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★ L o s A n g e L e s C o u n t y P r o f e s s i o n A L P e A C e o f f i C e r s A s s o C i At i o n ★
StarShieldYEARS
&
Volume 38 issue 8
october 2011 1951 - 2011
PPOA
BOArd
ElEctiOns
Candidate Statements Page 18
STRAUSSNER s SHERMAN
We have devoted ourselves and our staff
to providing the highest level of personal
services to our clients.
Our emphasis is primarily on
• Workers’ Compensation • LACERA Retirements
• Employment Litigation • Personal Injury
Please contact Aaron or Julie
for a free consultation.
Van Nuys Historic Library Building
14555 Sylvan Street, Van Nuys, California 91411
ph: (818) 788-1700 | fax: (818) 788-1705
www.iodlawyers.com
Making a false or fraudulent workers’ compensation claim is a felony subject
to up to five years in prison or a fine up to $50,000 or double the value of the
fraud, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and fine.
TABLE OF
W 00
$5
IN
Se
CONTENTS
e
188 E. Arrow Highway
Pa
San Dimas, CA 91773
ge
(323) 261-3010 | (800) 747-PPOA
22
Fax (909) 480-3011
(e-mail) info@ppoa.com
(web page) www.ppoa.com
POPA Federal Credit Union
(800) 369-7672 | www.popafcu.org
Assessing the Good, the Bad and the Ugly .........................4
Star & Shield is the official publication of the
Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers
Association (PPOA). Opinions expressed by indi- 2012 Choices Medical Rates .................................................5
vidual board members or contributing authors in this
publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Custody Assistants: Doing More for Less ............................6
the entire Board.
A Closer Look at Pensions, Salaries and Promotions ........7
The Board of Directors meets on the second Wednesday
of each month in the PPOA offices at 10:00 a.m.
Star & Shield subscription: $12.00 Be Smart When You Are Injured on the Job .......................11
Executive Editor: Brian Moriguchi Cancer: Keeping Things in Perspective .............................12
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Medal of Valor Ceremony ....................................................12
BRIAN MORIGUCHI, President Letter to the Governor .........................................................14
JIM CRONIN, Vice President
JIM BLANKENSHIP, Secretary
ROGELIO MALDONADO, Treasurer PPOA Labor Day BBQ ..........................................................16
DIRECTORS PPOA Board Candidate Statements ...................................18
DANYA HAZEN DAVID VIDAL AB30 Pension Attack Update ..............................................23
TONY ROMO GERARDO GARCIA
ANDREW LEE JIM SCHALLERT
ART REDDY PPOA AFFILIATIONS
Southern California Alliance
2011 STANDING COMMITTEES of Law Enforcement (SCALE)
California Coalition of
ASSOCIATIONS 612 NEGOTIATIONS Law Enforcement Associations (CCLEA)
Chairman MORIGUCHI Chairman MORIGUCHI International Foundation
DELEGATES 614 NEGOTIATIONS of Employee Benefit Plans
Chairman CRONIN Chairman VIDAL Los Angeles County Organization of Police
FINANCE 621 NEGOTIATIONS and Sheriffs (LACOPS)
Chairman MALDONADO Chairman BLANKENSHIP Public Employees Staff Organization (PESO)
INSURANCE 631 NEGOTIATIONS Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
Chairman MORIGUCHI Chairman MACHIAN National Conference of Public Employee Retirement Systems
LEGISLATIVE 632 NEGOTIATIONS California Peace Officer Memorial Foundation
Chairman REDDY Chairman KADES
MEMBERSHIP RETIREE LIAISON
Chairwoman HAZEN Chairman REDDY PPOA STAFF MEMBERS
PAUL K. ROLLER, Executive Director
SANDRA BRYANT, Administrative Assistant
CLARE FRANCO, Administrative Assistant
911Media® is a division of Trade News International, Inc. NORMA GOMEZ, Administrative Assistant
TERESA MACHADO, Intake Representative
Published by 911Media®
For Advertising call VIOLET PEREZ, Administrative Assistant
(818) 848-6397 MARLYNE RINALDI, Sr. Labor Representative
GREG TORRES, Public Relations Coordinator
PPOA Online Store: Connect with MARK VIDAL, Media Assistant
“L.A. County PPOA” MARICELA VILLEGAS, Sr. Administrative Assistant
www.poastore.com on Facebook.
JIM VOGTS, Legislative Representative
VENISE WALLACE, Sr. Labor Representative
october 2011 | Star&Shield 3
Assessing the Good, the Bad
and the Ugly
W
ell, it has been a very busy couple California. We are proud that one of our members,
of months. Some good. Some bad. Captain Michael Parker, will be receiving the Top
Some ugly. Let’s start with some Management Award for his accomplishments as
good news. captain at Sheriff ’s Headquarters Bureau. Captain
Parker has expanded LASD communications
Brian Moriguchi PROMOTIONS
It is good to finally see some movement again.
into the 21st century through the use of new
technology and social media. Well done, Mike! If
The Sheriff ’s Department is anticipating more you want to come out and support Captain Parker,
PPoa President than 300 new deputy vacancies and has started you can buy tickets through the PPOA website
lieutenant, laSd Academy classes again. These classes, as well as (anyone catch the irony of this statement!).
custody assistant classes, should go well into 2012.
bmoriguchi@ppoa.com
In addition, we have had two Sergeant Super PPOA INSURANCE AGENCY
Schools in the past month, promoting more than It has taken a lot longer than I anticipated, but
50 deputies into the ranks of supervisors. Welcome, we have finally selected the general manager to
new sergeants! You have now entered the abyss and head our PPOA Insurance Agency. We conducted
there is no turning back! All kidding aside, you an exhaustive search and interviewed the best
are the most critical part of management and will qualified among experienced insurance agents.
have the greatest impact on the deputies who work Our goal has been, and will always be, to provide
for you. Mentor them, train them and help them insurance needs to our members based on THEIR
We have deep become hard-working deputies. I hope you will needs, not based on commission. We will be
impact them just as many sergeants impacted me expanding our insurance offerings to include a
concerns about the in a positive way throughout my career. wider variety of insurance companies since one size
promotional process Lieutenant promotions should follow in the doesn’t fit all. The PPOA Insurance Agency will do
near future. We know many of you are on pins the research on the best insurance available so our
and have been and needles wondering about whether they will members can feel confident that we are looking out
promote everyone in Band I or whether they will for their needs, much like the POPA Credit Union.
working with Sheriff's
promote into Band II. We will keep you posted on This will be a full service insurance company. We
executives to create what we hear. As you know, we have deep concerns have a few more hoops to jump through to ensure
about the promotional process and have been we are complying with all applicable laws, but we
a fair and equitable working with Sheriff ’s executives to create a fair hope to have the PPOA Insurance Agency up and
process for the future. and equitable process for the future. The Sheriff ’s running by January 2012. We will send out an
Department is reluctant to change as evidenced announcement when ready.
by the Bouman lawsuit, but I am hopeful they will
listen to reason rather than risk another lawsuit. CANCER SUPPORT
While attending a law enforcement function
LASD PERSONNEL ACKNOWLEDGED FOR out of state, I ran into an old friend whom I used
EXTRAORDINARY WORK to teach with many years ago in Los Angeles. His
On September 6th, I had the pleasure of name is Joe Levy. He is a commander with the
attending the LASD Medal of Valor Awards Long Beach Police Department. What I didn’t
ceremony. More than 30 deputies of various ranks know is that he is a cancer survivor and that he
and positions were recognized for exceptional helped establish the National Law Enforcement
work, including several PPOA members: Cancer Support Foundation. This organization’s
Sergeant Robert Farkas, Sergeant Joe Fender, sole purpose is to provide support for law
Sergeant Eric Fox, Sergeant David Valentine, enforcement employees and their families who
Deputy Juan Alvarado and Deputy Tina Alvarez. have had the misfortune of dealing with cancer.
Congratulations to all the award recipients for They also help educate about prevention, as well as
their acts of bravery and heroism. treatments currently available for those diagnosed
On October 22, the Golden Badge Foundation with all types of cancer.
will be recognizing exemplary service in the
area of public safety throughout the state of continued on page 9
4 Star&Shield | october 2011
2012 Choices Medical Rates
E
ach October, Los Angeles County holds a month- should carefully review the package to make sure that
long “open enrollment” to allow active County the coverage they have now will take care of their needs
employees to make changes to their medical, in 2012 — and still be affordable.
dental or other insurance coverage. All active If you have not received your Choices package
PPOA-represented members are part of the “Choices” by the time that you read this, then visit www.
package of plans offered by L.A. County. The Choices mylacountybenefits.com or call (888) 822-0487 to get
Paul K. Roller package of insurance plans also includes those union
plans offered by ALADS and CAPE. In preparation for
a new enrollment packet. Or you can call the L.A.
County Benefits Hotline at (213) 388-9982. You have
this open enrollment, the County sends each PPOA until October 31st to make any changes for 2012.
PPoa executive director member a 2012 Choices enrollment booklet that In any year you choose — going back three decades
proller@ppoa.com details each plan, any changes to that plan and next — medical inflation and the subsequent higher medical
years’ premiums for each plan. If you don’t make any premiums outstrip inflation virtually every year. This
changes to your current choices, then everything you has led to medical costs eating up more and more
have in place this year will roll over to next year, plus any
additional premiums. That is why every PPOA member continued on page 10
all PPoa members
should carefully study
the choices enrollment
materials to determine
the changes and rate
increases for their
specific plans and make
any needed changes
by october 31st.
october 2011 | Star&Shield 5
Custody Assistants:
Doing More for Less
C
ustody Assistants have saved the Sheriff ’s do what needs to be done. Guess what — you might
Department $60 million per year, every have to leave us to do the job if you did have to go
year. We should be working on the next $60 out. We would manage because that is what we do as
million just about now. We did a two-year Department members.
study that showed how much could be saved. All the Why doesn’t the Department look at two-man
documents were completed and reworked. Here we cars again in order to protect our deputies? Years
Danya Hazen sit waiting, continuing to do outstanding work. The
excuses given are many: “It’s not the right time,” “How
ago, personnel chose to stay and work for the
Department out of loyalty and because they really
do we know that we will be able to hire good, capable, were proud to be members. What happened? Now,
PPoa board Member qualified people,” “We need an army of deputies in case people stay because they can’t afford to leave. We
custody assistant laSd the sky falls in,” and “Only then will we be able to send were a family.
them out in force.” We haven’t given up. Custody Assistants are
dhazen@ppoa.com
Let’s look at these facts: For more than 20 years, applying to become deputies and are being turned
Custody Assistants have been doing the job. It is down. How is that possible unless they have gotten
a tribute to us that we have consistently produced into trouble? You have a proven product — someone
and excelled. Each year that has gone by, we have who is already doing the job, and still you would
been given more to do based on our performance. rather take someone off the street.
This program was started because there just isn’t Enough! We need to make a change. Custody
enough money to pay deputies to do all the jobs. We Assistants are covered when injured on the job. If you
work well together, but the pay is less than half of are attacked by an inmate, charges will be filed against
what deputies make. We now have career Custody them. We have had these rights for years. If you are
Assistants who enjoy their job, asking only for the told “No,” then get your own witness statement.
recognition and pay we deserve. We realize that we Last but not least, I had the honor to attend the
will never make what a deputy makes. We would LASD Medal of Valor ceremony last month. I knew
price ourselves right out of a job. We are different. three of the people who received awards that day.
The sky may fall, but it is doubtful. If something It goes to show that you never know what you are
bad were to happen, we would band together and capable of until it stares you in the face!
The Savings are Scary!
PPOA is proud to offer discount tickets to the following Halloween-themed venues:
Knott’s Scary Farm Price varies with dates, range: $32-$47
Universal Studios Halloween Haunt Price varies with dates, range: $35-$59
Magic Mountain Fright Fest Price: $27 adults/$18 children
For details, call PPOA at (323) 261-3010
or visit www.PPOA.com.
Offers are restricted to PPOA members only.
6 Star&Shield | october 2011
A Closer Look at Pensions,
Salaries and Promotions
I
t was great to see so many of you at the recent are all of you, I am incensed that some legislators
PPOA BBQ. There were many familiar faces, and I are trying to balance the results of their poor fiscal
was fortunate enough to meet some of you for the decisions on the backs of public safety employees.
first time. I took that opportunity to ask several We at PPOA are doing everything we can to ensure
of you what your current concerns were and if PPOA common sense enters the discussions and that
was addressing those concerns. As I finish up my cooler heads prevail.
Jim Schallert first year as a PPOA Board Member, I want to ensure
that PPOA is meeting your expectations and answer
The second concern many of you still express is
that of pay increase or a “decompression” between
any questions you have. When I first sat in a Board Sergeant ranks and Deputy ranks (meaning that
PPoa board Member chair, there were three universal concerns most 612 Deputy salaries are now dangerously close, and
Sergeant, laSd members I spoke with had: sometimes higher, than their supervisors). Our
jschallert@ppoa.com 1. Pension protection last salary increase was 2008, negotiated several
2. Salary protection (and future increases) years before that. Some of you point to recent “pay
3. A fair promotion system increases” by other agencies, but a closer look at
The first of these, pension protection, has been these alleged increases revealed that there were
a battle that I can tell you PPOA is fully engaged in takeaways from those agencies that either exceeded
on a daily basis. I enthusiastically throw kudos to or came very close to the increases their employees
PPOA President Brian Moriguchi and the rest of the received. The fiscal condition of the state and
Board for ensuring this is in the forefront of all of County has not improved over the past 12 months,
PPOA’s activities. Brian has taken a true leadership and it has quite possibly gotten worse. We do,
Something will role here. Brian has met with legislators and others, however, have an obligation to constantly review
driving the point home that the LACERA model is our salaries and the ability of the County to increase
change within the the solution, not the problem. He has strengthened those salaries, or decompress the salaries between
public pension system the relationship that PPOA enjoys with LACERA the ranks, as soon as fiscally possible. PPOA will
and other groups who are eventually going to be working to that end by evaluating all of the data
eventually, but we be deeply involved in the interpretation of any and determining what our position should be very
are hopeful that oUr legislation impacting our pension. PPOA Board soon. For the past several years, we have elected to
Members are briefed regularly on any pension work with the County by extending our current
system is determined reform legislation by Art Reddy and Jimmy Vogts, salary contract for a year at a time. While this has
to be the benchmark our “Men on the Hill.” Art and Jimmy’s dedication resulted in significant savings for the County over
to the mission is nothing short of spectacular. As the past several years (and in return no takeaways
for others to measure I draft this article, word has come down that a for our members), there will come a time, in my
committee is being formed in Sacramento to look opinion, when the decompression issue will need to
against.
at the many (and I mean MANY) pension reform be resolved. Will that be this year? We don’t know
proposals. The committee will sort through the yet. We will definitely keep you posted.
proposals and hopefully draft a common sense The third concern that many of you have is the
pension reform solution. I can assure you that PPOA promotion process. I get asked all the time, based on
will be doing everything we can to ensure that our my experience working personnel administration
pension system is protected and that your voices are and at the Bureau of Compliance, if our testing
heard. While it is certain that something will change system is the best it can be for promotion to
within the public pension system eventually, we are Sergeant and Lieutenant. Many of you ask why we
hopeful that the common sense approach prevails, can’t return to the “numbered list.” I also get asked
and that OUR system is determined to indeed be
the benchmark for others to measure against. As continued on page 10
What’s New?
New Address? New Title? New Assignment? New Beneficiary?
Keep PPOA Posted! Call the PPOA office at
(800) 747-PPOA to keep your records current.
october 2011 | Star&Shield 7
Retiree Events
RELAC RV Campout Desert Heat Lunch
October 31-November 2 Second Wednesday of each month
Shadow Hills Resort, Indio Elks Club, Lake Havasu
Info: www.relac.org
The Motherlode Loafers
L.A. County Retired Marshals Lunch Second Wednesday of each month
November 2, 2011 Location varies among Grass Valley restaurants
Hometown Cafe, Cerritos Info: ceklasd@earthlink.net
Retired Female Deputies Weekend Retired Deputies in Las Vegas
November 4 Third Wednesday of each month
Marina del Rey Hotel Blue Ox Tavern on Sahara
(More info to follow) 12:00 p.m.
Info: Tony Silas, (702) 251-8088
Lakewood ROMEOs Luncheons
Second Monday of each month Compton Alumni Association
Third Wednesday of each month
Los Angeles Retired Deputy Sheriffs (LARDS) Crystal Hotel & Casino
Second Monday of each month 12:00 p.m.
Bella Italia Restaurant, San Gabriel (across from Northwoods Inn)
11:30 a.m./$10.00 Santa Clarita Area Retired Sheriff’s
Personnel Quarterly Luncheon
Wuzz Fuzz/Victor Valley Second Thursday in February, May, August and November
Second Tuesday of each month Tournament Players Club restaurant, Valencia
Hometown Buffet, Victorville 11:30 a.m.
7:30 a.m. Info: islandbum@ca.rr.com
Retired D.A. Investigators Lunch Firestone Station Retirees Lunch
First Wednesday of each month (Others welcome, too)
Frantone’s, 10808 Alondra Boulevard, Cerritos Fourth Thursday of each month
11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
Info: Wes English, (714) 962-5862 Maggie’s Pub, Santa Fe Springs
Info: usafeod54@earthlink.com or Jack at fatalitch@ca.rr.com
Inland Empire Old Guys
First Wednesday of each month Antelope Valley Retirees
B.C. Café, Rancho Cucamonga Last Friday of every month
11:30 a.m. Carrows on Avenue K, Lancaster
Info: Dock Parnell, (909) 981-6217 7:00 a.m.
Info: Carlos Valdez, (661) 943-0125 or valdez5150@msn.com
L.A. County Retired Deputies
First Wednesday of each month Fuzz That Wuzz/Central California
Carrows, Hesperia Occasional reunion for LASD retirees
11:00 a.m. Info: Walt Scheuerell, (559) 683-6320 or walts@sierratel.com
Northern Sierra Retirees
Occasional reunion for LASD retirees
Attention Advertisers! Info: Drake Robles, dr98lt@sbcglobal.net
Get the word out! Deputies-On-The-Go Travel Group
Info: Pete Moreno, (909) 941-4416 or cynapete@aol.com
Advertise in
Star & Shield!
Call Today!
®
818-848-6397 www.911media.com
8 Star&Shield | october 2011
Moriguchi about, we will send an e-mail blast out so you will have up-to-date
continued from page 4 information from which you can make informed decisions. If you hear
rumors, please send me an e-mail and I will confirm or dispute those
Cancer is a particularly sensitive topic for me as I have lost many rumors before they spiral out of control.
friends and family members to this terrible disease. I am certain that Recently, we learned that LACERA was preparing to release the
all of us have been impacted by cancer in one way or another and I am names and pensions of retirees pursuant to a California Public Records
certain that some of you are struggling with this disease today. I asked Act request by the Los Angeles Times. We immediately filed action in
Joe to write an article for this month’s issue of Star & Shield, and I hope court to stop the release of this information. We were aware that there
you will take the time to read his article on page 12. In addition, I hope have been at least six court cases, all of which have failed in preventing
you will take advantage of his support foundation if you are struggling the release of police officer names and pension data. All we asked
with this disease. Most importantly, DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE! Joe and for is that LACERA handle the release just as Los Angeles County
his colleagues can tell you how they faced a one-in-a-million chance and handled the release of active members’ names and salaries. The County
beat this disease. allowed active members to submit possible reasons why the release
of this information should be withheld, keeping in mind the court’s
PENSIONS ruling that such withholding must meet extremely high standards. We
I am happy to say we have defeated all pension attacks thus far and successfully argued in court and the judge ordered that the information
should have a bit of a reprieve through the end of this year. PPOA has not be released pending responses from retirees. The judge limited the
been the leader in the effort to stop pension reform destruction, but the reasoning to only those who can demonstrate that the release of their
fight has just begun. Assembly Bill 340 (Furutani) was flying through names would place them in danger (i.e., undercover officers whose
the legislature calling for some changes to pension calculations. PPOA identities are still secretive AND if divulged could place the officer as
worked with LACERA to ensure that this bill, if signed into law, did not risk). This is a high standard, but PPOA will try to prevent the release
adversely affect our members’ pensions. Fortunately, this bill was gutted of the names of retirees who might be jeopardized. We have notified
before getting through the legislature and ALL of the pension changes ALADS and asked that they join PPOA in this case and immediately file
were removed. Instead, the bill called for the creation of a committee with the court to afford their members the same opportunity.
to review pensions. Even though this may appear to simply delay the Yes, folks. That was the ugly! We believe there is no legitimate
inevitable (i.e., pension destruction), I believe we will be able to educate reason to release the names of any police officer and we are deeply
the committee on a great pension system known as LACERA and to disappointed in the court decisions on this topic. Yet, we will continue
recommend the state follow LACERA’s lead. to do our jobs and fight to protect society even if we are not provided
If you haven’t done so already, please call the PPOA office and the same courtesy. That is what separates us from people like those who
provide us with your personal (non-LASD) e-mail addresses. If there run the Los Angeles Times!
are any urgent notices or impending pension changes you need to know Be safe!
Maher Al-Bouz, D.D.S.
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october 2011 | Star&Shield 9
Roller Schallert
continued from page 5 continued from page 7
of your paycheck, even when PPOA has negotiated an increase in County what happened to the panel of Chiefs who traditionally compiled the list
contributions to your medical premiums. This year in January 2012, members of names for the Sheriff to consider for promotion to Lieutenant (with
who purchase their heath care through the Choices plans will see their County executive privilege, of course). To answer all of the above, the Sheriff
contribution to their Choices plans increase by 7.2 percent. Employee-only has ultimate control over the promotion process. I could talk for hours
contribution rates will go to $659.13/month; Employee plus one will increase about what is called a validated and job-related test process. I could put
to $1,202.61/month; and family rates (two or more dependants) will rise to you to sleep with statistical analysis figures or disparate impact studies,
$1,420.66/month. Unfortunately, those increases may not be enough to cover and I could discuss the history of the infamous lawsuit that resulted in
the premium rate inflation for your chosen plan. That is why you need to a decades-long (and counting) consent decree being imposed on the
carefully review your Choices plan booklet and make any needed changes to Department, in such detail that your head would spin and you would
cover your family properly AND absorb any premium increases. wonder why you even brought up the subject with me. I will just say that
The County’s new medical rate analyst, Aon, reported to the Board of PPOA has begun to address some of the concerns members have about the
Supervisors that medical insurance rates in Southern California will increase process, the banding vs. numbered lists and the way that final selections
by 10 percent next year while L.A. County-represented employee rates will are currently made without the traditional Chief ’s panel. We hope to have
increase by an average of only 8.3 percent. In addition, L.A. County dental rates some answers soon as the Sheriff and PPOA President Brian Moriguchi
will DECREASE an average of minus 3.6 percent next year. The L.A. County have recently discussed it. From feedback I have heard thus far, it appears
term life and AD&D rates will also go down next year in the Choices plan. This to me that the Sheriff is open to PPOA’s concerns and genuinely values the
news is at best a mixed bag. L.A. County Choices plans’ rates are either rising presence of a fair promotion process for all.
at a slower rate than other Southern California plans or decreasing, but still So with that, I will again ask for your e-mails with any ideas or
overall rising faster than the County’s contribution rate increases. concerns that you think PPOA should be addressing. Not a day goes
Here are the specifics as far as the Choices 2012 rates: by that I don’t appreciate you electing me, and I feel honored to
Cigna health care rates will increase by 7.3 percent next year. These increases represent the finest group of Sergeants and Lieutenants in the finest
are much less than last year, and they are basically still the cheapest plan in law enforcement agency in the world. Please keep the e-mails coming
Choices. Kaiser health care rates for 2012 will increase the same amount as to jschallert@ppoa.com and thanks again!
CIGNA: 7.3 percent. ALADS group of plans will increase an average of 8.8
percent next year with individual plan rates going up between 7.8 percent and
9.2 percent depending on the plan. Some of you may also have the CAPE Blue
Shield Plan, which is increasing an average of 4.4 percent — the best job this
Connect with
year by any health care plan of holding down the increase in rates. “L.A. County PPOA”
Delta Dental rates will DECREASE by 2.5 percent next year and DeltaCare on Facebook for
and SafeGuards dental plans will remain the same in 2012. news, updates and special
All PPOA members should carefully study the Choices enrollment materials offers.
to determine the changes and rate increases for their specific plans and make
any needed changes by October 31st. Please see accompanying charts for the FACEBOOK.COM/LAPPOA
particulars of each plan.
10 Star&Shield | october 2011
Be Smart When You Are Injured on the Job
By Robert Sherwin, Esq. (Lewis, Marenstein, Wicke, Sherwin & Lee)
W
hen people decide to represent themselves in legal proceedings, complex in fact that the California State Bar has established stringent
judges often discourage them by warning, “He who represents requirements, including a “mini” bar exam before attorneys can become
himself, has a fool for a client.” Does this axiom hold true for “certified specialists.” Given the level of expertise necessary for an
workers’ compensation, which is actually an administrative attorney to become a certified specialist, why in the world would you
law process? The answer is a resounding yes! Does that mean, however, want to handle your own claim and wade through a sea of rules and
that all injured workers need legal representation? No! Does that sound regulations that if not strictly followed, would negatively impact your
confusing? Let me explain. rights. So what are the red flags that should prompt you to speak with
I often meet with peace officers whose work injuries don’t require an an experienced workers’ compensation attorney?
attorney because all benefits, such as treatment or temporary disability Any mention by your employer or insurance adjuster of a QME is
compensation, have been provided and the employee has almost fully an indication that they are questioning some aspect of your injury.
recovered from the injury with little or no permanent disability. In Requesting and then selecting the proper QME is perhaps the most
those cases, I can usually advise the officer how to “conclude” their crucial decision to be made on your case. A request for a QME is made
claim without any litigation or the use of an attorney. But what about on a form submitted to the Medical Unit of the Division of Workers’
the claims that aren’t so clear cut? The ones where your employer Compensation in Oakland, California. Once submitted, the DWC
wants you to be examined by a qualified medical evaluator (QME) issues a Panel of three QMEs, one of which will examine you and be the
before they decide on accepting liability or paying any permanent final arbiter on your case. That doctor will determine issues of medical
disability compensation, or where they deny some of the treatment treatment, temporary disability and permanent disability. If the QME
recommendations of your treating doctor, including surgery. request form is not completed correctly, the Panel may not include a
Shouldn’t an alarm go off in your head telling you to consult with doctor with the expertise or specialty for your injury.
a knowledgeable attorney so the decisions you make on your claim
are correct? Workers’ compensation is a complex area of law; so continued on page 15
october 2011 | Star&Shield 11
Cancer: Keeping Things in Perspective
By Commander Josef Levy, Long Beach Police Department
I
t seems like its human nature to complain. Although we are educated Now, most of us in this profession have probably seen a lot of things
human beings, many people like to complain. You know that family that have shocked us, and over the past 23 years, I have been shocked
member, friend, co-worker or partner who always manages to see their my fair share of times, but think about how you would respond to being
glass half empty instead of half full. They are the people who seem told you have cancer. Feeling shocked was an understatement. I was
to spread this negativity like a contagious disease. Now I will take some overwhelmed with a wide range of emotions and all I could think about
ownership and admit that I have been guilty of complaining from time to were things like what will happen to my family, my wife, my four kids —
time, but let’s try to keep things in perspective. Webster’s defines perspective why me, I’m only 44, I’m too young to die. Needless to say, that night and
as looking through, or seeing clearly. I would like to share my perspective the emotions were so vivid, that I will never forget it. I would also like to
based on a recent experience. mention the word “timing.” You see, I was told on Monday night and this
On June 18, 2007, I was at a work function, attending a dinner, when was just four days before our son Adam’s “big day,” where he was going
I received a message on my cell phone from my wife Lysa. The message to become a Bar Mitzvah (where a boy becomes a man in the Jewish
was actually a question, “When are you coming home?” Now, you need religion). Naturally, this presented a whole other issue of disclosure to
to understand that my wife rarely questions my whereabouts or inquires family and friends.
when I’m coming home, unless there was an important reason. After I share my experience for a one reason. You see, when most healthy,
replying to her, I ultimately arrived home. In the back of my mind, I knew able-bodied people are “doing their thing,” they tend to get into a rut or
I was expecting some biopsy results from a recent exam. Week’s prior, my groove and sometimes take things for granted. What I’m talking about
doctors located a one-centimeter nodule on my thyroid. I was not terribly is your health. Many of us worry and complain about issues that in
worried because I was told by doctors that the majority of these nodules comparison to our health, should be no comparison at all.
are non-cancerous. However, when I arrived home, I was informed by my Prior to “getting the news” I would often think about the day-to-day
wife that my two doctors had called with some bad news. Lysa then told stuff that might sound familiar to many of you. How much do I have in
me, “Joey, you have cancer.” my savings or checking account? Can I afford that “toy?” What about that
Medal of Valor Ceremony
Congratulations to the 38
individuals honored by the
Sheriff’s Department at the
2011 Medal of Valor Ceremony.
Among the honorees were
the following PPOA members:
Deputy Juan Alvarado
Deputy Tina Alvarez
Sergeant Robert Farkas
Sergeant Joseph Fender
Sergeant Eric Fox
Sergeant David Valentine
Their acts of determination,
courage and selflessness were
truly impressive. Complete
details can be found at
www.lasd.org.
12 Star&Shield | october 2011
project on my desk? Will I be getting that promotion or assignment? Will
I be getting a call back for an overtime shift? Why don’t we have this, why Attention PPOA Members
don’t we have that? It basically came down to sweating the small stuff in We need your personal (non-LASD) e-mail address! Last month,
life. But it’s all so irrelevant in the larger scheme of things. Because, if you we sent an e-mail blast to PPOA members regarding Assembly
don’t have your health, well, my friends, “You ain’t got nothing!” Bill 340 (pension reform). If you did not receive it, that means:
My point is, until your facing possible death, straight in the face, you
may not have the perspective that others and I have. Believe me, I’m not 1. Your e-mail address is not on file with PPOA, or,
bragging. I just recently got handed this thing called perspective as a 2. We have only your LASD-provided e-mail address (which
consolation prize for having cancer. regularly blocks e-mail blasts from PPOA).
I’m sharing my story because I want to emphasize the importance of not
sweating the small stuff. Use your precious time and energy to focus on Either way, we need your personal (non-LASD) e-mail address
the big things, the things that are important to you, whatever they may be: so that we can disseminate important news to you as quickly
family, friends, music or religion. Because when it comes down to it, these as possible. Please e-mail your address to info@ppoa.com and
are the things that help me cope and give me the support, strength and power reference “e-mail updates” in the subject line.
to be in a position to fight this thing. I have also discovered this thing called
positive thinking — something I have been preaching to others for many
years. But it took a time of crisis in my personal life for me to begin to explore
this very powerful tool I have been using to “fight the fight.”
Soon after my diagnosis, my path lead me to Steve Bowles, a Sergeant
with the Seal Beach (California) Police Department. I learned that
Steve was also a cancer survivor and was in the process of creating a
cancer support group for law enforcement. As a result, the National Law
Enforcement Cancer Support was created. The mission of our foundation
is to provide free emotional support, guidance and resources to anyone
in law enforcement who is going through a cancer diagnosis. More
information about our foundation can be found at www.lecsf.net.
So, if you find yourself falling into the victim mentality and turning into
a chronic complainer, shake it off. Keep things in perspective. You may not
have everything in life that you want, but if you have your health, a spiritual
base, a strong diverse group of friends and family, then consider yourself
as “having it all.”
Let your inner
leader emerge.
The Master of Science
in Management and Leadership
Our part-time, evening and weekend program for working
professionals gave Ryan a deeper understanding of his
own personal leadership style. His goal is to advance to a
higher managerial level with his newfound confidence.
Learn more about our program by attending an upcoming
Information Session close to your work or home.
Irvine Campus: Tuesday, October 11
West LA Campus: Wednesday, October 12
bschool.pepperdine.edu
Master the leader in you.
Ryan Lee
Officer, Los Angeles Police Department
Master of Science in Management and Leadership, 2009
Irvine and West LA Graduate Campuses
october 2011 | Star&Shield 13
074208.05_PEPUNI_MSML_Media_PORAC_Ad_MECH Date: 09/12/11 ROUND #: MECH
Letter to the Governor
14 Star&Shield | october 2011
Sherwin Upon questioning him, I discovered he already filed the claim on his own
continued from page 11 in 2008 and was told by the claims examiner to submit a request for a
QME Panel to the DWC. He complied and a few weeks later he received
Once you actually receive the Panel of QMEs, you must then decide the panel containing three QMEs in internal medicine. Without consulting
which doctor to choose and which to avoid. All doctors are not the same. with anyone, he chose the QME closest to his home who then issued a
Some are liberal and some very conservative. You have a limited amount report stating his hypertension was not job related, but rather due to family
of time to choose the doctor and then you must ensure that all relevant history despite the fact only one member of his family had hypertension.
information and documentation, including your medical records, are sent His employer, the State of California, then notified him in writing that his
to the QME for review. claim was denied and he had one year to file an appeal with the workers’
Once the QME completes the exam and issues a report, you and the compensation appeals board. I reviewed the QME Panel and saw that the
employer are bound by it, good or bad. You may not later seek another opinion doctor he chose was perhaps the worst choice he could have made as the
to rebut it, other than from your treating physician. While you or an attorney doctor is well known in the work comp community as a “defense” doctor.
have a right to depose the QME to challenge his opinion, attorneys who weren’t Further, one of the other two doctors was the exact opposite — liberal
part of the selection process are hesitant to get involved to try and undo the — and one who firmly believes that hypertension is linked to job stress.
damage. Therefore, knowing which doctor to select and what evidence to Unfortunately, all of this was meaningless because the damage was done.
present to the doctor are decisions that will make or break your case. He chose the wrong QME and then aggravated the situation by waiting
Filing claims for injuries are governed by statutes of limitation that are too more than a year to seek legal guidance. I politely declined to represent the
complex for this article. Suffice it to say that when a fellow officer, supervisor officer and explained my reasons. He was disappointed and commented, “I
or even claims adjuster tells you, “Don’t worry, you have plenty of time to file guess I really blew, didn’t I?” Indeed he had!
your claim,” or “You have X years to appeal,” you should run — not walk — to While there may be situations that don’t require the use of an attorney,
an attorney’s office. other situations will call for legal representation. Workers’ compensation
What happens when your claims adjuster denies some or all of your attorneys do not charge for a consultation, nor is there an up-front
medical treatment? Did you know you must object to the denial within twenty charge for representation. They are awarded a fee of 9-15 percent of what
(20) days and if you don’t, you might forgo any right to dispute the denial? is recovered at the conclusion of the case. If you receive nothing, your
And if the denial pertains to a request for spinal surgery, the rules for objection attorney receives nothing. Why then wouldn’t you at least speak with a
and disputing the denial are even more onerous, requiring a smaller window knowledgeable attorney who can properly advise and guide you through
of appeal. this complicated maze? Don’t be the person the judge looks at and says,
So have I scared you enough to start asking questions about your injury “Mr./Miss X, you have a fool for a client.”
or do you think I’m just blowing smoke? Let me conclude with a true story: Be smart and stay healthy!
A CHP officer recently called me for possible representation on a claim for Editor's note: PPOA works with the finest worker's compensation attorneys
hypertension that he felt should be covered through workers’ compensation. available. Please call PPOA for a referral at (800) 747-PPOA.
october 2011 | Star&Shield 15
PPOA
LAbOr DAy
bbQ
Scenes from the 11th Annual PPOA Labor Day BBQ at Biscailuz Center
PhOtOS cOurtESY Of grEg tOrrES
16 Star&Shield | october 2011
j
october 2011 | Star&Shield 17
PPOA Board Candidate Statements
Unit 621
Barbara Becerra 2011 BOARD
Security Officer, Sheriff's Department ELECTIONS
I am Security Officer Barbara Becerra, and it is time again for YOU to
Sheriff’s Department
make a choice and for YOU to make a difference. I am running again for Unit 611 (one seat)
your PPOA Board and asking you to allow me to be your voice. I have Jim Cronin*
served the LASD for 12 years as a security officer and as many of you
know, ridden with a Commander’s Training Team throughout the County, Unit 612 (two seats)
listening, training and meeting all of you. I believe I have a good idea of Burton Brink, Andrew
Lee*, Brian Moriguchi*,
what you all go through with the public, your supervisors and your frustrations with the SSO
Tab Rhodes, Ralph Ruedas
position.
UNIFORMS: I was integral in obtaining new uniforms and setting up the vendor locations for Unit 614 (one seat)
SSOs and S/As to obtain uniforms at an extremely discounted price — however, I did not stop there: David Vidal
I also arranged for all uniformed personnel, no matter their position, to receive the same discounts.
Unit 621** (one seat)
POLITICAL IDENTITY: As many of you know, I reside in and work out of the Antelope Valley
Barbara Becerra,
and the West, where PPOA has had a very limited identity for many years. Over the last 24 Gerry Garcia*
months, I have attended political events, joined Chambers of Commerce and met with senators,
states assemblymen, congressmen and city and County officials to put a name and a face on Sheriff’s Department/
PPOA throughout the entire County and state with the goal of ensuring that we are recognized District Attorney’s Office
in the political arena in these very volatile times. Political strength is what keeps PPOA head and
Unit 615 (one seat)
shoulders above the rest: It keeps our jobs, our benefits and our voices heard. Vacant
TRAINING: This area is in desperate need of overhaul. Many of our officers have found
themselves transferring to different locations — CSB, Courts, Transit, Parks — to find that the District Attorney’s Office
academies they attended years ago have not adequately trained them for the challenges they Unit 612 (one seat)
now face. My goal as your PPOA Board member will be to meet with Rogelio Maldonado
appropriate LASD personnel and shed light on the fact that our officers are continued on page 20 * denotes incumbent
** denotes that this
Unit 621 seat is open to
Security Assistants and
Unit 621 Security Offficers.
Gerry Garcia Cronin, Vidal and
Security Officer, Sheriff's Department Maldonado are
automatically re-elected
Good afternoon, troops. How are you all doing? It’s that time again. It to their respective seats
has been two years since I won the election and became part of the PPOA due to uncontested races.
Board of Directors. During those two years, I have been able to address
Lee is not seeking
the training questions and made sure they’re recognized. That’s how I re-election. Brink,
was able to attain our P.O.S.T. identification numbers. Moriguchi, Rhodes and
Another thing I was able to do was solidify the 621 seat for sheriff’s Ruedas will compete for
security officers and assistants to make sure they were not forgotten. This two seats in an election
is also due in part to the two classifications now totaling more than 650 members. I have been to be decided by dues-
paying Sheriff’s Sergeants
able to visit your respective locations as best as possible, being that I am centrally located to and Lieutenants.
many of you in the county. In the last two years, I have visited the academies as they start. I have
also been able to get the word out in the knowledge of what PPOA is all about. Becerra and Garcia will
I have been able to get the College Bureau and Parks Bureau to AUTHORIZE wearing of the polo compete for one seat in
shirt, since many of you work in inclement weather. As you have seen by reading Star & Shield, I an election to be decided
by dues-paying Sheriff’s
have been able to address issues that affect each and every one of you in one way or another. In Security Officers and
addition the past two years, with the help of other delegates, I have been able to address problems Security Assistants.
and comments throughout the county in your job (scheduling, training and personal issues). When
the Sheriff’s Department was looking at the acquisition of County services (County buildings and Per the PPOA bylaws,
parks), it was really moving forward, not just the talks. I made sure that we at PPOA (specifically board election ballots
will be mailed during the
me) were at the meetings since our classification was going to be used. I wanted to make sure what first week of November.
the job duties were going to be and made sure they stayed within the limits of your job description They will be due back to
and to make sure none of you got hurt or injured. PPOA by November 9th
As I write this statement, we are also working on a senate bill that gives and will be counted on
us more coverage for protection if we are victims of an assault or a battery. continued on page 20 November 15th.
18 Star&Shield | october 2011
Unit 612
Tab Rhodes
Sergeant, Sheriff’s Department
My name is Sergeant Tab Rhodes, and I am a candidate for the current vacancy on the PPOA Board
of Directors. I do not want to presume that many of you know me, so let me take this opportunity
to introduce myself and discuss my qualifications and ideas. I am a 23-year veteran of the Sheriff’s
Department and have worked a variety of assignments, including Custody, patrol, Court Services,
Administration and Technical Services.
My experience, both in business and in law enforcement, has familiarized me with many issues that
face PPOA members. I have been involved in numerous salary negotiations, handled many personnel
issues and contributed to several budgetary discussions. In addition, I am currently a PPOA delegate and continued on page 20
Unit 612
Brian Moriguchi
Lieutenant, Sheriff’s Department
It has been a great honor representing you on the PPOA Board of Directors for six years and serving as PPOA
president for the past three years. I ran for president three years ago for several reasons:
1. To provide strong leadership in defending our PENSIONS and protecting our BENEFITS.
2. To fight for the return of fairness and executive accountability in the Sheriff’s Department.
3. To return PPOA to its mission of providing quality SERVICE to our members.
These were lofty goals and we have been very successful in three short years. But we have a long way to go,
and I hope you will allow me to continue improving PPOA and fighting on your behalf, both within the Sheriff’s
Department as well as in Sacramento defending our pensions. PPOA is an outstanding organization. We must continued on page 20
Unit 612
Burton Brink
Sergeant, Sheriff’s Department
I am submitting my petition and declaring my intention to run for a seat on the board of PPOA.
I am currently a sergeant, assigned to Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station. I am also a member of and delegate for
PPOA. I have been a member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for the past 23 years and have had
several varied assignments during that time. I have worked the County Courthouse, Pasadena Court, Custody
Division and patrol. During my years in patrol, I was assigned to Temple Station and spent nine of those years
assigned as a motor unit.
Since becoming a sergeant, I have been assigned to Custody Division and patrol. I believe that mentoring is
a very important and essential part of my job, both as a peer and supervisor. I have always believed that the continued on page 21
Unit 612
Ralph Ruedas
Sergeant, Sheriff’s Department
My name is Ralph Ruedas. I have 35 years of service with our Department. I was promoted to sergeant in 1998.
During my tenure with the Department, I have worked at a variety of Custody and Field Operations assignments.
I have had assignments at specialized units, as well as Technical Services and Detective Division. I have had the
privilege to have worked in every one of our patrol areas, with the exception of Avalon. I am currently assigned to
Narcotics Bureau.
I know most of you see the 35 years of service and wonder why I’m doing this. During my tenure, I have seen a
number of economic crises face the Department beginning with Proposition 13 in 1978. None of those crises compare
to this. This crisis has turned into an attack on public employees, particularly safety employees, on a large scale. We continued on page 21
october 2011 | Star&Shield 19
PPOA Board Candidate Statement for Barbara Becerra PPOA Board Candidate Statement for Gerry Garcia
continued from page 18 continued from page 18
not adequately trained to meet the massively expanded position I am also setting up a proposition to take to the state that gives
that sheriff’s security officers and sheriff’s security assistants us the confidentiality of license plates so as to not be revoked
now face. Also, with this expansion, it has come to my attention every three years. It makes it a vehicle code coverage statewide.
that many members do not know the benefits, programs and Just remember, I will make sure I address the tough topics, and
rights they have that your union has fought for, regarding when the economy gets better, I will have established the strong
labor disputes, POE issues, workplace safety, hostile work foundation to address the needs of our classifications. I also have
environment, officer safety and worker’s compensation rights. a uniform sale in the works like last year to make sure we all look
As I stated last election, I will communicate with all of you as sharp as we can.
through questionnaires, quarterly newsletters and monthly As I always say, if you have any comments or concerns, please
articles in Star & Shield addressing relevant topics to keep all feel free to e-mail me or call me.
members informed of the volatile political environment we now Gerardo “Gerry” Garcia
face, as your union, its representatives and its Board fight to
keep your salaries, jobs and benefits without loss. I will be your
voice to ensure that what I speak is what you need addressed.
I am Security Officer Barbara Becerra — elect me to be YOUR PPOA Board Candidate Statement for Brian Moriguchi
VOICE ON THE PPOA BOARD. continued from page 19
continue to move forward, focus on what is important to our members
PPOA Board Candidate Statement for Tab Rhodes and always, always, always conduct ourselves with integrity so every
continued from page 19 member of PPOA has confidence in our ability to represent their needs.
Fighting pension reform (or pension destruction) has been my
on the Board of Directors for the PPOA Charitable Foundation, greatest focus, and I have been successful by building relationships
which raises and donates funds to support PPOA members that with legislators as well as the governor and forging partnerships
are in need, as well as supports the families of fallen officers. with coalitions, such as Californians for Retirement Security. We have
During my career, I had the unique opportunity to work three- successfully kept the wolves at bay and defeated pension reform bills
and-a-half years at Field Operations Support Services, writing and initiatives. PROTECTING OUR PENSIONS IS MY NUMBER
and analyzing Department policies. My experience will benefit ONE PRIORITY! This battle will be a long one, and I vow to continue
PPOA in the fight to ensure that Department policies are just and to fight to protect and preserve our pensions and benefits!
equitable for our members. Throughout my career, I have always My other accomplishments include:
attempted to contribute that extra effort and provide positive • Creation of a full-service PPOA Insurance Agency providing
ideas as we maintain and continue to improve our Department insurance needs (including home and auto) for our members
and care for its members. (implementation in 2012).
My goals as a Board member are simple — protect the rights of • Increased charity fundraising leading to a 500-percent increase in
PPOA members, provide a positive relationship between PPOA donations for fallen officers.
and the Department and stem the flood of legislative knee-jerk • Increased political activity and PPOA name recognition in local
reactions regarding pension reform. Public employee pensions and state politics.
are under attack and as a Board member, I will fight those • Personal review of major member grievances to ensure
who want to take away our hard-earned pensions and medical effectiveness and accountability.
benefits. We deserve to enjoy our retirement years as each and • Reduction in PPOA expenses and greater fiscal accountability to
every one of us has made sacrifices in our lives to serve the ensure members’ dues are not wasted or abused.
people of Los Angeles County. • Reduction in frivolous lawsuits and unnecessary litigation.
Relationships — our world is full of them. Good and bad, no • Regular meetings with Sheriff Baca to address members’
matter what occurs, more things are accomplished in a cooperative concerns (e.g., lieutenant promotions, unfair transfers,
environment than an adversarial one. The relationship between favoritism).
PPOA and the Department must continue to strive as cooperation • Improved communications: revised website, creation of
from both will be mutually advantageous. PPOA members, like Facebook account and mass e-mail messaging system.
all members of the Department, ARE THE DEPARTMENT! If Being a PPOA board member requires strong leadership skills and
the “human factor” of both organizations is not recognized, the proven leadership skills. I have served in a leadership capacity in the
relationship between the two will not flourish and both will suffer. following organizations:
When PPOA President Brian Moriguchi asked me to run for • Los Angeles County Organization of Police and Sheriffs
the board, I was very honored. Brian and I have similar views on (LACOPS) — current President
integrity and fairness and we have talked at great lengths about • CA Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations — Director
defending the rights of PPOA members, fighting to protect our • Southern CA Alliance of Law Enforcement — Director
pensions and holding the Sheriff’s Department accountable for • CA Peace Officer Memorial Foundation — Director
treating its employees with respect and fairness. I will fight to • Public Employees Staff Organization — Director
protect what we have earned and for what we deserve as PPOA • Golden Badge Foundation — current Vice-President
members. I am asking for your vote for the vacant position on These are difficult times, and we need strong leadership now more
the PPOA Board of Directors. Thank you. than ever. I am asking for your vote to allow me to continue to be your
representative on the PPOA Board of Directors. It has been an honor
serving you and it would be an honor to continue to serve you.
20 Star&Shield | october 2011
PPOA Board Candidate Statement for Burton Brink
continued from page 19
volunteers, reserves and civilians on the Department are as important
as the sworn members. I am involved with and am very supportive of
the Explorer Program, as well as the Search and Rescue Reserves. I am
also very involved in the Special Olympics. I have served on two boards
of non-profit organizations, one of which I served on as the chairman.
I have been a peer advocate for a fellow sergeant during a grievance
hearing, after which she received discipline that I felt was inappropriate
and too severe for her Department violation. I represented this
sergeant against my own region chief. I recently attended the National
Fraternal Order of Police Convention, where I was privileged to vote
for the National Board Members.
I have chosen to run for a seat on the PPOA Board, because I am
passionate about fairness for every member of this Department,
regarding pensions and fairness during investigations and
discipline.
PPOA Board Candidate Statement for Ralph Ruedas
continued from page 19
ROBIN JACOB YANES
ATTORNEY AT LAW
are the scapegoats for an out-of-control legislature. I am asking you
for your vote in order to give something back to our Department and CRIMINAL MATTERS
our association. If elected, I intend to join with the PPOA Board, and PERSONAL INJURY
in a team effort with other safety associations, show the public that we LEGAL ISSUES
are not the enemy. I want us to stand up to the vicious attacks from
media pundits that fuel anti-public employee sentiment. I want to
forge relationships with those who will help us, now and in the future. 310 306-6648
I know that a lot of you have friends and loved ones whom you 13315 Washington Blvd., #300
have encouraged to join the Department or are encouraging to join Los Angeles, CA 90066
the Department soon. My goal as a Board member is to contribute to www.yaneslaw.com
leaving our Department better than it was 35 years ago, and better A man you can trust robin@yaneslaw.com
than yesterday.
Calendar of Events
October 20: November 9:
Retirement celebration for Undersheriff Larry Waldie Deadline to submit PPOA board election ballots.
Crowne Plaza Hotel See page 18
5:30 p.m.
$50 per person November 19:
Info: (323) 526-5115 Cops-4-Causes Spartan Race Malibu
Calamigos Ranch, Malibu
October 26: Mud run, obstacles and physical and mental challenges.
35th Annual LASD Ladies Night Info: www.cops4causes.org
Noor Restaurant, Pasadena
6:00 p.m. December 2:
$50 Fight for Life
Info: (626) 300-3100 Boxing to Beat Cancer
LASD vs LAPD
November 8-9: Quiet Cannon, Montebello
CopsWest Convention Info/tickets: (562) 946-7081
Ontario Convention Center
Products, information and training.
Info: www.cpoa.org
october 2011 | Star&Shield 21
10-22 by Claude Anderson (LASD ret. 1978)
Mystery Photo
Want more cartoons by Claude? Call (888) 854-2341
"My trainee has all the virtues I hate and none of the vices I admire."
Star & Shield
Contest Winners
The first PPOA member to correctly identify at least three of
Congratulations to the $100 winners of the “Find the the four individuals in this photo will receive a PPOA prize
Hidden Symbol” contest in the August 2011 issue. If you are pack. Call Greg at (323) 261-3010.
listed below, please email your name and home address to
By the way, PPOA’s Facebook fans get first crack at identifying
gtorres@ppoa.com in order to claim your check.
our mystery photos each month! It’s just one more reason to
check out www.facebook.com/lappoa.
Herlette Braxton Callahan, Law Enforcement Technician
Kerry Moore, Custody Assistant Congratulations to Angel Becerra for being the first to iden-
Richard Olson, Retired Member tify all six security officers in the August issue of Star & Shield.
Rachel Redmond, Sr. Criminalist
Robert DeCourcey, Retired Member
Here Are 500 Reasons
Why It Pays to Read
StarShield
&
Cash is great, but our giveaways aren’t
Five $100 prizes the only reasons to read Star & Shield.
j
Members who find the hidden symbol in Star & Shield Each issue gives you the latest information on
and register through our website (www.ppoa.com)
by the end of this month will be entered • Contract negotiations • Hot topics on the job
into a drawing for one of five $100 prizes. • Benefit changes • Association news
The hidden symbol is: • Retirement considerations • Upcoming events
This giveaway is open to PPOA members only. You must be 18 or older to win.
22 Star&Shield | october 2011
AB340 Pension Attack Update KRISTOF & KRISTOF
There has been great concern from PPOA members regarding Assembly
Bill 340 (Furutani) and its impact on our pensions. This note is intended to Attorneys At Law
keep you up to date with the latest news and information so you can make
informed decisions regarding your career and retirement.
AB340 initially proposed pension changes intended to eliminate 626-535-9445 or 800-535-5715
spiking and other unfunded liabilities for 1937 Act County pension funds
(LACERA is included in this group). PPOA worked with LACERA to
ensure that, if this bill was signed into law, we had a clear understanding of www.KristofLaw.com
its impact on our members. With PPOA’s input, LACERA determined that
this bill would have NO IMPACT on our retirement system as it is today.
All this is moot as this bill was gutted and all the pension changes
1122 East Green Street
specified in the bill have been removed. This bill now calls for the creation of Pasadena, CA 91106
a conference committee to craft responsible, comprehensive legislation for
state and local pension systems. All along, PPOA has been working toward
this goal. Rather than have emotion-driven legislation that negatively Our Practice Areas:
impacts our pension system without true consideration of its effectiveness,
we believe open dialogue and communications will allow us further Estate, Trust & Tax Will & Trust
opportunity to provide input on what works and doesn’t work for public Planning Litigation
employee pension funds.
PPOA will be active in communicating with members of this conference
committee to protect our pensions and to ensure LACERA’s continued Conservatorships Powers of Attorney
effectiveness in providing pensions for all current and future county retirees.
Based on this updated information, we believe there will be no pension Guardianships Fiduciary
legislation before the end of this year. We will keep you posted of any Accountings
changes related to pensions as we learn of them to help keep you informed
about your retirement needs. Probate & Trust Protection From
Brian Moriguchi, PPOA President
Administration Elder Abuse
Global Rings
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driver’s
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We have all your fine jewelry needs. shift
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Visit our store before you leave the building!
POPA FCU
Owned and operated by
loan...
active LASD Reserve Deputy Billy Lulo
40 -70% Discount to Loose Diamonds
All Law Enforcement available
Personnel in all sizes
OTHER BENEFITS INCLUDE:
new, Optional GAP (Guaranteed Auto Protection) Insurance
550 South Hill St.
Suite 920
used & Payroll Deduction & Automatic Electronic Payment
Los Angeles CA 90013 refinanced 2 No Setup Fees or Prepayment Penalties
1-888-77-4-GEMS Flexible terms up to 100% financing
(213) 623-3313
Working with members Fax: (213) 623-1274
from Sheriffs’ Relief, LAPPL, billy@globalringsjewelry.com
PPOA & LAAPOA
This is a limited time offer, so hurry and...
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www.globalringsjewelry.com Rates EXTENDED thru December 31, 2011!!!
Rates valid until September 15, 2011
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APR=Annual Percentage Rate. The APR is the advertised rate and can vary based on credit worthiness, age of vehicle, and terms of the loan. Your rate
can be higher depending on credit performance. Financing up to 100% of value of the auto is available. Rate and term are subject to change without
notice. Longer terms are available. 2Offer applies to New, Used, or Refinanced Vehicles only. Offer cannot be used to refinance any existing POPA FCU
auto loans. Offer does not apply to Recreational Vehicles; Model years 2010-2011 with less than 7,500 miles are considered New. Model years 2005
and up are considered Used.
october 2011 | Star&Shield 23
Letters to PPOA
Delegates Meeting
PPOA is grateful to Assistant Sheriff Cecil Rhambo
and Captain Mike Parker for speaking to our
delegates last month. If you’re interested in
joining the PPOA delegate system and getting
more from your membership, please call PPOA at
(323) 261-3010.
Congrats to longtime PPOA delegate Jim Lovas (right),
who officially retired after 42 years of dedicated service
to L.A. County.
24 Star&Shield | october 2011
PPOA.com Headlines
the following is a partial list of breaking news links posted at www.PPOA.com last month. Visit the PPOA website to
stay up to date on the news affecting Los Angeles county’s current and retired peace officers.
September 29: Battle Brewing Over Los Angeles Retiree Benefits
September 29: Deputies Arrest Man in Park for Indecent Exposure
September 29: Is Your Pension at Risk?
September 29: Deputies Arrest Popular Musician in Sex Crime Case
September 29: LASD, LAPD Plan Charity Boxing Match
September 29: Father of Slain Deputy to Speak at Event Honoring Law Enforcement
September 29: Deputies Warn Against Showing Off Your Bling
September 29: LASD Investigating Skeletal Remains Found Near Big Tujunga
September 29: Governor Signs Two Public Safety Bills, Vetoes a Third
September 29: Malibu Council Supports LASD Release Policy Changes
September 28: Analysis: Clouds Over California's New Approach to Felons
September 28: LASD Signs Lease Extension on 98,000 Square Foot Government Center in Norwalk
September 28: Sheriff Baca Wows Women's Civic League Crowd
September 28: Shake-up at LA County Probation Department Days Before Influx of Parolees?
September 28: LA County Supervisors Meet Privately With Governor and Sheriff
September 28: Deputies Capture Palmdale Robbery-Kidnapping Suspect After 3 Years on the Lam
September 27: Tensions Grow: Sheriff Baca To Meet With FBI
September 27: As LA County Jails Swell, So Do Options For Education
September 27: PPOA Urges Court to Protect Peace Officer Personnel Information
Whom to Call at PPOA...
Discount Tickets, Address Updates, Non-Job-Related Free Notary Services:
Legal Consultation: Call Violet Perez Call Maricela Villegas
Disability, Insurance Benefits: Star & Shield, PPOA
Call Norma Gomez Website, Delegates: Call Greg Torres
Membership, Dues Deductions: Board and Foundation
Call Clare Franco Inquiries, Political Action: Call Sandi Bryant
Job-Related Labor Representation: Call Teresa Machado
(323) 261-3010
october 2011 | Star&Shield 25
Discounted Ticket Prices for PPOA Members
Venue Adult Child
Adventure City (Anaheim) 9.75 9.75
Boomers! 14.00 14.00
Disneyland or California Adventure 76.00 71.00
Disney/Calif. Adven. One-Day Hopper 96.00 91.00
Disney Annual Passports
• SoCal Select (valid 170 days) 191.00 191.00
• SoCal (valid 215 days) 258.00 258.00
• Deluxe (valid 315 days) 362.00 362.00
• Premium (valid 365 days w/ parking) 476.00 476.00
Huntington Library 12.00 12.00
Knott’s Berry Farm 31.00 21.50
L.A. Zoo 11.50 8.25
Legoland Three-Park (Aquarium/Legoland/
64.00 64.00
Waterpark) (Two-Day Ticket)
Legoland (Two-Day Ticket) 54.00 54.00
Long Beach Aquarium 18.00 10.50
Medieval Times 42.50 30.75
Movie Tix (UA, Krik, AMC, Edwards, Regal) Range 6.25-7.75
Pirates Dinner Theatre 37.00 28.00
San Diego Zoo 34.50 25.50
San Diego Wild Animal Park 34.50 25.50
Scandia Amusement Park/Ontario 14.00 14.00
Sea World 46.00 46.00
Universal Studios (Three-Day Ticket) 64.00 (credit card only) 64.00 (credit card only)
Universal Studios 12-Month Pass w/ Blackouts 77.00 (credit card only) 77.00 (credit card only)
Universal Studios 12-Month Pass w/o Blackouts 94.00 (credit card only) 94.00 (credit card only)
Universal Premium Star Pass 134.00 (credit card only) 134.00 (credit card only)
Universal Front of the Line Pass 149.00 (credit card only) 149.00 (credit card only)
Movie Theater Restricted Unrestricted
AMC Theatres 6.25 7.75
Harkins Theatre (Chino Hills) 6.25 7.75
Krikorian 7.75 7.75
Pacific 6.25 n/a
Regal/Edwards/UA 6.75 7.75
Cinemark 7.75 7.75
SPECIAL OFFER: Universal Studios Half-Price Appreciation Day, Saturday, November 19, 2011
One-day general admission tickets are available at PPOA for $37 (reg. $74).
All ticket sales are final. Prices and details on the PPOA website are subject to change. Always call first to confirm prices and availability.
Limited to six (6) tickets per member, per venue. Please call the PPOA office at (323) 261-3010 for more information.
26 Star&Shield | october 2011
PPOA Classifieds
CHRISTMAS WEEK VACATION VACATION OWNERSHIP TIMESHARE fOR SALE
RENTAL $5000.00 will get you a lifetime ownership to Worldmark Trendwest, 8000 credits per year.
Paradise for rent! Option 1: Marriott Desert Spring Monarch Grand Vacation Resort. Pick your dates 16000 credits on account. Asking $4,500. Will pay
Villas in Palm Desert (12/19--26), 2bdroom, 2-bath and villa type at great locations. Call Tony at 661- $299 transfer fee. Payments up to date. More info
condo. Full kitchen, sleeps up to 8. Option 2: Marriott 203-8650 (0711) at: worldmarktheclub.com. Call Lorraine at (503)
Kauai Beach Club in Lihue (12/23--30), 1bdrom, 867-9968. (0811)
2-bath condo. Limited kitchen, sleeps up to 4. Each 2004 HARLEY DAVIDSON
rents for $1000. Contact Keith: agtckho@yahoo.com Road King, Police Edition, Dark Blue, extras, only
2001 SPORTSMAN 5TH WHEEL
or 626-664-6302. (1011) 3,297 miles, as new. $11,900, Bob at 805 553-0124 or 30ft KZ Sportsman bunkhouse with two opposing
E-Mail srvalley@roadrunner.com (0811) slideouts kitchen / LR. Roof 2 yrs old, tires only
LAguNA BEACH CONDO fOR RENT 200 miles. Clean $8800 mesarge65@yahoo.com
Christmas & New Year's Weeks. 12/23-12/30/2011 LAND fOR SALE IN OREgON (909) 282-2863 (0811)
& or 12/30-01/06/2012. Ocean Front, walk to Land for sale in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Priced to sell
ADCO CLASS A RV COVER
Beach, Village, Restaurants. 1 BD.RM./2 BA, sleeps due to death in the family. 2.3 acres for $12.000 or
4, full kitchen. E-mail: jasewards@me.com, 360- best offer. Vivian (310) 351-8644 (0711) New still in box - fits 30' to 33.5' class A motorhome
301-5509 (1011) passenger side entry panels - Dupont Tyvec top
WANTED: LIVE-IN CARE Bought this cover then bought a bigger motorhome
MAuI CONDO RENTAL Mature, female retired deputy needed for live-in
$200 - call Jim at 714-713-3820 (0911)
Spectacular oceanfront, pool, sandy beach, view position. Responsibilities include: meals, medications, 2002 fLEETWOOD RV
of Molokai/Lanai, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, sleeps 4, full errands (with my vehicle) & light housekeeping.
2002 Expedition, 34’ diesel pusher. Only 26,500
kitchen, W&D. Pictures available. Call (626) 964.2578 Room, board & stipend provided. Call Art at (562)
miles, in immaculate condition. Looks new. No
or email tohimaui@aol.com. (1011) 943-7972 (0911)
smoking, no pets, no kids. Asking $72,000. Call
(909) 973-3432. (0911)
2007 TOYOTA AVALON 2008 JEEP COMMANDER “SPORT”
Parent no longer able to drive! Excellent mechanical Silver in color, V6, Seats 7, and only has 40,000 miles. 5 ACRES VACANT LAND
condition, approx. 12,200 miles. Blue Book value Like new cond. & runs great, KBB is $17,500. Owe
For sale 5 miles from Grass Valley, CA. All utilities
$22,540 - asking $21,000. Call Pat at 909-596-3508 $18,000 – Asking $16,500. Call 626-675-3684 (0711)
available. Wooded with level building pad & slight
or 909-455-5665. (1011)
1984 CHEVY VAN slops. Contact ceklasd@earthlink.net (0711)
NOTARY SERVICE AT CRDf 1984 All White Chevy C-30 Step Van less than SAN JuAN CAPISTRANO HOuSE
PPOA Delegate Mary Pardo (Custody Assistant) 6500 miles Very good condition, runs great fOR RENT
offers free notary service to PPOA members & asking price $10,000.00 OBO. 951-892-4309 or
chawablk@yahoo.com. Email me for photos! (0411) Located in historic section. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom,
a discount for all other LA County employees.
This applies to service offered at CRDF. Info: newly remodeled kitchen & bathroom w/ new
(562) 756-5924 / pardo_mary@yahoo.com (0811) PROWLER TRAVEL TRAILER appliances. Large yard in front & back w/ attached
garage. $1,800 per month. Call (949) 586-7472. (1011)
1997 - 31 foot, large slide-out, queen bed, lots
CEMETERY LOTS of storage, new awning, AC, clean and excellent
Rose Hills Cemetery. 2 plots for sale at sold-out condition, $10K. Call Tony 661-203-8650 (0711) PPOA classified ads are free and available only to PPOA
Sequoia Lawn, lot 3004. Asking only $7,500 for both.
I will pay transfer fees on one, buyer responsible for TRuCK/TRAILER fOR SALE members (one per month, 25 words max). Private party
the other. Contact Erric Roman (323) 456-2353. (0711) 2003 F-250, diesel, all extras, low miles (56K). 2005 only, no business ads allowed. Send your ad to: Star & Shield
Laredo, 5th wheel, 27 ft., immaculate. Truck $20K / Editor, 188 E. Arrow Highway, San Dimas, CA 91773 or
RIVER HOME fOR RENT Trailer $18K / Package deal $35K. Please call (360)
e-mail to gtorres@ppoa.com.
In Parker, AZ: 3bd/2ba home on the water with 642-2491 (0711)
private 50’ dock off your back porch for your water New submissions are added on first come-first served
toys. Beds for 8 people. Pictures available. Call 562- SAN LuIS OBISPO HOuSE fOR RENT basis, each issue. Please send within first week of each month
355-1486 (0711) Approximately 10 mins. from Cal Poly. 3 bedrooms,
to insure timely inclusion. No work numbers may be used
2 bathrooms, newly painted & carpeted throughout
1946 fORD w/ new drapes & blinds. Rent includes access to in ads. Submissions must be in writing, not over the phone.
Coupe, 327 chevrolet, 3 speed column, power disk community rec. rooom, pool, spa, sauna. Washer/ Ads run for 3 months. PPOA is not responsible for any claims
brakes, lincoln rear - end, great paint and tires. dryer located in attached 2-car garage. $2,000 per
month. Call (949) 586-7472. (1011) made in a classified ad.
$22,000. Please call Ed (949) 496-6432. (0811)
october 2011 | Star&Shield 27
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