, 1996
Mobile Home, 1530 square feet! 3 bedrooms, 2
bath, open floor-plan. Drywall, lots of windows
and sky lights. New sink, disposal, and faucet.
Carpet is less than 2 years old. A great place
to raise kids. This lovely family park has a
newly remodeled recreation hall and pool area.
$70,000. We have an assumable lease that makes
the space rent less than $900 per month. Ask
me about the national blue ribbon elementary
school! Call for pictures. Contact Beverly at
(714) 996-0009 or (714) 321-0592. 05/08
FOR RENT: Oceanfront Kona Hawaii condo
rental, 2 bedrooms/baths on Big Island of
Hawaii, 1-week minimum stay. Full kitchen,
washer/dryer, large oceanfront lanai. Sleeps 6.
Enjoy sounds of surf, spectacular sunsets. $995
per week. For pictures and info visit www.
konahawaiicondo.info, or call Charlie at (714)
747-5196. 06/08
FOR RENT: Sedona Timeshare R.C.I. Gold
Crown Resort. Week starting June 15, 2008.
Large 2 bedroom/2 bath/2 fireplaces. Full kitchen
including washer and dryer. Creekside unit in
uptown Sedona. Close to shops and restaurants.
100 miles from Grand Canyon. $1295 per week.
Call Mike at (949) 496-4559. 07/08
FOR SALE: Geo Holiday Vacation
Ownership. A unique personal vacation
ownership! Have access to exciting, unique
vacation experiences in some of the World’s
finest destinations. This is an ownership with
15,000 points annually to use towards Resorts,
Hotels, Cruises, Car rentals, and Flights. For
more information, please contact David at (951)
415-9151. 07/08
FOR SALE: 4-poster Cal-King Walnut hard
wood bed frame w/side rails. Made by Pulaski.
Includes box springs. Can deliver. Like new.
$200. Call Pat (951) at 688-7388 or e-mail: pat.
[email protected] for photo. 07/08
FOR RENT: One person, One room in Garden
Grove. One (of two) dual master bedrooms in
2-story, 2-bedroom, 2½-bathroom gated condo
in Garden Grove. Bedroom comes with personal
bathroom, access to internet; one space in 2-car
garage; Washer and Dryer in garage. Condo
complex: Gated with Pool and Jacuzzi. Sorry, no
pets. Please email Angeline at: santiago_ange@
hotmail.com. $725 and ½ utilities (gas, water,
electricity, internet). 07/08
Study of a Site Visit at
Orangewood
Children’s Home
OCEA Labor Relations Representative Llesena
Ontiveras chats with several supervisors.
An OCEA member in food services at Orangewood shares
some ideas.
OCEA at Orangewood Children’s Home
Orangewood Children’s Home was the location of a February 28, 2008, site visit by OCEA staff. These photos
give some idea of what it was like. When an OCEA Site Visit comes your way, be sure to stop by!
Above and Below: OCEA staff Benefits Administrator Tracie
Mills shares information with employees at the site visit.
The table with OCEA giveaways: newspapers, pocket calendars, and more!
Page 12 – March/April 2008
OCEA is your union! Get involved!
OCEA New Members
Anthony Acevedo................. Resources & Development
Natalia Adams...................................John Wayne Airport
Angela Adams Paz.......................Child Support Services
Kimberly Albano.................................Auditor-Controller
Monica Allison..............................Child Support Services
Elizabeth Alvarez..........................Probation Department
Vanessa Alvarez............................ Social Services Agency
Luisa Amaya................................. Social Services Agency
Gena Ambroise...........................................Superior Court
Christopher Anchors........................Health Care Agency
Elizabeth Anderson......................Child Support Services
Teresa Anderson......................................District Attorney
Christy Andrade........................... Social Services Agency
Eileen Anguiano................................Health Care Agency
Dana Ardeleanu........................... Social Services Agency
Cesar Arechiga............................................Superior Court
Teejay Areopagita.................. Resources & Development
Patricia Arevalo............................ Social Services Agency
Jennifer Arnold..............................Probation Department
Sandra Asche.....................................Health Care Agency
Amy Ashland.....................................Health Care Agency Jose Ayala...................................... Social Services Agency
Karin Bae............................................Health Care Agency
Zaira Banuelos............................................Superior Court
Laura Barajas.................................Probation Department
Christina Barragan.......................Child Support Services
Christopher Barragan..................... Sheriff’s Department
Marcus Bass................................. Assessor’s Department
Jennifer Behen Givens................. Social Services Agency
Karyn Bernard...................................... Clerk of the Board
Sonja Berry.........................................Health Care Agency
Dann Bess...........................................Health Care Agency
Brook Bingham...................... Resources & Development
Kathryn Blair.....................................Health Care Agency
Arlene Bledsoe Davis................... Social Services Agency
Somchet Bonsynat.............................Health Care Agency
Randall Bradford.......................... Social Services Agency
Melissa Brady....................................Health Care Agency
Donna Breitfeller................... Resources & Development
Aaron Brink........................................Health Care Agency
Latanya Buckner......................................District Attorney
Sherry Buenavista.........................Probation Department
Laura Burduaj...........................................Public Defender
Patricia Burton..............................Child Support Services
Darlene Buynicki Roach......................... Public Guardian
Todd Calderon................................. Sheriff’s Department
Tom Calhoon......................................Health Care Agency
Karla Campos....................................Health Care Agency
Axenia Canda............................... Social Services Agency
Christina Cardino..................... District Attorney’s Office
Shawntee Cardwell...................... Social Services Agency
Frances Carrillo............................ Social Services Agency
Jay Casas........................................... Sheriff’s Department
Christopher Casillas............. Resources & Development
Rene Castellanos...........................Probation Department
Walter Castillo Montoya..............Probation Department
Francisco Castrejon...................... Social Services Agency
Judith Chamberlin............................Health Care Agency
Sofia Chavez................................. Social Services Agency
Dennis Chen.......................................Health Care Agency
James Cheung.................................. Sheriff’s Department
Carolyn Chin................ Housing & Community Services
David Clark...................................... Sheriff’s Department
Sussel Collazo............................... Social Services Agency
Christine Combs.............................. Sheriff’s Department
Linda Crowell....................................Health Care Agency
Denver Cua........................................Health Care Agency
JB Cui................................................ Sheriff’s Department
Michelle Curtis..................................Health Care Agency
Irene Dacayanan.........................................Superior Court
Austin Davis..................................Probation Department
Graciela Delgadillo...................... Social Services Agency
Mark Delgado....................................Health Care Agency
Jesus Diaz...........................................Sheriffs Department
Leticia Diaz...................................... Sheriff’s Department
Maria Diaz........................................ Sheriff’s Department
Marta Diaz......................................Probation Department
Ryan Dimit....................................... Sheriff’s Department
Kieu Duong........................................Health Care Agency
Mark Dy Ragos..................................Health Care Agency
Amy Eatherton............................. Social Services Agency
Moctezuma Enriquez....................Probation Department
Regina Esparza..............................Probation Department
Rochell Estes................................. Social Services Agency
Mark Estoque......................... Resources & Development
Joanne Fierro......................................Health Care Agency
Jennifer Foran.............................................Superior Court
Beth Franz......................................Probation Department
Nicholas Freeland.........................Probation Department
Lori French....................................... Sheriff’s Department
Tim Fritch......................................... Sheriff’s Department
Richardo Galindo......................... Social Services Agency
Sara Gallardo................................... Sheriff’s Department
Margaret Gallegos....................................Public Defender
Angelica Galvan................................Health Care Agency
Joanne Garrisi..........................................District Attorney
Joanna Gaytan ...........................................Superior Court
Vipin Goel.................................... Assessor’s Department
Adriana Gonzales..............................Health Care Agency
Randy Gonzales.............................. Sheriff’s Department
Elizabeth Gonzalez.............................Auditor-Controller
Eva Gonzalez.................................Probation Department
Laura Gonzalez........................ District Attorney’s Office
Nereida Gonzalez......................... Social Services Agency
Soumelia Gountoumas.....................Health Care Agency
Joaquin Granado...............................Health Care Agency
Jacqueline Granados.................... Social Services Agency
Julisa Griego..................................... Sheriff’s Department
Heather Grose....................................Health Care Agency
Aron Grumbles................................ Sheriff’s Department
Marco Guillen....................................Health Care Agency
Laura Gutierrez............................Child Support Services
Leanne Gutierrez............................. Sheriff’s Department
Anne Gwynn................................. Social Services Agency
Hado Harkins..........................................District Attorney
Andrea Harris.................................. Sheriff’s Department
Megan Harris..............................................Superior Court
Maria Hassaram......................................District Attorney
Cathy He...............................................Auditor-Controller
Robert Hernandez........................... Sheriff’s Department
Juliet Herrera.....................................Health Care Agency
Richard Herrera......................... County Executive Office
Delany Heyne................................Probation Department
Kristen Higbee...................................Health Care Agency
Diana Ho.....................................................Superior Court
Jacqueline Hoffman.................. County Executive Office
Lynnsay Holer...................................Health Care Agency
James Huie.....................................Probation Department
Rachel Humphreys...........................Health Care Agency
Jon Iler.................................................Health Care Agency
Ihda Ibasco.........................................Health Care Agency
Nadejda Iotova............................................ Public Library
Nima Javadi.......................................John Wayne Airport
Geraldine Jimenez......................................Superior Court
Gail Johnson..................................Child Support Services
Larry Johnson................................Probation Department
Rebeca Juarez.....................................Health Care Agency
Arash Khorashadi......................................Superior Court
Arif Khwaja........................................Health Care Agency
Michael Kim..................................... Sheriff’s Department
Woo Kim........................................ Social Services Agency
Sonica Kohli........................... Resources & Development
Ryan Kolakowski.................. Resources & Development
Gerrit Kovach....................................Health Care Agency
Ronald Kozma....................... Resources & Development
Carla Krstich................................. Social Services Agency
Bhartti Kumar............................... Social Services Agency
Jon Kurtz............................................Health Care Agency
Ha La.............................................. Social Services Agency
Carol Lacruz Yudice..................... Social Services Agency
Cynthia Lam-Chan....................... Social Services Agency
Shawnna Lander...........................Probation Department
Monica Lares................................. Social Services Agency
Santos Lares................................................Superior Court
Violet Larsen......................................Health Care Agency
Richard Le..................................... Social Services Agency
Leonardo Lebron...............................John Wayne Airport
Christopher Lechmann......... Resources & Development
Joesephen Lee.............................................Superior Court
Laura Legrand................................. Sheriff’s Department
Sera Levy.................................... County Executive Office
Damariz Leyva Aguilar............... Social Services Agency
Steve Lim.......................................... Sheriff’s Department
Susanna Lim................................. Social Services Agency
Maria Linares.....................................Health Care Agency
Jiun-Jie Liou........................... Resources & Development
Sandy Liu............................... Resources & Development
Sandra Lizarraga.......................... Social Services Agency
Ronald Llanos........................ Resources & Development
Hadela Lopez.................................Probation Department
Justin Loughman...............................Health Care Agency
Jason Luong..................................... Sheriff’s Department
James Macklin....................................Health Care Agency
Nicole Madonia.................................Health Care Agency
Thu Hien Mai.....................................Health Care Agency
Mauricio Mairena..............................Health Care Agency
Latoya Manuel.............................. Social Services Agency
Matthew Marcz..........................................Superior Court
Carolyn Marr.....................................Health Care Agency
Amanda Martindale....................... Sheriff’s Department
Cherissa Martinez........................ Social Services Agency
Esperanza Martinez.....................Child Support Services
Jessica Martinez.......................... Housing & Community
Development
Meleah Martinez.......................... Social Services Agency
Felipe Martins.................................. Sheriff’s Department
Meredith May....................................Health Care Agency
Guillermina Mayfield.................. Social Services Agency
Deborah Mcglone..............................Health Care Agency
Maria Medina....................................Health Care Agency
Linda Miller................................. Assessor’s Department
Lolly Miller.........................................Health Care Agency
Lisa Melton.........................................Health Care Agency
Sarah Miltimore.............................Probation Department
Michael Miniaci..................... Resources & Development
Daylee Montano........................... Social Services Agency
Susana Montes.............................. Social Services Agency
Rufino Mora.......................................Health Care Agency
Kathleen Mrotzek.........................Child Support Services
Cynthia Mullenix.........................Child Support Services
Anna Munoz Lopez...................................Superior Court
Krishnamenon Nadaraja...... Resources & Development
Imelda Narez................................ Social Services Agency
Cady Nguyen........................................Registrar of Voters
Chinh Nguyen.....................................Auditor-Controller
David Nguyen....................... Resources & Development
Hoa Nguyen..................................... Sheriff’s Department
Jennifer Nguyen........................... Social Services Agency
John Nguyen.......................... Resources & Development
Kenneth Nguyen......................... Assessor’s Department
Mai Nguyen.................................. Social Services Agency
Ngoc Nguyen................................... Sheriff’s Department
Thao Nguyen................................ Social Services Agency
Angelina Nguyen Do.................................Superior Court
Rebecca-Ann Nielsen....................Probation Department
Lorena Nieves....................................Health Care Agency
Selamawit Nigatu.......................................Superior Court
Amanda Nyssen............................Probation Department
William O’Brien............................ Social Services Agency
Christine O’Hare Pomponi........................ Public Library
Sergio Ortiz........................................Health Care Agency
Jill Osuna.......................................... Sheriff’s Department
Daniel Packman............................... Sheriff’s Department
Rosa Palacios................................. Social Services Agency
Steve Paredes.....................................Health Care Agency
Dean Parsons................................ Social Services Agency
Maria Pary..........................................Health Care Agency
Veronica Pasillas............................Probation Department
Miguel Pation Perez......................Probation Department
John Pavlik............................. Resources & Development
Anthony Perea............................................Superior Court
Kay Pereira.................................... Social Services Agency
Karino Perez...................................Probation Department
Jalene Pham................................. Housing & Community
Marysol Placencio........................Child Support Services
Manuel Ponce.................................. Sheriff’s Department
Sonia Ponce....................................Probation Department
Andrew Prack....................................John Wayne Airport
Monica Prado................................ Social Services Agency
Daniel Pratt............................... District Attorney’s Office
Dean Price.............................. Resources & Development
Gabriele Prinzing............................ Sheriff’s Department
Angelica Ramirez.....................................Public Defender
Naria Ramirez.............................................Superior Court
Richard Ramirez.......................... Assessor’s Department
Richard Rauscher..........................Probation Department
Emrids Rayos Del Sol.......................Health Care Agency
Jeremy Recker....................................Health Care Agency
Carl Reed................................ Resources & Development
Pamela Reeves...................................Health Care Agency
Matthew Reighter.............................Health Care Agency
Donald Reser.......................... Resources & Development
April Rhodes......................................Health Care Agency
Cynthia Rivera.............................. Social Services Agency
Gloria Robinson..................... Resources & Development
Ronald Robles............................... Social Services Agency
Linda Rodriguez................................Health Care Agency
Lorena Rodriguez.......................................Superior Court
Monica Rodriguez........................ Social Services Agency
Priscilla Rodriguez...................................... Public Library
Idamae Rolle......................................Health Care Agency
Rudy Roman......................................Health Care Agency
Carla Romero.....................................Health Care Agency
Suhaila Saad................................. Assessor’s Department
Nydia Saenz.........................................Auditor-Controller
Christina Salas............................................Superior Court
Malisa San..................................... Social Services Agency
Bryna Sanchez............................................Superior Court
Irene Sanchez................................ Social Services Agency
Ramon Sanchez.................................... Human Resources
Juris Sarigumba.............................Probation Department
Francisco Saucedo.........................Probation Department
Fabiola Schechtman..........................Health Care Agency
Ceaser Segura........................ Resources & Development
Sophia Serrano...................................Health Care Agency
Baratha Siregar..................................Health Care Agency
Monica Spohn...............................Child Support Services
Rose Ann Stock..................................Health Care Agency
Abida Sultana................................Probation Department
Ling Sun....................................... Assessor’s Department
Andrew Sveen....................... Resources & Development
Liezel Sy Diep............................... Social Services Agency
Saraswathi Tangella ................................... Public Library
Lucilia Tarabay..................................Health Care Agency
Erin Teasdale..................................Probation Department
Michael Thomas.............................. Sheriff’s Department
Edwin Tigno.......................................Health Care Agency
Daniel Topete................................ Social Services Agency
Andrea Toscano de Souza.... Resources & Development
Camille Townsend.....................................Superior Court
Han Tran........................................... Sheriff’s Department
Janine Tran......... Housing & Community Development
Quan Tran....................................................Superior Court
Tuong Tran.................................... Social Services Agency
Hanh Truong...... Housing & Community Development
Michele Tsachpinis.......................Child Support Services
Nancy Tschiderer........................................ Public Library
Nhi Tu.................................................Health Care Agency
Jonathan Van Brunt......................... Sheriff’s Department
Olga Vega...................................... Social Services Agency
Cheyenne Verduzco.................... Assessor’s Department
Monica Verma....................................Health Care Agency
Gladys Villalobos......................... Social Services Agency
Celina Villalpando....................... Social Services Agency
Alma Virgen.............................. District Attorney’s Office
Alan Vo.......................................... Social Services Agency
Ashley Wallen.................................. Sheriff’s Department
Patrick Walters................................. Sheriff’s Department
Alana White..................................Child Support Services
David Windsor............................. Social Services Agency
Alexander Wong.............................. Sheriff’s Department
Carol Wood................................... Social Services Agency
Charles Wright.............................. Social Services Agency
Aaron Yturralde.............................. Sheriff’s Department
Noemi Zajzon........................ Resources & Development
NEW OCEA MEMBERS
FROM OCEA AFFILIATES!
COSTA MESA CITY
EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
Eduardo Avila
Angela Cleveland
Regina Diaz
Larry Dreiman
Francisco Molina
Dean Rodia
Lora Ross
Rueben Salas
Lewis Siegler
Timothy Sweet
Jordan Villwock
GARDEN GROVE CITY
EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
Laraine Morris
IRVINE PROFESSIONAL
EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
Kelly Koldus
MESA CONSOLIDATED
WATER DISTRICT
Lina Gunawan
ORANGE COUNTY
FIRE AUTHORITY
Brodie Lefebure
Lynda Martinez
ORANGE COUNTY
SANITATION DISTRICT
James Davidson
ORANGE COUNTY
WATER DISTRICT
Linda Koki
Phuong Lam
Derek Nguyen
TUSTIN MUNICIPAL
EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
Lina Anicich
Chuck Childress
Kim David
Chris Duarte
Cee Cee Garcia
Danny Jackson
YORBA LINDA CITY
EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATRION
Darlene O’Toole
Look Who’s Recruiting for OCEA!
RECRUITING OCEA REPRESENTATIVES
Delores Alvarado
Carolyn Crick
Beatriz De La
TorreRobin
Dougherty
Esther Fonseca
Debra Fyvie
Suzanna Galvan
Margot Knife Chief
Paul Lovette
John Tran
RECRUITING OCEA MEMBERS
Vanessa Bernal
San Juanita Carrillo
Rita Castillo
Julie Chambers
Anthony Dulay
Carole Earney
Ezequiel Gutierrez
John Harkins
Juana Hernandez
Hualin Hsu-Wingard
Debra Lechmann
Rita Maellaro
Bob Mao
Jane New
Dung Nguyen
Loni Nguyen Bui
Emma Noor
Avelardo Pasillas
Rory Paster
Alan Roberts
Pedro Sanchez
Mercedes Urias
Leticia Verduzco
Patricia Wieczorek
March Is Social Worker Month!
To help celebrate, OCEA gave out tons of mousepads like the one at the left, to our
Social Worker members and others whose jobs involve social work (like those of
Group Counselors).
OCEA is your union! Get involved!
March/April 2008 – 13
OCEA Discounts
Show your OCEA member card and start saving!
Special Savings for OCEA Members!
Check OCEA’s website,
www.oceamember.org, for full details!
Pageant of the Masters
The Pageant of the Masters is an annual festival held by the Festival of Arts in
Laguna Beach. The event is known for the "living pictures" wherein classical and
contemporary works of art are recreated by real people posing in almost exact
detail to the work of art they are portraying.
The first festival started in 1932 and has since been held each summer. It hosts
more than a quarter million people each year.
Pageants of the Masters tickets are a very high demand ticket. The Pageant of
the Masters box office is usually sold out and most decent seating 9-12 months
before the event starts.
OCEA Price: $40/person; Two dates to choose from: Sun. August 17 or
Sun. Aug. 21; Both shows at 7pm; Seats on left Main Tier side; Tickets will
be available in late April.
Car Rentals
Special Occasions
Hertz: 1 (800) 654-8216. OCEA’s CDP number:
1335448. Fee Waiver Application for the Hertz#1 Club
Gold Membership available at OCEA Special Events
Office. OCEA Member Discount: 5% off regular price
on daily & weekly rentals.
Scrapbooking: Creating beautiful, inspiring scrapbook
pages and handmade cards is faster, simpler, and easier
with Close To My Heart. 10% off on all products! For
more information please call Andrea Lewis at (714) 7771170 or visit the website www.alewis.myctmh.com.
Budget: 1 (800) 455-2848. OCEA’s DCD number:
X627900. For Budget Truck Rentals call 1-888-NEED
TRK. OCEA’s number: 56000052043. OCEA Member
Discount: 15% off.
ProFlowers.com: 20% off on flowers, candy, fruit &
more! To receive a free catalog or place your order, call
1 (800) 210-2279, or visit www.proflowers.com/vip and
enter the case-sensitive code: OCEA.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 1 (800) 736-8222. OCEA’s
number: 32E8228. Or visit www.enterprise.com and
use the same code (with “OCEA” for company name).
OCEA Member Discount: 10% off.
Wagstaff Music: 25% off on DJ services, karaoke,
or live bands! To book your next event contact Bryan
Wagstaff at (714) 437-7712.
Avis: 1 (800) 331-1212. OCEA’s AWD number:
T815000. OCEA Member Discount: 5% off & up,
depending on program.
Hotels
Days Inn Hotel Circle by SeaWorld: 15% to 25%
off room rates, depending on time of the year and
availability. Call 1 (800) 227-4743 for reservations.
Automotive
The Red Book: Purchase new cars at fleet prices! The
original fleet discount purchase plan in California offers
a statewide network of participating dealerships whose
professionalism and integrity can be relied on. Call
1 (800) 422-4561 for more details, or log on to www.
redbook4autos.
Photography
Affordable Quality Photography: 10% off on all
photographic services for all your Kodak-moment
events. Specializes in outdoor portraiture & candid
photography. Contact Mike Nemeth at (949) 496-4559
for more details
Vacation
Y ou
might
E nter our fun contest !
win 4 tickets to S ea L ife at L egoland
C arlsbad , CA!
in
Opening Summer 2008 at LEGOLAND® California!
The world’s largest aquarium brand is coming for the first time to North America.
SEA LIFE LEGOLAND® California Resort is opening its doors in Carlsbad in
July! SEA LIFE Aquarium is an educational and interactive dynamic experience on
child’s voyage to the depths of the oceans, presenting the wonders of the underwater world to them in a way specially designed for their understanding.
Take this simple OCEA quiz!
You might win 4 tickets to Medieval Times!
1. Elsewhere in this issue is a photo of Shorpy Higginbotham,
a boy employed in
(a) Alabama in 1910, or (b) Orange County in 2008.
2. Worker safety is
(a) a problem that has been completely solved, or
(b) a problem which continues today.
Mail your entry (your answers, with your name, department, and phone number) to OCEA (Attention Joanna),
830 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701, or email your entry to [email protected]. Last date for entries:
February 29, 2008. After the last date, a drawing will be held from among all entries, and the lucky winner will receive
FOUR TICKETS TO MEDIEVAL TIMES! Members only. One entry per person limit (in each drawing).
Winner must arrange to pick up the tickets at OCEA. Past winners are ineligible to enter the following six drawings.
Soccer Fitness for Women
Have fun , get fit, and learn or improve at the game of soccer.
It's so fun you won't even know you are working out!!!
OCEA members who are interested in beginning this exercise program receive 15% off on initial season signups. The registration for the season depends on how many days a week a candidate wishes to work out and
varies from S125 to $305 per eight week session (as low as $12 per session).
Log on www.justforkicksfitness.com for more info
Or call (714) 996-0394
Enter Code OCEA for discount at online checkout
Sessions in Aliso Viejo, Fullerton and Orange
Beginners Welcome!
Not Ready To Join? Prospective participants receive a one-hour session for free*
*limit one try-out session per participant *space is limited, not all sessions may be available for the trial.
Email [email protected] to reserve your try-out session.
Page 14 – March/April 2008
Wire Wrapped Silverware: Unique! Beautiful!
Inexpensive! Brilliant gift idea! For more information on
all products and available discount please call Barbara
Newber at (714) 393-9518.
Custom Made Gift Baskets: Make your loved
ones’ special occasions have a very personal touch!
For samples of gift baskets for all your corporate and
personal occasions and available discount on them
please call Lisa Sipprell at (949) 235-1144.
Restaurants
Pasta Bravo (at The Block only): 20% off, on catering
for all your personal and corporate occasions. For more
details about the discount or to place your order call
Hector Diaz at (714) 769-4031. OCEA membership card
required at the time of delivery.
The Rib Trader: Birthday celebration? Wedding?
Anniversary? Rehearsal Dinner Party? Receive 15% off on
catering for any of your occasions! For menu and details on
ordering process, please call Medhi Karr at (714) 744-9288,
or fax your request at (714) 633-8760. OCEA membership
card required at the time of delivery.
Wellness
SCAT Travel: Offers substantial discounts on a variety
of cruises exclusively for OCEA members. Call Sandy
Cuny at (714) 669-9019 for details or visit OCEA
website for the most recent listing.
LifeTurn: Weight Loss Program! No products; No
pills; No shots; 40%off first 3-month circle; 75%off
the second; For more information please call Ambra
Farahani at (714) 423-5858.
Club Med Vacation: Book a seven-night escape and
save 50% on the second person! Call Lavonne Campbell
at (714) 991-7222, or visit OCEA website for the most
recent listing.
XanGo: 10% off on all your antioxidant mangosteen
juice purchases. For more details on product and
ordering procedures call Joy Andrews at (714) 441-7050
or visit the website Jocelyn.discovermangosteen.com.
Amtrak: 10% off best available rail fare; up to 2
children ages 2-15 travel at the half-price per adult fare.
For most current information on restrictions and to
obtain OCEA new discount code please log on to our
website www.oceamember.org, or call Special Events
office at 714-835-3355.
Just for Kicks: A new soccer fitness program just
for women. It's so fun you won't even know you
are working out!!! OCEA members receive 15%
off on initial season sign-ups. For more information
on the program please log on the website www.
justforkicksfitness.com OR call Cindy at (714) 996-0394.
Amtrak’s Free Companion Fare Coupons are
available now at Special Events office. Valid Jan. 3
through Jun. 15, 2008. Up to 2 children may accompany
each adult at half the regular (full) price. Valid for travel
in coach seating on the Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquins
and Capitol Corridor trains and associated thruways,
with the exception of 7000-8999 series. Black-out dates:
Jan. 18-21; Feb. 15-18; Mar. 20-24; May 26-28, 2008.
Offer not combinable with any other offer.
Not Ready to Join? Try a One Hour
Session for Free*
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: 15% off on the
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and 10% off at the gift
shops with the Alpine Club Card available (free of
charge) at the OCEA Special Events Office. Card valid
thru December 2008
Grand Canyon Railway: 20% off train travel & stays
at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, or 10% off already
discounted packages! For more information, please call
1-866-422-9724 (mention OCEA Corporate Discount
program), or visit www.thetrain/corporate to book your
journey.
You’re Beautiful
Mary Kay: 10% off on all your skin care & cosmetics
for men, women, and children. For your free
consultation or brochure, or to place your order, call Jo
Padore at (949) 559-8022, or visit website www.marykay.
com/jpadore.
OCEA’s newest addition to our Preferred Vendor Program.
See’s Candies Certificates (1lb): As always, available
at OCEA Special Events Office for $11 each (reg. $15).
Cookie Lee: 10% off & free shipping on all Cookie
Lee Fine Fashion Jewelry. For your free consultation, or
catalog, or to place your order please call Eva McNamee
at (562) 879-4911 or log on into her website www.
cookielee.biz/evamcnamee.
* available during the session beginning June 18
* Limit one try-out session per participant
* space is limited, not all sessions may be available for the trial.
* Full registrations will have priority over trials.
Email [email protected] to reserve
you try-out session.
LA Fitness: Membership vouchers available at Special
Events office! OCEA members $59.99 sign-up fee and
$29.99/mo; Family add-ons $0 sign-up fee and $29.99/
mo; Up to 4 family members may be added to your
account.
Electronics
Verizon Wireless: You may qualify for a discount on
your calling plan monthly access fees and accessories.
Please call your Government Employee Sales
Representative Bonnie Liu Barron at (714) 743-1076 for
more information, or contact her by email at Bonnie.
[email protected]. Offer valid for California
State & Local Government Employees with proof of
current employment. Limited-time offer.
Apple Computers: OCEA members are offered
discounts on Apple products through the Apple
Government Employee Purchase Program. Visit their
online store at www.apple.com/eppstore/slg and save up
to 17% on selected Apple products, including iPods, and
much more!
Arbonne: PURE * SAFE * BENEFICIAL Health and
Beauty Products for Men, Women, Teens and Children.
OCEA members receive a 10% discount on all
purchases through Christa Luther. To place your order
please contact Christa at (714) 923-4602 or email her
at [email protected]; View products at www.
christaluther.myarbonne.com.
Special Savings for OCEA Members!
Check OCEA’s website,
www.oceamember.org, for full details!
OCEA is your union! Get involved!
Special Events
OCEA Special Events accepts only ATM debit cards
and cash, in payment for tickets.
Check www.oceamember.org for the most current information.
Movie Theaters
AMC Theatres (Loews &
Cineplex): OCEA price: $6/person.
(Regular: $10.50/person.) Special
engagements excluded during the first two weeks on new
releases. Valid 7 days a week. NO EXPIRATION DATE.
Century Cinema: OCEA
price: $6/person. (Regular:
$10.50/person.) Special engagements excluded during the
first two weeks on new releases. Valid 7 days a week. NO
EXPIRATION DATE.
Krikorian Premier Theaters: OCEA
price: $7/person. (Regular: $10.50/
person.) No restrictions. Valid 7 days a
week. NO EXPIRATION DATE.
Regal Entertainment Group:
OCEA price: $6/person.
(Regular: $10.50/person.) Special
engagements excluded during the first two weeks on new
releases. Valid 7 days a week. NO EXPIRATION DATE.
Amusement Parks
Disneyland & Disney’s
California Adventure
STANDARD 1-DAY 1-PARK ADMISSION:
OCEA price: $61/adult; $53/child ages 3-9. (Regular: $66
& $56.) No blackout dates. Tickets valid JANUARY 3 —
DECEMBER 11, 2008.
SoCal 2FER Ticket: (1-day admission to Disneyland and
1-day admission to Disney’s California Adventure Park.)
OCEA Price: $64/adult; $54/child ages 3-9. (Regular:
$66/adult & $56). No blackout dates. Second visit must be
used within 30 days following the first day of usage, but
no later than the expiration date. Tickets valid JANUARY
7 — MAY 22, 2008.
DISNEY ANNUAL PASSES: Premium: $359. (Regular:
$379.) Valid 365 days. Parking included. Passes expire
JANUARY 2, 2008. Deluxe: $239. (Regular: $259.) Valid
315 days. Parking excluded. All passes must be activated by
JANUARY 3, 2009.
Knott’s Berry Farm
OCEA price: $25/adult; $19/child ages 3-9.
(Regular: $35.99 & $19.99.) Not valid for
Special Events Packages; Tickets expire MARCH 31, 2009.
SeaWorld San Diego
OCEA price: $46/adult; $40/child ages
3-9. (Regular: $59 & $49.) Tickets expire
DECEMBER 31, 2008. 2 DAYS OF FUN ADMISSION
LEGOLAND California
OCEA price: $41/person ages
3 & up. (Regular: $59/adult &
$47/child.) Upgrade to a 2nd day for $1 at Legoland Guest
Services. Second visit must occur within 9 days from the
first visit. Tickets expire JANUARY 31, 2009.
San Diego Wild Animal Park: OCEA
price: $27/adult; $19/child ages 3-11.
(Regular: $34 & $24.) Tickets expire
DECEMBER 31, 2008.
San Diego Zoo
OCEA price: $27/adult;
$19/child ages 3-11. (Regular: $34 & $24.)
Tickets expire DECEMBER 31, 2008.
Six Flags Magic
Mountain: OCEA Price: $25/adult;
$15/child under 48 inches. (Regular:
$59.99 & $29.99.) Tickets expire DECEMBER 31, 2008.
Universal Studios Hollywood
OCEA price: $49/person ages 2 & up.
(Regular: $64.) Tickets expire JUNE 30, 2008.
So Cal Attractions
Aquarium of the Pacific
OCEA price: $14/adult; $10/child ages 3-11.
(Regular: $20.95 & $11.95.) No blackout
dates. Tickets expire NOVEMBER 30, 2008.
Boomers Family Fun
Centers
OCEA price: $14/person.
(Regular: $27.95.) No
blackout dates. Arcade games and batting cages excluded.
NO EXPIRATION DATE. (beginning June 1 price will be
$15.00/person)
K-1 Speed – OCEA price: $15/person at
least 4' 11" tall (regular: $29.95) for standard
race. Good anytime at any K-1 location; 1 year
K-1 Speed license is included for new drivers.
NO EXPIRATION DATE
Catalina Flyer—Newport Beach (at
the Balboa Pavilion): OCEA price:
$47/adult; $38/child ages 3-12. (Regular:
$61 & $44.) Reservation required.
No blackout dates. NO EXPIRATION DATE. For
reservations please call 1-800-830-7744.
Catalina Express – Long Beach, San Pedro or
Dana Point* OCEA price: $54/adult; $44/child ages
3-12 (Regular: $59 & $53). *Dana Point departures will be
an additional $2/person payable at time of check-in; For
reservations please call 1-800-464-4228 or log into www.
CatalinaExpress.com. Tickets expire DECEMBER 31, 2008.
Discovery Science Center
OCEA price: $10/adult; $7/child
ages 3-17. (Regular: $13 & $10.)
Parking fee: $3/vehicle paid separately.
Some restrictions apply; Log into our
website www.oceamember.org for
more details; Parking fee: $3/vehicle paid separately; NO
EXPIRATION DATE.
Medieval
Times Dinner &
Tournament
OCEA price: $41/adult; $31/child ages 12 & under.
(Regular: $52.65 & $35.40.) Not valid for Saturday
6:00 p.m. shows. Reservation required. Tickets expire
DECEMBER 31, 2008.
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure
OCEA price: $47/adult; $32/child
ages 3-11. (Regular: $54.73 & $36.57.)
Reservation required. Tickets expire
NOVEMBER 30, 2008.
Purchase tickets: To order by mail,
Queen Mary (Self-Guided Tour and Ghosts & Legends
Show): OCEA price: $12/person. (Regular: $22.95 &
$11.95.) No blackout dates. Parking fee: $10/vehicle paid
separately. NO EXPIRATION DATE.
One-Time Events
The Renaissance Faire
OCEA price: $15/person
(Regular: $25/adult & $15/
child age 6-12); Free admission
for children under 5! Parking fee $8/vehicle paid at the
entrance. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!
Corteo: Cirque du Soliel
Up to 25% off on selected show dates &
categories throughout OC, LA, and San
Diego Counties. For more information
and/or to order tickets, please call 1 (800) 331-6483.
Company Code: OCEA
Grand Canyon Railway
OCEA price: $359/adult (regular:
$399). Price is per person based on adult
double occupancy and does not include
tax or park entry fee. Must be booked 11 days in advance
of travel.
Coming Soon
The Pageant of the Masters - Sunday,
Aug. 17 or Sunday, Aug. 24! OCEA price:
$40/person; Shows start at 7 p.m.; Seats
on left Main Tier side; TICKETS WILL
BE AVAILABLE IN LATE APRIL 2008.
Knott's Soak City Water Park OCEA price: $19/adult; $18/child;
Tickets valid in all So Cal locations!
TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN
THE BEGINNING OF MAY 2008.
Wild Rivers Water
Park - OCEA price:
$19/adult; $14/child
ages 3-9 (Regular:
$31.98 & $19.98); Tickets will be available in
the beginning of May 2008.
please include: 1) name and phone
number, 2) letter stating your
ticket order, and 3) check payable
to OCEA for the full amount
of the ticket order plus $6.40
for shipping and handling. Send
orders to: Special Events, OCEA,
830 North Ross Street, Santa
Ana, CA 92701. Checks for over
$500 not accepted. Ticket sales
are final. Sorry, no refunds or
exchanges. Please allow sufficient
time! Mailed ticket orders are
generally processed within five
business days of receiving the order.
Sorry, OCEA makes no guarantees
on mailed orders. Shipping and
handling charges cover costs of
certifying and insuring mailed
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus – OCEA
price: $22/person (Regular: $25); Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008 at
3:30 p.m. Honda Center, Anaheim! Tickets will be
available early summer 2008.
All prices are subject to change
without notice.
All sales are final.
tickets. For further information,
contact Joanna Nachurski at
(714) 835-3355 or via email at
[email protected]. Ticket
hours: Monday through Friday,
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
OCEA is your union! Get involved!
March/April 2008 – 15
Don’t forget our OCEA Steward Training!
It’s for Stewards, New and Experienced!
This exciting program is comprised of two training sessions, with each session
being held in alternate months. This flexible schedule will provide current
and new OCEA Stewards with the opportunity to attend both sessions. All
new OCEA Stewards are required to attend both sessions, and it is highly
recommended that current Stewards attend the training as well (if you have
not attended training within the last two years or so).
Session 1 of the training covers such topics as History of Organized Labor,
Governing Laws, and the Memorandum of Understanding. Session 2 covers
Roles and Responsibilities of a Steward, Handling Workplace Issues, and
Grievance Handling. The subject matter is intended to provide OCEA Stewards
with the tools and knowledge they require to be effective workplace leaders.
Each session of the OCEA Steward Training Program will be an all-day
training and will be held at OCEA Headquarters. Upcoming training dates
are as follows:
April 17, 2008 - Session 2 - Please register by April 7.
May 15, 2008 - Session 1 - Please register by May 5.
June 19, 2008 - Session 2 - Please register by June 9.
July 17, 2008 - Session 1 - Please register by July 7.
August 21, 2008 - Session 2 - Please register by August 11.
Want more information about how to become an OCEA Steward? Wonder what OCEA Stewards do, and what kind
of commitment is expected? Want an application to become an OCEA Steward?
Call or email Llesena Ontiveras, OCEA Labor Relations Representative:
(714) 835-3355 • [email protected]
OCEA requires that participants pre-register for the training. To pre-register, please contact Llesena Ontiveras at [email protected].
Page 16 – March/April 2008
OCEA is your union! Get involved!