President's Message

COMPLACENCY KILLS

Over 32 years later, I can still hear my Academy ramrod drilling into my head, “Attention to detail, mister!” While it is recognized that man makes plans and God laughs, there is so much truth to those words echoing in my subconscious. “Attention to detail!” 

These words are so important to remember during these times of the COVID-19 pandemic surge here at the beginning of 2021. Everyone is experiencing COVID burnout! Now is not the time for complacency, but instead, the time to tighten up and continue to practice compliance with public health orders and protocols. 

On January 1, 2021, Assembly Bill
685 took effect, amending sections of the California Labor Code to require employers to notice employee representatives (i.e., PPOA) of COVID-19 exposures. In just the one week period of January 8–14, over 124 LASD employees were notified of potential COVID-19 exposures in the workplace. PPOA continues to utilize all our efforts to ensure your safety through continued discussions and demands to mitigate the spread of this disease among our members.

For this reason, do not be an unnecessary victim. Please hold yourselves accountable as well. All too often, complacency is the cause of bad outcomes. Wear a mask! Consider it just another part of your uniform to be accountable for. Wash your hands! Practice good social distancing when possible. Get vaccinated! While none of these habits are guaranteed to prevent a COVID infection, all of them improve your odds of staying healthy during the pandemic.

POLITICAL EXTREMES

Danger, Will Robinson, danger! Last year saw political activism not seen in this country in many years. A series of tragic deaths, perceived to be caused by law enforcement insensitivity, mixed with unemployment, no school and polarizing election candidates and issues, have left this country raw with emotion. 

Protect yourselves. Wise words in this world of instant communication in social media. The discipline cases involving members and posting “feelings” or activities discovered on the internet are out of control.

As an active member of law enforcement, you have many restrictions. You cannot use marijuana. You must work when and where needed, no matter the effects on your personal life. Understand that while you wear the uniform, you are a public servant, not a celebrity or TikTok influencer. Don’t fall into the trap with friends, family, retired members or strangers engaging in controversial topics online. Society is watching and listening. There will be consequences.

Please do not think those of us at PPOA are immune to the heightened sensitivity of the times. There are many days when the politics, harsh words and sometimes, utter stupidity are overwhelming. Often, members utilize PPOA as a sounding board for their feelings (read — “What the hell are you guys going to do about xxxx?”). That is OK also. We are here to hear our members, and most of the time, are able to provide a logical, moderate and professional explanation for the official PPOA perspective. Sometimes not. In those times that we cannot, we keep our comments within the “family.”

By the way, if the “Will Robinson” reference is lost on you, feel free to search the internet in a productive manner for further explanation.

BLUE LIVES SUPPORT DRAWS IRE

Speaking of political extremism, on January 21, it was reported by news sources that the Santa Rosa police chief, Ray Navarro, said that a Facebook post had been removed from the department’s website. The post in question showed two Santa Rosa police officers holding a banner depicting a black and white American flag with one blue stripe across the middle and the words “Heroes Work Here.” 

The banner had been gifted to the department anonymously by local residents. “While the post was intended to thank the community members who made the banner and for the community at large for their continued support, it offended some who viewed it. For this, I sincerely apologize,” wrote Chief Navarro.

Again, political polarization within our society took a supportive and kind gesture to extremes. I have to believe the community at large is in favor of supporting law enforcement in their mission of public safety. I sure as heck hope so, or society is even farther gone than I thought. 

However, Rubin Scott, president of the Sonoma County chapter of the NAACP, said, “It’s one of those markers, for certain people in our community, that means stay in your place, and if you don’t, there will be retaliation for it.” The Santa Rosa Police Department also received phone calls from community leaders, with Chief Navarro stating, “It became apparent that some Santa Rosa residents equate the thin blue line flag with right-wing extremist groups. Those are difficult things, when you see (flags) that represent something good, are co-opted by extremist groups like that.” 

My question is, were they co-opted, or has the world become so polarized that anything can become a symbol of intense feelings? In these times of forceful emotions, as I said before, keep your feelings in check. Open discussion and moderation are the keys to any sustainable success and future contentment in American society. 

As always, I urge you to get involved. PPOA derives strength from unity, and our benefits today are a result of our solidarity. Come participate. Become a delegate. Our next virtual delegate meeting is on February 23 at 5 p.m. See what we see — the value of an organization that does everything in its power to protect you, not as union members, but as family members. Thank you for your support, and thank you for being a PPOA member!

Back in 1951, a cadre of deputy sheriffs, county marshals and district attorney investigators created an association to protect their bargaining rights, which is known today as the Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association (PPOA). As we enter 2021, PPOA will be celebrating 70 years of service to its now-9,000-plus members. From these humble beginnings, a credit union was formed (POPAFCU), a charitable organization was established (the Star & Shield Foundation) and a spin-off union known as the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS) was created.

Today, PPOA continues to protect its members of the Sheriff’s Department, Medical Examiner’s Office and District Attorney’s Office, representing five separate bargaining units and 24 different classifications of County employees. PPOA is proud to be affiliated with the Los Angeles County Coalition of Unions, the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, the California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations, the Southern California Alliance of Law Enforcement, the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation and, of course, the Fraternal Order of Police. Our mission continues to be a “Tradition of Success” in serving our membership through an effective and expanding professional association, as well as protecting and enhancing their individual and collective rights.

As we go into the 70th year of the organization, we come out of the year 2020 and its historically unprecedented difficulties. PPOA has led the fight against COVID-19 through our efforts to educate our members and partner employers of the dangers of this disease, as well as the requirements to combat it in the workplace. We have remained extremely busy moderating the political battles during these emotionally driven times of social justice. And as if that were not enough, we have also fought to protect the jobs and assignments of our members from being impacted by the continued budget shortfalls and concerns. 

One of my recent mentors often reminds me, “Tough times never last, but tough people do!” Moving forward from the difficulties of 2020 is critically important, as everyone needs to focus on and be grateful for what we have. Reflect on the fact that while we may have first-world inconveniences, many in our county, state and country are experiencing third-world problems at a much higher rate. Homelessness, unemployment, hunger, violence, illness and death are impacting and influencing our lives like never before. 

Every review of the previous year provides an opportunity to reflect and the prospect of improvement. During 2021, we at PPOA will not dwell on the difficulties of 2020, but instead will continue to address this new world and its challenges, of which there will be many. Besides combating “COVID complacency,” we know that 2021 will be a year of financial uncertainty, legislative challenges and political skirmishes. Your Board of Directors and the staff of PPOA look forward to accepting these challenges on your behalf, always remembering our history and reflecting on our mission.

Thank you for being a member of the PPOA family.

As I write this article, PPOA, ALADS, and the Department are negotiating the impact on membership caused by the proposed staffing reductions of PDC-South and dismantling of Parks Bureau. The Department, representing a failure of the Board of Supervisors to properly fund the budget this Fiscal Year 2020–2021, has decided during the supplemental budget to re-allocate resources and staffing through these curtailments.

Interestingly enough, the Board of Supervisors and CEO have represented funding was provided to the Department in accordance with prior amounts, and specifically to provide services to Parks Bureau. The Department’s response to this describes a shortage of overall net County costs funding, which is causing these curtailments due to the constitutional requirements and consent decree mandates of the Custody Divisions.

It is not bad enough that the Board of Supervisors and Sheriff are at odds on just about every issue these days, but now this financial confusion is harming members as collateral damage. Why is this necessary?

PPOA has been communicating with Department executives of Administrative Services Division who, from their own representations outlined below, cause me to be concerned that these curtailments may be nothing other than a battle of political wills between the Sheriff and Board of Supervisors. During meetings in September, Department executives informed PPOA of the anticipated budget shortfall of $105 million for the fiscal year. Of that $105 million, the Department could absorb approximately $50 million through the freeze/elimination of vacant items, leaving a need for about $55 million necessary to find to keep PDC-South and Parks Bureau afloat.

Here’s where things got and continue to be interesting. During these same meetings, the Department told PPOA there had been a savings of approximately $17 million in overtime for July and August. These same savings were represented in a follow-up meeting with the savings of September being approximately $8 million. If these numbers were to hold true for the fiscal year, that would represent approximate budget savings of $102 million. If the Department only needs $55 million to avoid the curtailments, why are they necessary?

Additionally, the Department represented to PPOA a projected attrition number of sworn personnel to reach 630, approximately 255 persons higher than the average of 375.  Let’s follow the math, using the calculations provided to PPOA by the Department: 255 sworn would represent approximately $45.9 million of salary savings for a full year. Now, as you know, prime retirement season is between December and March of any fiscal year. With that recognition, the only opportunity for full salary savings, during a year of limited to no hiring, would be in the last quarter of April–June, or 25% of the fiscal year. Back to the calculations: 25% of $45.9 million equals $11.475 million.  

Adding this $11.475 million in salary savings to the $102 million projected overtime savings for the year equals a conservative estimate of $113.475 million. If the Department only needs $55 million to avoid curtailments, why are they necessary?

As if the curtailments are not bad enough, the Department is now looking to deviate from the past practice of conducting a job fair, choosing as an alternative, a “transfer process.” The new process would involve members completing a preference list, and then Personnel Bureau assigning individuals to new units of assignment based on those preferences. While we all have experienced this process after graduating from the Academy, it has never been utilized during staffing reductions or closure of facilities.  The Department claims this curtailment is too large and that COVID prevents an in-person job fair. While this curtailment process could affect nearly 300 employees, a job fair could be conducted at different times over multiple days or at multiple locations by classification, thus reducing the numbers in one location to a much smaller amount than we have in academy classes today. Additionally, we already did a job fair in July — during the height of the COVID pandemic — for the TORA overtime mitigation process. These excuses are getting old. Why are they necessary?

While I am not a budget expert by any stretch of the imagination, the Department’s numbers do not seem to add up to curtailments being necessary. When the Department is asked pointed questions or to provide any documentation justifying the need for these curtailments, PPOA has received nothing but awkward silence. The Department’s focus in our negotiations continues to be about the “transfer process” rather than the anticipated budget shortfall and accompanying curtailments.  

If this is a financial problem, let’s identify it, set aside our egos and utilize the many subject matter experts available who could help the Department with obtainable solutions. Otherwise, if these curtailments are political in nature, and members will be harmed in the process, I must ask … Why are they necessary? 

While I was sitting at home with my family on the evening of Saturday, September 12, 2020, my cellphone started blowing up. Within 20 minutes, numerous reports, most of them incorrect, had flooded my phone regarding the ambush of two deputy sheriffs in Compton.

Five and seven days later, respectively, I had the honor and privilege of presenting both of these deputies with a donation on behalf of PPOA to assist them and their families through this tragic event. The bravery I witnessed while visiting was overwhelming and left me without words. These two individuals, reverting to their training and inner strength, performed so courageously in this incident; we can only aspire to that degree of heroism under similar circumstances. Please keep these heroes and their families in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.

This horrific and cowardly incident must serve as a reminder to all of us. These unprecedented times have many people feeling tense beyond normal stressors. COVID-19, unemployment, no school, protests, wildfires, uncertain economic indicators, political polarization, law enforcement reforms and police defunding efforts all play into the tension of everyone, mentally, emotionally and physically. Our members relate to us numerous concerns about workload, excessive overtime and 12/12 schedules, just to name a few.

People in society are acting out in ways never seen before, and with this comes a need for you and your loved ones to be keenly aware. Stay alert in your surroundings at all times. Teach your families to pay attention and to be aware of unusual persons or activities. The potential for violence has no bounds as our society struggles with the numerous issues of 2020. Please be careful. 

While society is definitely experiencing a movement, for this country to survive, an increase in dialogue and a return to moderation is needed to effect constructive and sustainable change. On that note, I must segue to acknowledging the brave legislators who are weathering the storm and remaining true to their beliefs and values of providing for the greater good. Many elected officials have shown their true colors as politicians rather than leaders, including those who, during the last legislative session, introduced numerous poorly written police reform bills. Thankfully, through our coalitions and relationships with these brave legislators, PPOA was able to assist other law enforcement partners in defeating the knee-jerk reactions of some, and built dialogue with others as we move forward with anticipated reform legislation conversations for next year.

On the issue of leadership, PPOA continues to strive to protect our membership in every way possible. We obviously recognize that our members dedicate their lives to serving our community in a difficult and often dangerous job. As I speak on behalf of PPOA in public, participating in discussions with numerous community groups, other labor coalitions and elected officials, I reiterate the “Professional” component of our organization’s name. The diversity of PPOA’s members and represented classifications, as well as the best practices, reforms and improvements within Southern California law enforcement seen during my 32-year career, allow for more collaborative dialogue. These discussions continue to make it known to all parties that PPOA and its members value their work in the community and recognize that, while these best practices are in place, mistakes still happen and there is always room for continued improvement.

Elected officials, law enforcement agencies, individual public safety officers and their labor organizations all have roles to play in addressing systemic racism and improving relations between law enforcement and the communities we serve. Society’s reservoir of trust in law enforcement has been severely impacted in 2020, and only through open-minded, collaborative conversations and actions can our community, state and country begin to heal.

As always, I remind you that you are all PPOA family members. We are here to listen and assist to the fullest extent of our capabilities. Please communicate any and all concerns to us by email at info@ppoa.com, or by telephone at (323) 261-3010. Often, it is only through members’ communications that we become aware of the difficulties facing our family.

Because you don’t hear it often enough, thank you for all that you do.

As I prepared to put fingers to keyboard for this issue of PPOA’s annual Retiree Report, I reviewed the article I wrote exactly one year ago for retired members. Just in case you don’t recall everything written in this column word for word, my article was a riveting and exquisitely crafted (tongue firmly planted in cheek) piece about the numerous factors that go into retirement planning. Those, of course, were the halcyon days of 2019, when men and women in law enforcement had the luxury of planning for a smooth transition into a well-deserved retirement. That was then, this is now.

One look at recent headlines reveals that cops are not gently stepping into retirement as much as they are running away from their proud careers, driven by the current state of affairs:

• “Police Counter Protests, ‘Defund’ Push With Retirements, Resignations” (Washington Times, August 13)
• “SF Police Appear to Be Doing Their Own Defunding As Cops Leave in Record Numbers” (San Francisco Chronicle, August 16)
• “Chicago Police Are Retiring at Twice the Normal Rate” (Fox News Chicago, August 18)
• “More Than 200 Officers Resigned or Retired Since Colorado Police Reform Bill Became Law” (Denver Post, August 18)

You get the picture. And if you are still active but at the tail end of your career, you really get the picture. Friends and colleagues who have already retired will tell you that the motivation to retire gets stronger as you begin to envision your next chapter in life. That optimism is natural. Unfortunately, the motivation for thousands of cops nationwide who have been hastily retiring lately is not because of what the future holds as much as it is because of what the current job is up against.

Make no mistake: a pandemic mixed with civil unrest, knee-jerk scrutiny and political expediency (did I mention it’s an election year?) is presenting challenges this year that will adversely affect cops for years, and likely decades, to come.

Retirees often state they are relieved they “got out” when they did. That sentiment has never been more applicable, and I’m envious of all 3,000-plus retired PPOA members enjoying life on the other side. Six months ago, I was making final travel arrangements to attend the now-canceled LASD Retiree Roundup in Laughlin, Nevada, for my first time and reunite with former colleagues. I had planned to let my retired friends tease me about being a “working stiff” and complain to them that the environment couldn’t get much worse for law enforcement personnel.

Little did I know!

WEARING MASKS

As the predicted surge in COVID-19 cases affects the Southern California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura, PPOA emphasizes the practice and policies of wearing masks. Since day one of this pandemic, PPOA has engaged with the Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation and Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office to protect the health and safety of our members. However, as an organization, and for that matter, the employers can only do so much. You, as PPOA members, supervisors, co-workers, friends and family, must not allow complacency into your lives, either at work or home. Be better than the “too cool for school” people not wearing masks. Put your mask on and protect yourselves and others.

During the first wave of COVID-19, most people were unaware of any personal contacts having contracted the virus. Now, during this second surge, almost everyone you speak to knows at least one person who has tested positive. Over 600 LASD members have tested positive for COVID-19. Two academy classes have been quarantined due to positive testing recruits. Lakewood Station, West Hollywood Station, Industry Station and the Sheriff’s Communication Center are just a few on the list affected by positive testing individuals. Our own interactions at work, in training classes and other work-related functions, provide COVID-19 exposures, which could be mitigated by using a mask and social distancing. PPOA urges all members to protect yourselves, friends and families by continuing the use of personal masks whenever possible.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Just the other day, the Los Angeles Times included articles titled “Border Agency Fires 4 Over Bigoted Posts” and “Subtle Slurs Deserve Outrage.” The climate of society at the present moment is restrictive, emotional, raw and fearful. PPOA is reminding you yet again of the dangers of “posting” your thoughts and activities on social media. The world we live in is full of keyboard warriors with little to do in their lives due to COVID-19 isolation, no school and/or high unemployment. Do not give them a reason to engage. The best, most benevolent postings are often turned into a battlefield by hate-mongering individuals looking to knock you off balance.

Take, for example, the comments of a grieving daughter, Savannah Chavez, 16, whose father, Officer Ismael Chavez, recently died in the line of duty. As reported on July 13 by policemag.com (“Daughter of Slain Texas Officer Slammed for Tweeting ‘Blue Lives Matter’”), the current anti-law enforcement sentiment reflected on the internet caused an explosion of uncalled for, often hateful attacks on this young lady just trying to address her grief. Let’s find better ways to communicate. Let’s close the apps and use our phones to engage in caring conversations with family and friends. Social media has many advantages, but let’s limit it to staying in contact with friends, family, and marketplace bargains and opportunities. Engaging in controversial topics at this point is only a path to trouble.

OVERTIME AND THE BUDGET CRISIS

Are you a supervisor? Are there conversations between you and management regarding the need to utilize “saved overtime” to fill vacancies? If so, please be reminded, the choice to be “paid” overtime or “save” overtime is the choice of the employee, not the employer. Do not get creative trying to appease management and save money by either offering “saved overtime” or implying to an employee that they should choose “saved” overtime as their option. PPOA has recently reported numerous units to LASD Employee Relations to curtail this activity, which is in violation of a legally negotiated memorandum of understanding. Continued and/or repeated efforts to influence employees’ rights are prohibited, and PPOA is committed to ensuring our members’ rights are protected. If you are a supervisor being pressured by management or a member seeing this type of activity in email or in person, please contact PPOA.

BRIGHT LIGHTS IN A DARK WORLD

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, PPOA found hope for the future by continuing its scholarship program and providing funding to grateful PPOA members and families of PPOA members in the continuance of their education. While the awards ceremony, due to the health crisis, was canceled, PPOA was appreciative of the efforts demonstrated by the applicants in preparing for their futures. The winners, their photos and brief biographies are available for review on page 22. Congratulations to all of our winners, thanks to all the applicants and kudos to PPOA Board Members Tony Romo and Joyce Kato and those who participated in the judging process.

June 13, 2020, marked my first anniversary as president of PPOA. Anyone familiar with the term “dog years”? You just do not know what you are getting into until you sit in the seat.

Even with the information I had as a Board member, the complexities and demands were completely underestimated. They say 90% of an iceberg is underwater. Here are a few things that lie beneath the PPOA president’s “tip of the iceberg”: day-to-day operations of a $4M corporation; members’ needs; writing articles regarding subjects from A to Z; coalition meetings; conference calls; charitable events; members’ needs; writing/editing the Week in Review; meeting with elected officials; unit visits; reviewing policy changes; PPOA Board meetings; members’ needs; strategic planning for PPOA’s future; writing/editing email communications; elections; lobbying and advocacy trips to Sacramento and other neighboring locales such as Riverside, San Bernardino and not forgetting Indio; and, oh yeah, did I mention members’ needs?

As I started my tenure as the first new president in more than 10 years, I had hoped to have a little time to acclimate, observe and learn. Nope! Within weeks of my swearing-in, the California Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), a member of the County Coalition of Unions (CCU), negotiated to set new requirements for individuals wishing to continue to participate in its medical plan. Seeing as I had never heard of the CAPE medical plan, I figured it really would not impact the PPOA membership. Oops! Turns out that approximately 780 PPOA members utilize the CAPE medical plan and would be cut off if PPOA did not adhere to the new requirements of joining the CCU … by July 31, 2019.

Off we ran. To join the CCU, PPOA would immediately need to become an affiliate of the AFL-CIO. Time for a meeting with Ron Hernandez, president of ALADS, which is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO through MEBA and a member of the CCU. Ron and I were able to present to our respective boards of directors a plan and agreement for PPOA to join the CCU and to work collaboratively in the future. Approval of both boards allowed for PPOA to become a MEBA, AFL-CIO affiliate on July 25, 2019, and many happy PPOA members were able to continue utilizing the CAPE medical plan without disruption.

Speaking of members’ needs, at this time, PPOA began progressive conversations with the Sheriff’s Department about the “transparent” process of promoting under Sheriff Villanueva’s administration. The Dual-Track promotional process in Custody seemed to be the place to start, as the minimum requirements for promotion to all ranks are based on the foundation of sergeants. The abridged version of this experience is: informational meetings were initiated, conversations had (even though some were not listening), promotional exams scheduled, lawsuits filed, member meetings held, a survey completed, meetings with the Department reinitiated and a settlement agreement executed. Whew! That only took 10 months.

Another responsibility I needed to familiarize myself with was our membership at the Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner (DME). Not wanting to be left behind in their need for PPOA assistance, some DME members decided to compare pay stubs and identified that some were being paid more than others. After a little poking and prodding of their Department’s administrative staff, it has been discovered that some members have been overpaid and others underpaid, oh … for years … and in one case by as much as $29,000. This eight-month process has been frustrating at the least and painful to some, and has brought happiness to others. Thank you to the dedication of PPOA Board Member Joyce Kato, Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr., PPOA Labor Representatives Venise Wallace and Teresa O’Neill, and Intake Representative Kevin Thompson for their efforts in addressing these concerns.

Enter the COVID-19 pandemic. If you don’t already know what PPOA has been doing since the beginning of this historic event, here is the short list of efforts put forth on behalf of our members:

• Ensuring members’ health and safety
• Monitoring the direction provided to members by the Sheriff’s Department (LASD)/District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation (DABOI)/Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office (DME)
• Continuing to assist members with health concerns, grievances, administrative investigations and payroll issues
• Advocating with other labor organizations to establish benefits and protections during this crisis
• Holding the County agencies accountable for clear directions, communications and actions related to our members during the crisis

For brevity, for further COVID-19-related information I must refer you to my article in the June 2020 Star & Shield magazine.

If you are not aware, PPOA also has members over at the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation. Lieutenant Rogelio Maldonado, longtime treasurer of PPOA, promoted to captain within months of my becoming president, with his seat at the Board table being taken by Lieutenant Bob Maus. Bob, now the sitting treasurer of PPOA, has utilized his influence with the command staff at the Bureau to continue our favorable relationship. District Attorney Jackie Lacey, whom we have endorsed and from whom we will not waver in our support of her candidacy, along with her Bureau Chief John Neu and Assistant Chief Kris Carter, should all be commended for their leadership and collaborative nature with PPOA, which minimizes demand for our resources.

For those of you living in a cave with no news, social media access or internet services, here is a flash: The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the economy of the nation, the state and local communities. While all County departments are facing budget cuts going into Fiscal Year 2020–21, due to the cooperative relationship between the Sheriff and Board of Supervisors (sarcasm applied), the Sheriff’s Department will be facing some of its steepest cuts that I can remember in my 32 years of experience. MegaFlex employees have already been forced to give up their matching County 4% contributions to their 457 and 401(k) plans for the next year. Already. the County has requested the CCU and SEIU to reopen their respective fringe contracts to infuse $93M into the budget shortfall, with negotiations pending. The Sheriff’s Department is formulating various plans for additional CARPing, the implementation of TORA and even layoffs. Additionally, all interested parties are currently awaiting news from the CEO’s Office regarding final budget recommendations, as well as word from the federal government on any COVID-19 reimbursement to the state, counties and cities. Only time will tell how drastic the cuts will be and any consequences attached.

And lest we not forget, there is the nationwide response to the tragic and unnecessary death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Not a single person I have spoken to either professionally or personally condones the actions of the police officers seen in the video. As tragic as this incident is, the utilization of the event to vilify police unions and as a political platform by opportunistic activists and politicians, as well as criminals in causing violent civil unrest, is creating further distrust of law enforcement nationwide. While some call for defunding and abolishment of police departments, PPOA has asked our elected officials not to pander to the inflammatory stereotypes and comments being presented in the various forms of media, but instead to lead constructive, collaborative efforts in discussion of reforms that will improve our society for all.

Through all of this, I would not change a thing. It has been an honor, test, learning experience and privilege to do my best for the PPOA family during this last year. I look forward to the upcoming challenges, always with my eye on improving this organization for the future of our members. And did I mention the satisfaction of assisting members with their needs?

As you can see from our cover, this issue of Star & Shield is outlining issues and the work performed by PPOA related to the COVID-19 pandemic. While PPOA continues to provide the best support and communication possible to our members, the most rumored question reported back to the Board of Directors and delegates is from members asking, “What is PPOA doing during the COVID-19 crisis?” Here is the shortlist of efforts put forth by PPOA, on behalf of its members:

• Ensuring members’ health and safety
• Monitoring the direction provided to members by the Sheriff’s Department (LASD), District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation (DABOI) and Department of Medical Examiner (ME)
• Continuing to assist members with health concerns, grievances, administrative investigations and payroll issues
• Advocating with other labor organizations to establish benefits and protections during this crisis
• Holding County agencies accountable for clear directions, communications and actions related to our members during the crisis

During the past two months, PPOA resources have been stretched thin trying to address the numerous health and safety concerns of you, our membership. Daily reviews of documentation from the County Emergency Operations Center, the Sheriff’s Department Operation Center and Custody Division Operations Center, and constant updates from the County Board of Supervisors and the governor’s office all factor into our response. Our first priority was to demand the employers (LASD, DABOI and ME) to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to our members, especially those in high-risk environments like jails, hospitals and public-facing assignments. These efforts continue today as the Department continues to experience difficulties in replenishing critical supplies to our members. Additionally, PPOA advocated early for the temperature taking of employees to discover possible COVID-19 cases, which was, over objections of LASD executives, later initiated by LASD Custody Division and is now being considered Department-wide.

Testing has been determined to be the key to success in “flattening the curve” of COVID-19, and PPOA has been intimately involved in the LASD process, with Board member Lieutenant Ryan Vienna acting as the team leader of the testing team. His leadership and communication have been instrumental in PPOA being able to vet and answer members’ questions and concerns.

As a result of the advocacy efforts of PPOA, with the assistance of other labor organizations, we were able to establish alternative quarantine and isolation locations for our members. Through these efforts, positive testing COVID-19 members have hotel rooms available to them should it become necessary to isolate away from their families.

It should be noted that we appreciate the efforts of LASD, DABOI and ME to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 by providing telework options to those whose duties have allowed for it, as well as administrative leave to those being quarantined for work-related exposures. There have been times, however, when PPOA was forced to hold various Department executives accountable for their actions/inactions related to the COVID-19 crisis. While most supervisors and managers have addressed their employees’ concerns in a professional and caring manner, some have had to be formally admonished all the way up to their Department head.

And through it all, PPOA continues to address day-to-day issues and concerns, such as representation at grievances and administrative investigations, and meeting and conferring on critical policy and Department changes. Believe me, this is no easy task with a Sheriff and BOS at war, and the always surprising edicts that are announced publicly, at least on a weekly basis, if not sometimes daily, with no advance or proactive discussions with PPOA. Our phones and emails explode on those days.

The next steps for PPOA include addressing the significant financial crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, looming like dark clouds on the horizon. Many conversations are currently occurring between the County, the departments, the Coalition of County Unions and other labor organizations. This economic issue is very fluid as of this article with many unknowns, including how much federal reimbursement, if any, the County will recover for this fiscal year and the projected budget effects for fiscal year 2020–21. Of this much, I can be sure, the fiscal solvency of the County is of great concern.

As the reopening of our communities begins, please continue to practice good habits that you have learned during this pandemic. We say it all the time related to officer safety: complacency kills. The same is true here. Please do your part to keep yourself, your families and communities safe and help all of us avoid any type of resurgence of COVID-19, which would damage the efforts already exerted.

Thank you for being a member of the PPOA family, and as always, if you need assistance or support, we are just a phone call or email away.

We are all in this together: PPOA, our employers, our families, our country, our world. As I write this, the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to represent never-before-seen complications for the masses. “Stay at Home” has become the norm. Retail, entertainment and “nonessential” services have been shut down. Wearing gloves and protective masks at work has become old hat.

From day one, PPOA Board and staff have worked numerous hours to address members’ needs. Our staff and I have provided a limited presence in our office and have been using technology to create a virtual command post, fielding concern calls and emails, conferencing with each other as well as other unions and departments, and consulting with our attorneys and lobbying firm in Sacramento to ensure our members’ rights are being preserved.

Keys to effectively surviving this crisis are manyfold, including personal hygiene, financial awareness and keeping anxiety in check. PPOA has joined all of the other health officials in publishing numerous suggestions to maintain personal safety. Wash your hands! Many people do, but effective handwashing practices are critical. For an eye-opening moment and learning experience, check out this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYFWbwgf-2Q.

Additionally, at work, personal protective equipment (PPE) use is of the utmost importance. While the County is supplying PPE currently, resupply is of concern. Use PPE appropriately, but conservatively. Like all resources, we do not know when more is coming. Utilize social distancing whenever available and do not be wasteful.

There is no doubt that uncertainty plays heavily into this crisis. Investments in the stock market have lost about a third of their value. Projections show this event could affect world financial markets, with recovery taking years. Don’t panic! A loss in the market is only a loss when cashed out. Prudent financial decisions have never been more important. As part of our decision to help our communities as County employees, we have all chosen financial security over the desire to pursue riches. Our jobs may be difficult as disaster service workers, but as it stands, our families should be solvent. Within the first few weeks of this event, millions of people were laid off. This only adds to the overall anxiety levels of the citizenry looking for resolution and security. Be thankful and respectful of what we have in life, in both purpose and security.

Times are tough. While many other tragic events have occurred during my lifetime and been seared into my memory, none have been worldwide. Between limitations on freedoms, loss of work and the specter of severe illness looming, many people have difficulty functioning. Depression and anxiety are easy to slip into. Relax! Talk it out. Share your feelings and concerns. The County departments all have many resources dedicated to our members.

Additionally, you are never alone. PPOA is here to assist in many ways and is always available to help our family members during these uncertain, historic and difficult times. For starters, please see the PPOA COVID-19 FAQ starting on page 10. We emailed the first set to members on March 19, the second set on March 21 and the third set on March 28. We’ll continue to update you on issues affecting your career and personal safety as they arise, so please stay connected. Monitor our communications, reach out with concerns to info@ppoa.com or call the office. It is our responsibility and goal to assist you with anything within our power. We wish you all good health as we navigate personally and professionally through these uncharted waters.

As I write this, the news of the tragic helicopter crash that took nine lives, including Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, has shocked the world. Yesterday, memorial services were held for Detective Amber Leist, who was tragically struck by a vehicle as she provided assistance to an elderly couple in a crosswalk. Tomorrow, I will be attending funeral services among many friends and co-workers of 41-year-old Felipe Leal, a husband, friend, custody assistant and PPOA delegate whom I have known for 15 years.

Tragedy — an Event Causing Great Suffering, Destruction and Distress

Are you prepared? Do you have a will or trust? Have you updated your beneficiaries?

Our world often becomes overwhelmed by details, day-to-day grind and information overload. Put your family first. Take the time to ensure your family is protected. No one goes out in the morning thinking this is the last day of their life. “It won’t happen to me.” Unfortunately, no one knows when the last day will come, so preparation is key.

Three years ago, my wife and I initiated the family trust process, recording our desires and protecting our family assets should the unthinkable happen. While initiating the process is a great step, this is a living document that must be updated regularly. Among your New Year’s resolutions should be an annual review of your finances and asset documentation.

PPOA is a part of your family’s protection. Representation, bargaining for salary and benefits, legislative advocacy, fighting employer injustices and enhanced voluntary benefits are available to you by being a member of the PPOA family.

Recent Collaborations

Approximately 20 PPOA family members recently experienced the benefits of membership. The January sergeant promotional process and accompanying transfer list reflected a significant injustice. The planned process limited the transfer of tenured sergeants from custody to patrol assignments, limiting the number available for release from their custody obligations to only five of 20.

PPOA, when notified of this blatant disregard for past practice and existing Department policy, immediately objected and began discussions with the Department. A meeting with Sheriff Villanueva and Department representatives was scheduled within a few days. PPOA was represented at the meeting by Executive Director Wayne Quint, attorneys from Hayes, Ortega & Sanchez, and myself. The Department presented its perspective, which upon examination, appeared to be based on a faulty paradigm and misinterpretation of previous court decisions. Soon thereafter, Sheriff Villanueva joined the conversation and was fully briefed of the developments. After further discussion, and over the objections of some Department executives, Sheriff Villanueva agreed that the previous restriction of only five sergeants being released from custody assignments was unfair and restrictive to the careers of other affected sergeants awaiting the opportunity to go to patrol.

Following this decision, Captain McBride and personnel staff worked feverishly with other division personnel across the Department to expedite the transfers. I am very grateful for the favorable outcome of this issue for those involved and hope that the reasonableness and fairness represented by Sheriff Villanueva in addressing our concerns continues to enhance PPOA’s relationship with his administration.

As always, I urge you to get involved. PPOA derives strength from unity and our benefits today are a result of our solidarity. Come participate. Become a union delegate. Our next delegate meeting is on February 25 at 5 p.m. at DeBell Golf Club in Burbank. See what we see — the value of an organization that does everything in its power to protect you, not as union members, but as family members. Thank you for your support and for being a PPOA member!