vol 66 issue 4 - ocea employee 2013 october november december

OCEA members take their kids to work See page 11

OCEA

SAluting VEtERAnSbRing yOuR fAmiliES tO A fREE EVEnt At thE OC fAiR tO SAy ‘thAnk yOu’ tO thE VEtERAnS whO SERVE OuR COuntRy pAgE 14

EMPLOYEEVOLUME 66, ISSUE 4 • OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2013

Lic. #0310550 • 830 North Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701 • Phone: (714) 558-1034 • FAX: (714) 558-1035 • www.velece.com

A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Orange County Employees Association

Insurance policies aren’t one size fits all.

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OCEA EMPLOYEE

4 Frank Eley wins!Frank Eley secures another term on the OCERS Board.

5 2013 OCEA board electionVote for the OCEA Board of Directors from Nov. 16 to Dec. 6.

7 OCEA Board awards scholarshipsChildren of two OCEA members were each presented with a $2,000 college scholarship.

18 Health Fair gets freshOCEA’s Health Fair revamps with a farmers market, grilled zucchini on the Hot Dog Wagon and more!

21 Superior Court attacks membersOC Courts seek to cut employee pay and benefits.

29 Union-made ThanksgivingSupport your union brothers and sisters. Buy union this Thanksgiving, plus recipes for the perfect turkey.

Service from the front lineOCEA members recount the battles and humanitarian efforts that defined their military service. Above, Marines walk through an Iraqi war zone. The photo is courtesy of OCEA member Jeremy Harris, a retired Marine (pictured on the cover) who served two tours of duty in the Middle East.

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2 President’s message 3 General Manager’s message 4 OCEA news briefs 4 OCEA calendar 9 OCEA Member Announcements

22 Meet your OCEA Board members 26 OCEA tickets 26 OCEA e-ticket program 27 OCEA discounts 28 OCEA classifieds

NEws & UPdAtEs

FEAtUREs

VOLUME 66, ISSUE 4 • October–December 2013

On the cover:

OCEA member Jeremy Harris, a Marine who served in the Middle East, talks about his service on Pg. 12. Visit Pg. 14 to learn how you can honor Veterans at a FREE event on Nov. 11 at the OC Fair & Event Center.

OCEA EMPLOYEE 1

President’s message

Lezlee NeebeOCEA President

I had the extreme honor of being the daughter of a proud member of the military who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

My dad was very active in his local Veterans of Foreign Wars post, where he rose to the position of Commander and was recognized with the highest honor a Commander could receive. He was respected by his friends and loved by his family.

During the last few days he spent at home before he passed away, we went through his special trunk, filled with photos and trinkets that conjured old memories from days serving our country. As he recounted his experiences, his tears of fondness and sadness touched my heart.

His final days were spent at the VA hospital under heavy pain medication. Servicemen from every room would gather in a common room to just be together. And they would visit those who could not make it to the common room on their own. They were connected, bonded to each other through duty. They all served this great nation of ours with dignity and honor. They fought for freedom, and for the American Dream of family, home, and the American way of life. They stood tall and proud. They stood for you, for me, and for my children, so we could live in a society free of tyranny. They gave their time, their minds and bodies, sacrificing so much!

Many of our loved ones still serve today so we may continue to sleep peacefully at night, to dream of our futures, and keep America strong.

We have failed to acknowledge far too many of them as the heroes they are. Some lie alone in hospitals, forgotten, with no family to come visit them. Many returned home, ignored, to suffer alone with their battle wounds and scars. Not since the end of World War II, have we, as a community, as a nation, welcomed our servicemen home with the full honor and dignity they deserve.

Now, we in Labor are working to right that wrong through promoting policies that support good jobs for Veterans, service projects that lift them up, and a celebration to say thank you for all they’ve done.

This year, we will be giving honor and recognition to our heroes. We are throwing a celebration in their honor, and you are all invited. Veterans Day Weekend 2013 will mark the inaugural event celebrating our servicemen, our heroes!

You and your entire family are invited to join us at the OC Fair & Event Center for a day of recognition, respect, honor and pride as we celebrate our heroes. The event celebrates not only our many heroes who have served in one of our esteemed branches of the military, but their families that suffered the pains of worry during their time away, the sacrifices felt as a single parent, the aches of a parent sending their child to war, and the pain of a child longing for the return of a beloved parent. All of these heroes deserve our respect and gratitude! Without them and the sacrifices they made, we would not be here today, free to worship, free to exist in a democratic society, free to pursue the American Dream, free to wake up every day with hope!

The celebration begins at 10:30 a.m., and is open to the entire community. We would love for you to bring your spouse, your children and your neighbors to join us. There will be an area for kids to create artwork and “Thank You” cards which will be delivered to Veterans in the hospital over the holidays so they are reminded they are not forgotten! There will be live bands and food. There will be teachers and students there taking oral histories from our heroes. Community groups working with Veterans will be there to help connect our heroes with vital resources. What could be better?

And it’s FREE! Just like so many of the freedoms we take for granted every day; free, just like what they have fought so hard to protect, for US! Please join us Nov. 11 and let us stand as one, giving dignity and honor to our heroes!

In solidarity,

Lezlee Neebe OCEA President

Join Labor in celebrating Veterans’ sacrifices

OCEA EM PLOYE E Celebrate Veterans at the OC Fair & Event Center 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 11! Info: Pg. 142

This Veterans Day will be a very special day for OCEA. We have the honor and privilege to host the first annual Veterans + Labor event honoring those who have served our great country.

As many of you know, I’m a proud Marine and Veteran of the Vietnam War, so Veterans Day is particularly personal—it’s a day I remember all my friends who didn’t make it home and wonder what they’d think of how things are going in America today.

Sometimes, as we fight against the drum beat of attacks against rights for workers—attacks that erode the middle class—I wonder myself: Is this what we fought for?

I talk to so many Vets who are discouraged because their American Dream—a dream they were willing to die for—is no longer within reach.

When they leave the military, where many learned high-level blue collar skills, the only thing waiting for them in the civilian workforce are jobs that pay $9/hour with no health insurance, no retirement security and no stability. Purchasing a home is way out of reach, and the cost of education—even with the GI Bill—can be a real challenge for some.

Everybody likes to talk like a patriot, but few act like it when it gets down to providing returning Vets decent jobs.

So I am proud that Labor has decided to take this day, Veterans Day, as its day of service and gratitude to Vets because it is our voice that fights each day to restore the American Dream for working families. And it will be our voice that will fight for a real future for returning Vets .

This Veterans Day, labor’s efforts will be centered in Orange County, where we’ll be hosting a huge celebration at the OC Fair & Event Center to say “thank you” to our heroes.

We have some very special partners in this effort: The California Labor Federation, which represents 2.1 million workers is behind us, and is working on policies in Sacramento to make sure Veterans have access to good, family-supporting jobs. The Orange County Register/Freedom Communications is showing appreciation for our

freedoms, including freedom of the press for which so many have fought, by offering to purchase care packages to send overseas on behalf of new subscribers. PBS SoCal—the great folks that bring us such wonderful programming like Masterpiece Theater and Sesame Street—is running public service announcements. Many other Veterans groups and unions are all working together to make this event special for our heroes.

We are especially privileged to be hosting the unveiling of a surprise United States Post Office stamp that will have special significance for Veterans. There will be bands, food and adult refreshments (commonly known to the Vet population as BEER!!). In addition there will be booths where your children can make holiday cards to be delivered to Veterans in the VA hospital. Volunteer teachers and students will be capturing stories from the Veterans who attend so our children don’t lose that connection to history.

The most important part of the event will be the Veterans who attend, and the opportunity we will all have to step up and say “thank you.”

A simple “thank you” provides such inspiration to each and every man and woman who have served.

So please join me and your OCEA family on Nov. 11 to celebrate our Veterans. I hope to see all of you there!!

In solidarity,

Nick Berardino OCEA General Manager

General Manager’s message

Nick BerardinoOCEA General Manager

Honoring those who fought for the American Dream

OCEA EMPLOYEECelebrate Veterans at the OC Fair & Event Center 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 11! Info: Pg. 14 3

Nov. 1-27 OCEA Food Drive (bring donations to OCEA Headquarters)

Nov. 11 Labor Day observed Veterans + Labor FREE event at OC Fair & Event Center (Info: Pg. 14)

Nov. 12 Noon-1 p.m.; 5:30-7 p.m. Steward meeting

Nov. 15-Dec. 6 Board of Directors election—Don’t forget to mail in your ballot!

Nov. 19 3 p.m. Board of Directors meeting

Nov. 21 & 22 Thanksgiving holiday observed

Dec. 9 5:30 p.m. Political Action Committee meeting

Dec. 10 Noon-1 p.m.; 5:30-7 p.m. Steward meeting

Dec. 17 3 p.m. Board of Directors meeting

Dec. 25 Christmas holiday observed

Jan. 1 New Year’s Day observed

Jan. 13 5:30 p.m. Political Action Committee meeting

Jan. 14 Noon-1 p.m.; 5:30-7 p.m. Steward meeting

Jan. 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day observed

Jan. 21 3 p.m. Board of Directors meeting

EMPLOYEEOrange County Employees Association

OFFICERSLezlee Neebe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .President

Alan Dean Clow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Vice President

Gary Morrison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd Vice President

Butch Garcia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Secretary

Chris Prevatt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Treasurer

Maria Corona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance Officer

Frank Eley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Past President

COMMITTEE CHAIRSAlan Dean Clow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Legislative

Chris Prevatt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Budget/Finance

BOARD OF DIRECTORSSharron Anderson . . . . . . . . County Executive Office

Dan Beam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff-Coroner

Judy Bowling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Defender

Rick Burns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court

Alan Dean Clow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Defender

Maria Corona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency

Frank Eley . . . . . . . . . . . . OC Public Works (RDMD)

John Leos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation

Eusebio “Butch” Garcia . . . . . . Social Services Agency

Alicia Hernandez . . . . . . . . . Child Support Services

Henry Leber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff-Coroner

Gary Morrison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assessor’s office

Paul Nguyen . . . . . . . . . . . . . Social Services Agency

Lezlee Neebe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Court

Chris Prevatt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency

Ryan Ramos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health Care Agency

Anjali Sunny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheriff-Coroner

Pamela Waters. . . . . . . . . OC Community Resources

Ray Yarbrough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probation

The OCEA Employee magazine (USPS 004-330) is published quarterly (January-March; April-June; July-September; and October-December) by the Orange County Employees Association, 830 N. Ross, P.O. Box 177, Santa Ana, CA 92702; telephone (714) 835-3355. Periodical postage paid at Santa Ana, California. Subscription prices: members, $3.00 per year; non-members, $6.00 per year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Orange County Employees Association, P.O. Box 177, Santa Ana, CA 92702-0177. Advertising in the OCEA Employee magazine does not constitute OCEA endorsement of the products or services advertised. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the Orange County Employees Association unless specifically so stated. Contributions in the form of articles, photographs, human-interest incidents, retirement news, etc., are welcomed and encouraged. Association office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except public holidays. OCEA reserves the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. Photographs will be returned only upon request. Copyright 2013 by the Orange County Employees Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion or contents prohibited by law. Printed by Anchor Printing, Tustin, Ca.

Editor: Jennifer MuirDesign & Production: Kevin Rush

Content: Niyaz Pirani

830 North Ross StreetSanta Ana, CA 92701

(714) 835-3355

OCEA calendar

For a full calendar, including all committee meetings, visit our online calendar at www.oceamember.org.

OCEA news briefs

Frank Eley secures another term on OCERS boardFrank Eley will serve a sixth term as your member representative on the board of the Orange County Employees Retirement System. Frank has been on the OCERS board since 1999 and is expected to be confirmed for the seat in November after running unopposed.

“I’m very grateful for the support from OCEA as a General Elected member of the OCERS board,” Eley said. “I’ve never thought about going out there individually. OCEA members have always been behind me, and I’ve always—and will continue to—put them first.”

In light of recent political circumstances, the election results are fortuitous, Eley said. He is currently vice chair, and, pursuant to OCERS’ bylaws, it is expected he will become Chair of the Board in January. He previously served as Chair in 2001.

“For all employees, other than your actual salary, your retirement income is your greatest benefit over your lifetime. That benefit must be vigilantly protected. Lately, much of the fight over pensions has been purely politically motivated, and makes no sense if one were acting in the terms of a good fiduciary to the system,” Eley said. “As OCERS Vice Chair, I automatically assume the role of Chair at the December 2013 meeting. I hope to restore some of the workability and reason to the direction of OCERS, and hope to avoid going down a path like the Federal deadlock.”


When the Newport Beach City Council earlier this year ratcheted up its effort to outsource the City’s refuse services, members of the community, the Newport Beach Employees League and OCEA sprang into action to protect the jobs of those 16 dedicated workers.

OCEA staff and Newport refuse workers held several community meetings to inform the public about the quality of their trash services. Those same workers and OCEA employees walked door-to-door in Newport Beach, distributing flyers to thousands of residents.

Local media including the Daily Pilot, Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times and ABC also ran stories about

how the community was rallying around their trash workers.

The Council voted on Sept. 10 to outsource the services, but the pressure from the community compelled the Council to commit to providing jobs for every impacted refuse worker. A deal worked out between the employees league and City

management preserves jobs for those who wish to remain employed by the City.

OCEA news briefs

What’s going on in your workplace? Contact OCEA Communications Specialist Niyaz Pirani at [email protected] if you would like to submit a workplace story idea for OCEA Employee magazine.

Newport Beach residents stand with their trash workers

Elect OCEA’s next Board of Directors!

You can vote for ten seats on the Orange County Employees Association Board of Directors this month during the 2013 General Election. OCEA members should receive a ballot in the mail from the Elections Committee no later than Friday, Nov. 15, the first day of voting. Ballots will need to be returned according to the directions sent with the ballot no later than Friday, Dec. 6.

Election results will be made public at the Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Visit www.oceamember.org/BoardElection to review the candidates and their qualifications. For more information, or if you do not receive a ballot in the mail, contact OCEA Administrative Assistant Janice Lee at (714) 835-3355.

Employees launch ‘Costa Mesa Works’ website

Ever since 2011, when the Costa Mesa City Council issued pink slips to more than half the City workforce, Costa Mesa workers have been under attack. So when the Costa Mesa City Employees Association entered into contract negotiations with the City in August, it was no different. The Council majority proposed radical cuts to pay, benefits and rights for the employees there. And they did so in the context of a City initiative called COIN, which allows the Council to give public progress reports about what’s happening at the bargaining table.

The City employees believe there’s a better way—a way to work collaboratively with the city on common-sense initiatives that both save money and restore civility in the community. And they doubled down on that commitment by launching a website that has instilled true transparency to the negotiations process. Costamesaworks.com is a space where CMCEA shares updates from the bargaining table, insights into how things work (or don’t work) at City Hall, and news involving the City’s great employees.

Read more at www.costamesaworks.com.

C I T Y S E R V I C E S O V E R A L L C I T Y R E F U S E S P E C I F I C


Adrien Ha stops for a picture outside the Walker Building at Emerson College in Boston, Mass. during college orientation.

OCEA’s Scholarship Committee awarded Adrien Ha of Fountain Valley and Meagan Mathieson of La Habra each with $2,000 college scholarships at the August Board of Directors meeting.

Adrien, who attends Emerson College in Boston, Mass., is the son of OCEA member Howard Ha of Orange County Health Care Agency.

In his application, Adrien wrote about the realization he had about his parents—that they were more than just “mom” and “dad”—they were workers with value, and experiences both past and present.

Ha plans to study communications and rhetoric in order to educate people on the importance of unions like OCEA, which helped to provide his family stability.

“Unionization needs to be brought back to its origins so that people can be reminded of why (unions) exist in the first place,” Ha wrote. “The key to reviving this lost idea is being able to effectively communicate to the world, and most importantly, (to) employers, that unions represent fellow human beings.”

Meagan, who attends California State University, Fullerton, is the daughter of OCEA member Shannon Mathieson of the Orange County Probation Department.

She plans on majoring in political science to learn about the inner-workings of the American political system. She wants to use that knowledge to get involved in government and help ensure the rights of workers are protected.

“I believe that through furthering my education, I can hope to gain respect and acceptance in the professional community,” she wrote in her application. “Ultimately, I wish to be a voice that is not simply heard, but listened to. I only want what is best for the work force.”

OCEA awards scholarships to local students

CSUF student Meagan Mathieson with her mother Shannon, who is an OCEA member with the Orange County Probation Department.


OCEA publishes member announcements for retirements, births, graduations, weddings, etc. If you have good news, please share it with us! Send your announcements with photos to OCEA Communications Specialist Niyaz Pirani at [email protected], and they will be printed in the next issue of “OCEA Employee!”

OCEA mEmbER ANNOuNCEMENTS

RETIREMENT: Greg Fall, a Supervising Probation Officer at the Orange County Probation Department, retired in September. Fall (pictured with OCEA President Lezlee Neebe) was hired as extra help in 1983 and joined OCEA in 1987. He later became a steward and in 2011 joined the OCEA Board of Directors. “I would never have been able to have the salary, benefits or pension I have if it hadn’t been for the strength and solidarity of OCEA,” Fall said. “I wish every member and the organization the best as it navigates troubled waters.” Thank you for your service Greg!

GRADuATION: Mark Chavez, Contract Coordinator with the City of San Clemente Beaches and Parks Department and President of the San Clemente City Employees Association, graduated in June from the university of Phoenix. Chavez, who earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, said he wanted his degree so he could finish strong in his career and set an example for his two sons, who are of college age: “Business management closely correlates with what I do here, managing resources, leadership and budget planning,” he said.

SERVICE: OCEA Board member Pam Waters, a Secretary II at Orange County Public Libraries, was hired by the County of Orange in 1987. She joined OCEA in 1989 and became a Board of Directors member in 1993. She was recently rewarded with a 20-year service pin from the Board. “When they gave me the service pin, OCEA President Lezlee Neebe kept listing the names and all of the committees that I’ve done and I turned to her and said ‘Boy, I’m tired,’” Waters said. “I am very proud of OCEA. Being on the board for 20 years has given me so much insight into how much OCEA does to help us as County, City and Special District employees.”


For many OCEA members, public service takes the form of processing claims, matching clients with services and doing the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Orange County running. but for some, public service began when they joined the armed forces, taking the oath to protect this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Orange County is home to 140,000 Veterans, according to recent census data. While no specific agency tracks the number of Veterans working in the Orange County public sector, there are Veterans in nearly every agency, city and special district OCEA represents.

“Whether you’re serving in the military or serving taxpayers, public service is a calling that few are willing to answer because it is always accompanied with sacrifice,” said OCEA General Manager Nick berardino, a retired marine who served as a machine gunner in Vietnam. “There’s just something special about people who choose service over money as their life’s work.”

These are the stories of three OCEA members who served their country with pride.


My grandfather served in the Navy during World War II. My goal was really just to join the military and when I was thinking of the various branches the Navy seemed best because of all the travel.

I was stationed on a repair ship called the USS Sierra. We had all manner of workings on our ship—a foundry, welding, a machine shop—so we could perform repairs out in the ocean. There were about 980 people on the ship. Nothing compared to an aircraft carrier, but it was commissioned in WWII—just a leaky, old ship.

We were in port in Charleston, South Carolina, when Hurricane Andrew hit Florida in August 1992. I remember that day vividly. I was walking back to the ship, it was a Sunday, and I walked inside—I lived inside the ship, I was single—and the chief at the quarter-deck informed me that I couldn’t leave again. We literally had 24-hours notice and we were gone.

It took a couple days to steam down to Florida. Thousands were displaced. We were on a bus heading in and I remember seeing a Volkswagen van blown on top of a K-Mart.

We were met by the Florida National Guard and we worked with them to start building this monstrous tent city. We probably set up 400 14-16 person tents. The Red Cross came and we helped them establish a high-volume kitchen which mostly served chili and rice. They fed us—we were the first people to eat—and we objected to that, but they told us they needed us to have full bellies so we could go off and do what we needed to do.

I remember working in that park for about a week. It was later determined that there were all these grammar schools in the area—some were completely destroyed, but some had just broken windows, structural damage. That was a concern because school was starting soon.

We had a lot of supplies so we broke into teams based on specialty and we were able to get the schools structurally sound again. I was a computer person in the Navy, so I was under-skilled in that regard, but there was so much of just moving stuff around. We had trucks provided by the National Guard and we would go back to the ship and get lumber,

sheet metal—somebody was providing glass. The main

thing I did was load supplies and drop them off. I did a ton of mixing cement, some roofing.

We worked with FEMA to aid all these mobile home parks that were just destroyed. We brought the paperwork to the people there—a lot of them were senior citizens. We were trained how to complete everything appropriately to expedite people receiving financial aid, which was huge.

Congress appropriated $11.1 billion for the disaster, which, at the time, was the largest disaster relief that had been done. I did several things in my military career, but this was so unique because it was completely humanitarian. It was on American soil helping other Americans. It felt pretty good. The community was so kind to us. I think we were there almost two months and I can’t remember the number of times we would walk into a place and our money was no good.

They treated us like gold.

1 9 9 020 1 3

Jack Lustersystems anaLyst

Orange cOunty cOmmunity resOurces

united states navy, 1990-1995


I was really bored with school. I didn’t feel challenged. I grew up with a lot of responsibility as a kid, with a single mom and siblings. I was really looking for a change in life and realized becoming a Marine offered me the chance to see the world, learn about other cultures and see what life is like. It was a change, really, to learn more about myself.

I was at boot camp in June 2001. The week of my graduation life changed real quick—9/11 happened. A time of peace became war and it was non-stop until I got out. We deployed to Kuwait in January 2003 in anticipation of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On, I guess, ‘D-Day,’—that’s what you’d call it—we crossed into Iraq on March 19, 2003. My unit was directly responsible for securing the ports and ensuring continuing forces and supplies. We encountered heavy resistance from various groups—Iraqi militants, insurgents and Republican Guard. There was heavy combat in the beginning.

That was in the port city of Umm Qasr, one of the very first cities Americans saw on the news (and the first military confrontation of the war). From there, we took down Azu Bayer, an Iraqi Naval Base. We spent time in Al Bazra. In the first three towns I was part of Operation Telic, assigned to a British 3 Commando Brigade.

After that point I officially became part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, assigned to Task Force Tarawa. That task force was more about securing routes for following forces. It also included—the most notable thing people would recognize—the rescue of PFC. Jessica Lynch in Al Nasiriyah. My unit was tasked with providing a diversionary force. We attacked one area to draw forces out of a hospital so Special Forces could go in and rescue her.

I couldn’t tell you the dates because we didn’t sleep. It was only a week or two, but it seemed like a month. My first deployment ended in July 2003.

I was deployed again, leaving San Diego on Dec. 6, 2004. We were headed toward Sudan, but things changed and we ended up

responding to the Indonesian tsunami in Sri Lanka and Sumatra. We were there maybe a few weeks and then got the order to go to Iraq again in January 2005. Our mission was to ensure the first free elections took place. There was a lot of insurgency in Baghdad—they were killing off every person who wanted to run for office. During that time, we also conducted a very large scale raid—The Battle of Salman Pak, in a village south of Baghdad—resulting in the capture of more than 80 insurgents. My duty was to provide explosive breaching support for infantry. We’d drive up and down the road looking for IED’s, detonating them to make sure the roads were safe. During the first deployment doing this we didn’t have body armor. In fact, I won one plate of armor in a Texas Hold ‘Em game on a ship. I wore that on my chest. The second time I was deployed, we were all issued armored plating for our vests.

My deployment ended in June 2005. I separated a few months later, after a brief contract extension so I wouldn’t have to leave in the middle of a campaign.

I’ve seen the absolute worst that life can offer and I’ve seen the absolute best that life can offer. I’ve seen environments that Americans can’t possibly imagine life being like, so I have much appreciation for what we have here in the United States. I’ve seen people do really terrible things to other human beings and I’ve seen others go above and beyond for people they don’t even know—risking their lives for them. In that time, I developed bonds with people that are stronger than blood.

Jeremy HarrisBuiLding manager/WireLess cOmmunicatiOns device cOOrdinatOr

Orange cOunty HeaLtH care agency

united states marine cOrps, 2001-2005

“Stack Formation” courtesy of Jeremy Harris. He is

pictured on the cover of this issue.

I was 17 years old. I wanted a challenge. I wanted to join the hardest fighting force in the world and become a man. When you’re younger, you don’t necessarily see things. When you’re younger, it’s more of a tunnel vision. The successful turning point for me was when I became a reserve Marine and had to manage two careers and a family. In managing those three things at 26-years-old, all equally important—being a dad, a Marine and a probation officer—you realize the importance of responsibility.

My entire service, for me, is a bright spot. I don’t think I have many dark moments. ‘Everyday is a classroom,’ is the best way I can put it. But I had the opportunity to meet more people not being on active duty. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just different—two different types of lifestyles.

I had more time to recognize the needs of society. When you’re there, you’re focused on the mission. When you’re a reservist, you get to spend time with the community. The uniform has changed over the years, but one thing that’s never changed is our title. You serve to respect the title of those who came before you. Maybe they’re older, not as nimble or lean and mean as they used to be, but they deserve respect. We try to teach younger Marines to be servant leaders, to serve those who can’t serve themselves; to teach those who can’t teach themselves.

I don’t know where I came across info for the Veterans First Stand Down, but in 2011 I got in touch with the people in charge in Orange County. The event is modeled after one started in San Diego in the 1980s. It’s highly successful because they have a large homeless Veteran population. At both events, they set up a tent city where services are provided by the VA, Red Cross, local doctors, local dentists, Marine Corps, Elks Lodge, etc. That’s where they live for three days.

They can leave the drugs and alcohol outside, and can sit there and be comfortable, even if it’s for three days. They get three hots and a cot, they get showers and haircuts. To take those guys off the street, you can see the stress release.

Veterans right now—they’re high in the community spotlight. I’d like to see that continue.

Sargeant, USMC reServe

sean sargeantdeputy prOBatiOn Officer

Orange cOunty prOBatiOn department

united states marine cOrps, 1988-present

Stand down 2013

Turn The page To learn more abouT how labor is celebraTing VeTerans This year wiTh VolunTeer opporTuniTies and a Free eVenT aT The oc Fair & eVenT cenTer on VeTerans day, noV. 11, 2013.

OCEA EMPLOYEE 13

OCEA Member Veterans

Thank you to all OCEA members and retired members who

responded for this article. We appreciate your union involvement

and are grateful for your service!

Ernie Archuleta, Retired United States Marine Corps, 1965–1969

Joseph Austin, Retired United States Army, 1969–1971

Charles Beal, Public Works United States Army, 1974–1977

Walter Bruyn, Sheriff-Coroner United States Army, 1966–1997

Joseph Cardello, Retired United States Army, 1950–1952

Mark Chavez, City of San Clemente United States Marines, 1982-1986

Kelsey Chrisley, Law Library United States Air Force, 1982-1992

Mary Jo Colwell, District Attorney United States Navy, 1986–1990

James Denton, Child Support Services United States Army, 1992–1994

Edward Frierson, Retired United States Army; 1966–1969

Jeffrey Frisch, John Wayne Airport United States Army, 1966–1968

Richard Garza, Retired United States Army, 1969–2006

Doug Green, Superior Court United States Army, 2001-Current

Joseph Gurule, Sheriff-Coroner United States Marine Corps, 1973–1995

Charles Gustin, Public Works United States Air Force, 1980–1984

Jeremy Harris, Health Care Agency United States Marine Corps, 2001–2005

Sterling Hawkins, Probation United States Army, 1967–1970

Arif Khwaja, Health Care Agency United States Navy, 1994-1998

Ronald Kozma, Public Works United States Army, 1969–1970

Robert Lampers, Retired United States Army, 1969–1970

Douglas Lane, Social Services Agency United States Army, 1972–1974

Those who serve our country in uniform risk their lives to defend and protect the freedoms we all value. Far too often, our nation’s Veterans

don’t receive the support they’ve earned or the services they need when returning home. California’s labor unions are taking the lead to

change that. The unemployment rate for Veterans is more than 10 percent. That’s unacceptable. We need policies that support good,

family-supporting union jobs for Veterans. building off the wonderful work that’s been done through Helmets to Hardhats and other regional

programs, we’re developing a set of policy principles that will help Veterans find a path to good jobs, utilizing their skills and training.

“Veterans + Labor—Partners in Service” is a new project sponsored by California unions that spearheads helping Veterans on three fronts:

providing volunteer service, opening doors to good jobs and a special Veterans Day event to honor our heroes for their service.

FREE Veterans Day event 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 11 at the OC Fair & Event Center!

OCEA is taking the lead . . .

Day of Service

Inspired by the work of UFCW Local 1428, which provided a Day of Service to Southern California Veterans in 2012, we’re expanding volunteer opportunities for union members statewide this year. We are working to identify needed projects and local opportunities where union volunteers can come together to provide service for Veterans. Project examples include: Renovating/painting/gardening at a local VFW hall; food/supply donation drive to support Veterans in need; assembling care packages along with letters to be sent overseas; and improving facilities that serve Veterans. Go to www.veteransandlabor.com to find a project in your community.

OCEA EM PLOYE E14

Larry Le Bourgeois, Probation United States Navy, 1972–1975

John Leos, Orange County Probation United States Marine Corps, 1997-1999

Jack Luster, Community Resources United States Navy, 1973 – 1980

Nestor Mabeza, Health Care Agency United States Navy, 1972-1975

James McAnally, Public Works United States Air Force, 1970–1974

Terry McCarty, Retired United States Marine Corps, 1966–1970

Robert Mull, Public Administrator/Public Guardian; United States Air Force, 1986–1990

James Nally, Sheriff-Coroner United States Army, 1968-1971

Miguel Pedrogo, Sheriff-Coroner United States Marine Corps, 1975–2000

Victor Peluso, Public Defender United States Army, 1969–1971

James Riley, Retired United States Navy, 1967–1971

Charles Robles, City of Laguna Niguel United States Army, 1975–2006

Rene Scharfe, Sheriff-Coroner United States Army, 1967–1969

Dennis Shaffer, Retired United States Navy, 1991–2001

Spencer Sheflin, Sheriff-Coroner United States Army, 1969-1971

Sandra Stipinas, Health Care Agency United States Navy, 2008–Current

Charles Terrebonne, Clerk-Recorder United States Marine Corps, 1971–1975

Dorothy Tran, Retired United States Air Force, 1996-2000

Charles Van Deusen, Public Works United States Navy, 1974-1979

William Wallace, Retired United States Army, 1983–1989

John Walsh, Retired United States Army, 1961-1964

Ryan Vincent, Sheriff-Coroner United States Marine Corps, 1995-1999

Those who serve our country in uniform risk their lives to defend and protect the freedoms we all value. Far too often, our nation’s Veterans

don’t receive the support they’ve earned or the services they need when returning home. California’s labor unions are taking the lead to

change that. The unemployment rate for Veterans is more than 10 percent. That’s unacceptable. We need policies that support good,

family-supporting union jobs for Veterans. building off the wonderful work that’s been done through Helmets to Hardhats and other regional

programs, we’re developing a set of policy principles that will help Veterans find a path to good jobs, utilizing their skills and training.

“Veterans + Labor—Partners in Service” is a new project sponsored by California unions that spearheads helping Veterans on three fronts:

providing volunteer service, opening doors to good jobs and a special Veterans Day event to honor our heroes for their service.

FREE Veterans Day event 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 11 at the OC Fair & Event Center!

OCEA is taking the lead . . .

Veteran’s Day Community Tr ibute Celebration

Orange County unions, led by OCEA, along with Veterans and community leaders, are organizing a Veterans Day special event Nov. 11 at the OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr. in Costa mesa, to pay tribute to Veterans and their families following the “Day of Service” volunteer projects.

Veterans and their families are invited to join regional union members for a celebration which includes live music from bruce Springsteen, bob Seger and Glen Miller cover bands, care packages for service members, a classic military car display, food and much more.

The event will begin with a motorcycle ride to the event from the Orange County Labor Federation in Orange. Contact Gilbert Castillo, Teamster Horsemen Ch. 42, at (626) 407-6266 to join the ride.

bring your families to this FREE event to say thank you to our Vets .

OC Veterans adVisOry COunCil

OCEA EMPLOYEE 15

More than 2,200 attendees came to the 2013 OCEA Health Fair, sponsored by the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust. They received free health screenings, union information and healthy food during the three-hour festival on Oct. 1.

Crowds munched on grilled chicken from StoneFire Grill, sipped on Jamba Juice and enjoyed fresh zucchini off the OCEA Hot Dog Wagon. The highlight of this year’s event was the first-ever OCEA Farmers Market, which distributed more than 1,800 bags of fresh produce to OCEA members.

Thank you to everyone who participated this year. Here are photos from the event.

MARIA CORONA, Health Care AgencyOCEA HEALTH & WELFARE TRuSTEES: FRANK ELEY, OC Public Works LEZLEE NEEBE, Superior Court

OCEA member Veronica Magana of SSA receives a cholesterol screening.

OCEA’s Carlos Rosales, one of our resident grill masters, fires up some veggies on the rechristened OCEA Zucchini Wagon.

The OCEA Health & Welfare Trust provides dental, vision, disability, life and other benefits to employees in several OCEA-represented units. The trust also administers supplemental benefits available for purchase by OCEA members.


OCEA member Robert Museley of the Assessor’s office reviews Health & Welfare Trust supplemental benefit information.

OCEA member Karen Lawson, a registered nurse with Health Care Agency, gives a flu shot to OCEA member Deborah McGlone.

LANI NGuYEN, Assessors office ANN QuACH, Assessors office RYAN RAMOS, Health Care Agency PAMELA WATERS, OC Public Library

OCEA Health & Welfare Trust members Ryan Ramos, Maria Corona, Pam Waters and Lani Nguyen give out informational fliers to OCEA members.


Join Orange County Labor in helping and honoring our Veterans

3 Days of Service & Celebration!Thursday, Nov. 7

VFW Hall Anaheim: Clean-upVeterans of Foreign War Post 3173

805 E. Sycamore, Anaheim, Ca 92805

SHIFT ONE: 8 a.m.–Noon | LUNCH: Noon–1 p.m. | SHIFT TWO: 1–5 p.m.

To volunteer, please contact Doug Mangione at [email protected] or 714-310-7802

Saturday, Nov. 9

USS Iowa: Clean-upPacific Battleship Center, USS IOWA BB-61250 S. Harbor blvd., Los Angeles, Ca 90731

SHIFT ONE: 8 a.m.–Noon | LUNCH: Noon–1 p.m. | SHIFT TWO: 1–5 p.m.

To volunteer, please contact Norma Kurtz at [email protected] or 714-264-5038

Monday, Nov. 11

Celebrate Veterans DayOC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa mesa, Ca 92626

10 a.m.–4 p.m.

For more information, visit

www.veteransandlabor.com


Negotiations began in late July for Court members, and once again, the Superior Court judges are attempting to eliminate rights for Court employees. Talks are occurring in the shadow of an uncertain financial future from the State.

Superior Court Judges, who form the Court’s executive committee, ultimately sign off on the Court’s proposal. This year, they showed just how wrong their priorities are.

Initial proposals from the Court include a 20 percent pay cut for Court Custodians—one of the lowest paid classifications in the Court family. They also want to continue restricting health care access for Court Reporters, who last year had their hours cut to part-time status, a move that caused health insurance premiums for Court Reporters to increase by thousands of dollars each. In other words, they adopted the Wal-Mart model of lowering hours and pay for workers so they could avoid paying their health care costs.

The judges also want to eliminate promotional opportunities for Court Clerks and eliminate seniority rights for all Court employees during layoffs.

If the Court is successful in any of these proposals, they’ll be sure to continue chipping away at the health care, wages and rights of other Court employees. If the Court is successful in eliminating seniority rights, all employees would be vulnerable to layoffs, no matter how long they’ve worked for the Court.

Court members have responded to these attacks with action. While OCEA’s Court Bargaining Team leads the way at the bargaining table, dozens more Court employees from all

classifications have joined to form the Court Bargaining Action Team.

That team meets frequently to talk about bargaining progress and plan workplace actions to let Court members know what they are at risk of losing. Members have distributed fliers at locations throughout the County and the custodians even brought their children to speak to the Court’s bargaining team, to let them know of the very real impacts and serious consequences of such a drastic pay cut.

While Court leadership is intent on solving its financial problems on the backs of its workers, OCEA will stand and fight and to tell the Court that we are united and we will not stand for this wholesale elimination of employee rights and benefits.

Superior Court members are under attack

OCEA Court members distribute fliers about negotiations to co-workers and others at Central Court in Santa Ana in September.

Henry Garcia, supervisor of the Court Custodians speaks to the Court’s bargaining team about the impact of a pay cut to his family and the families of the employees he supervises.

“If we allow it, our future will be stolen right before our eyes. As we go through this, remember each of you is a brother or sister in this battle. It’s not just one or two of you. We’re all in this together.”

- OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino to Court Custodians on Sept. 27, 2013


At work with: OCEA board member Anjali Sunny

Q: Why did you go into public service?

A: I remember one of my UCI professor’s lectures about gaining knowledge and our duty to share that knowledge with individuals who may not have the resources or means to make better decisions. As a Criminology, Law and Society major, I knew assisting offenders was the career I wanted. I realized: “I CAN help, and I SHOULD help.” My efforts have been geared toward rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals.

Q: When did you start at the County of Orange, and what has been your career path?

A: I began my career with the Public Defender’s office in 2000, two days after college graduation. Five months later, I was hired by the Sheriff’s Department as an Education Services Coordinator. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside great co-workers at all five O.C. jails, assisting incarcerated adults. Now, I am assigned to Theo Lacy.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A: Assisting inmates in obtaining their G.E.D., or high school equivalency certificate. The Sheriff’s Department is an official testing site where inmates may take this exam after attending various preparatory continuing education classes while in custody.

Our unit has been recognized for the sixth consecutive year by the State G.E.D office for exceeding pass rates compared to similar test centers. This means 69 percent of inmates who tested passed! I am fortunate to work with a great team of

Correctional Program Technicians, Vocational Instructors, and fellow Coordinators who rehabilitate offenders, for, hopefully, their successful transition back to society.

Q: What are the challenges you face working in your field, and how do you overcome them?

A: Working inside a maximum security facility is challenging, as you can imagine. Several factors such as the institutional environment, recidivism rates and safety/security factors all can be difficult at times, but I try not to focus on the negative atmosphere. Theo Lacy currently houses over 3,000 male inmates, and trying to serve them all with educational opportunities proves difficult. O.C. Jails are the State’s second largest jail system, and the population demands can be great, but I try to overcome these challenges by staying positive and focusing on my duties.

Q: What advice do you have for employees who want to be active at OCEA but don’t know how to get started?

A: Give OCEA headquarters a call, or stop by. There are two steward meetings held on the second Tuesday of each month—at noon and 5:30 p.m. You can meet fellow County employees that are taking an active role toward the membership’s welfare. You can gather information and a bite to eat when the Hot Dog Wagon comes to your work. That’s where OCEA staff and other members of the Board of Directors can answer your questions. And if you see me around, feel free to approach me, and I will be glad to help you get started.

Educational Services CoordinatorOrange County Sheriff’s Department

County employee since: 2000OCEA member since: 2000

OCEA Board member since: 2012


Want to read more from your OCEA Board of Directors? Visit the bottom left corner of OCEA’s homepage at www.oceamember.org and select “meet Your board” for bios and links to interviews and articles about your dedicated board members.

At work with: OCEA board member John Leos

Q: Why did you go into public service?

A: I started out serving my country as a Marine. From there I became a park ranger in the City of Anaheim. As a park ranger, I got to meet probation officers and other people who worked in the institutions. I thought it would be a good move to be part of the law enforcement community in a capacity where I could serve my community and help to make a difference.

Q: When did you start at the County of Orange, and what has been your career path?

A: I started in March 1996. I’ve worked in the juvenile camps, at juvenile institutions, Men’s jail and in the Community Resource Program. Eventually I went back to Juvenile Court Work Program/Accountability Commitment Program.

That program is an alternative to confinement in which offenders are ordered to serve community service in lieu of incarceration. It provides relief to taxpayers while still holding offenders accountable.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A: Working with my co-workers. We’ve all shared different

experiences on the job, but it’s easy to relate to each other in our professional lives as well as in our personal lives. The camaraderie builds long-lasting relationships and helps to relieve the everyday challenges of working in law enforcement.

Q: What are the challenges you face working in your field, and how do you overcome them?

A: Lately, the biggest challenge has been keeping the troops motivated during these difficult financial times. I try to overcome that by keeping members informed of the latest actions OCEA is taking on their behalf.

Q: What advice do you have for employees who want to be active at OCEA but don’t know how to get started?

A: Become a steward. Go through the training, get involved in your workplace and community, and let OCEA know what you’re doing to be involved.

Your involvement helps to broaden our effectiveness and makes OCEA members and the County aware of what Labor is doing to benefit employees and the middle class.

Deputy Juvenile Correctional Officer IIProbation Department

County employee since: 1996OCEA member since: 1997

OCEA Board member in: 2008-09, 2011, 2013


Statement of Circulation


AMuSEMENT PARKS

CAstlE PArk: $12.99/person ages 3 and older (Reg. $25.99). Tickets expire Dec. 31. Prices are subject to change without notice! . Tickets only available online.

DisnEylAnD: For the most current ticket information please visit www.oceamember.org. Tickets only available online.

knOtt’s BErry FArm: $33/adult; $24/juniors ages 3-11 and seniors ages 62 and over. (Reg. $62 & $33). Tickets expire Dec. 31. Prices effective Jan. 1: $35/adult; $27/juniors ages 3-11 and seniors ages 62 and over. Tickets also available online.

lEGOlAnD: 2013 pricing subject to change for 2014. For the most current ticket information, please visit www.oceamember.org. Tickets only available online.

sAn DiEGO ZOO: $36/adult; $28/child ages 3-11 (Reg. $44 & $34). Tickets expire July 3, 2014. Prices are subject to change without notice. Tickets also available online.

sAn DiEGO ZOO sAFAri PArk: $36/adult; $28/child ages 3-11 (Reg. $44 & $34). Tickets expire Apr. 3, 2014. Prices are subject to change without notice. Tickets also available online.

sEAWOrlD sAn DiEGO: single-day admission: $59/person ages 3 & up (Reg. $79/adult; $71/child); Tickets expire Dec. 31. Prices are subject to change without notice. Tickets also available online.

six FlAGs mAGiC mOuntAin: $41/person (Reg. $66.99/adult; $36.99/child). Tickets expire Sept. 30, 2014. Tickets also available online.

univErsAl stuDiOs HOllyWOOD: 3-day admission: $75/person ages 3 & up (Reg. $84). Black-out dates apply for revisits! Tickets expire Jan. 31, 2014. Buy a Day, Get 2014 Free: $84/person. Tickets expire Dec. 31, 2014. Premium Star Passes are also available. Prices subject to change without notice. Tickets only available online.

DINNER ENTERTAINMENT

mEDiEvAl timEs DinnEr & tOurnAmEnt: $42/adult; $32/child ages 12 & under (Reg. $57.95 & $35.95). Reservation required. Tickets expire Dec. 31. Prices are subject to change without notice.

PirAtE’s DinnEr ADvEnturE: $36/Adult; $28/Child ages 3-11 (Reg. $59 & $40). Reservation required. Tickets expire Nov. 30, 2014.

MOVIE THEATERS

AmC tHEAtrEs (lOEWs & CinEPlEx): restricted admission: $6.50/person. unrestricted admission: $8/person. (Reg. $11.50). Valid nationwide. Prices are subject to change without notice.

CEntury CinEmA: $7.50/person (Reg. $11.50). Unrestricted admissions. Valid nationwide. Prices are subject to change without notice.

krikOriAn PrEmiErE tHEAtrEs: $7.50/person (Reg. $11.50). Unrestricted admission. Prices are subject to change without notice.

rEGAl EntErtAinmEnt GrOuP: restricted admission: $7/person. unrestricted admission: $8/person (Reg. $12). Valid nationwide. Prices are subject to change without notice.

ONE-TIME EVENTS

DisnEy On iCE “rOCkin’ EvEr AFtEr”: Tickets sold on prepaid bases! 11:30 a.m. Sat. 12/21– $30/ages 2 and up (Reg. $34); 3 p.m. Sun. 12/22–$34/ages 2 and up (no discount); seating section: level 200. Offer expires Nov. 22.

sEGErstrOm CEntEr FOr tHE Arts: Check www.oceamember.org for current details. Offer only available online.

SO CAL ATTRACTIONS

AQuArium OF tHE PACiFiC: $19/adult; $12/child ages 3-11 (Reg. $28.95 & $14.95). Tickets expire Nov. 30. Tickets also available online.

BOOmErs! (FAmily Fun CEntErs): $15/person ages 3 & up (Reg. $29.95). Tickets expire July 11, 2014.

CAtAlinA FlyEr: $54/adult; $40/child ages 3-12 (Reg. $68 & $51). Reservation required. Tickets expire Dec. 31, 2014.

CAtAlinA ExPrEss: $61/adult; $51/child ages 2-11 (Reg. $72.50 & $57). Reservation required. Tickets purchased by Dec. 31, 2013, will be honored at the ticket booth until Feb. 28, 2014. Departures from Dana Point require an additional $2/person, payable at time of check-in. 2014 round-trip fare passes will be available for purchase at the OCEA Special Events office starting Jan. 1, 2014. Black-out dates: May 24-26; July 4-6; Aug. 30-Sept. 1.

DisCOvEry sCiEnCE CEntEr: $12/adult; $10 child ages 3-17 (Reg. $15.95 & $12.95). Tickets expire Mar. 31, 2014. Prices are subject to change without notice.

k1 sPEED: $15/person (Reg. $25.99). All juniors drivers must be at least 48” tall; adult drivers must be at least 4’10”.

mADAmE tussAuDs WAx musEum, HOllyWOOD: $15/person (Reg. $15.95). Tickets expire Jan. 31, 2015. Tickets only available online.

nEWPOrt lAnDinG WHAlE WAtCHinG: $15/adult; $10/junior ages 2-12 (Reg. $30 & $25). Tickets available by phone only at (949) 675-0551. Corporate code: OCEA. Offers expires Dec. 31. Prices are subject to change without notice.

sunsEt CruisEs: $$13/adult; $10/junior ages 2-12 (Reg. $25/person). Unlimited Drink package: $13/person ages 2 and up. Tickets available by phone only at (949) 675-0551. Offer expires Dec. 31. Prices are subject to change without notice.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS

EntErtAinmEnt BOOks: $25/book. Orange County edition only. Valid Nov. 1, 2013 – Oct. 31, 2014.

SPORTS

mOnstEr JAm: For current information on Monster Jam visit www.oceamember.org. Ticket information coming soon. Information coming soon.

nEWPOrt lAnDinG sPOrtFisHinG: Deep Sea Fishing Specials ¾ day: $45/adult; $40/junior ages 2-12 (Reg. $71 & $61). ½ day: $26.50/adult; $21/junior ages 2-12 (Reg. $41 & $34). Tickets available by phone (949) 675-0551 or online. Corporate code: OCEA. Offer expires Dec. 31. Prices are subject to change without notice.

suPErCrOss: For current information on Supercross visit www.oceamember.org. Information coming soon.

WINTER FuN

snOW summit BiG BEAr mOuntAin rEsOrt: For the most current ticket information please visit www.oceamember.org.

OuT OF AREA

tiCkEts At WOrk: OCEA Special Events office partners with TicketsAtWork.com to provide exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment and travel nationwide. OCEA members must be logged in to “My OCEA” to access the TAW program. Offers only available online include: 25% off regular car rental rates; Cirque du Soleil events; hotels; Las Vegas shows and attractions; New York and Broadway specials; South Florida theme parks, events and attractions; Ski resort tickets; Six Flags theme parks; and more.

Special savings for OCEA members! Check OCEA’s website, www.oceamember.org, for full details.

Prices subject to change without notice.

OCEA tickets

OCEA e-ticket programs

For up-to-date listings on all available tickets, go to www.oceamember.org/etickets.

Need to purchase gifts for the holiday season but you don’t have time to go shopping? Purchase tickets online from your home computer at www.oceamember.org/etickets


AuTOMOTIVE & CAR RENTALS

the red Book: New cars at fleet prices! For details, go to www.redbook4autos.com or call (800) 422-4561.

Avis: Up to 25% savings on selected cars through corporate program. OCEA corporate code T815000. (800) 331-1212.

Budget: Up to 25% savings on selected cars through corporate program. OCEA corporate code X627900. (800) 455-2848

Dollar rent-A-Car: Call (800) 800-3665 to find out more! Corporate code: CH0415.

Enterprise rent-A-Car: 10% off regular price! Call (800) 736-8222. Corporate code: 32E8228.

EZ Auto test Only: Smog all vehicles including motor homes, change of title, out of state, and gross polluters! We are located at 2208 N. Main Street #B, Santa Ana, CA 92706 (at the corner of Main and Buffalo Street; near School First Credit Union). For details please call (714) 542-9400. Clip coupon on page 25.

Hertz: 5% off daily and weekly rentals! Join Hertz #1 Gold Club online and save more! Corporate code: 1335448. Call (800) 654-8216.

Promax Auto service: Do you need quality automotive service? With ASE Certified Technicians who have experience with both foreign and domestic automobiles, Promax Auto Service has consistently been voted #1 by the Reader’s Choice for Best Automotive Repair Shop in South Orange County. OCEA members save 20% off the total bill. Contact us at (949) 495-5156. We are located at 20742 Lake Forest Dr. #C2, Lake Forest, CA 92630.

thrifty Car rental: Great savings through Tickets-At-Work Corporate Program! Call (800) 847-4389. Corporate code 0010229234.

BANKING

Citibank: Citibank now offers the Citi @ Work Program, designed to make local government employees’ lives easier and their banking experience better. The benefits include, but are not limited to, no monthly service fees with direct deposit, rewards points for eligible linked products and services, rate discounts on Personal Loans, Custom Credit Line and Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit, free financial education seminars on topics such as home buying, preparing for retirement and more! For more information please visit www.oceamember.org.

Orange County’s Credit union: Open a Checking Account & Get $75. Normal approval standards apply. Offer is available to “new” Members only. Must open a personal checking account, enroll in e-Statements, sign up and qualify for a Debit MasterCard, and either set up and receive Direct Deposit or make 5 Debit Card purchases within 60 days. Bonus typically paid within 90 days. Bonus represents dividends deposited into your account and may be reported to the IRS. Any taxes are your responsibility. The new checking account must remain open for 90 days or bonus may be reversed. Membership in Orange County’s Credit Union is available to anyone who lives or works in Orange County. Membership fee of $10 will be fully refunded within 90 days with this offer. Mention promo code NEW75B. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 12/31/13. Federally insured by NCUA. For info about our checking, please call (888) 354-6228 or visit our Ross St Branch at 856 N. Ross St.

CANDIES, FLOWERS & MORE

Cherry moon Farms: 15% discount on hundreds of orchard-fresh gifts that make every occasion special. For more information call (800) 210-2279. Corporate code: OCEA.

Personal Creations: 15% discount on a variety of personalized gifts, perfect for any occasion. For more information call (800) 210-2279. Corporate code: OCEA.

ProFlowers.com: 15% discount on a variety of gifts for all your personal and corporate occasions! Same-day delivery available! Call (800) 210-2279 to place your order. Corporate code: OCEA.

red Envelope: 15% discount on a unique and wide-ranging collection of thoughtful gifts for every occasion. To order over the phone, call (800) 210-2279. Corporate code: OCEA.

shari’s Berries: 15% discount on high-quality hand-dipped berries, luxurious cheesecakes and gourmet baked goods. Call (800) 210-2279. Corporate code: OCEA.

see’s Candy: Gift certificates good for 1 lb. at any See’s store! OCEA-members price $14 (Reg. $16.10). Certificates are available at the OCEA Special Events office by cash or ATM/debit card.

COSMETICS & SKIN CARE

Avon: 10% off plus free shipping & gift for all online orders. Visit www.youravon.com/leticialopez.

mark.: 15% discount (before tax and shipping) on any order placed. Please sign up on www.mymarkstore.com/ibarriga. Purchases over $50 receive free shipping to your home with checkout code MARKFS50. If your order is under $30, simply contact Iriss at (714) 235-5925 by phone or text. She can place the order and still give you free shipping to your home. Please use “contact me” on website or send email to [email protected] and mention OCEA so your 15% discount check can be processed at that time. Iriss will also send you a free Juice Gem lip-gloss valued at $6.50 with every $30+ order.

mary kay: 10% discount on all products. Contact www.marykay.com/jpadore or (949) 466-3496 for a brochure and details for an extra 10% discount on “Last Chance” items.

skin Fitness, llC: 20% off regular prices for all OCEA members on all services except medical. For more information please contact Petra Golding at (714) 832-4001 or by email [email protected].

ENTERTAINMENT & TRAVEL

Club med vacations and Cruises: 30% to 50% off on last-minute vacation packages! Contact LaVonne Campbell at (714) 991-7222 to schedule your trip.

Grand Canyon railway: OCEA members receive a discount on one of the following trip options: 20% off on train only, 20% off on RV Park only or 20% off on hotel only. For more information or to make a trip reservation call (866) 422-9724. Promo code: CDOCEA.

Palm springs Aerial tramway: As an OCEA member you can enjoy all the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s attractions at up to 25% discount. The Alpine Club cards are available at the OCEA Special Events office free of charge. Card is valid for up to 6 persons. Discount contact (760) 325-1391.

sCAt travel: Offers substantial discounts on a variety of exciting cruises exclusively for OCEA members. Contact Sandy Cuny at (714) 669-9019 or by email [email protected].

tickets-At-Work: Discount admissions on a variety of attractions nationwide: Walt Disney’s World Resort; Cirque du Soleil; Universal Orlando Resort; Las Vegas shows and hotels; south Florida sports, concerts, and events; New York and Broadway specials; Six Flags (all locations). You can also receive up to 25% off on car rentals!

ORTHODONTIST

Orthodontic Office of mark J. Weisenberg, DDs, ms: Excellent discounts on Invisalign treatments and orthodontic braces. Delta Dental provider. Located in Villa Park. To schedule your appointment, call (714) 974-9000.

PARTY RENTALS

OC Fun Party rentals: Looking for a jumper rental company that offers safe, clean, affordable and great-looking jumpers? OCEA members receive $10 off per hour of entertainment, per rental item booked! This offer excludes additional concessions servings and all helium tank rentals. For more information call (714) 914-7159, email [email protected] or visit their website www.ocfunrentals.com.

ride n Glide rentals: Silly Racers—Slide and Glide bumper cars to rent for children’s party! Guaranteed to entertain children for hours! Best for entertainment for 3-10-year-olds. 30% off your party rental to OCEA members! For more information call Carlos Flores at (562) 665-4474 or email him at [email protected] (please put “silly racers” in the subject area).

PET CARE

united Pet Care: Affordable veterinary savings programs guarantees savings of 20-50% on every veterinary visit! United Pet Care California, 24361 El Toro Rd., Suite 280, Laguna Woods, CA 92653. Phone: (949) 916-7374, fax: (949) 916-7376. Taking your pet to the vet has never been easier, or more affordable!

PHOTOGRAPHY & ART

Artistic Bridals & Portraits Photography: 15% off wedding photography & event plans from their already low prices. OCEA members-only plan is also available! Visit www.nemo4u.com to view samples of work. Call Mike Nemeth at (949) 496-4559 today!

sketches and Clay molding: Local artist draws realistic sketches from photos creates statues and figures out of clay. References and work samples are available upon request. View my portfolio at http://bit.ly/XnBC8V. Christine, (714) 653-5172; http://bit.ly/XnBC8V

s8ved Photography: For your next Kodak-moment call George Reyes at (714) 609-0039 or email him [email protected]. Save 20% on any order. Visit www.s8vedphotography.com.

SCRAPBOOKING

Digital Personal Publishing: Great savings on story-booking to cherish for years to come! Professional consultation offered by Melodie Jones at (714) 401-0926 or [email protected].

SERVICES

ADt: Now OCEA members can feel safer at their homes than ever. $200 off any new system. Please contact Jeff Spatz at (714) 907-2995 or by email [email protected]

WELLNESS

Between the ropes Boxing: Discover personal fitness through boxing, calisthenics and nutritional guidance. Let Orange County boxing legend Raul Franco help whip you into shape! OCEA members receive a discount: Individual sessions are $35 per hour and group classes are $20 per person! Additional charges may apply. Contact Raul at (714) 333-7405 or [email protected] for details.

WIRELESS

Please note: Wireless discounts are applicable to all Orange County and City employees. Proof of employment is required.

At&t: County of Orange Employees receive up to 15% discount off their monthly service fee for rate plans with minutes or data usage included. Existing and new users qualify for the discount! For more information please contact Jeannie Acosta, (310) 990-1262 or [email protected].

sprint: Save 18% off select regularly priced monthly service plans. Plus, activation fee waived for new activations (up to $36 value; requires a new two-year agreement). This discount is available to all employees working at the state or local level within the State of California. Mention this code to claim 18% discount: GLSCA_COO_ZZZ; To order by phone: 1-866-639-8354; To order online: www.sprint.com/californialocalgovernment; To add 18% discount for existing Sprint customers: www.sprint.com/verify and click on the “Existing Customers” tab or call 1-866-639-8354.

t-mobile: 15% discount on qualifying monthly recurring phone charges. Promotion code: 13302TMOFAV. Discount contact: Daniel Chacon, (310) 651-0603 or T-Mobile Government Program, (866) 464-8662.

verizon: Save 15% on select monthly plans. Apply online using Government Employee Program E-Code EMD70.Discount Contact: www.verizonwireless.com/getdiscount.

Special savings for OCEA members! Check OCEA’s website, www.oceamember.org, for full details.

Purchase tickets: To order by mail, please include: 1) name and phone number, 2) letter stating your ticket order, and 3) check payable to OCEA for the full amount of the ticket order plus $6.40 for shipping and handling. Send orders to: Special Events, OCEA, 830 N. Ross

Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Checks for over $500 not accepted. Ticket sales are final. Sorry, no refunds or exchanges. Please allow sufficient time! mailed ticket orders are generally processed within five business days of receiving the order. Sorry, OCEA makes no guarantees on

mailed orders. Shipping and handling charges cover costs of certifying and insuring mailed tickets. For further information, contact Joanna Nachurski at (714) 835-3355 or at [email protected]. Ticket hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. monday through Friday.

Now you can purchase certain tickets online at

www.oceamember.org/etickets

OCEA discounts


OCEA classifieds

AUTO

yamaha stratoliner 2009. Immaculate two-tone “Liquid Silver/Pearl White,” purchased brand new at the showroom at the end of 2011. Always garaged, never dropped, and never rained on. Just over 2,000 miles. Includes luggage rack, back rest, saddlebags, passing lamps, crash bar, batwing fairing, cruise control and more. Backrest, fairing and saddlebags are removable, turning this Tourer into a Cruiser. $9,500 or best offer. Pictures available upon request. Must have cash in hand and motorcycle driver’s license to test drive. Information: Armen, (818) 247-8890 or [email protected].

CARPOOLERS NEEDED

Visit www.ridematch.info to request a carpool matchlist from the regional rideshare agency. Learn more about alternative commute options at www.commutesmart.info.

HELP NEEDED

Apartment needed. Looking for a senior or disabled-friendly apartment for a stroke victim (no stairs, no multiple levels, quiet atmosphere without children) in Orange County. Tenant needs two bedrooms and one or two bathrooms for himself and a live-in caretaker. Must be for low income. Tenant is on the OC housing list but has not been accepted yet. Information: Susie, (714) 404-3597.

FOR SALE

Jazzy 1113 Power Chair. New battery with onboard battery charger; drives up to 4 mph. Tight turning radius, standard seat. Up to 25 miles range. Maximum weight is 300 lbs. Power chair features a joystick, footrest and anti-tip wheels. In good condition with slight tears on the back of the seat upholstry. Information: Cheryl or Maurice, (714) 662-1106.

2 sea-Doo Bombardiers and trailer with utility box. Includes: 1196 Sea-Doo Bombardier GTI, 2 seater, 2 stroke oil injection, retractable step, with cover and accessories; 1197 Sea-Doo Bombardier GTX, 3 seater, 4 stroke oil injection, retractable step, with cover and accessories. Both Sea-Doo machines were recently maintenanced and are in great running condition and the trailer has new tires. Owner has all pertinent registration and pink slip paperwork. Sea-Doos are located in Lake Havasu, but registered in California. Pictures can be found at http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/3345804642.html. $3,500 or best offer. Information: Maria, [email protected].

RENTALS

2 bedroom, 1 bath condo in Corona, near Chalgrove/Border at the lake at Corona). Available Sept. 14. Features an upgraded granite counters in kitchen and bathroom. Central AC/heater, dining area, washing machine/dryer hookup. One carport and one assigned guest parking. HOA tennis court, swimming pool, lake access, BBQ area. $1,160/month.; $1,160 deposit. No pets. Renter must sign a minimum 1-year lease. Information: Lily, (949) 302-6827.

3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in riverside, near van Buren Boulevard and the 91 Freeway. Features a spacious 1,412 sq. ft. floor plan with large bonus room, central air conditioning and heating. $1,625/month; $1,500 deposit. Must sign 1-3 year lease agreement. Move-in-ready by Aug. 15. Information: David, (951) 415-9151.

Furnished bedroom in mission viejo. Room has access to a huge, elegant balcony and includes use of a full-size bed, desk, chair, lamp and dresser. Includes all utilities, cable, Wi-Fi, water and trash, full kitchen access, 1-time per week laundry usage and driveway parking. Renter can use community pools and spas, basketball court, walking trail and Lake Mission Viejo privileges. $800/month.; $800 deposit. Renter needs to agree to a term of 6 months or longer. Sorry, no pets. Information: Nina, (949) 829-3803 or [email protected].

RETIREE SERVICES

retired Employees Association. Join the Retired Employees Association. Participate for only $3 a month. Information: (714) 840-3995, fax (714) 840-7189, email [email protected] or www.reaoc.org.

Orange County Office on Aging. Free information on services for older adults, (800) 510-2020.

SERVICES

House/dog sitter. Reliable, trustworthy County employee with excellent references will house/dog sit throughout Orange County at reasonable rates; rates slightly higher during the holiday season. Information: Michelle, (714) 293-1665.

Phone repair. iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S cracked screen replacement ($50); Samsung Galaxy glass/LCD replacement (prices vary). Information: Young, (714) 643-2399 or [email protected].

VACATIONS/VACATION RENTALS

Howard’s time share resort Weeks: Contact Howard Snitowsky at (714) 313-1290 or [email protected] about renting or purchasing timeshares around the globe. These prime beachfront, world class resorts are in high demand, so please request peak demand weeks well in advance. OCEA MEMBERS RECEIVE A 5 PERCENT DISCOUNT OFF THE LIST PRICES. Howard’s Time Share Resort Weeks destinations include: Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort & Spa; Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Resort & Spa; Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa; Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa; ME Cabo by Melia; Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa; Sands of Kahana; Imperial Waikiki Vacation Club; Royal Aloha Vacation Club Waikiki; Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Front Villas North; Kuleana Resort; Tahiti Village Las Vegas; Grandview Las Vegas.

WANTED

Housemate wanted. Looking for a female over age 45 to share an apartment or condo with; location (in Orange County) to be determined. Move set for November, or possibly mid-October. Information: Maria, (714) 458-0581.

Apartment/home for rent/share. Looking for an apartment or home near bus line to rent or share. Laundry/kitchen privileges required. Very clean, non-smoker; 20+ year County employee. Please contact Debra, [email protected].

Classified ads are a free service to all OCEA members. Only members may submit ads and ads may be edited or rejected by OCEA. Transactions are not OCEA’s responsibility, as all sales or exchanges are done at the responsibility of the seller and buyer. Notify OCEA Communications Specialist Niyaz Pirani if you wish to submit an ad, make changes to a current ad or cancel an ad. E-mail your ads to [email protected]; send them to OCEA, 830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, Ca, 92701; or fax them to (714) 835-7654.


Turkey

Boar’s Head (United Food and Commercial Workers)

Butterball (UFCW)

Farmland (UFCW)

Foster Poultry Farms (UFCW)

HAM

Boar’s Head (UFCW)

Hormel (UFCW)

Farmland (UFCW)

DrINkS

Barq’s, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Pepsi (UFCW)

SIDe DISHeS, eTC.

Birds Eye vegetables (UFCW)

Betty Crocker specialty potatoes (Bakery Confectionery Tobacco Workers & Grain Millers)

Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup and French’s Fried Onions

(UFCW)

Heinz gravy (UFCW)

Land O’ Lakes Butter (United Auto Workers)

Mann’s vegetables (UFCW)

Ocean Spray Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (International Association of

Machinists and Allied Workers)

San Giorgio Elbow Macaroni (UFCW)

SALAD

Fresh Express bagged salads (UFCW)

Ken’s salad dressing (UFCW)

BreAD

Pillsbury rolls (BCTGM)

Aunt Millie’s bread products (UFCW)

DeSSerT

Breyers Ice Cream (UFCW)

Sara Lee pumpkin, apple pies (BCTGM)

Pillsbury pie crusts (BCTGM)

Nabisco products (International Union of Foodworkers)

Traditional Herb Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Ingredients:

•115lb.turkey

•3cups(6sticks)unsaltedbutter,roomtemp.

•3tablespoonseachfinelychopped thyme, rosemary and chives, stems reserved

•2tablespoonsfinelychoppedsage, stems reserved

•3largecarrots,peeledandroughly chopped

•2yellowonions,peeledandroughly chopped

•1bunchcelery,roughlychopped

•Saltandpepper,totaste

Other supplies:

•1turkeyroastingpanwithrack

•Butcherstwine

•Turkeybasterorbastingbrush

Instructions:

1.Preheattheovento450degrees.

2. Combinethechoppedherbsand softened butter in a mixer or bowluntilcombined.Setasidebutdonotletthebuttermelt.

3. Seasontheturkeyinsideandoutwithsaltandpepper.Mixtogether the carrots, celery, onion and reserved herb stems, andstuffbird.Tuckthewingsunder the breast and tie the legs together.

4. Beingcarefulnottoteartheskin,use your hands to spread half the herb butter underneath the skin directly onto the breast and leg meat.Spreadtheremainingbutterallovertheoutsideoftheturkey.

5. Placetheturkeyontheroastingrack in the roasting pan and roast for30minutesat450degrees,bastingevery10-15minuteswiththepanjuicesormeltedbutter.Reducetheheatto350degreesandroastforaboutanother3hours, continuing to baste every 15minutes,untiltheinnerthighreads165degreesandthejuicesrunclear.

6. Removetheturkeyfromtheovenandcoverwithfoil.Allowtorestforabout30minutesbeforecarving.

Visit http://www.oceamember.org/unionthanksgiving for recipes from Las Vegas chef Brian Miller including Cajun Style Turkey, Maple Glazed Turkey and Spiced Apple Brined Turkey.

UNION-MAdE THANKSGIvINGWhen you sit at the table this year to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, remember to also give thanks tothehardworkofthousandsofunionmembersnationwidebybuyingunion-madeproductsforyourfeast.Thelistbelow covers nearly every dish on the table—from the bird to sides and dessert—and is compiled from resources includingtheAFL-CIO,AmericanRightsatWorkandwww.howtobuyamerican.com.

“We need to take pride in America’s unions and patronize the products that they make,” said Roger Simmermaker, author of “How Americans Can Buy American” and president of the International Association of Machinists andAerospaceWorkersLocal610inCapeCanaveral,Fla.“Weneedtosupportunionsandcontinuetoputupwardpressureonwagesandbenefits,whichwillalsoputupwardpressureonourstandardoflivingandbolstereconomicactivityandgrowthsoeveryoneinAmericacanreapthebenefits.”

Orange COunty emplOyees assOCiatiOn830 North Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Workers across Orange County invite you to

Join us for a FREE Veterans Day community celebration to say thank you to our Veterans!

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday Nov. 11, 2013 OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair drive, Costa Mesa, Ca

Live music and entertainment | Historic military vehicles | Free hot dogs Make a holiday card for a vet | Send a care package | Veterans resource fair Motorcycle ride | Job access for veterans | Wheelchairs for veterans giveaway

On-Site History project (vets please bring copies of photos of you in service)

OC Veter ans adVisOry COunCil

vol 66 issue 4 - ocea employee 2013 october november december

Documents

ocea tickets

ocea discounts

ocea calendar

ocea board members

ocea board electionvote

ocea board of directors

ocea member announcements

ocea news briefs