County Services Bureau Update

Hello, partners. In late March, the Department notified us of the plan not to renew several contracts throughout County Services Bureau. Sure enough, as news spread of the closures, so did the rumors. We hosted Zoom meetings in early April to quash rumors and allow members of the affected locations to ask any questions. President Steve Johnson, Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr., the PPOA legal counsel and I joined these Zoom meetings to inform the SSOs of the Department’s intentions, the job fair process, what the Department is allowed to do (management rights) and what we can do to protect the affected employees’ rights. We have meetings scheduled with the Department in early May, but here is the information available at the time that I write this article.

Proposed pending contract termination dates:

• June 30, 2025: Probation, Libraries, Register Recorder, Zev Van Nuys, Public Health, Behavioral Health Clinic and 8300 Vermont post
• December 31, 2025: Department of Mental Health
• March 31, 2026: Department of Mental Health
• June 30, 2026: Department of Health Services (reduction in staffing)

At this time, we have not been notified of any changes to Parks Bureau, College Bureau or any other assignments. 

According to the Department, the reason for not renewing the contracts is the staffing crisis plaguing LASD. They opted to consolidate personnel to “core locations” in the Department. During a brief conversation with Sheriff Luna, we spoke about the situation at CSB and the employees’ concerns about job security. He confirmed the reason for the restructuring was the staffing shortage, and he understood personnel’s frustration with having to move to new assignments. Still, he reassured me that despite the difficulty of the movements, there would not be layoffs. 

We will continue to update everyone as more information becomes available. If you have any questions, please contact info@ppoa.com. 

Unit 621 Contract Update

On March 31, the MOU of our bargaining unit expired. At this time, we have not met with any other certified parties to discuss the terms of our new MOU. We have reached out to the County and the Department to discuss the preliminary terms before our meetings but have not received a response. In early March, the County CEO released her recommendation regarding a 0% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for the 2025–26 financial year for all County bargaining units, referencing the wildfires, lower tax revenue in L.A. County, the massive multi-billion-dollar AB 218 settlement and the threat of federal funding cuts for this proposal. 

PPOA is against the absurd 0% COLA proposal and will continue to fight to get the members the compensation they deserve. As we continue negotiations, please ensure your personal email address is on file with PPOA and register in the PPOA online elections/benefits portal so you can vote electronically. Do this by visiting ppoa.com. First click on  “Elections/Benefits” then click “Register” to fill in your information.

Members in Action

This month, Parks Bureau’s SSOs continued expanding their skill sets when they trained using their fleet’s all-terrain vehicles, urban search and rescue vehicles, and utility transportation vehicles. Led by senior SSOs A. Becerra and W. Choy, SSOs trained for emergency operations to ensure the safety of park patrons. 

Additionally, earlier this month, I was informed of the incredible actions of Community College Bureau’s SSO N. Ramirez. In December 2024, SSO Ramirez was working at ELAC when a call went out about a person threatening to jump off the 4th floor of a parking structure. SSO Ramirez and her partners responded, and after several attempts to coax the suicidal person off the ledge failed, SSO Ramirez quietly approached the subject, grabbed her and took her away from the ledge. 

Another CCS SSO that deserves recognition is SSO R. Sam from Harbor College. This April, during an early morning shift at his campus, SSO Sam’s partner was experiencing a medical emergency and subsequently passed out. SSO Sam quickly requested 902R to the station and remained with his partner until paramedics arrived. His partner was transported to a local hospital, where he received medical attention and is doing better.

Remembering a Leader 

When I joined the PPOA Board, I took a seat at the large conference desk seemingly at random. Little did I know, I happened to select a seat next to a man with a legendary record in the Association. Every meeting after that, I had the privilege of sitting to the right of Art Reddy. Art was a wealth of knowledge in union matters, legislation and Department history. I wish I had had more time to know Art, but from the short time I did get to meet him, I witnessed his love for PPOA and his genuine desire to support the membership. He was a huge presence in the Association and will be greatly missed.