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SOOO, WHAT PROTECTIONS DOES THIS CONTRACT OFFER?

2011-04-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

The Buzz: Bad news for state workers in LAO memo on contracts
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Published: Monday, Apr. 4, 2011 - 12:00 am | Page 3A

Hold the champagne: New contracts may be too costly

State workers looking for good news on contracts recently negotiated by Gov. Jerry Brown's administration won't find it in an internal state memo issued by the Legislative Analyst's Office last week.

Because those contracts don't come close to saving the state enough money, the memo says, the deals heighten pressure on the state to cut costs through "hiring freezes, furlough programs, and layoffs."

The memo, sent last Wednesday to Senate Republicans, estimates that the contracts would cut costs by only about one-third of the $308 million that Brown projected in his proposed budget.

The LAO, which recently suggested that lawmakers impose pay cuts to save money, based its estimate on a review of the ratified or tentative memoranda of understanding reached with 19 of the state's 21 bargaining units.

The LAO had yet to receive the details of deals reached with two bargaining units – the California Correctional Peace Officers Association and the International Union of Operating Engineers.

– Jon Ortiz

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/04/04/3525462/the-buzz-bad-news-for-state-workers.html#ixzz1IZwXGheg

2011-03-25T15:56:00.000-07:00

There is more in depth details and concerns on the web site "Unit6members4change" site. Go there and you can decide for youself how much this TA is really worth it. After reading so much of it, it is clearly that our union has taken care of themselves and left us out of our own contract.

2011-03-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

The past two days were spent in Sacramento at the State Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting. Those in attendance were presented the Tentative Agreement (TA) for a successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The negotiation team headed by Executive Vice President, Chuck Alexander provided details and highlights. We asked questions, and received answers. The team for the most part was candid with their responses.

My only real issue is I don't think the TA is a complete and fluid document. Many of the sections are still being negotiated. It's like signing a blank check.

I would like to thank Oak Smith for taking copious notes. We gathered all relevant information for your review as a means to inform our members. That information is contained in the following pages. The information is void of any prejudice or bias. We want you to make a decision independently.

My only request is you take the opportunity to enlighten yourselves, and sieze the opportunity express your desires about the path you want CCPOA to take. I cannot stress it enough, you must Vote!

Make sure your address is current at CCPOA Headquarters, so you receive your ballot.

Let’s Lead the way and show everyone is united in the idea that as dues paying members we make our voices heard.

-Marques Jones, President KVSP Chapter

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT “HIGHLIGHTS”

2.11 State President and Vice President’s;

The State previously paid for the Statewide President and Vice President to be off (at CCPOA HQ and not their assigned institution) (see 10.01)

8.05 7K;

168 work month still in effect, any leave used (Sick, vacation, holiday, PDD, PLP, Furlough, ITO, jury duty, military leave, subpoenaed witness, etc.) does not count as hours worked for the purpose of OT.

8.07 PDD (Personal Development Days);

PDD must be used before any other leave credit even furlough, does not count as hours worked and will not count for the purpose of OT. We will receive no PDD’s in 2011, we will receive 4 in 2012 and 2 in 2013. Must be used in the calendar year, cannot be carried forward, donated or cashed out.

*** For example if you plan or retiring 12/28/2011 and you have 40 hours of (PDD, PLP-2011, Furloughs) you must adjust your date back 40 hours to account for any PDD, PLP-2011, Furlough or the State will carry you on the books until your PDD, PLP-2011, Furloughs are exhausted. This will adversely effect your COLA steps.

10.X - PLP-2011;

This does represent a 4.62% pay cut. The request for use of PLP will be in accordance with the Vacation/Annual Leave policy. Cannot be donated cashed out and does not count as hours worked for the purpose of OT.

Employees on NDI, ENDI, IDL, EIDL, and Workers Compensation do not accrue PLP-2011

10.01 Vacation Leave;

Every July pay period during the life of this MOU every member will accrue 1 less hour of vacation than scheduled. This hour will go into Release Time Bank (RTB, see 2.11)

There are no caps for accrued leave balances during the life on this MOU.

There is no forced Annual Leave

10.02 Sick Leave;

A Doctors note may be requested at any time, if requested in advance.

10.05 Retirement Plan;

No changes to current BU6 employees (3.0 @ 50); new BU6 employees hired after 1/15/2011 will be at (2.5 @ 55).

Every BU6 employee will pay an additional 3% toward their retirement, raising it from 8% to 11%

SEIU pays 8 or 9%

CASE pays 9 or 10%

CDF pays 10%

CHP pays 10%

CSLEA pays 8 or 9%

10.11 HOLIDAYS;

Effective July 1, 2011 if you work a holiday on your scheduled work day you will be paid 16 hours straight pay, 8 hours on your regular check and 8 hours on your “OT” check. No employee will accrue holiday credit. If you work a holiday on OT you will get the regular time and one half. If you work a holiday on your RDO or a swap you will get paid 8 hours straight time.

It’s not in the T/A for the Holiday Officer positions to go away, only that the accrual of Holiday time will end. If ratified, we will have to wait and see how the Department implements this section.

12.07 Post and Bid

The 70/30 split will now include ISU and transportation, Management may exempt (1) Transportation spot and (2) ISU spots at the C/O level and (3) IST/Armory posts at the C/O level (these spots will count towards Managements 30%).

New section (K), unless waived by the local CCPOA chapter President all institutions shall conduct a bid to comply with this section.

13.01 HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN;

Upon ratification and approval by the Legislature the State will contribute-

Single Party $321 to $377 benefit to employee $56 per month

2 Party $625 to $ 746 benefit to employee $121 per month

Family $807 to $968 benefit to employee $161 per month

Effective Jan 1, 2012 the State will pay the dollar amount to cover the employee to 80% of their covered health plan.

13.02 DENTAL AND VISION;

Upon ratification and approval by the Legislature the State will contribute $69.06 per month for employee dental coverage and $8.64 for vision. A raise of about $25 per month.

15.01 SALARIES;

Pay raise; effective July 1, 2013 4% to top step. This raise will go into effect the day before the MOU expires; there is no continuing resolution to extend the raise beyond the life of the MOU at this time. Its unclear as to if this raise is for 1 day or will continue.

15.18 POFF-II;

April 1, 2011 POFF-II was eliminated. There is no stipulation to bring POFF-II back. This 2% benefit cut is tied to our salary increase.

27.01;

Is back for MOU language only, this is a huge gain as far as protecting our rights. It is quite a lot of information to try and put here, if you have further questions about this section please ask your Chapter Delegates.

SIDE LETTERS of note;

FIELD TRAINING OFFICERS; the parties shall Meet and Confer within 90 days to develop and implement the FTO program. The Academy will be reduced from 16 weeks to 12 weeks and the remaining 4 weeks the cadet will operate under an FTO at his or her respective facility.

Again, you will get an entire copy of the TA prior to your vote. As always, I encourage you to exercise your right to vote whether yes or no.

more info on contract

2011-03-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

March 21, 2011

CCPOA and the Contract.

I need to tell you it was difficult going as we reviewed the tentative agreement. The most widely stated quote that was used today was that “it has something for everyone to hate”. Truth is it was not something that I wanted to vote “yes” on to send out to the membership for ratification but in the end I voted “yes”. I can tell you this; it gets over $600 dollars back in our member’s checks and the consequences of not ratifying it, far out way the take away’s that we will be agreeing to.

I have put together my notes from the meeting today but it dose not represent the entire agreement. You will all receive a copy to review along with your voting documents.

2.10 Representation on Committees

This allows us back in the use of force committee.

6.02 Definitions

Defies the types of grievances that can be filed and gets us back the “Health and Safety” grievance.

6.11 Arbitration

Gets us back arbitration.

6.13 Mini-Arb

Back in contract.

7.04 Referral for Staff Assaults

Will require management to give us a copy of the agreement with the San Bernardino DA.

8.03 Apprentices

Will look at getting a legitimate apprentices committee/program.

8.07 New Personal Development Days (PDDs)

2 days per year but your 2011 days will start in 2012 and you will start with 4 days in 2012. You will use PDDs before any other leave credits (vacation, sick, holiday, furlough.)

9.09 (B)

If management contacts (DIFIT) and or (OIA) for a deadly use of force incident, they will also be required to contact CCPOA representative.

10.X Personal Leave Program 2011

Reduces pay by 4.62% but ads one day on the books for 12 months. People retiring must use these days prior to retirement.

10.01 Vacation

One hour every year in July will go to union RTB. No more maximum number of hours on the books.

10.02 Sick Leave

Some of the language has been removed and is less defined on management’s burden when requesting medical verification.

10.05 Retirement

Any one working as BU6 prior to January 15, 2011 will maintain 3.0 @ 50 and any one after that date will be 2.5 @ 55. Retirement contribution goes up 3% for a total of 11% after the first $863.

10.11 Holidays

No more holiday time on the books. If you work it you will get double time that is paid on the 15th and if it’s your RDO you will get nothing. If you have Holidays off you will not lose any pay. HR officers will go away but management is required to have a system for scheduling holiday time off.

10.18 Annual Leave

This is not mandatory. Caps on accumulated time are lifted to no cap.

11.08 Overtime

Will remain 164 hours in 28-day period.

12.05 Voluntary Overtime

We will be back to “soft cap” and have a secondary list for officers with over 80 hours that will be hired prior to order-over.

12.07 Post and Bid

The 70/30 split will now include ISU and transportation in the over-all number. Also includes new paragraph (K), this will reopen the post and bid to incorporate the changes.

13.01 Health Benefit Plan

Increases States contributions to:

Employee $321 to $377
Employee plus one $625 to $746
Family, 3 or more $807 to $968

Also increases the State contribution to 80% in 2012 and 2013

14.01 Travel Expenses

Increases mileage rate to Federal Standers.

14.04 Uniform

Maintains no uniform inspection.

15.01 Salaries

4% salary increases for tope step employees on July 1st 2013.

15.18 POFF II

Eliminated April 1, 2011. You may withdraw to the extent permitted by law.

16.06 Institutional Redirection Plan

The 3%/5% redirection will continue for the remainder of this contract.

20.01 Correctional Counselors

Defines core hours and requirement to cover by inverse seniority.

27.01 Entire Agreement

Too much to list and explain but it’s beneficial to the membership. Will once again require management to properly notice CCPOA and meet and confer prior to making changes to impact issues and these issues will be considered even if diminimus.

Be Safe

Fred

T/A mou comments

2011-03-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

The following on the MOU T/A was released by PacoVilla site. I was on the phone with Fred for the last hour, he is putting together more for us. As soon as it's complete check the blog. for more highlights on the contract! (Freds version will contain much more!)

Here from PacoVilla:
Voting just before 5:00 p.m. today the Board of Directors of CCPOA voted to recommend a “Yes” vote on the Tentative Agreement to the general membership. The vote was 47-4 with six abstentions. Interestingly enough, the whole Executive Council except Mike Jimenez abstained. I am sure there is a subtext of interest there, I am just not sure what it is.

Everybody who voice an opinion said the agreement was crappy, but no one said that they thought they could do better.

I am not going to try to touch bases on everything, it would be pretty much impossible without printing out a copy of the TA itself. I will, however, hit a few highlights.

A major broadening of parameters for when the Department, and can not, demand sick leave verification is part of the TA.

Unit 6 will be paying an additional 3% into their retirement. (As is everybody else I think.)

Holidays will now pay double-time, as opposed to the old 1.5 time plus 8 hours of holiday time. There will now be no mechanism to earn holiday time. Holiday relief officers will go away, though the state still has an obligation to allow people to burn existing holiday time.

The 12-hour shift proposal is dead, at least for the term of this contract.

Two holidays are gone.

Unit 6 will get two “personal development” days. These are a use-it-or-lose-it proposition and carry no direct cash value.

On July 1 every Unit 6 employee loses 1 hr of Vacation time, which goes into RTB.

The annual leave program will NOT be made mandatory.

Fine details of language are still being smoothed out and typos discovered and corrected. You will get a hard copy of the proposal before you are asked to vote on it. This is a big deal people. Those of you who still have skin in the game should read it carefully.

I honestly think that this is likely the best deal that can be had for Unit 6 at this time under these circumstances. You are all adults, think it over and make your choice.

This was taken from a couple seperate people. It sounds like we got sold out again. While our union is an embarrasement our presidents will go back to their institutions and try and sell this piece of crap. I supose we all can put our tails between our legs and say yes. Should have joined the CHP instead of corrections. Correctins is a dying breed.

2011-03-16T20:00:00.001-07:00

So, we hear from the Sac. B about our contract. but where is our union? makes one wonder, don't ya think? Just something to ponder.

Take a peek

2011-03-10T21:49:00.000-08:00

I don't mean to step on your toes but I am posting the following link because I feel that people would be interested in the conversation taking place. Be safe.

http://www.therealchit.com/2011/03/marques-jones-for-ccpoa-statewide.html

Ian Pickett

MARQUES JONES FOR CCPOA STATEWIDE PRESIDENT

2011-02-23T20:36:00.000-08:00

For those of you that do not know me my name is Marques Jones. I am currently a Correctional Sgt at Kern Valley State Prison and I am running for the position of CCPOA’s State Wide President.

I joined the Marine Corps in 1979. Served a total of thirteen years, three months,three days, and four hours on active duty. Spent three years as a Drill Instructor at Parris Island, in South Carolina. Acted as an instructor at the Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) Leadership Academy. Sorry Army, Navy, and Air Force don’t hold it against me. I joined the Department of Corrections in 1994. Became a union activist officially in 1998 when I attended job steward training. Was elected as Chapter President in 2002 at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison. Re-elected in 2005. Transferred to Kern Valley State Prison in June 0f 2005 as Chief job Steward to activate the prison. Elected as Chapter President in 2006, and re-elected in 2009.

I believe in paying your dues to establish a solid foundation. I was a job steward on every watch, negotiated, served on the Political Action Committee(PAC), represented members, filed grievances, led job actions, and activated a level four prison. Anyone who desires to be a good union activist will soon understand you sacrifice, and devote yourself twenty-four hours a day. The work consumes you.

My problem with the current Executive Council is their absolute lack of leadership and I feel they have lost touch with the members. There is a disconnect and we have become dysfunctional. We have become the enemy we used to fight, and the Executive Council has forgotten the unions primary mission, advancing the Correctional Officer Series. Rehabilitation is the departments responsibility, we can work with them to affect change, but the burden lies with them.

The biggest challenge facing the organization is restoring the faith of members in CCPOA. Everything is possible once members believe they come first and foremost. Leadership must diligently work to bring members back into the fold. I am a proven leader, motivated, and principled. I believe, Excuse me I know, I can affect the change necessary if elected.

I look forward to speaking with as many of you that want to talk and I encourage all of you to take a proactive role in setting CCPOA straight by not only ensuring your local boards cast their vote for me but becoming an activist for yourself and your life.

Marques Jones
raide81944@scbglobal.net

2011-01-31T19:47:00.001-08:00

Calif. informer strips away gang secrecy

Prosecutors say they hope Mendoza will shed light on the gang lifestyle, including the pressure on young members

By Tracey Kaplan
San Jose Mercury News

SAN JOSE, Calif. — John Mendoza was once a Norteño king, a shot caller in the notorious street gang who commanded such grim respect from San Francisco to San Jose that he could order someone killed with a single phone call.

But today, Mendoza is known as a "rat" — the lowest form of scum in the gang world, who will never be safe on the streets again.

To Santa Clara County prosecutors, Mendoza is an informer, a tour guide to the violent, inner world of teardrop tattoos, homeboys and "missions" overseen from afar by "generals" in Pelican Bay, the state's super-maximum-security prison.

In a major gang trial in San Jose, Mendoza's testimony about the strange path — involving his dying wife — he took to becoming a snitch reveals much about the internecine world of Norteño and Sureño street and prison gangs. The stocky 40-year-old with black tattoos framing his bald skull sits in striking contrast to the usual professor or police officer experts who testify about gang culture.

"I didn't have no intention of doing it (informing)," Mendoza told a spellbound jury. "What pushed me is I knew the NF (Nuestra Familia) had closed the door on me."

In an attempt to play down Mendoza's testimony, defense attorneys pointed out that he never met the four men on trial on charges of murder, conspiracy or both, and knows little about their specific East Side street gang — El Hoyo Palmas.

But Palmas are Norteños who are loosely overseen by Mendoza's prison gang, Nuestra Familia, with turf from Oregon to Bakersfield.

Prosecutors say they hope Mendoza will shed light on the gang lifestyle, including the pressure on young members — like the ones on trial — to prove themselves by committing shocking acts of violence.

"Being a little more sinister — it's something that's looked up to," Mendoza said. He said gangsters would brag: ‰'Did you see how I cracked his head or how I stuck him?' They want it to be more messy or worse than the next guy."

Mendoza's explanations could help jurors understand why authorities allege that a hit squad of three — under the supervision of an older gang member — went on a four-month spree involving 11 shootings that left eight people wounded and four dead. It ended in early 2007 after a horrified San Jose police officer witnessed one of the killings.

Prosecutors say the hit squad was directed by Gene "Shorte" Sanchez and included Samuel "Rico" Castro, Michael "Negro" Espana and Orlando "Gangster" Rojas, who was 17 at the time but is being prosecuted as an adult.

In a gang at age 12
Mendoza himself became a gang member at age 12 in San Francisco. Learning to skillfully stab people in the heart and kidneys helped him rise to regimental commander.

Not a single juror nodded off as he broke down the quasi-military structure of Nuestra Familia, including the three generals in Pelican Bay, a general council, a group of advisers and a pool of gang members divided into three ranks. And jurors didn't seem to buy defense attorneys' arguments that Mendoza had a strong motive to lie on the stand — that he was only testifying in hopes of lenience from his sentencing judge.

Attorney Chuck Smith was critical of Mendoza's credibility as an expert. In a previous trial, Smith said, Mendoza testified that the phrase "Debbie and her dogs" was code for contraband when it turned out it was really about someone named Debbie and her dogs.

Bad news list
It was in 2004, after Mendoza was arrested in Campbell on charges including conspiracy to sell drugs and gang enhancements, that it all went wrong.

When he entered the Santa Clara County jail system — facing a possible 155 years to life with gang enhancements — he had achieved the rank of "overall authority" over all the Norteños in both county jails. He ordered beatings or worse on anyone on the gang's "bad news list."

But he had one vulnerable spot: His wife was dying of lupus and he desperately wanted to be with her. So, in a misstep he knew might come back to haunt him, Mendoza soothed his wife by telling her he'd get out of jail by ratting out his gang.

Those conversations were recorded by jail authorities and given to his co-defendants, who spread the deadly word that Mendoza was a snitch. The next time he came out of his cell for a shower, he said, inmates tipped over a cart carrying a portable phone, creating a loud crash to signal their fury.

But despite pressure from law enforcement, he refused to "put on the brown shirt," the color of the jail jumpsuit worn by informers in protective custody.

"My heart was still with NF," said Mendoza, who has "Nuestra Familia" tattooed on the back of his bald skull.

Stripped of his rank, he could not win back the gang's trust. Sounding more like a displaced middle manager than a violent three-striker, he told the jury: "I understand how it works. We're all expendable." When Mendoza became a rat, he said it was only because he felt hunted, cornered and alone.

"They put the youngest Norteño in there to spear (kill) me," he said.

Even if Mendoza is ever released, he'll never be safe, said Bill Valentine, a former Nevada prison official and author of "The Gang Intelligence Manual." "In the NF, the only way you get out is you get killed," he said. "They'll track him to the ends of the earth."

2011-01-27T01:58:00.001-08:00

I'm always searching for tools that make our jobs a little easier. I came across this Garrett hand held metal detector. I have seen this in action, and despite its relativity small size, it is very effective on cell and bunk searches.
It activates on metal when concealed in mattresses and plastic containers. It works great during clothed body searches. It can be purchased with a nylon case, that can be added to your duty belt.
I would love to see our department field test this item and possibly put it on the line for our staff.

If you would like to see this item, simply go onto EBay and search for "hand held metal detector", its available for about $150.00.

Have a Safe 8

2011-01-27T01:46:00.003-08:00

January 21, 2011

Re: Newton v. Schwarzenegger, No C 09-5887

Dear Plaintiffs and Consenters:

This purpose of this letter is to inform you of the District Court’s decision in the Newton v. Schwarzenegger, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) case.

On January 13, 2011, Judge Vaughn R. Walker heard the parties’ arguments in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco. On January 14, 2011, the Court issued its decision. Order_and_Judgment_Dated_January_14_2011.pdf

On the positive side, we were successful in overcoming the Defendants’ 11^th Amendment immunity arguments and the Court reached the merits of the case, i.e. whether Defendants’ failed to comply with the FLSA by not paying Plaintiff’s and Contester’s for all the non overtime hours they worked in pay periods in which they worked overtime.

Unfortunately, in deciding the case, the Court followed the California Supreme Court’s recent decision in Professional Engineers in California Government v. Schwarzenegger, which holds that “the furlough program is a reduction in Plaintiffs’ wages for all hours worked.” The court then determined that there was no FLSA violation as “Plaintiffs are compensated for all time worked, and because that compensation exceeds federal minimum standards, Plaintiffs’ claim for violation of FLSA fails.” The Court then granted Defendants motion for summary judgment.

Your legal team is currently reviewing the Court’s decision and applicable law to determine what options are available.

2011-01-27T01:46:00.001-08:00

January 21, 2011

Re: Newton v. Schwarzenegger, No C 09-5887

Dear Plaintiffs and Consenters:

This purpose of this letter is to inform you of the District Court’s decision in the Newton v. Schwarzenegger, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) case.

Your legal team is currently reviewing the Court’s decision and applicable law to determine what options are available.

Drug-smuggling rampant at Corcoran State Prison

2011-01-21T09:32:00.001-08:00

A recent drug-smuggling arrest at California State Prison, Corcoran marks the fourth time this month that someone has tried to sneak narcotics into the facilities, authorities said.

The latest arrest came on Friday as a result of an ongoing investigation by the prison's investigative services unit. The unit served a search warrant on April Elaine Frank, a Citrus Heights resident, when she arrived that afternoon to visit an inmate.

Frank apparently admitted her actions to investigators once confronted and turned over the contraband, which included 61 grams of marijuana, 29.3 grams of heroin and 87.6 grams of tobacco.

Prison spokeswoman Teresa Cisneros said the inmate has been placed in administrative segregation pending further investigation. Prison officials will continue to monitor inmate phone calls to learn of impending drug or other illegal activity.

The inmate, who was not identified, could be charged in the future with conspiracy to distribute narcotics inside the facility.

Frank, 21, was booked into the Kings County Jail on suspicion of conspiring to commit a crime, furnishing marijuana and other drug-related charges. She remains at the Kings County Jail with her bail set at $370,000.

Frank's arrest was not the first at the prison or its adjacent Substance Abuse Treatment Facility this month. Cisneros said these arrests are an "unfortunately common" issue for state prisons.

Prison officials throughout California have pointed to a rise in contraband smuggling in recent years, with cell phones quickly becoming the top illicit commodity.

Known as "drug mules," smugglers are commonly recruited friends, family members and other loved ones of inmates. They are convinced to break the law for the inmate's benefit and suffer severe penalties if caught for bringing narcotics into a state institution.

Authorities say inmates frequently target young and elderly women.

The first arrest this month was on Jan. 1, when a Lemoore woman allegedly tried to sneak heroin into the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility.

Rachell Nicole Lowery was arrested in connection with the case and later posted bail of $430,000.

Days later, a Visalia woman was taken into custody as she tried to slip into the institution with an undetermined quantity of marijuana. Alicia Ruiz, 47, was briefly booked into the Kings County Jail and has since been released.

But perhaps the most notable case came on Jan. 4. Employees received an anonymous note saying an inmate might be assaulted in one part of the prison where contraband could also be found.

Investigators swept through the building and came across one employee - Rebecca Romero - acting in a suspicious manner, Cisneros said.

Romero, an office technician, apparently refused to allow correctional officers to search her work area. When they pushed the issue, she handed over two bindles of marijuana and cell phone she'd brought in - possibly to sell to an inmate.

Romero was booked on suspicion of supplying a controlled substance, possession of drugs within a jail, conspiring to commit a crime and other allegations.

She has since been released from custody and still maintains her status as an employee, though she is no longer allowed inside the prison's secure perimeter, Cisneros said.

"We haven't had an arrest like this in a few months," Cisneros said. "Unfortunately, we have to deal with these kinds of cases more than we'd like to."

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

2011-01-11T14:24:00.000-08:00

Correctional Officers Attacked by Inmates at Pelican Bay State Prison

Prison on lockdown to ensure staff safety and facilitate investigation

Crescent City – Two Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) inmates attacked three correctional officers today, Jan. 11. The officers, ages 37, 43 and 45, were treated at a local hospital for lacerations and puncture wounds and released.

“Our foremost concern is for the safety and well-being of our dedicated staff,” said PBSP Warden Gregory Lewis. “Our officers’ injuries are not life-threatening and we are glad they were discharged from the hospital today. Our thoughts and prayers are with them for a speedy recovery.”

The attack occurred about 9:25 a.m. when two inmates rushed the officers with prison-made weapons while being released into the exercise yard. Custody staff in the immediate area responded and stopped the attack with physical force and batons. Two weapons were recovered.

At least two inmates have been identified as suspects. One inmate, age 20, is serving a 50-year sentence from Los Angeles County for first-degree murder. He has been in prison since Oct. 26, 2009. The second suspect, age 36, is serving 60 years for carjacking and making terrorist threats. He also was convicted in Los Angeles County and has been in prison since Feb. 7, 1997.

The incident is being investigated by the Investigative Services Unit at PBSP and agents from the Office of the Inspector General’s Bureau of Independent Review. An investigator from the Del Norte County District Attorney’s Office is participating in the investigation.

PBSP remains locked down until further notice. The institution will issue notification if visiting for this weekend needs to be cancelled.

Pelican Bay State Prison houses California’s most serious criminal offenders in a secure, safe, and disciplined institutional setting. The prison houses maximum-security inmates in a general population setting and has a Security Housing Unit (SHU) for inmates with serious management concerns, validated prison gang members and violent maximum-security inmates. The prison, which opened in 1989, provides academic education programs, houses 3,200 inmates and employs 1,500 people.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2011
Contact: Terry Thornton
(916) 445-4950

RIP ROB, YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL OF US

2011-01-06T14:59:00.000-08:00

Susanville Police Department's Photos - Personnel

Photo 2 of 2 Back to Album · Susanville Police Department's Photos · Susanville Police Department's Profile

The Susanville Police Department is extremely saddened by the passing of Officer Robert McElrath who began with our agency in 2003, first as a Reserve Police Officer than becoming a regular officer in 2006. Prior to his employment with our agency, Rob was employed by the Lassen County Sheriff’s Department as a Correctional Officer and later as a Deputy Sheriff. Rob was an important part of our police department family and we will miss him greatly. Rob was always quick with a smile and his positive attitude made our department a better place. We are grateful to our fellow law enforcement agencies and citizens of our community for all of the support shown to us in this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Jeffrey D. Atkinson
Chief of Police
Susanville Police Department

The Begining and the end

2011-01-02T16:41:00.000-08:00

I would like to say thank you to the ones that served for the past three years. These were the hardest part of our careers. No contract and fighting with the state did not make their jobs easy. Thank you Lori, Bollie, Jay, Christy, Kenny, Randy. You guys never stopped fighting. I did not mention the rest, because I never thought they bothered to do anything. A couple were not part of the union, but part of a factor that helped split our members at CCC. I would have hoped that being off for three years would have taught some, but I do not think so. The same ol dictatorship is already starting. And to have a couple of the newly board members tell the old board members that they will not be used because they backed the past president? Don't be surprised when we do a recall on you guys. You should be asking for all to help. Numbers are the answer, not diversity. So here we are with our "new board" already making enemies. Our new president already not saying the field rep. is not needed. Wow. Have fun fighting your battles by yourself. If you know how. Oh thats right, you have your two rats to help you. Ha Ha Ha. God help us for the next three years. Time will tell. I have never written on this site, but plan on doing so now. There was no reason to. But I think there will be plenty of reason now. We will not allow you guys to bullie us over and blow our bridge with management as you have done in the past. See you on Second watch brothers.

2011-01-02T16:40:00.001-08:00

SACARAMENTO, CA (CBS) - A California inmate is doing 22 years for voluntary manslaughter, but is keeping in touch with family the most public way possible - Facebook.

Inmate Frederick Garner goes by Brotherbo Garner on the social networking site Facebook.

For weeks Garner has been posting messages and pictures possibly from inside his cell.

CBS called the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to tip them about this particular inmate. Terry Thornton said after the call they launched an investigation.

They've found printouts of Garner's postings inside prison, and believe someone mailed him what he wrote online.

"On the surface it looks pretty harmless," Thornton said. "But knowing that so many inmates are involved in gangs it's possible these could be coded messages."

Behind bars, cell phones are becoming the most sought after contraband. They are normally smuggled in by cereal boxes, shoes or even a deck of cards.

In 2010, the department has confiscated more than 9,000 cell phones using dogs to sniff them out.

"This is very serious and people's lives can be at stake, public safety is at stake," Thornton said.

Inmates have been known to use the phones to commit more crimes like drug trafficking or even murder. The inmates usually work to keep it very secret.

2010-12-27T12:58:00.001-08:00

jortiz@sacbee.com
Published Monday, Dec. 27, 2010
Mike Jimenez, president of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, says he has three goals next year: "Get a contract. Get a contract. And then there's get a contract."

After four years without one, the 32,000-member union might finally get that deal. Gov.-elect Jerry Brown's incoming administration represents a bargaining do-over for CCPOA, which covers about half of all state workers still without contracts.

The union's last pact expired in mid-2006. After several rounds of contentious talks, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared an impasse and imposed terms in 2007.

Since then, Jimenez has been in the labor equivalent of an isolation cell. CCPOA has historically used its millions in member dues to make or break political careers with targeted spending, but Schwarzenegger has virtually ignored the union. Legislators, sensing CCPOA's weakened clout, no longer feared it.

One measure: Last October the union tried to stop a pension-rollback bill that Schwarzenegger strongly supported. Lawmakers used a procedural tactic to pass it anyway.

Some union dissidents called for Jimenez's ouster, upset over everything from the union's bargaining impasse to its losing a $12 million defamation case and its firing former President Don Novey.

But now it looks as if Jimenez is back. CCPOA backed Brown's election with $1.8 million in political spending in the fall, mostly attacking GOP candidate Meg Whitman.

"Our organization went all in for Jerry," Jimenez said during an interview at CCPOA's West Sacramento headquarters. "We have a little bit of faith that he knows how to treat employees."

Brown accepted an invitation to speak at the union's Las Vegas convention earlier this month. A Brown aide said the governor-elect delivered a message about the state's budget deficit, but the visit highlighted that the next administration is warming up to the union and its leadership.

The big challenge for Jimenez and other union leaders seeking contracts will be persuading members to accept a role in plugging a state budget hole approaching $28 billion.

Presumably Brown will ask for concessions similar to those that several unions bargained with Schwarzenegger, such as unpaid time off and a boost in what employees pay into their pensions.

CCPOA members, like all state workers without contracts, are now furloughed three days per month. But unlike most, correctional officers are on "self-directed" furloughs that cut monthly base pay by roughly 15 percent but defer the time off.

The union considered the policy a slap at its members since it disproportionately affects them while other public safety employees such as firefighters and CHP officers haven't been furloughed.

Jimenez agrees that the state has serious budget troubles and tough times lie ahead, but he's encouraged by the governor-elect's message.

"Brown said that everybody has to come to the table," he said, "and no ideas will be thrown out because of where they came from."

Report from Bob Walsh

2010-12-07T15:35:00.000-08:00

Dec 7th, 2010 | By Bob Walsh | Category: Unions

The main item of interest today was, of course, the election of a state-wide Executive Vice-President. Chuck Alexander, the incumbent, was running against Walter Tucker and Charles Mohammed.

Tucker made a very low-profile approach. He was very up-front with the idea that he was not going to get elected but that he had some real questions for which he and his supporters wanted real answers.

Mohammed made solid responses to the questions, but ended up doing his cause no good (IMHO). At the three-minute closing he stated, “A vote for Chuck Alexander is a vote for cop killers.” He then got up and stormed off the stage. This event triggered, or at least immediately preceded, a vocal demonstration from Phyllis Loya from the floor.

The final vote was (if my tally is not correct, I am certain it is very close) was 374 for Chuck Alexander, 41 for Charles Mohammed and 8 for Walter Tucker. There were 8 abstentions and 4 delegates absent. This breaks down more or less to 86% for Chuck, 10% for Charlie, 2% for Wally, and 2% abstaining or not voting.

The Supervisory V.P. was between the incumbent, Kevin Raymond, and John Lanthripp, who was sort-of running on a ticket with Walter Tucker and is to some extent associated with the dissident movement. They both gave excellent responses to the Q&A. John Lanthripp is willing to work to some extent with CCSO. Kevin Raymond is mostly not. The final vote was (again assuming my chicken scratches are correct) 44 for Raymond and 5 for Lanthripp, with 6 abstaining or not voting.

These numbers show that the dissident group has much less actual backing than I would have thought. Also, as I mentioned previously, Mohammed’s remark about a vote for Alexander supporting cop killers offended many. Also more than a few people were bothered by Ms. Loya’s demonstration, which interfered with the legitimate business of the association. Irrespective of your thoughts about how well (or poorly) CCPOA has dealt with SB 399 and Ms. Loya, her actions were inappropriate. She was eventually escorted out of the room.

This election will certainly NOT put an end to dissension within CCPOA. It does, however, clearly demonstrate that the current administration of CCPOA has the support of the overwhelming body of Unit 6 generally speaking. I am fully confident that, with the new administration, Unit 6 will soon have a reasonable contract and will soon establish a solid working relationship with the Governor’s office. With luck we will have a new administration within CDCr, some of the very worst wardens will be replaced and we can move forward toward solving some of the legitimate and serious problems that face the Department, the Association, and the taxpayers of the formerly great state of California.

Post from D. Lopez/convention

2010-12-06T16:57:00.000-08:00

I don't think anyone was real surprised that Governor Elect Jerry Brown came to the CCPOA convention in Las Vegas.
I will say I was surprised by his speech, he talked about our profession and said he was on our side. He talked about the working relationship that he has now with CCPOA and specifically Mike Jimenez and Chuck Alexander. He mention supporting California's labor force and collective bargaining.
Regardless of who's side your on, there was no doubt that the Governor Elect will help the parties come to a labor agreement.

I also wanted to thank Lorraine McGowan, for her great presentation on her husband Officer Robert McGowan. The courage this woman has is an inspiration to all of us who have loved ones that say good-bye to us every day, as we leave for our shifts. Lorraine thank you for being their for our brother Rob! She talked about the support that CCPOA is giving to her family. She thanked MJ and Chuck for keeping the support coming! CCPOA is currently, working the appeals on this case.

It was also nice to see Manny Gonzo's family in attendance. They were recognized by Lance, and he said some kind words to the family.

The vote for EC VP will take place on Tuesday. I will post the results as soon as I get them.

Have a safe 8

2010-12-03T13:42:00.001-08:00

Charles Manson had a cellphone? California prisons fight inmate cellphone proliferation

Contraband cellphones are burgeoning among prisoners, giving them the ability to arrange crimes on the outside. Even Charles Manson was caught with one. But it's not illegal for state prisoners to possess the devices.

By Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times

5:41 PM PST, December 2, 2010

Reporting from Sacramento

Contraband cellphones are becoming so prevalent in California prisons that guards can't keep them out of the hands of the most notorious and violent inmates: Even Charles Manson, orchestrator of one of the most notorious killing rampages in U.S. history, was caught with an LG flip phone under his prison mattress.

Manson made calls and sent text messages to people in California, New Jersey, Florida and British Columbia before officers discovered the phone, said Terry Thornton, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Corrections.

Asked whether Manson had used the device to direct anyone to commit a crime or to leave a threatening message, Thornton said, "I don't know, but it's troubling that he had a cellphone since he's a person who got other people to murder on his behalf."

Although officials say inmates use smuggled cellphones for all manner of criminal activity, including running drug rings from behind bars, intimidating witnesses and planning escapes, it is not a crime to possess one in a California prison.

In August, President Obama signed a bill banning cellphones from federal prisons and making it a crime, punishable by up to a year in jail, to smuggle one in. That law does not apply to state institutions.

The proliferation of cellphones in California prisons has been exponential in recent years, authorities say. Guards found 1,400 in 2007, when the department began to keep records of confiscations. The number jumped to 6,995 in 2009 and stands at 8,675 so far this year.

The phones show up in minimum security work camps as well as in the most heavily guarded administrative segregation units — whose residents include gang leaders confined to their cells around the clock except for brief stints when they're allowed to pace around metal cages in the prison yards.

Prisoners and supplies coming into those units are searched, but inmates sometimes hide devices in their body cavities, officials said.

There have also been state-documented cases of guards bringing phones into prisons. An inspector general's report last year noted that the phones fetch up to $1,000 each and highlighted the case of a corrections officer who made $150,000 in a single year by supplying the devices to inmates. He was fired, the report said. Criminal charges were not an option.

Examples of inmates using phones to run criminal enterprises are not hard to find. In August, Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown, now the governor-elect, trumpeted the arrest of 34 Nuestra Familia gang members in Visalia who had been following orders from incarcerated leaders.

Last month, two escapees from Folsom prison were recaptured after they disappeared from a minimum-security work detail. They used a contraband cellphone to arrange for a friend pick to them up, said warden Rick Hill.

Inmates also use the phones to contact each other. "We know they are communicating building to building to thwart our efforts to recover contraband," Hill said.

Prison administrators across the country have been asking for the authority to jam cellphone signals on prison grounds, but the Federal Communications Commission, which regulates the nation's airwaves, has refused.

The politically powerful telecommunications industry lobby has argued that jamming is not precise enough, and legitimate customers trying to use their phones near prisons could also be denied service.

The industry is pushing a more expensive solution called "managed access," which would allow only calls from approved phones to transmit through towers near prisons. Calls from numbers not on the approved list would not go through.

Next year California officials will test such a system, similar to one begun in August near a Mississippi prison. Authorities in that state said the program blocked more than 216,000 unauthorized phone calls and text messages in the first month.

The system didn't cost taxpayers anything, said Mississippi prison spokeswoman Suzanne Singletary.

It was paid for by Global Tel Link, a national company that charges inmates to make calls from many state prisons, including those in Mississippi and California. Who will pay for California's pilot program has not been determined.

Prisoner-rights advocates argue that cellphones let prisoners avoid high fees for making collect calls from prison pay phones — the only allowed method of phone communication, with all calls monitored — and help them maintain crucial bonds with family and friends while they serve time.

But family contact can cut two ways, prison officials say. In September, an inmate at Avenal State Prison in Central California had been calling his 75-year-old mother to get her to collect drug debts owed by customers on the street. After guards found the phone, police raided the woman's La Puente home and found more than $24,000 cash, said Doug Snell, a corrections department spokesman.

The woman was arrested and charged with unauthorized communication with an inmate. A trial is pending.

In September, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have imposed a $5,000 fine on anyone caught giving a phone to a prisoner. In his veto message, Schwarzenegger complained that the bill did not make it a serious crime for a prisoner to possess a phone and did not include the threat of jail time for the smuggler.

"Signing this measure would mean that smuggling a can of beer into a prison carries with it a greater punishment than delivering a cellphone to the leader of a criminal street gang," Schwarzenegger wrote.

Sen. Alex Padilla (D- Pacoima), who sponsored the bill, SB 525, said he was caught between a governor who wants to put smugglers in prison and a Senate Public Safety Committee policy against adding new felonies to the state penal code for fear of exacerbating California's prison overcrowding.

Early this year, a panel of three federal judges ordered the state to reduce its prison population by some 46,000 inmates to alleviate the cramped conditions. Schwarzenegger appealed the decision; the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the case Tuesday.

"The fact that Charles Manson had a cellphone in prison is just further proof that the situation is out of control," a frustrated Padilla said last week. "I'm not giving up. Until we have a law on the books with real consequences, this will continue to be a danger."

State Sen. Mark Leno (D- San Francisco), who is chairman of the Senate Public Safety Committee and responsible for enforcing the policy against creating new felonies, said he's not opposed to creating a felony charge to deter people from smuggling phones into prison. But he warned that courts have ruled that the prison inmate population can't be increased, so some who are currently locked up in state facilities would have to be kept in county jails.

For now, the only recourse prison officials have when they find an inmate with a phone is to charge him or her with a violation of department policy.

Prison officials would not release the identities of any of the people Manson contacted. But the entertainment news show Inside Edition broadcast recordings of a voice, identified as Manson's, on March 23, 2009. Four days later, guards found a phone during a search of Manson's cell.

One of the clips features Manson's raspy, high-pitched voice singing, "I've seen the world spinning on fire, I've danced and sang in the devil's choir."

Manson, 76, who is technically eligible for parole but will almost certainly die in prison for ordering the ritualistic murders of actress Sharon Tate and six others in 1969, had 30 days added to his sentence after his phone was discovered.

"He was counseled and reprimanded, too," Thornton said.

2010-12-02T09:11:00.001-08:00

Oklahoma inmate posts weed pics to FacebookPictures on the inmates Facebook page show him smoking pot, and holding a bottle of booze and a bag of weed

By CorrectionsOne Staff

TULSA, Okla. — Facebook has become pretty pervasive, but now things are getting ridiculous. An Oklahoma inmate recently posted pictures of himself smoking marijuana. In his cell. Out of a bong. Really.

The pictures show Justin L. Walker, 32 smoking weed in his cell at Granite Reformatory, a medium security facility in southwest Oklahoma.

According to FOX 23 News, Walker—a.k.a. “Jus N Walk”—is a member of the Aryan Brotherhood Gang presently serving a 30-year sentence for murdering an Oklahoma Sheriff in 2001.

Pictures on Walker’s Facebook page also show him holding a bottle of booze and a bag of weed. Another shows him licking a shiv.

Oklahoma Department of Corrections spokesman Jerry Massie said Walker had been moved to the Oklahoma State Penitentiary and placed in Administrative Segregation, according to an update on FOX23’s website. The update also said that a cell phone and some marijuana were confiscated from Walker’s cell.

Losing more jobs at ccc? your kidding right?

2010-12-02T00:44:00.000-08:00

hearing through the grapevine that we are loosing more positions? Is this true? how many is too many? When is CDCR going to stop this insanity. Does somebody have to get hurt? I can't believe this is happening. Please say this isn't true.

2010-11-29T22:00:00.001-08:00

Everybody keep Collen Feeney and her family in their prayers. She lost her daughter last Wednesday. Collen retired from CCC.

2010-11-24T10:47:00.000-08:00

Inmate eligible for death penalty

By The Record

November 17, 2010 12:00 AM

STOCKTON - A man charged with murdering his cell mate at Tracy's Deuel Vocational Institution in June finally made his first court appearance Tuesday.

Because John Joseph Lydon, 37, had been convicted of killing a previous cell mate, he is eligible for a death sentence if convicted.

Lydon did not enter a plea Tuesday, and his case was continued to next month.

He is accused of killing Jonathan Guy Alexander, 49, a convicted child molester, while serving time at DVI for previously murdering a convicted child molester in a cell at another California state prison.

In court Tuesday, he appeared before San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Franklin Stephenson, who read Lydon the new murder charge levied against him and his previous murder, robbery and burglary convictions dating back to 1994.

Stephenson told Lydon that Superior Court Judge Terrence Van Oss has been assigned to handle the case. San Joaquin County Deputy Public Defender Michael Bullard is expected to defend Lydon.

Prosecutors have not yet announced if they will seek a death sentence.

2010-11-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

2010-10-29T16:26:00.001-07:00

This is the most up tp date information on the PERS deductions issue. I have been told the CIM has not received and direction from DPA or CDCR at this point. When we have more information it will be passed on to every one.

Fred

> PERS DEDUCTIONS ON OVERTIME CHECKS
>
> When the Furloughs were implemented in March 2009, the local
> Personnel Offices should have made adjustments in the payroll system
> to the PERS deductions on overtime earned. Unfortunately, some
> institutions failed to make the proper changes and have erroneously
> taken more PERS deductions from overtime earnings than is allowed.
>
> This error came to the attention of Doug Mitten, Field
> Representative, in the Sacramento Office. After working on the
> issue and with the assistance of PERS and the Controller's Office,
> management (DPA Retirement Policy & Legislation Department) has
> acknowledged that errors were made (see attached email). We are
> continuing to follow-up with confirmation of these facts and will
> keep you informed of our progress.
>
> CCPOA has been assured by DPA that the system error has been
> corrected as of October 2010. However, we have heard from
> institutions that some Personnel Offices have not made any changes
> and will not do so until they get written direction from DPA. We
> are following up on this issue.
>
> DPA has also committed to conducting an audit of all employee
> overtime pay warrants for any errors. If errors are found,
> appropriate refunds (or Accounts Receivables) will be issued. Once
> again, we do not have confirmation as to how or when these audits
> will be conducted. We will keep you informed of the status as soon
> as we receive confirmation.
>
> We suggest that the Chapter Presidents check with the Personnel
> Office and inquire as to whether or not the audit of overtime is
> taking place and to request that you be kept informed as to the
> progress

CCC POST AND BID AND A WORD TO MY CHAPTER

2010-10-27T14:27:00.001-07:00

TOMORROW OUR LOCAL CHAPTER IS SITTING DOWN TO NEGOTIATE OUR POST AND BID. SO ALL THOSE PAPERS WHO ALL HAVE OUT THERE DECIDING WHAT JOBS YOU ARE WANTING, ARE PRETTY MUCH USELESS. THE INFORMATION I GOT WAS, LORI AND BOLLIE ARE CHECKING THE NUMBERS AND HAVE NO PLANS ON TURNING EVERYTHING UPSIDE DOWN LIKE MANAGEMENT WANTS TO DO. BUT NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO, ALL YOU HATERS OUT THERE WILL COMPLAIN. LORI. I TELL YOU, JUST MAKE SURE YOUR NUMBERS ARE RIGHT AND WALK AWAY. WHY BOTHER. NO ONE CARES NOR APPRECIATES WHAT YOU GUYS ARE DOING ANYMORE. YOU DID YOUR BEST WORKING WITH NO CONTRACT FOR THE THREE YEARS YOU HAVE BEEN IN OFFICE. NOBODY UNDERSTANDS ALL THE PETTY THINGS YOU STOPPED BEFORE IT MADE IT OUT ON PAPER. THEY DO NOT REALIZE THE WORKING RELATIONSHIP THAT YOU AND A FEW OF YOUR BOARD MEMBERS HAD WITH OUR MANAGEMENT. I DID NOT ALWAYS AGREED WITH YOUR THOUGHT PROCESS, BUT I DO GIVE YOU A PAT ON THE BACK FOR STANDING UP FOR WHAT WAS RIGHT AND NOT BACKING DOWN. I HEAR YOU WILL STILL BE INVOLVED. YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TIES WITH MANAGEMENT AND DOWNTOWN. SMART GIRL. I DO HOPE YOU GUYS STILL KEEP UP THIS WEB SITE FOR US SMALL FOLKS HERE IN THE VILLE. WE NEED TO GET OUR INFORMATION SOMEWHERE AFTER YOU HAVE STEPPED DOWN AFTER YOUR TERM. MAYBE YOU CAN GET YOUR ATTITUDE DOWNTOWN AND WORK WITH THE BOYS DOWN THERE AND STRAIGHTEN THINGS OUT. WE NEED ALL OUR WEAPONS NOW MORE THEN EVER.

OH AND I MUST SAY, HEARD MR. CATHEY LOST HIS GRIEVANCE HE FILED. NOW THAT IS FUNNY CRAP. DOES HE NOT REALIZE WE DON'T HAVE A CONTRACT?

AND KRISTY. HOPE YOU STAY INVOLVED WITH THE BENEFITS. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. I KNOW YOU WILL STILL BE HELPING US EVEN THOUGH YOUR NOT GOING TO BE ON THE BOARD EITHER ANYMORE.

AND JAY. YOUR A YOUNG PUP. BUT HAVE LOTS TO LEARN. BUT YOU WILL MAKE ONE HELL OF A UNION GUY. DON'T LOOSE YOUR FOCUS. YOU HAD GOOD TEACHERS.

FOR RICHARD. YOU HAVE COME A LONG WAYS. WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED, IT WAS LIKE OMG GET THIS GUY A HORSE TRANQUILIZER. BUT YOU ARE SMART AND USE YOUR KNOWLEDGE WELL. HOPE YOU RELAX AND YOUR LAST YEAR NOW THAT YOU WILL ALSO BE OUT.

AS FOR THE REST OF YOU KOOL AID DRINKERS, GOT NOTHING FOR YOU. YOU SERVED NO PURPOSE EXCEPT TO HELP DIVIDE OUR MEMBERSHIP. YOU HELPED MANAGEMENT MORE THEN YOU HELPED YOUR OWN PEERS WITH ALL YOUR BACKDOOR TACTICS. ITS GONNA BE A LONG THREE YEARS COMING. IF THIS DOESN'T MAKE IT TO THE MAIN PAGE THEN I GUESS THE EMAIL HAS BEEN DISABLED.

AND IN CASE THIS DOES MAKE IT. I HOPE YOU GUYS MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE DOWN IN VEGAS. PLEASE.

YOURS TRUELY

MISFIT FROM NOWHERE

ANOTHER CORRECTIONS OFFICER BUSTED FOR SMUGGLING DRUGS

2010-10-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

Santa Clara County deputies arrest Salinas prison guard for smuggling drugs to inmates

By Lisa Fernandez

lfernandez@mercurynews.com

Posted: 10/27/2010 10:36:15 AM PDT

Updated: 10/27/2010 01:45:44 PM PDT

Click photo to enlarge

Sergio Noguera, prison guard, arrested on charges of smuggling drugs... ( Santa Clara County Jail )

Working with the state department of corrections, Santa Clara County Sheriff's detectives arrested a prison guard in Salinas in connection with smuggling drugs and cell phones to inmates in return for thick wads of cash.

This is the second time this month that a local peace officer has been arrested on criminal charges.

Sgt. Rick Sung, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, say members of the special operations division arrested 38-year-old Sergio Javier Noguera of Salinas late Tuesday night in Gilroy. He is being held in the Santa Clara County jail on $130,000 bail.

Sung said that arrested a fellow peace officer comes with mixed emotions.

"We are all saddened that something like this happens," Sung said. "But it's good that we police ourselves and we need to be able to hold ourselves accountable to the community.''

Sung said a confidential informant came to sheriff's detectives in April, tipping them off that Noguera routinely took bribes for smuggling in drugs and phones to inmates at the Salinas Valley State Prison, where he worked.

Sung said an undercover drug detective posed as someone who wanted to get drugs and phones into his buddies at the prison. Working with the prison, whose own internal affairs unit was already onto Noguera, Sung said the undercover detective handed Noguera an ounce of methamphetamine, an ounce of heroin, 3.5 ounces of marijuana, four cell phones and $2,500 as payment at a pre-arranged meeting

spot on Leavesley Road off U.S. Highway 101 in Gilroy.

When he took the stash, Noguera was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance and transporting drugs into a correctional facility.

Sung did not know exactly how much illegal contraband Noguera had smuggled in, or for how long it had been going on, saying the investigation was still ongoing. State Correctional Department Sgt. Kim Trynham would not elaborate on anything related to the matter, other than Noguera had worked at the prison for eight years.

Earlier this month, Santa Clara police arrested one of their officers on a $250,000 warrant charging him with felony conspiracy. Authorities say Clay H. Rojas, a 5-year-veteran of the Santa Clara Police Department, who had previously served on the San Jose police force, had given confidential information to a member of the Hells Angels.

Anyone with information about the correctional officer's case is asked to call the sheriff's Special Operations

Prison safety a concern

2010-10-25T09:39:00.001-07:00

Violent incidents at state prisons in Norco and Chino as well as recent state budget cutbacks have resulted in concerns being expressed by residents, local officials and corrections officers about the safety at these facilities.

The state plans to cut $1.1 billion from its corrections agency, according to a report from the state Legislative Analyst's Office.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration is already considering cuts to corrections officer staffing as well as implementing a 12-hour workday for the officers in response to the shrinking budget.

Prison officials say the savings are necessary and, despite ongoing cuts, the level of security at state institutions will not be compromised.

"No matter how deep those cuts go, we will come up with a way, if necessary, to modify our operations to make sure we don't jeopardize public safety in any way," said Lt. Mark Hargrove, spokesman for the California Institution for Men in Chino.

The state needed help from local resources to respond to an August 2009 riot at CIM that left more than 200 inmates injured and destroyed housing for more than 1,000 inmates.

Chino Mayor Dennis Yates has long been concerned about the security impacts to his city from CIM, which is surrounded by houses and businesses. Yates said the ongoing budget cuts compromise community safety.

"I know that the state's hurting for dollars, but public safety is paramount," Yates said. "You just don't cut public safety, especially for the tried and true criminals you have to supervise."

The state correctional officers' union has already voiced alarm over the proposed cutbacks.

"We're very concerned that they're starting to look at eliminating positions which will significantly impact the safety and security of the institutions and the public at large," said Ryan Sherman, spokesman for the California Correctional Peace Officers Association.

Sherman notes there are about 2,000 vacant positions for corrections officers throughout the state prison system.

Fred Stevens, the association's chapter president at the men's prison in Chino, voiced similar concerns over potential budget cuts to security staffing.

"Of course, we're concerned it will affect security of the institutions, especially with all the riots we've had in the past few years," Stevens said. "To make staffing cuts right now, after we've already experienced these types of things, we've got to be very careful, if that's what the plan is."

The Norco institution has seen a spate of violent incidents in recent weeks among inmates.

The most recent, on Oct. 10, sent four inmates to the hospital with stab wounds and sent 15 prisoners to the Chino prison under administrative segregation.

Joe Baumann, the correctional officers association chapter president at the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco, said he understands the need to cut costs in the budget, but he says typically the state has gone after rank-and-file corrections officers instead of administrators and middle management.

"Right now, the department is so top heavy because of that," Baumann said. "The problem becomes you've got fewer people supervising the same amount or more of inmates and none of the duties or responsibilities are going away. It's just more people speeding up what they're doing in order to get done with an eight-hour day."

Proposed implementation of the 12-hour workday for corrections officers would be tested at three prisons - High Desert, Pelican Bay and Salinas Valley - before it is adopted throughout the state, officials said.

Any implementation would not take place without discussions with labor, officials said.

Staff costs make up about 80percent of the institutional annual operating budget, according to a report by corrections officials.

Costs associated with staffing are by far the greatest expense that the state corrections agency incurs, according to the report.

Despite the shift, corrections spokesman Paul Verke said some eight-hour schedules would remain necessary to ensure that security would stay sufficient to operate safely and that the current daily operation has minimal changes.

In August, corrections officials also proposed a 3percent employee reduction - about 1,100 positions - to save $80 million to $100 million.

With the gubernatorial election on Nov. 2, the corrections officers association has endorsed state Attorney General Jerry Brown, a Democrat.

Corrections officer union officials are sour over Republican candidate Meg Whitman's pledge to exempt public safety officers from her proposed pension reforms - but not state corrections officers.

"(Brown) has told us, and he's been clear with the voters, that public safety is the main function of government and he would make sure the security and safety of the prisons and the public would be paramount," Sherman said.

"He's talking about making sure the facilities are safe and the public is safe, where Meg is talking about creating jobs in other states by shipping inmates to other states in private prisons and reducing the number of inmates in California."

A Whitman campaign statement said she is in support of sending inmates to other states with unused prison capacity, although her long-term solution would be to build new prisons in the state and to oppose early release.

GOP foes kindle governor's wrath

2010-10-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

It was an unexpected glimpse at what went through Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's mind the night the fragile state budget vote was in jeopardy.

Schwarzenegger said in his weekly radio address that he was in his office at 2 a.m. when an aide told him fellow Republicans were blocking his pension reform measure; the governor was short Republican votes.

"You mean Democratic votes," Schwarzenegger said he told Legislative Secretary Michael Prosio. "He replied, 'No, no, no, no. We are short of Republican votes.' "

Schwarzenegger eventually prevailed, but not until dispatching his personal assistant, Daniel Ketchell, to Secretary of State Debra Bowen's house, knocking on her door at 3 a.m. to obtain a signature needed to call a special session of the Legislature.

The proposal to change the state pension system was folded into a special session bill and approved by a simple majority, circumventing the need for a two-thirds vote. After an all-night session, lawmakers approved the budget Oct. 8, and Schwarzenegger signed it on the 100th day of the fiscal year.

Still, the lame-duck governor was upset enough by the opposition from within his own party that he brought it up in his weekly radio address. He said he expected opposition from Democrats but was surprised that Republicans, too, were "in bed with the same unions, only hidden under the sheets."

The legislation at issue rolls back retirement benefits for new employees to pre-1999 levels and increases employee retirement contributions. It also authorizes the governor to continue furloughing state workers whose unions have not agreed to contract concessions. The state prison guard union, which has no such agreement, lobbied against the bill.

"Maybe these Republicans just simply sold out because they got campaign contributions from the state prison guard unions," Schwarzenegger said.

He estimated savings from the pension reform of $100 billion "over the next few decades."

Schwarzenegger singled out six Republican lawmakers by name, including GOP Senate leader Bob Dutton of Rancho Cucamonga, Sen. Sam Blakeslee of San Luis Obispo, and Assemblymen Kevin Jeffries of Lake Elsinore and Paul Cook of Yucca Valley.

Schwarzenegger said some Republicans, including Assemblymen Jeff Miller of Corona, and Dan Logue of Linda, changed their votes to take political cover once it passed.

"Not only did they try to block reform, but then they did not even have the courage to publicly stand behind their action," Schwarzenegger said.

The record shows Logue abstained until the measure passed, then voted aye.

"I voted for it," he said. "It's on the record."

But Logue said he was critical of the pension measure because of a contract agreement that Schwarzenegger reached with California's largest state employee union, the Service Employees International Union, just before the budget vote.

"He's the one who continues to roll over to the unions," Logue said. "He's trying to cover his rear end by not doing what everybody thought he was going to do, and that was to create real reform."

Schwarzenegger has long had a difficult relationship with his own party, but for a governor to speak out so critically is rare, particularly in scripted remarks.

"It's unusual for it to come out, not only in public, but in a prepared presentation … for the criticism to be that harsh, direct and premeditated," said Jack Pitney, a government professor at Claremont McKenna College.

Of the Republicans singled out by Schwarzenegger, perhaps none returned fire more furiously than Jeffries, who chided Schwarzenegger for his failed measures to reform government in 2005 and for a relationship with lawmakers so distant that Republicans once had to wear name tags to a meeting with him.

"I have enjoyed working with the governor, and appreciate that he has finally decided to stand and fight for something – anything – even something he abandoned and apologized for after losing in the 2005 special election, leaving those of us who supported him and his efforts out to hang and dry," Jeffries said in a written statement. "And despite the misrepresentations in his remarks, it was very impressive to see that he was actually able to name six Republicans currently serving in the Assembly."

Jeffries went on, "He has been a very entertaining governor, and I wish him well in his renewed acting career."

Dutton, one of the senators who opposed the bill, said it would damage the state's ability to recruit and retain qualified prison guards.

"I would have been happy to vote for real reform, but once again, Gov. Schwarzenegger merely conjured up smoke and mirrors," Dutton said in a written statement. "His so-called pension reform is a result of his inability to reach an agreement with California's correctional peace officers, and will result in the best and brightest going to local police, fire and sheriff's departments."

Renee Van Vechten, an assistant professor of government at University of Redlands, said Schwarzenegger's address was "really unusual." But the governor has little, if anything, to lose, she said. "He's moving on," Van Vechten said. "He doesn't depend on their votes for anything at this point."

2010-10-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at approximately 10:30 am, a riot began between 126 Black and Hispanic inmates at Calipatria State Prison. It began on Yard 1 in A-Facility wherein 2 warning shots were fired. Then it spread to Bldg A3 wherein 2 more shots were fired critically injuring those inmates. Fighting continued in Bldg A1 wherein an additional 2 warning shots were fired along with the use of chemical agent grenades and mace which quelled the riot. Approximately 14 inmates were injured and at least 6 inmates were taken to the hospital. Weapons were found on the yard and in both buildings. The reason for the riot has not been determined and the entire institution is on lockdown. No staff were injured.

2010-10-25T09:21:00.001-07:00

State Board of Directors:

Today at 3:30 p.m., Julie Chapman, DPA held a conference call with several bargaining units to clarify the Governor's Executive Order S-15-10. The main points remain consistent with the information we have already released for SO6 and MO6. Effective Nov 1st, employee retirement contribution will increase from 8% to 11% minus $863 dollars. For current employees or those with prior state service returning to service the retirement formula 3.0% @ 50 will remain the same. For "brand new employees to state service" the retirement formula will be the three year highest average and the formula will convert to 2.5% @ 55. DPA is currently working with the state controller's office to establish new retirement codes.

Effective, Nov 1, 2010 furloughs end for SO6 & MO6. Employees will earn one PLP day per month which will be added at the beginning of the month to afford the employee the opportunity to use the PLP day the month it is actually earned. PLP days will have no cash value and must be used before termination of state service.

Lincoln's Birthday & Columbus Day are still NOT considered paid holidays. In place of these two holidays, SO6 & MO6 employees will earn two Professional Development Days (PDD) between November 2, 2010 and June 30, 2011. These days must be used prior to June 30, 2011 or they will be lost, you cannot carry them over. PDD days are to be requested and granted similar to the process of requesting annual leave or vacation. The employee is not to be asked where they are going, what they are doing, or why they are taking the days off. The intent of these days, is to be used for attending classes, seminars etc. that enhance the individuals professional and personal development. For those of you that belong to associations, you may use these days to attend sponsored association functions/events. For example, in the case of our CCPOA members these days could be used to attend the annual CCPOA Training Conference in December. Prior to this conference call there was little information on how these days were to be used.

Effective, July 1, 2013 SO6 & MO6 employees will receive a 3% general salary increase to the top step of the respective pay scale.

Sincerely,

Kevin Raymond
Supervisory Vice-President

PRESTON TO CLOSE

2010-10-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

Preston Youth Correctional Facility to close

Thursday, October 21, 2010

By Matthew Hedger

Officials have confirmed that the Preston Youth Correctional Facility in Ione, the oldest operating facility for juvenile offenders in the state, will close.

A statement issued today by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said the move is in response to a declining ward population at youth correctional facilities statewide. CDCR Secretary Matthew Cate said that the 224 youths currently housed at Preston would be moved to one of the five remaining Division of Juvenile Justice facilities in the state by June 2011.

CDCR spokesman Bill Sessa said the 445 employees who will be affected by the closure will be offered positions at other facilities.

"It depends on each employee's personal circumstances," Sessa said. "What kind of job they do, where we have need, their seniority within the department ... and what they would choose to do. Each employee's circumstances can be somewhat unique, and that's one of the reasons we present each employee with their options, based on the job they do and the needs within the department."

Sessa said displaced Preston workers could be eligible for employment in other regional juvenile, or even adult, correctional facilities.

"We will make every effort to extend opportunities to every employee, and to minimize the economic effect in Amador County," Sessa said. "Even if some of these employees end up working in Sacramento, or Stockton, or at some of the other nearby adult prisons, then obviously the economic effect would still remain in Amador County, except in all likelihood they would continue to live there."

Sessa downplayed the suggestion that the announcement of the Preston closure had been moved forward because of media reports.

"When we make these kinds of announcements, we have a very orderly process, and it was important that we had the appropriate staff in place to answer all of the questions of the staff at Preston," he said.

Sessa said Acting Chief Deputy Secretary for Juvenile Justice Rachel Rios had been scheduled to meet with Preston employees yesterday, along with human resource workers, to answer those questions. Results and comments from that meeting were not available by press time.

Sessa said more meetings with the affected workers were being scheduled during the coming week.

Rumors of an impending closure have been circulating for months, according to one employee at Preston, who asked that his name not be used, because he was not authorized to comment.

"I've been hearing they were going to close us down for a long time," he said. "Our union reps were supposed to be here last week, but they canceled and now they're coming next week. I can't believe I had to hear about it in the media."

Assemblywoman Alyson Huber released a statement Wednesday: "I am outraged that the California Department of Corrections has been moving forward with a secret plan to close Preston Youth Facility while denying that was the case and without any involvement from the community," she said. "This rogue department has tried to dump unwanted facilities on communities without telling us, now they're trying to take away a wanted facility without telling us. It's unacceptable and it has to stop."

Huber asked her colleagues from the region, assembly members Ted Gaines and Roger Niello, to join her in a public hearing so they can get answers from the department.

"I want Preston to stay open, helping protect the public and keeping badly needed jobs in the community, but even if the facility is one day to be slated for closure, it has to be after a process that fully involves the community and prevents economic harm to the community," she said. "The department's secret rush to judgment on this facility fails both those tests - and it raises red flags to all of us who have been pushing for more openness and accountability in government."

Responding to the rampant rumors, Amador County Supervisors sent a letter to the CDCR earlier this week, asking them to be transparent in their decision-making process and to consider the impact a closure of the facility would have.

"A closure of Preston YCF will have a ripple effect in the county of Amador," they wrote, "Any decision to shut the doors on the Preston Youth Correctional facility in Ione will have a tremendous negative impact on the community of Ione and the county."

The facility was opened in 1894 as the Preston School of Industry. Preston's original building, a castle-like structure, dominates the city skyline and has become an iconic symbol for Ione.

CUSA/CCPOA VERDICT

2010-10-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

To: State Board of Directors

After extensive discussions with our legal team we are providing you with the following information to assist you in answering any member questions you may get.

• This lawsuit is about events that happened back in 2006.

• Full details of claims made against CUSA/CCPOA and counter claims against the plaintiffs can be found at:
http://www.ccpoa.org/news/entry/cusa_litigation_update/

• As a member of Corrections USA, CCPOA has been defending itself against this suit for four years.

* It is important to our members for two reasons, first it is our individual members money that we are fighting to protect. In 2006, hundreds of individual CCPOA members were paying nearly $700,000 in annual dues to CUSA – so CCPOA had an obligation to ask questions in order to look out for the members money. The second reason is CCPOA was sued, not the other way around. Brian Dawe and Gary Harkins sued CCPOA after CUSA petitioned the court to have them return CUSA records and property.

• We strongly disagree with the verdict and there are significant grounds for appeal.

• We are filing an appeal, and are confident the ruling will be overturned.

* We also have strong reason to believe that current and former members of CCPOA have spread disinformation concerning this matter throughout the trial and have been actively helping Dawe and Harkins.

Q: Is the union going bankrupt?
A: No, there is a bond for the damages while the appeal goes through. We may not have to pay any damages at all.

Q: How will this impact me?
A: It won’t. The most important thing for the union and our members right now is to get a contract, and that’s what we’re working on.

If you have any further questions please direct them to Dave Sanders as that will maintain attorney clien

POST AND BID

2010-10-18T21:31:00.000-07:00

CCC'S NEW POST AND BID HAS NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED YET. CCPOA AND MANAGEMENT STILL MUST SIT DOWN AND DISCUSS IT. RUMORS DON'T DO ANY OF US ANY GOOD. WE ARE NOT IN HIGHSCHOOL FOR CRYING OUTLOUD

DONT SHOOT THE MESSENGER HERE

2010-10-15T01:28:00.000-07:00

We received information today that CCC's personnal specialist had keyed in the wrong paycodes on over a 100 overtime checks. The series are the 204 series for staff. If this is you, you will not receive your overtime check until next week. Nice, huh? We will be contacting Labor Relations in Sacramento to see if there is any legality in this. This is bad news for the effected ones. Something like this should have never happened and should not be tolereated. Its totally amazing how a single person can single handed mess up staffs livelyhood because they made a "mistake" I bet nobody gets any discplinary action on this either. Just thought to let you guys know, Lori asked for this to be posted, so I did with comments attached ofcourse.

2010-10-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

Prisons face cut of $1.1B

Proposals include trimming staff, creating 12-hour shifts

Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer

Created: 10/10/2010 10:15:43 PM PDT

The state is cutting $1.1 billion from the corrections system as part of the Legislature's approval of the state budget.

The cut was announced in a report on the 2010-11 budget released last week by the California Legislative Analyst's Office. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration is already considering cuts to corrections officers staffing and implementing a 12-hour workday for the officers in response to shrinking coffers.

"Sure, we're in a situation in the state where everyone's got to do their part, so I expect corrections will take a cut like everybody else," said Corrections Secretary Matthew Cate during his visit to Chino last week to open reconstructed housing units at the California Institution for Men.

"Every year, we get more efficient, leaner and so forth. It's a challenge especially in the field. We do everything we can to keep the field whole and take our cuts to headquarters; to take steps to run more efficiently so we can still run these places."

The state cut about $1 billion from last year's corrections budget despite an overcrowding issue that officers say is stretching the security levels of the state prison system.

In 2009-10, the budget was at $9 billion. More than a thousand inmates were involved in a riot at CIM last year, which injured more than 200 prisoners and caused millions in damage to the housing units Cate visited on Wednesday. Officials said overcrowding was a contributing factor in the racially motivated riot.

Union officials have expressed concern about employee safety and staffing levels if new cuts to security staff are approved. Corrections officials said the savings are necessary because of the budget crisis.

"We're just very concerned if these cuts do include additional employee position cuts," said Ryan Sherman, spokesman for the California Correctional Peace Officers Association.

"We're very concerned about staffing over at the prisons ... correctional officers make up the bulk of employees. We're very concerned that they're starting to look at eliminating positions which will significantly impact the safety and security of the institutions and the public at large."

Joe Baumann, the chapter president of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association at the Norco Correctional Rehabilitation Center, said cuts have traditionally been targeted at security staff members.

"If they go after security positions, there's going to be more riots and more mayhem, so easily they could cut that billion out of administration and medical without it impacting public safety and the security of the facilities," Baumann said.

The 12-hour workday proposal for corrections officers would reduce the number of shifts in a 24-hour period from three to two. It would reduce staffing, but also impact security, union officials said.

"With fewer staff, we're going to have less members to be able to protect each other and the inmates," Sherman said.

Fred Stevens, the California Correctional Peace Officers chapter president at CIM in Chino, drew parallels to doctors and nurses working 12-hour shifts in a hospital and said exhaustion is a concern.

"Doctors don't recommend doing it," Stevens said. "Medical malpractice goes up. I can see some of the same concerns when you're out on duty with longer shifts."

Proposed implementation would be piloted at three institutions before adoption throughout the state, officials said.

"The state is in a significant budget crisis and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as a result has had to look at ways to save money," department spokesman Paul Verke said. "As a result of the budget reductions last year, and whatever is in store this year, we're exploring all options to save money."

Verke said the three prisons being considered for a pilot schedule change are High Desert, Pelican Bay and Salinas Valley.

"If we move forward on it, we would most assuredly conduct appropriate discussions with the labor union," Verke said.

The CDCR may expand to additional job classifications at some point in time, but targeted are correctional officers, sergeants and lieutenants, according to corrections document detailing the proposal, a report called the 2010 Staffing Project 12 Hour Shift Schedule.

Staff costs make up about 80 percent of the institutional annual operating budget, according to the report.

In converting from an 8-hour shift schedule to a 12-hour shift schedule for a 24-hour operation, the third watch swing shift would be removed, and the second watch day shift and first watch night shift would be expanded to four hours each, according to the report.

Despite the shift, some 8-hour schedules would remain necessary to ensure that security would remain sufficient to operate safely and that the current daily operation has minimal changes.

"The plan does include flexibility for the department," Verke said.

The report goes on to say the plan would create a "leaner work force, thus reducing annual expenditures."

In August, corrections officials also proposed a 3 percent employee reduction - about 1,100 positions - to save between $80 million and $100 million.

Details on recommended cuts at CIM and California Institution for Women, both in Chino as well as California Rehabilitation Center in Norco were not released by prison officials.

State prison officials would have to approve the cuts, following labor negotiations.

Budget Passed/hold on to your wallets folks

2010-10-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

To: The CCPOA Board of Directors October 8, 2010

From: The CCPOA Executive Council

Subject: California State Budget

Dear CCPOA Board of Director,

The California Legislature passed the State Budget early this morning. Members of the CCPOA Executive Council and the CCPOA Legislative Division held an all night vigil in the State Capitol during this process. We were successful in keeping the “pension reform” as written from achieving the required two-thirds votes for passage. However, in the early morning hours the Legislature gutted another bill, loaded the pension reform into that bill and passed it with a simple majority vote.

Considering the fiscal state of the state we made it quite clear, as we have all along, that we were more than willing to agree to pension reform and possible concessions in return for our work place rights (an MOU). The legislative leadership either would not or could not stand up to the Governor on behalf of the men and women in this profession.

This budget deal comes on the heels of record-breaking delays in budget negotiations. We are aware that all of you wish to know exactly what this budget means to you, your families and your careers. Unfortunately information is sketchy at best at this time.

What we do know is that the Legislative Councils Office (LAO) is currently writing the budget language that will pertain to employees not covered by an agreed upon MOU. The LAO has released a report today in their general fund budget, which lists the 2010/11 budget reductions. In the area of employee compensation the LAO reports a savings of 1.6 billion dollars. They state this will be savings from recent agreements with unions as well as 600 million from “future union agreements or other administrative actions.” Again no specific details have been released as to what those other administrative actions may be.

Additionally the budget calls for a 5% decrease in hiring, 200 million dollars in reductions to the state inmate population, a change to the inmate to staff ratio as well as a 1.1 billion dollar cut to the Federal Receiver.

However, the Supervisor and Manager picture is much clearer. Yesterday, October 7, 2010 the Governor issued Executive Order S-15-10 regarding exempt employees. The order calls for Supervisors and Managers, except for units 5 and 8, to take the same cuts that were agreed to by SEIU in their tentative MOU, i.e. one PLP (self directed furlough) day a month for 12 months, the savings achieved from furloughs July 1 through October 31, and for the employee to pay an additional 3% into their retirement. As well as the pension roll back to pre 1999 levels. In our case this is the 2.5 @ 55 formula.

Of concern to most of you affected by this Executive Order is the language that states if you are “hired” after November 1st you are subject to the new formula. We are seeking written clarification from DPA as to what they mean by hired, as we interpret it to mean the date you joined the department not a subsequent promotion date. The last portion covering appointments is quite clear; if you are appointed after November 1st you are subject to the new formula.

As more specific information is announced in the coming week we will update you further.

CCPOA Executive Council

Meg for governor?

2010-10-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

Add by CCPOA, click on title to view.

Yahoo! News Story - Rural Tennessee fire sparks conservative ideological debate | The Upshot Yahoo! News

2010-10-05T21:47:00.001-07:00

------------------------------------------------------------
Personal message:

Rural Tennessee fire sparks conservative ideological debate | The Upshot Yahoo! News

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20101005/pl_yblog_upshot/rural-tennessee-fire-sparks-conservative-ideological-debate

============================================================
Yahoo! News
http://news.yahoo.com/

2010-10-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

FUNERAL FOR RETIRED SERGEANT JIM "SPEEDY" SPATARO WILL BE HELD OCTOBER 23rd @ 1300 HOURS AT THE ASSEMBLY OF GOD

2010-10-04T20:41:00.000-07:00

The Final Fight, Apathy or Victory, Your Choice

by Ian Pickett on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at 9:58pm

You know, a lot is said about the "new generation" in CDC. They are often called the "Pepsi Generation", the "Pepper Spray Generation" etc.... In fact, being that I only have ten years in I am often lumped in with that very demographic by some of the older, saltier war hogs that still hump the tiers.

What I can attest to is this. In my short 10 years I have seen things change and I cant really say any of its been for the better. The thing I have seen the most is the collapse of "Camaraderie". When I started at Calipatria State Prison, my first partner (who happens to be here on face book, badge number 49292) looked at me when I walked into the building and walked right past me saying "when they come back from chow, lock em up", that was it, trial by fire, first day, first minute. I did and it was nuts. But as I earned my own bones on the yard those same Vets started to show me things, train me and trust me. Soon I saw a brotherhood born in blood and danger develop that was not unlike what I had experienced in the Marine Corps and I actually enjoyed getting up every morning to go to work in a Level 4 prison knowing full well I would probably get jumped or see a partner hurt. But after those said incidents I could depend on the fact that my partners and their families would be their for mine and I would do the same for them.

I was never a big "union guy" but I kept abreast of issues that mainly affected our local work conditions. For my first 5 years I could not have picked out our State Wide President or anyone else on the street. I was mainly concerned about my friends, my yard and our life. Then, OIA came knocking and I got my first real taste of "real brotherhood" and "real betrayal" and my friend list shrunk immensely, as it got purged of those that claimed to be there for better or worse but were no where to be found when the rounds started coming down range.

Having your career, your position, your life and possibly your freedom threatened and attacked behind false allegations can go along way to making a "Union Activist" and for me, it lit a fire that no one could put out, even if I was sometimes wrong.

I began to fight every battle, no matter how small and no matter how trivial. I fought them like they were battles for absolute survival and I didn't care if I burnt bridges along the way because I was blowing them up. I pledged to not let any attack or injustice dealt to any partner go unanswered or be swept under a rug. I often would put myself and my families security at great risk fighting those very fights and there were some times that i was either wrong or misinformed and had to have my ass pulled out of the fire for what I had done in protest. I quickly got a name for being a "torpedo" like Mikey, who would eat anything. I would walk into any office, any forum any place no matter how private or public and create a scene that would demand some attention be paid to whatever was taking place. Along that road, I would often look behind me and see the "mob" that originally pledged support through the battle had again dissipated and I would be facing what ever I had created, alone. Along the way, I did some people wrong that didn't deserve it and I can never take any of that back.

Soon, the department knew who i was, the state knew who I was, Wardens knew, staff knew and the there were two types of people in this world, People that Loved Ian Pickett and People that Hated Ian Pickett. Often, I didn't know either of them personally but it would effect my life in almost every way.

I got lucky and met a guy that started to teach me to "calm down". To still fight but to choose my battles and put all my effort into battles that mattered, without him, I would have probably been fired over a year ago. No matter what, I can always look behind me and he is still there not only for me but for my family as well and THAT is a true friend, a true partner.

So where am I going with all of this? I will tell you. I am tired, not so much physically and not even so much mentally. I am tired of giving everything I have and seeing others do it as well and having people call into question my "intentions" for doing such things. I am tired of people trying to say we or I, do what we do to further our own personal goals and nothing else. I am tired of being labeled an abuser because I finally had to ask for assistance, the very same assistance that I fought tooth and nail to see that everyone else was afforded in a fair and impartial manner.

That same person that took me under their wing has also taught me that no matter what, people are going to question your intent, "their still going to talk" and I understand that now and I am cool with it because, I no longer care. From now on I will help those that want to be helped and WANT TO HELP THEMSELVES. I will do it with the same ferocity and stubbornness that I always have because helping people is what truly makes me happy. I have seen a lot of pain inflicted in this world on many different lands and in some cases I have been the deliverer of that pain and I just want to help people succeed, nothing else, nothing more. Along the way, I intend on making sure my true friends and family are well taken care of to.

So listen up. No matter how you feel about me or what you think about what I do. You all will soon face things like 12 hour shifts, a Governor that is up to YOU to choose, a department that will be up to you to mold. Your lives, your sanity and your safety depend on the success of how YOU all handle it. I took a week of vacation earlier this year to walk around the prison registering people to vote, I cant do that anymore. Its up to you to register, its up to you to vote and it will be up to you to fight.

I will respect your right as an American to vote how you choose. I will respect however you guys decide to handle the impending 12 hour shift battle. I will respect whatever you guys do as long as you guys finally UNITE and DO IT TOGETHER!

Its time that everyone ask themselves who the true ABUSERS are. Is it the guy that calls in sick a lot, the guy that is on Catastrophic Leave, the guy that goes around starting trouble? Or, is it the guy that sits back, bitches and moans, does so from the very safe and secure environment that those out their fighting provide, yet never once, steps out in an effort to help provide it himself?

One man or a small group of men can make a difference and be remembered as such after they die but a UNION, a collective effort of partners setting out to do whats best for everyone involved can be remembered as FOUNDERS, REVOLUTIONISTS AND HERO'S. Your fate, is in your hands and its up to you to effect positive change for you and your families lives.

Be safe

Ian Pickett

p.s. Thank you to all that have helped me, I cannot thank you enough. And to those that I have offended over the years, I apologize to about 50%. I figure that is about the amount that didn't have it coming and got caught up in my fury of doing what i thought was right "by any means necessary".

CCC RETIRED STAFF MEMBER PASSES AWAY LAST NIGHT

2010-09-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

"speedy" Jim Spataro passed away last night. We do not have any details yet from the morning meeting. As soon as information comes in we will post it. RIP JIM. You will be missed

2010-09-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

September 25, 2010

Inmate fatally shot in fight at Susanville prison

By Sam Stanton

sstanton@sacbee.com

A fight this morning among three inmates at the High Desert State Prison in Susanville left a 40-year-old inmate dead after a prison officer fired a rifle to halt the altercation, authorities said tonight.

The inmate's name was being withheld pending notification of relatives and an investigation into the incident, but the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said he was serving a life term out of San Francisco for first degree murder, attempted murder, rape by force and first degree burglary with a weapon.

The inmate had been at the prison since May 1, 2007, the department said.

The incident began at about 11 a.m. Saturday in the recreational yard at the prison when two inmates attacked a third, the department said.

During the attack, one of the inmates choked another until he was unconscious and "in an effort to prevent significant bodily injury and possible death" an officer fired a rifle round that hit one of the inmates in the upper body, the department said.

He was taken to the prison's treatment and triage area, where officials worked to save him until he was pronounced dead at 11:50 a.m, the department said.

The incident is being investigated by the state Office of the Inspector General Bureau of Independent Review and the prison's investigative services unit. Prison officials also notified the Lassen County District Attorney's Office.

One of the surviving inmates was described as a 25-year-old serving life for first-degree murder out of Contra Costa County. He has been at the Susanville prison since April 8, 2008.

The other is a 35-year-old from Kings County serving a 52-year to life sentence for attempted murder and shooting into an inhabited dwelling. He has been there since March 8, 2005.

Authorities say no prison staff were hurt in the incident at the prison, which houses about 5,000 minimum, medium and maximum-security inmates.

2010-09-24T00:01:00.001-07:00

Available no more?

Written by Megan Hansen, The Triplicate September 20, 2010 04:15 pm

Prison officers: shift changes could prevent volunteering

Correctional Officer Sean Harper, left, and Sgt. Jesse Puente, both employed at Pelican Bay State Prison, coach kids during a youth football practice on Thursday. The Daily Triplicate/Rick Postal

Correctional peace officers at Pelican Bay State Prison are asking for support in protesting shift changes they say will limit their ability to serve as volunteers in the community.

Officers recently requested letters of support from the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors and the Crescent City Council to send to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

Paul Wenning, Pelican Bay chapter president of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, said CDCR is proposing a switch from 8-hour shifts to 12-hour shifts.

“Currently we work three 8-hour shifts,” Wenning said. “It will save money by eliminating one shift.”

However, Wenning said the change will greatly impact more than a hundred officers who volunteer with the city’s fire department and local sports teams. He said some of the officers help out the high school football team.

“I believe there’s a total of 10 officers that assist with that program,” Wenning said.

Correctional Officer Sean Harper is one of many youth football volunteers. Harper said the new shifts would be from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., effectively erasing time for afterschool activities.

“I coach football and baseball,” Harper said. “The kids can’t wait around until 8 p.m. to start practice.”

Harper said the new schedules would also rotate their work shifts every couple of weeks, making it impossible to have a set itinerary. He said workers will no longer be allowed to trade shifts either.

“That’s how a lot of us accomplish getting days off for practices and games,” Harper said. “We will not be able to volunteer.”

Peggy Bengs, spokesperson for CDCR, said the alternative work schedule seeks to deal with more than $1.2 billion in budget cuts during 2009-2010.

“It’s a way to create more flexibility,” Bengs said, “and still keep the institution safe.”

Correctional Officer and Coach Sean Harper runs drills with a youth football team.

The plan is still preliminary and Bengs said nothing has been decided.

“If the department does move forward, we will discuss appropriate options with labor (unions),” Bengs said.

According to Bengs, 12-hour shifts have been successfully implemented in police and nursing fields, and throughout prison systems in other states.

“Thirteen states use alternative work schedules in their prison systems,” Bengs said. “A number of California county jails are also on 12-hour shifts, including Sacramento County Jail.”

The shift changes are proposed for Pelican Bay, High Desert State Prison and Salinas Valley State Prison. Bengs said these are areas where recruiting is difficult.

According to Wenning, residents in these areas will suffer because officers are typically very involved in their small, tight-knit communities.

“They need to take into consideration the impact it’s going to have on the rural communities,” Wenning said.

Sgt. Jesse Puente is a Pelican Bay employee who also coaches youth football. Puente said without prison employees, many of the youth sports programs would cease to exist.

Puente said kids would then miss out on an opportunity to learn how to be good, productive citizens.

“We’re trying to teach the kids respect and discipline, not only on the field but in the community,” Puente said.

CDCR is aware of concerns surrounding the work hour changes, and Bengs said the department is open to discussion.

An aerial view of Pelican Bay State Prison.

Administration DOES NOT have your back

2010-09-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

Think our administration at CCC has your back? WRONG!!! Politics is much more important than your safety or welfare! They could give a damn less if you get shot doing your job, hell they won't even put a light out at the entrance to make sure that the cop there does not get ran over! There is so much more to this than I can tell you at this time, as telling you would increase the danger that our administration has put you into already! Lets begin with the fact that I brought serious safety concerns to the Custody captain early this morning. What I was told was that I did not "need to know". The watch commander preceeded this by telling me he did not have time to listen. The Chief Deputy Warden will tell you that they considered all contingencies before deciding on a plan. Oh by the way, that plan must be secret also as it was not shown to me. I believe this is because as usual the administration was in reactive mode. CDC reacts but never acts proactively. I believe there was no written plan at all.

Please start thinking about your own safety and do not rely on what this administration thinks is safe for you. Want an example? How about the fact that the retired annuitants were sent on transportations for approximately 8 months without transportation training. Can I prove this? NO they refused to answer the information request that I authored. WHY? because they were guilty and knew it.

Why, I think it was in 2007 or 2008, Did they take all of the new cars that were bought for medical and hide them in a warehouse? Because the Grand Jury was coming for a tour and they did not want to answer them about all of the cars.

How about the fact that they have only answered one(1) of my information requests in three years (3). That was only after they had Conveniently lost the hand written note that I needed to prove them wrong. Yeah believe me they are really far from being the angels that you believe them to be! Watch you and you're partners back because they DO NOT HAVE IT!

I promise you will hear more about this when it is over, possibly "IN THE NEWS"

oops forgot this is not anonymous
R.L. Boulanger
CCPOA CCC chapter Vice President

Convicted killer to be housed in a Susanville prison during parole - My News 4 - KRNV, Reno, NV

2010-09-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

Convicted killer to be housed in a Susanville prison during parole - My News 4 - KRNV, Reno, NV

Killer's Lassen parole likely to be moved to prison grounds

2010-09-15T00:19:00.001-07:00

By Jane Braxton Little, Sacbee -- Lassen County officials battling to block a convicted killer from being paroled in their rural area were close to a partial victory Tuesday.

Loren Herzog, 44, initially convicted of three first-degree murders and implicated in several others, will most likely be paroled to property on the grounds of a state prison in Lassen County, said Ken DeVore, chief of staff for Assemblyman Dan Logue, whose 3rd District includes Lassen County.

"It's a 95 percent done deal," DeVore said.

That announcement mid-way through a Lassen County Board of Supervisors meeting drew a cheer from the emotional crowd of 450 people.

"None of us wants this scum here," said Supervisor Jack Hanson, whose district includes the community of Doyle, population 1,175.[continue reading...]

2010-09-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

District Attorney phone #251-8283
Fax # 251-6292
Website with email comment section
http://www.co.lassen.ca.us/govt/dept/district_attorney/default.asp

CALL HIM AND EMAIL HIM, TELL HIM THIS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED BY YOU AS A CONCERNED LASSEN COUNTY CITIZEN TO HAPPEN IN YOUR TOWN

2010-09-14T14:05:00.001-07:00

Supervisors listen to citizens concerns; Unanimously object to housing serial killer in Lassen County

Sept. 14, 2010 — UPDATE: Supervisors listen to citizens concerns
Unanimously object to housing serial killer in Lassen County

Barbara France
Managing Editor
More than 500 citizens showed up at the Lassen County Board of Supervisors regularly scheduled meeting to make their objections to having Loren Herzog, convicted serial killer, released on parole within the county’s borders. The supervisor’s chambers can hold 10 percent of that number. Therefore to make it fair that all citizens could hear the public comments and updated information on Herzog’s pending Friday, Sept. 17 release, the meeting was adjourned and then reconvened at 10 a.m. at Jensen Hall on the Lassen County Fairgrounds. According to the clerk of the board this is the largest turn out of a board meeting ever.

For nearly two hours Herzog’s parole was discussed and at the close of the public comment section of the meeting, District 2 Supervisor Jim Chapman made a motion that the supervisor authorize acting county counsel, Tracy Witry, to explore a writ of mandamus formally objecting to Loren Herzog residing in Lassen County once paroled. Jack Hanson, District 5 supervisor, seconded the motion and the motion was approved unanimously in a 5-0 vote. Herzog was originally to be released in Hanson’s district in the town of Doyle. Third District Assemblyman Dan Logue was able to negotiate with CDCR to have Herzog housed on state property outside of the California Correctional Center when his parole takes place.
Local officials, state officials who represent Lassen County and citizens have rallied together since word came Friday, Sept. 10 that Herzog, known as one of the “Speed Freak Killers,” was to be paroled this week. More than 2,000 petition signatures asking to keep Herzog out of Lassen County were signed in less than 24 hours. Those signatures will be forwarded to Logue’s office.
Herzog had three murder convictions overturned because of a botched interrogation. Herzog's 78-year sentence was reduced to 14 years. The prison system can no longer hold him because Herzog already has credit for time served from his 1999 arrest and his sentencing was reduced for good behavior.

UPDATE TO LASSEN COUNTY PAROLEE 9/13/10

2010-09-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

Sept. 10, 2010 — Requests from victims and witnesses were considered and once convicted killer Loren Herzog will be released on parole in Lassen County rather than San Joaquin County.

According to Luis Patino,public information officer for the California Department of Corrections, by law, a parolee should be released to the county of last legal residence.

However, Patino said, victims, victims’ next-of-kin and witnesses have the right to file for special consideration as to the location of the parole releases of their offenders. All requests are evaluated on a case by case basis.

Patino said, “CDCR received additional valid requests. And an evaluation was made to determine what level of consideration was to be granted within the confines of the law. Based on those requests and the confines of the law, Loren Herzog will not be released in San Joaquin County. Herzog will be released in mid-September in Lassen County.”

Recordnet.com, a news sources serving the Stockton and the San Joaquin County areas, reported “Herzog had been sentenced to 78 years for three murders as conspirator to Wesley Shermantinte, who remains on death row for four murders.”

According to a press release from the California State Department of Corrections it says, Herzog was convicted in Santa Clara County, a change of venue from San Joaquin County, in December 2001.

In 2004, a state appellate court threw out Herzog’s three murder convictions and much of the evidence against him.

That led to a plea bargain and Herzog pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. On Dec. 8, 2004, he began serving a 14-year determinate sentence for voluntary manslaughter, three counts of being an accessory to a felony and one count of transportation of a controlled substance. Credit was applied for time Herzog served in county jail and state prison.

707 Nevada Street at 10 AM tomorrow morning - come and help put a stop to the release of Loren Herzog in Lassen County! Its a meeting w/ local law enforcement and the county board of supervisors. Its a public meeting and all attendance is encouraged! EMERGENCY TIME CHANGE to 9:30 AM tomorrow!

Herzog To Be Released In Lassen Co. - Sacramento News Story - KCRA Sacramento

2010-09-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

Herzog To Be Released In Lassen Co. - Sacramento News Story - KCRA Sacramento

Upcoming Elections

2010-09-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

Elections~We will b posting any ppl who are running for the EC chair, and after you have decided who you want us to vote for, get with one of the Job Stewards or local Chapter and give us your input. So far, I only know of Mr. Walker who is running against C. Alexander.

As far as our local elections go, the deadline is this coming Sat. Sept. 11th. Tomorrow probably is the deadline to send your ballot in.

I have thought this decision over and feel it is in my daughters best interest if I do not run this time around. I need to be around my children % 150 for these next three years. I have gone back and forth on this for the past two months. I know many of you have talked to me about this and I do appreciate your "backing" of my position. I just cant give a %100 to being a Chapter President for the next three years. These past three years have been a good chapter in my life. I have stood for what I believe in, I have fought all my fights with honesty, I have met many good people around the state. If it wasn't for many folks down in Sac. and many of the Chapter Presidents, I don't think I could have made it without their help. Thank you guys and gals. And thank you to my peeps up here for all that you have done. There is no way I could have done this job without you. You all know who you are *grins*

During this time that we are going through, it does not mater if you have the "Chapter President" tittle under your belt. Anybody can fight the fight. Everybody is our union. Just remember that. Without no contract, and I.T. running out this month, things are just going down hill in our state. It is going to take years to get back what we had. But never give up that fight.

In closing, this is the latest I have on who is running for our local chapter. Remember, you can decide to put in a write in if you choose to do so. And there are several vacancies.

CHAPTER PRESIDENT: DON CATHEY

SUP/V.P. VACANT

V.P. VACANT

BOARD

JAKE WEARS

JASON AREY

LOYAL TAYLOR

RANDY WAGNER

TYRON DUNTEN

VACANT

Stay Safe and Sane

Lori Olah

CCC Chapter President

We will be choosing our alternates for the Convention this next meeting in October, if interested you need to come to the meeting.

2010-09-09T10:24:00.001-07:00

State prison officials considering layoffs

Wardens send ideas for cuts

Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer

Posted: 09/01/2010 05:23:00 PM PDT

California prison officials are reviewing recommended staff eliminations sent to them last week by prison wardens.

State Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials in August asked for a 3 percent employee reduction - about 1,100 positions - to save between $80 million and $100 million.

An analysis of the potential cuts is expected to be completed in about 30 days, state prison officials said.

Details on recommended cuts at California Institution for Men and California Institution for Women, both in Chino, as well as California Rehabilitation Center in Norco were not released by prison officials.

State prison officials will have to approve the cuts, following labor negotiations.

"The department is in the early stages of analyzing and evaluating the potential impact to operations as well as consistency between institutions," CDCR spokeswoman Peggy Bengs said.

"No actions will be taken prior to a thorough analysis. Should CDCR move forward with reductions, appropriate measures will occur internally and externally, including labor discussions."

The state request for cuts was outlined in a memo sent to state prison wardens earlier last month by George Giurbino, director of adult institutions for CDCR.

Giurbino asked the wardens to identify custody as well as non-custody positions for potential elimination.

Education and health care positions will not be eliminated.

Union officials have expressed concern about employee safety and staffing levels if the cuts are approved. CDCR officials said the savings are necessary during a challenging economy.

"There are plenty of other places in the department where they could cut people that don't have day to day supervision of inmates and that wouldn't put the staff, the inmates, or the public in jeopardy," said Joe Baumann, chapter president of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association at CRC.

"You would think that someone in the Legislature or the governor's office would frown on cutting safety positions in light of all the recent riots and incidents across the state ... these cuts are just going to exacerbate those problems."

CDCR have not finalized a date for when labor negotiations would begin.

"When you start cutting staff, you start eliminating the ability to do all the functions throughout the day and continue to keep the number of alarm responders at a sufficient level for emergencies," said Fred Stevens, California Correctional Peace Officers Association president at CIM.

"They're asking us to do more with less and that's a difficult thing to do when what you're in charge of is security."

A riot at CIM in August 2009 injured more than 200 inmates and gutted one of the prison's reception centers.

"I understand that this assessment process may create some concern in our facilities and want to assure you no decisions and/or actions are being taken at this time," Giurbino wrote to the wardens.

"However, please understand we are facing an unprecedented fiscal crisis, and resolution will require all of us working together in meeting this challenge."

2010-09-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

My name is Walter (Wally ) Tucker out of PVSP.I'm now an offical candidate for
the seat of Executive Council Vice President. I believe the time is now to give
the VP seat back to the membership. If we make the same mistake as the past two
years then we the BOD, have failed the membership once again. The existing
leadership has proven how incompetent and self-serving they can be, failing to
realize that they work for the membership. Without the right To vote on the EC,
the membership only has us, the BOD, to depend on. We need to prove to them that
we work them by ensuring that Chuck Alexander does not occupy the VP seat on
Jan.1st 2011. Please go to my web site, www.waltertucker.com for a basic
overview of my bio and agenda with more to come in the future.
Thank You............W. Tucker VP PVSP

as we get more info on who may be running for this position, we will post them for your review.

12 Hour Shifts

2010-09-07T22:37:00.001-07:00

To: Fellow Board of Directors
From: Salinas Valley State Prison BU6 Chapter
Subject: 12 hr shifts

I wanted to give each of you a copy of the 12 hour shift plan written by CDCR. If you take a minute to review the plan you will quickly realize the plan is not designed for pure application of program at SVSP but more as a foot print for any institution. I wanted to share with you the realization that this change in working conditions is intended for all of us. Unfortunately it is coming quickly. It is rumored that CDCR will notice CCPOA within the month.

With the plan for 12 hr shifts fast approaching it is imperative that we collectively decide what we need to do and what direction we give our BU6 members as well as the executive board. We must chose to fight this together or come up with implementation strategies we can all live with. I urge you to question your members as to how strongly they are willing to fight and how much compromise they are willing to endure if this fight rises to another level. Let's face it CDCR has little or no concern how opposed our members are or how negatively this will affect them therefore they are unlikely to back off the issue without political influence. We can't express our concerns one prison at a time and make a difference. It's time to show a more united front. It is time to decide how dedicated we are to stop the 12hr shift plan and how hard we are willing as an organization to fight. Is this the issue were we finally say we have had enough! Is it time for a large picket or are we ready for a strike vote! Please contact me with your opinions and any ideas you may have! Be prepared to discuss this issue at the State Board. This cannot be a local issue.

Thank You on behalf of SVSP CCPOA Chapter.

Brenda Gibbons
SVSP Chapter President

[Click here to view document]

Cell phone smuggling is major concern at state prisons

2010-09-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

By Eric Woomer, Visalia Times Delta -- Gang members are using cell phones to orchestrate crime from behind the walls of California's most secure prisons, law enforcement officials say.

Cell phones have been smuggled into prisons via cereal boxes, shoes and body cavities, officials say. Sometimes they're broken into pieces and reassembled by prisoners.

"Cell phones have become the contraband of choice, California Corrections Secretary Matthew Cate said last year.

State Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. said this week that gang members in Pelican Bay State Prison use cell phones to relay orders to Nuestra Familia associates on the outside. Some of those associates are in Tulare County.[continue reading...]

2010-08-29T16:04:00.001-07:00

Calif. inmate care lags despite billions invested

By DON THOMPSON Associated Press Writer

Posted: 08/26/2010 04:59:10 PM PDT

Updated: 08/26/2010 07:02:46 PM PDT

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—California's inmate health care remains poor despite the billions of taxpayer dollars poured into the prison medical system in recent years, according to a report Thursday by the prison system's inspector general.

Just two of 17 prisons met minimal health care standards, and those just barely, according to the report. It covers half the 33 adult prisons where medical care has been overseen by a federal court-appointed receiver since 2006.

A federal judge took control of prison medical care after finding widespread neglect and malpractice was causing the death of an average of one inmate each week.

Annual spending on prison medical care has since more than doubled, from $707 million to $1.55 billion, according to the state Department of Finance. The state has spent a cumulative $5.65 billion on prison medical care under the receiver, not counting other costs like transporting and guarding sick inmates and providing them with dental and mental health services.

But Shaw's report finds the prisons continue to do a poor job of getting inmates basic care and medication.

"We feel that a lot of their suggestions are valid and we appreciate it," said Liz Kanter, a spokeswoman for receiver J. Clark Kelso. "We've made tremendous reforms in a lot of areas, but we realize there's a ways to go and we're addressing those."

The report found that most of the prisons did not meet minimum standards in four of five key areas, all of which involved getting inmates the medical examinations, treatment and prescriptions they needed. The two prisons that exceeded the 75 percent minimum score for moderate compliance with health standards scored just 76 percent and 78 percent.

The 17 prisons together scored above the minimum in one of the five areas, providing nursing care. They did a particularly poor job in preventative care and treatment of tuberculosis.

Chief Assistant Inspector General Jerry Twomey said the report used the receiver's own criteria for providing acceptable care.

"In any number scale, 60 is not a good number—80 is much better," Twomey said.

Don Specter, director of the nonprofit Prison Law Office, said an abysmal medical system has seen some improvements since the receiver took control but not enough.

"What this report says is prison officials are not ensuring that prisoners are seen for routine, acute and even emergency services in a timely manner," said Specter.

His firms' lawsuit on behalf of sick inmates resulted in U.S. District Judge Thelton Henderson appointing the receiver. Henderson and two other federal judges more recently ruled that the state must reduce its prison population by about 40,000 inmates over two years to improve inmate medical and health care.

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear the state's appeal of that ruling. Specter argued that the inspector general's report is more evidence that "the receiver's efforts will be hampered until and unless the population is reduced to manageable levels."

Gordon Hinkle, spokesman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, said the agency is trying to reduce the prison population while protecting public safety but denies any connection between the quality of medical care and inmate crowding.

To read the entire OIG report please go to:

http://www.oig.ca.gov/media/reports/MIU/Summary%20and%20Analysis%20of%20the%20First%2017%20Medical%20Inspections%20of%20California%20Prisons.pdf

2010-08-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

Ex-prison guard made to pay restitution

By GREG WELTER -Staff Writer

Posted: 08/28/2010 12:00:00 AM PDT

QUINCY — A former corrections sergeant at High Desert State Prison in Susanville has been ordered to pay $52,000 in restitution to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which provided security to his family after he faked an off-duty attack by gang members.

Greenville resident Todd Posch claimed he was jumped and beaten by up to three men in March of last year, when he stopped at a rest area near Canyon Dam on his way to work.

In February, Posch falsely reported he had been intentionally struck by a vehicle while walking near his Greenville home.

In both instances, Posch spent weeks in the hospital recovering from what were determined to be self-inflicted injuries.

The restitution order is on top of a 30-day jail sentence, 300 hours of community service and three years of formal probation after pleading no contest in April to two counts of filing a false police report.

At his sentencing in July, Posch was also ordered to pay restitution of $1,000 to another prison guard, who he claimed was the intended victim of the attacks.

A restitution order in the case was championed by Plumas County Sheriff Greg Hagwood.

Posch was a veteran corrections officer awarded a medal of valor in 2008 after being injured while trying to subdue an out-of-control inmate.

CCC used to b one of the best prisons to work at.....

2010-08-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

Here we go with our double standards with administration and custody. We have a Lt. taking pictures of staff sitting with their feet up on the desk, doors open, ect. and to boot~sent it via institutional e~mail to everybody (supervisors). Don't worry I have copies, and rest assure these will b sent to the AG and Inernal Affairs. It seems that CCC is not handling this issue, trying to sweep it under the rug. This is not acceptable! Who gave her permission to walk around to take pictures? And this is the same person that has had more then a dozen complaints against her on violations of staff safety and procedure violations BUT still CCC keeps her in her position. CCC has done nothing to discipline her over these years. This should and won't be tolerated. This person should b fired, demoted to an O.A. whatever, but not in her position. If we were allowed to bring in a recording device, the administration would be appalled. The trash talk that comes out of her mouth. When you are at that level, you must hold yourself to a high standard, but this person missed this in her o.j.t. class. This just makes me sick. What makes me more sick is CCC is allowing this crap to happen. Enough is enough. I have all the evidence I need for this and I will send it to the appropriate people down in Sac.

Totally disgusted.

FURLOUGHS BACK ON

2010-08-18T16:08:00.001-07:00

August 18, 2010

State Board;

Today, CCPOA was back in Alameda Superior Court regarding the new round of furloughs. The presiding Judge has taken the matter under consideration pending a possible ruling by the California Supreme Court.
As this was being written, the California Supreme Court issued a "stay" of the TRO issued last week, and granted the Governor's request for review. The case is set for oral argument on September 8, 2010.

The petition for review is GRANTED. Because the issue whether the Governor has the authority to direct the unpaid furlough of state employees is pending before this court and is scheduled for oral argument on Wednesday, September 8, 2010, in the related case of Professional Engineers in California Government et al. v. Arnold Schwarzenegger et aI, and without expressing any view on the merits of that issue, we conclude that it is appropriate to grant review in this matter and defer further action pending our resolution of the currently pending proceeding. Pending further order of this court, further proceedings in the Alameda County Superior Court in case number RG10494800 (and in consolidated cases), as well as the temporary restraining order of the Alameda County Superior Court issued on August 9, 2010, are stayed. Votes: George, C.J., Kennard, Baxter, Chin, Moreno , and Corrigan, JJ.

Our request for TRO has still not been ruled upon and it remains to be seen what impact this latest Supreme Court ruling will have on our case. However, furloughs are effectively back on and even if we are granted a TRO we anticipate that the "stay" would be placed upon our case for the same reasons cited above. If we get any further information it will be forwarded to you.

Chuck Alexande

Important Furlough Case Information

2010-08-11T00:21:00.000-07:00

Late yesterday, the Alameda Superior Court issued an injunction against the State relative to the imposition of the latest furlough order. This injunction DOES NOT apply to Unit 6, however we also plan to be in court this week or early next week, seeking the same injunctive relief...

FULL MEMO from C. Alexander, VP of CCPOA

2010-08-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

Rich Pedroncelli / AP

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger listens to a reporters question following a meeting held to discuss public employee pension reform at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Thursday, July 8, 2010.

MORE INFORMATION

Capitol Alert: Alameda judge to release furlough ruling today

HaHa...Arnie gets Bi*ch slapped again!!

-- dazednconfused

Leave your comment

Judge says Schwarzenegger can't impose new furloughs

By Jim Sanders
jsanders@sacbee.com

Published: Monday, Aug. 9, 2010 - 9:02 pm

Last Modified: Monday, Aug. 9, 2010 - 9:08 pm

An Alameda County Superior Court judge Monday temporarily barred Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger from imposing new furloughs on state workers beginning Friday.

Judge Steven A. Brick ruled after hearing more than two hours of arguments over the governor's demand that about 144,000 state employees take unpaid time off.

The judge granted a temporary restraining order, saying that it appears that the governor's executive order is inconsistent with various provisions of state law.

Schwarzenegger, through a spokesman, vowed to appeal immediately in an effort to begin his furlough program Friday.

"The governor has the authority to implement furloughs," said Aaron McLear,Schwarzenegger's spokesman.

"As long as the Legislature fails to produce a budget and the state faces IOUs, we will do what we must to reduce costs, just as every California family and business is doing."

DPA: Accrued furlough hours no longer have expiration date

2010-08-06T13:34:00.001-07:00

By Jon Ortiz, Sacbee -- Furlough time that state workers have on the books can now stay in the bank indefinitely, according to a memo issued Thursday by the Department of Personnel Administration.

PML 2010-015 outlines the well-known details of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's latest furlough order: The policy reduces state workers' pay by an amount equal to three days per month with most employees taking off commensurate time off the second, third and fourth Fridays. Several departments, union bargaining units and a few employee classifications also are exempt.

Then, at the bottom of the second page, this two-line paragraph:

Furlough hours cannot be cashed out. Effective immediately, there is no longer an expiration date to previously accrued furlough hours.

You can read the DPA memo by 100806 PML 2010-015.pdf.

Until now, furlough time off carried past June 30, 2012 would be lost. That aspect of the policy had opened the administration to charges that "self-directed" furloughs were a de facto pay cut for state workers such as correctional officers and psychiatric technicians. Under earlier furlough plans, they had to work full schedules and take the pay hit with the possibility that their facility's workload might not allow them to take the time off before the expiration date.[continue reading on Sacbee...]

Life on furlough: Working 12 months for 11 months pay

2010-08-05T07:52:00.000-07:00

Bob Weatherford and his family had to declare
bankruptcy after he was furloughed from his job as a
correctional officer in Susanville, Calif.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- More than a half million government workers nationwide are grappling with their second year of forced furloughs.

Far from being just extra vacation time, it's meant financial struggle for many employees. At a minimum, they are cutting back. At worst, they are losing their homes and declaring bankruptcy.

"We've never seen this scale and magnitude. The hardships are incredible," said Steven Kreisberg, director of collective bargaining for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which has 1.6 million members in 46 states.

Some 22 states had furloughs in the past year, and at least 13 of them plan to continue them into 2011, according to a study by the governors and state budget officers associations. Meanwhile, 19% of cities have instituted furloughs, according to the National League of Cities.

While some places ask workers to give up just a few days, elsewhere it can be much worse. California, for example, requires employees to take off three unpaid days a month, while Hawaii is mandates 18 days a year through mid-2011.[continue reading on CNN...]

Whats really going on in our Watch Office

2010-07-28T23:25:00.000-07:00

Third time the OP726 (unauthorized copy) has ended up in the black book in the Watch Office on the Watch Sergeants desk. Third time the LRA has taken it out. My question is, when is our administration going to finally do something about this? If an Officer did something remotely like this, they would be reading about it. So why isn't our Administration taking care of this?? Are they running a double standard here? When are they going to step up and discipline the people that keep doing this which in turn causes so much confusion and violations? It seems this keeps happening during the weekends when nobody is around. This kind of action is getting extremely old and the staff are getting tired of it.

CCPOA Press release

2010-07-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

WEST SACRAMENTO- The California Correctional Peace Officers Association today announced the hiring of JeVaughn Baker to Press Secretary within their Corporate Communications Division. In this position JeVaughn will be responsible for coordinating media relations activities and serving as spokesman for the association.

“We are vey pleased to have JeVaughn as our Press Secretary” says Chuck Alexander, Executive Vice President of CCPOA. “We believe that he brings a unique perspective and adds a new voice to our association as we move forward with our message of reform.

CCPOA has been amongst the leading stakeholders in taking up the issue of reforming California’s correctional system and has made strides in collaborating with partners that the union had not worked with in the past.

“I am very excited about the opportunity before me”, JeVaughn says, “Our correctional system has been in crisis for some time now and it’s going to take sophisticated efforts to engage all of the interested parties. Nevertheless, I look forward to carrying a message of reform and working with those of like minds as well as those with divergent views on the issues.”

JeVaughn is a graduate of the University of California, Davis and prior to this hiring, served as Vice President of Program Services for Minorities In Law Enforcement and Senior Legislative Affairs Representative for CCPOA.

Mr. Baker will begin his duties in this role July 26, 2010. For more information please contact JeVaughn Baker at (916) 372-6060 or ccpoa.jevaughn@mac.com

2010-07-19T13:46:00.001-07:00

http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2010/07/schwarzenegger-fights-union-in.html

July 14, 2010

Schwarzenegger fights union involvement in minimum wage case

Attorneys for the Schwarzenegger administration on Tuesday filed a brief in Sacramento Superior Court that argues state employee unions shouldn't be allowed to enter the minimum wage fight between the governor and State Controller John Chiang.

As reported here, California Association of Professional Scientists and Professional Engineers in California Government on Monday filed a motion to be a party in the minimum wage litigation flying back and forth the last week or so. SEIU Local 1000and CCPOA have done the same. All the unions are siding with Chiang. A hearing is set for Friday at 11 a.m.

The administration's brief argues that the unions haven't proven that they have reason to inject themselves into the minimum wage battle and that the court should deny their request. Click here to read the court filing.

(Side note: We asked Judge Patrick Marlette's clerk whether the judge would issue a tentative ruling on Thursday. As of last night, no decision had been made.)

2010-07-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

To: State Board of Directors

CCPOA has established a team of members in preparations of potential negotiations, as was discussed at the last State Board of Directors meeting. We will further advise you should we actually begin meetings with DPA to attempt to negotiate an MOU.

2010-07-13T16:38:00.001-07:00

All CCPOA Supervisory Members

From: CCPOA Supervisory Vice President,

Kevin Raymond

Subject: Update on Issues Concerning Supervisor Members

Dear Supervisory Member,

If you have not yet received your form to “opt in” and “consent to representation agreement” in the mail regarding the furloughs and FLSA you should shortly. Please take the time to read the cover letter authored by Chuck Alexander, Executive Vice President of CCPOA and the enclosed documents.

If you wish to be represented by CCPOA in this matter you must fill out the two required forms and return them in the postage paid envelope. It is important to note that this is for declaratory relief only. A furlough case hot line has been established at (916) 340-5033 for any questions you may have.

Meanwhile the minimum wage court cases continue with the next round set to go before Judge Marlette in Sacramento. The Controller states that he doesn’t have the ability to do what the Governor is asking of him, at least legally. This situation changes almost daily as the time frame the Controller has to work with approaches quickly. Please check ccpoa.org for updates.

The usual financial institutions (Golden 1, Bank of America etc.) have come forward and stated that they will extend zero or low interest loans to their members with direct deposit as they did in the early nineties when we were paid with IOU’s. There is a question and answer page on the DPA’s website that doesn’t cover much, but does provide a few answers.

As of this date we have received nothing new from the state regarding the implementation of twelve-hour shifts for supervisors.

I would like to briefly touch on the issue of communication. I do strongly believe that an informed membership is a dangerous membership. When I agreed to accept this position I committed to my personal number one goal – communication. Just how well I have done in this area so far can be a subject of debate.

Just so you know I provide the above as background, I’m not trying to break my arm patting myself on the back.

The real point here is communication can be a doubled edged sword. While communication is valuable to the member, and in my mind necessary, it also can lead to unforeseen problems on various fronts. As an example the state noticed us on the above-mentioned twelve-hour shifts for supervisors at SVSP and the YTS conversion. Valuable information the membership should know about. We filed an information request for the policy, post orders etc. Subsequently the state rescinded the notice for twelve-hour shifts. Again valuable information the membership should know about.

I issued a simple 2-paragraph update (April 12, 2010) stating the notice had been rescinded. The state responded to our previously filed information request with a copy of my update. Basically stating we have rescinded the notice and apparently you know that – look at this memo from Kevin Raymond.

That is the down side to communication – information that is intended for the membership will be passed on to management, DPA, or the media. Now this is not always with malicious intent. But the damage can be done regardless. This is why you will never receive an update discussing bargaining tactics etc.

Does you vote count? If you don’t believe it does lets take a look at the hotly contested democratic primary race in Senate District 40 as an example. Much was made, by some, over CCPOA endorsing Juan Vargas over current Assemblywoman Mary Salas. There are five prisons in SD 40, Ironwood, Calipatria, Chuckawalla, Centinela and RJ Donovan. Initially it appeared that Salas had won and declared victory.

But not so fast, with additional ballots that hadn’t been counted at the time the tide turned. The latest count stands, as reported, giving Vargas a lead of 22 votes. Your vote does count; this is the classic example of our members making a difference.

As more information becomes available on these and other issues I will continue to update you.

Kevin Raymond

Urgent Issue at CSATF

2010-07-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

Click on the title for full article. It just amazes me how these people think. Nevermind about the conditions of California, nevermind about the many staff that do get held over from their families so they can visit in prison and pass contraband. Nevermind about how short staff we are, they just want their visits.

July 11, 2010

Ladies & Gentlemen:

We are receiving alarming report from SATF.

The inmates were informed just before the evening meal on Friday that visits for the weekend were being cancelled AGAIN – with no reason given and they were being put on lockdown so they would not be able to call their loved ones either.

The inmates began a fast to protest the current treatment they are receiving. Then, they decided on a work stoppage, as they felt the fast would be hidden from Sacramento.

Yesterday, we received these reports:

Just got notice that inmates on A yard, and possibly all yards, are on a hunger strike at SATF. (Corcoran II) I’m trying to get more info and we need to have it verified by at least one more family member, but I wanted to give you all a head’s up.

The strike began on A yard on Friday with dinner. Only those who needed to eat for medical reasons went to chow. The rest of the yard didn’t go. As far as I know this has only begun on A Yard so far. My husband expects the phones to be off. I contacted the people he asked me to–a few in the media and CDCR. He will call if he can but I’ll be surprised if the phones are on. He wanted me to emphasize that this is a non-violent action to protest conditions on the yard. The inmates have made repeated attempts to get the attention of CDCR in Sacramento to discuss problems on the yard with no results.

My man is on F yard. I talked to him tonight. He didn’t mention a hunger strike but he did say that ONCE AGAIN they were on lockdown today for no reason at all. I do know that they were on lockdown all day this past Friday because there was a funeral for one of the CO’s.

Correctional workers union, state in long-running impasse; employees without contract for four years

2010-07-12T18:27:00.001-07:00

Mediha Fejzagic DiMartino, Staff Writer

Created: 07/09/2010 03:20:00 PM PDT

As he listened to pension reform talks, David Sanchez' thoughts wandered off to 2005, when a fellow correctional officer Manuel Gonzalez was stabbed to death by an inmate at the California Institution for Men in Chino.

"Manny will never get his pension," Sanchez said. "Benefits should commensurate the danger we face. It's not a desk job."

Lately it appears that few have raised a question of what to do with state's custody staff that has been working without a contract since 2006.

While the rest of the state workers' unions have either reached tentative agreements or are involved in intense negotiations with the governor, California Correctional Peace Officers Association that represents Sanchez has been left out of the loop.

"We're not sure CCPOA is interested in bargaining yet," said Lynelle Jolley, spokeswoman for the Department of Personnel Administration.

But the union would "relish the opportunity to negotiate with reasonable people for a reasonable agreement of some kind," said Chuck Alexander, a vice president of CCPOA.

"We haven't been offered anything," he said. "We work behind prison walls, out of sight and out of mind and that's how we've been treated."

The current deadlock is nothing new. In its 2008 report, Legislative Analyst Office labeled the relationship between the state and CCPOA as "completely dysfunctional."

"This conflict also manifests itself at the bargaining table, and makes it more difficult to implement prison and parole system reforms," the report stated. "Union leaders regularly question administration officials' honesty and competence. Given the significant challenges facing California's prison system, this unproductive relationship hurts the state."

CCPOA members are working under implemented terms from the state after its leadership and the administration reached a bargaining impasse in 2007, said Jason Sisney, a director of state finance at LAO.

"We had to accept the entire package, all 350 pages, even if we don't like just one portion of it," Alexander said. "We asked them questions and they couldn't gives us answers."

The administration imposed its "last, best, and final offer" on CCPOA, which increased management control of the prisons. On LAO's recommendation, the Legislature refused to appropriate funds for the 5 percent raise proposed by the state at the time.

"We found in 2008 that officers' compensation levels were sufficient to allow the prisons to meet personnel needs as of that time," Sisney said.

The union has around 30,000 rank-and-file members - one of every seven state employees. But salaries and related expenses for CCPOA members and their supervisors "total about 40 percent of all such dollars paid from the General Fund," LAO stated.

That's because, unlike majority of other state employees, the personnel costs for correctional staff are funded almost entirely from the General Fund.

LAO estimated that during their last labor contract which spanned from 2001 to 2006, correctional officers received salary increases of about 34 percent, not including merit salary increases and overtime - more than twice as much as the increases for the average state employee over the same period.

On its Web site, the CCPOA advertises that the correctional officer's job has been called "the greatest entry-level job in California" and that officers can earn more than $73,000 a year, "not to mention benefits you just can't find in private industry."

And they earn every penny of it, Sanchez said.

"We deal with people the public is afraid of," he said. "It's a dangerous job. Not having a contract makes things uneasy, it bothers us. I understand that budget situation is difficult and pensions are expensive, but governor doesn't seem in a hurry to talk to us."

On Friday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger thanked the six unions which have reached tentative labor agreements with his administration.

"They were smart enough to recognize that there is a problem and that maybe we are running out of money," Schwarzenegger said. "Pension money, the almost $7 billion that it costs taxpayers in public pensions is crowding out other programs. Why should the private sector, hard-working people out there that are paying into their own pensions should be responsible also to pay for public employees’ pension.”

One of the unions in governor's good graces is California Association of Highway Patrolmen. According to its contract posted on DPA's Web site, starting Oct. 31, new hires will receive pension benefits of 3 percent at age 55, instead of the current 3 percent at age 50.

The benefits will be based on highest consecutive 36-month salary instead of the current single-highest year and employees' pension contribution will go up from 8 percent to 10 percent of pay.

The CHP employees will also be exempted from the new furlough program and receive a pay raise commensurate with the increase in their pension contribution.

These numbers, more generous than what the other five unions have agreed to, look good to CCPOA.

"We'll take the CHP deal in a heartbeat, sight unseen," Alexander said.

But as budget continues to deteriorate, similar offers may not be available down the line.

"There is no money for pay raises," Jolley said. "What we need from the unions as in concessions can change as the circumstances get worse."

Still, CCPOA is willing to hold out for better terms.

"We are not in a bad shape right now," Alexander said. "When economy turns around and maybe we'll get another governor that views our profession a little bit more favorable than we've been viewed in the past. I'm not willing to take a bad deal for the sake of having a deal."