SBCPF Local 891

Badge Fights

Look for another Badge Fight coming Ocotober 01, 2009!

Joe Arnett Announces Support

4th Ward Community Leader Joe Arnett will be making a major announcement concerning his future plans for the San Bernardino City Council on Thursday, July 9th.

San Bernardino City firefighters raised over $5,000 for Muscular Dystrophy.

For three hours along the City's main business roadways of Hospitality Lane and Waterman Avenue, several dozen off-duty San Bernardino City Firefighters participated in this years' "Fill the boot for Muscular Dystrophy". With their firefighting boots in hand, firefighters approached vehicles as drivers waited for green traffic lights to move them on their way. With words from both drivers and passengers saying "we love you guys" and honks from horns with people holding their arms held out with their thumbs up high, this years' three hour fund drive raised over $5,000 to help find a cure for Muscular Dystrophy.

An Open Letter to San Bernardino Citizens

The decision by city management to immediately eliminate the positions of eight San Bernardino City Professional Firefighters is an outrage. It is an affront to residents who have long insisted on proper staffing for public safety. Worse, it is a conscious effort by the city to reverse its own promise to ensure a firefighter staffing model that was previously supported by the city council, our fire chief, and the state and national associations representing both firefighters and fire chiefs.

Every city resident should be concerned that city management is making the decision to change a staffing standard that the mayor and council approved in 2004 (Resolution No. 1999-154). This decision to reduce our staffing is being made without full knowledge and support of the current council. As we enter fire season, the unilateral decision has been made to ensure 9 of the city's 12 stations will be insufficiently staffed.

The accepted standard for staffing fire stations across the nation is four-person engine staffing. It ensures every station can handle any and all emergencies to save property and lives in the shortest possible time. Cities like Riverside, Chino, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and more carry this staffing, which is especially crucial for cities with either high rises or wildland interface. But now in San Bernardino, it will be impossible for nine of our engine companies to enter a burning home until firefighters from a second station are also on site.

This is a travesty every San Bernardino citizen should be concerned and angry about. This is the same community that deals with the threat of wildfires and Santa Ana wind conditions each and every year - we saw the "Old Fire" alone see hundreds of homes lost and before that, the "Panaorama Fire" and catastrophic train derailments. We sit on the San Andreas Fault and in the middle of a major transportation corridor.

We ask every citizen to voice your concern to Mayor Pat Morris and your elected councilmember and insist on the four-person engine staffing standard for our collective safety. Your city's firefighters remain absolutely committed to the residents and workers of San Bernardino.

Signed,
The Professional Firefighters of San Bernardino

Bowl with a Firefighter Fundraiser

The annual Bowl with a Firefighter was held on March 28th at Del Rosa Bowling alley. For the second year in a row, the "Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians" was the presenting sponsor. The San Bernardino City Professional Firefighter's annual event raised more than $4,000 for charity. The one-day tournament consisted for 18 teams comprised of five persons on each team, one of which as a firefighter. San Bernardino County Supervisors Josie Gonzales and Neil Derry along with Lucas Oil supported the worthy cause as Silver Sponsors. Each team bowled three games and the teams placing in the top three scoring positions received a trophy. This year's top three finishers were:
Alaco Ladder - 1st Place
S. B. County Supervisor Josie Gonzales - 2nd Place
Westside Building Material - 3rd Place

Guns & Hoses

(Barstow, CA) Approximately 40 Cadets from the Public Safety Academy in San Bernardino converged on the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow, CA for police and fire training officially named "Guns & Hoses." "We are fortunate that the MCLB Fire and Police Departments are providing us this valuable and exciting training," stated Erika Chan Cadet PIO for the Academy. " We were able to do what most people only get to see on TV, read in the newspaper or hear in stories," she said.

"I have been to five different training academies since I have attended the Public Safety Academy" stated the Cadet Commander for the Academy Rodney Chew. "This is the first time I have been the Commanding Officer, I am so excited to be part of this training. With the support of MCLB, the San Bernardino City Fire Department, San Manuel Department of Public Safety and Fire, Kearn County Fire Department, and the Barstow Police Department we had an almost one instructor to one cadet ratio, now that's hands on training," he said. "We as professional firefighters feel it is our duty to give back by providing valuable training to the youth of our community," said Firefighter Paramedic Cuellar. "These are the very cadets that will replace us in the future," he said.

Also attending Guns & Hoses is Explorer Advisor Sabrina Ellis and two of her explorers from the Barstow Police Department. She had said, "that this is a unique and great opportunity for our explorers to attend. We are very grateful to the Public Safety Academy for including us in this event."

During this three-day training activity, cadets experienced live fire and live police enactments, as they rotate through nine training scenarios.

The training ended with a recognition ceremony for the cadets that participated. "This was an opportunity that we were proud to be part of," said Marine Corps Base Commanding Officer Colonel Enzor, "there is a lot of motivation in all you cadets that will benefit society once you graduate," he stated. " The true sign of the good in society rests in those fire engines, and you will soon be operating them."

The Public Safety Academy is an accredited, innovative school-operated and funded on the belief that every young person deserves a superior education and outstanding life changing experiences. Students in grades 6-12 discover their potential and develop better academic and organizational skills. Students receive personal attention in the classroom. They learn positive morals and develop self-discipline through a structured program.

Berdoo Bikes & Blues Rendezvous Postponed

The May 9, 2009 Berdoo Bikes & Blues Rendezvous has been postponed until Friday April 30, 2010 and Saturday May 1, 2010. The postponement came from two primary reasons: 1) San Bernardino City Firefighter's Berdoo Bikes & Blues Committee members met February 10, 2009 and concluded that a one-day event would be not be sufficient to accommodate the anticipated 7,000 plus attendees. 2) The committee focused on maintaining the event as a two-day festival just like the Inaugural event in May, 2008. This meant that 120 days before the May 9th date would not be sufficient time to put on a high quality and entertaining two-day event. The San Bernardino City Professional Firefighters take pride in providing the best possible service while on the job. That sense of pride carries over into our second event. All of us here want to ensure all of our sponsors, vendors AND attendees that the second Berdoo Bikes & Blues Rendezvous will be bigger, better and more affordable in terms of exhibits, activities and participation for years to come. Hang in there and be patient - WE WILL RETURN!!

We'd like to thank everyone for the tremendous number of e-mails, phone calls and support for the planned 2009 event and invite you to attend our 2010 festival! You won't be disappointed.

The location and times of the 2010 event will be announced as soon as they are made available.

If you need additional information, please post your questions at berdoobikesandblues.com .You can also check on the web-site for updates on the April 30 and May 1, 2010 Berdoo Bikes and Blues Rendezvous!

News From Senator Barbara Boxer

More than 100 million acres of federal, state, and private lands are at high risk from damaging wildfire. And, as we have learned in California, fires no longer have a season, but pose a year-round threat. An important way to fight the serious threat of wildfire and also create jobs is to pay for brush removal.

I have urged the Senate and House Appropriations Committees to consider funding hazardous fire fuels removal as part of the upcoming stimulus bill. This fire prevention measure would help reduce the threat of devastating fires by removing overgrown brush and responsibly managing public lands, while at the same time stimulating local economies and putting people to work in rural communities.

In the midst of this economic downturn and facing the possibility of another year of drought, many California counties are concerned about having enough resources to adequately prepare for this coming fire season and keep their communities safe. Fire prevention is a highly effective way to stimulate local economies and rapidly create jobs by doing needed work to protect California communities from the risk of fire. For more information on Senator Boxer visit her website at: http://boxer.senate.gov/

Mud Run 2008

The San Bernardino Sheriff's Department MUD-RUN had a very muddy 5k & 10k Mud Run and a 1k Youth Mud Run on September 6, 2008. The course was located in the hills of the SBSD Training Academy, and subjected participants to a gauntlet of mud pits, hill climbs, mud slides, low crawls, water pits, and as many twisted obstacles. The participants ran through the sounds of machine gun fire, explosions, and the SBSD Tactical Officer Mud Pits. As shown in the attached picture, the San Bernardino City Professional Firefighter's team consisted of (left to right) John Ruppert, Joey Webb, John Marini, Steve Brown and Hans Strebel. The money raised from the 5 and 10 K races benefited the C.O.P.S. Foundation. It's an organization that assists the families of officers killed in the line of duty.

CPF Measure Adds MRSA to Presumptive Disease List

Assemblywoman Karen Bass (D - Los Angeles) has introduced CPF-sponsored legislation that would add Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to the list of existing disputable presumptions that are afforded to public safety personnel for workers' compensation purposes. Specifically, AB 2754, clarifies that when a firefighter or other specified public safety officer contracts MRSA it is presumed to have been contracted in the course of his or her employment or service.
MRSA is an infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria - often called "staph," and is typically spread among people who have close contact with individuals who are infected. However, transmission can also occur through indirect contact, such as touching towels, sheets, wound dressings, clothes, or workout equipment that has been contaminated by the skin of a person who is infected.
By the nature of their profession, firefighters are in constant danger of being directly exposed to many infectious diseases, including MRSA, and indirectly through contact with various pieces of equipment and clothing. Firefighters are housed in close quarters, where a lot of objects are shared, and unfortunately taking every precaution can not eliminate the job-related threat that MRSA poses.
AB 2754 would clarify that when a public safety officer, including a firefighter, contracts MRSA, it is presumed to have been in the course of his or her employment or service. And therefore, add it to the list of existing disputable presumptions afforded public safety personnel for workers' compensation purposes.
AB 2754 was approved by the Assembly Insurance Committee, 6 to 3, and was recently released from the Assembly Appropriations Suspense File by a vote of 12 to 5. AB 2754 was recently approved by entire Assembly, 73 to 0, and is now in the Senate, where is has was recently approved by the Senate Public Employment and Retirement Committee, 3 to 1, and the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee, 4 to 1. It has now been referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Article compliments of www.cpf.org

ME227 Extinguishes Vehicle Fire

ME227/C crew responded to a reported vehicle fire in the apartments at 144 E. 42nd Street today. As it happened, Deputy Chief Mat Fratus and Fire Marshal Doug Dupree were first on scene. They just left Station 227 and were enroute to a meeting when they saw a large column of smoke. They made access to the parking lot and located the best access for ME227. When ME227 arrived on scene, PM/FF Cuellar and FF Dave Bailey quickly extinguished the fully involved Honda Accord while Engineer Jerry Mohney skillfully pumped their hose line. The car was stored under the carport but when the owner saw the fire, he pushed the Honda out into the middle of the parking lot. To view the video just paste this link into your browser. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40HjLPFORcY

Firefighters donate $5,500 to Boy Scouts

San Bernardino City Professional Firefighters raise money for Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Burn Unit at Berdoo Bikes and Blues but don't stop there. $5,500 to be given to two Boy Scout Troops.
Thursday May 8, 2008 at 6 p.m. at the Our Lady of Assumption Church located at 796 West 48th Street in San Bernardino the San Bernardino City Professional Firefighters will present a $5,500 donation to 45 Boy Scouts from San Bernardino area Troops # 128 and #434. "The money we (SBCPF) are giving is coming directly from the pockets of San Bernardino Firefighters and we are all proud that the money will go directly to the Boy Scouts" said S.B. Firefighter/Paramedic Jason Moore who works at the City's West Side Fire Station #2 located at 9th and Garner Street.

The $5,500 donation will be used to purchase camping and hiking equipment, and troop materials. The donation is just one of many charities that the San Bernardino City Professional Firefighters are donating to this year. Recently, the San Bernardino City Professional
co-sponsored the Inaugural Berdoo Bikes and Blues Rendezvous May 2 and 3 where thousands of motorcycles and patrons attended the one and a half day event that raised money for the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Edward G. Hirschman Burn Unit.

For more information contact:
Tom Rubio(909) 229-5655

Landmark Firefighters Procedural Bill of Rights Signed by Governor Schwarzenegger

Article courtesy of CPF.org:
It's taken two decades and untold buckets of blood, sweat and tears. But come January 1, the Firefighters Procedural Bill of Rights will be the law in California.
With broad support from both political parties and a signature from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Assembly Bill 220 by Assemblywoman Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) extends to firefighters the same fundamental on-the-job employee protections that now exist for police officers.
"In the public's mind, public safety professionals are on the same team," said California Professional Firefighters President Lou Paulson. "We face the same split-second decisions the same high-stress situations the same danger to life and limb. In signing this measure, Governor Schwarzenegger is recognizing that all first responders should be on an equal footing when it comes to protecting our due-process rights."
AB 220 is the culmination of a 20-year crusade by California Professional Firefighters to secure a consistent procedural standard for all first responders - police, firefighters and public agency EMS personnel - when they are the targets of investigation or interrogation by their superiors.
The landmark measure is designed to apply common-sense principles of fairness and professionalism to the process of investigating and disciplining first responders. As with the original Peace Officers Bill of Rights approved in the 1980s, AB 220 puts in place basic procedural safeguards that recognize the unique role of first responders:
No more unreasonable interrogation. The law requires that interrogation be conducted at reasonable hours, with compensation and without verbal or physical threats or extortion;
Protection of basic rights. Individuals must be advised of their rights and secures the right of representation in any and all interrogations; prohibits unwarranted search of personal property or forced submission to polygraph testing;
Maintaining professionalism. Authorizes recording any interrogation by employer or employee, and gives each access to the other's recordings and transcripts; statements made under duress can't be used in judicial proceedings;
Preserving appeal rights. Chief must provide written notice of removal or action and provide administrative appeal; appeals process must conform to state Administrative Procedures Act.
During the two-decade struggle, CPF has introduced a half-dozen different measures to enact these basic protections. Almost all fell victim to legislative partisanship or simple misinformation from employers.
This year, however, the measure enjoyed overwhelming support from both political parties, including near-unanimous support in the California Assembly. In addition to Schwarzenegger, the measure's champions included Assemblywoman Bass, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, Senate President Don Perata and Assembly GOP Leader Mike Villines.
Also standing tall in this battle was GOP Assemblyman Todd Spitzer, who helped win converts from his own party during the legislative battle.
"California's firefighters are, and should be, held to the highest standards of public service," said Paulson. "We welcome these high standards, but they must be applied fairly. This measure establishes that standard of basic fairness, and we are grateful to the governor and the Legislature for their support."

Schwarzenegger Vetoes Bipartisan EMT Fairness Bill

In a blow to basic fairness to firefighter EMTs and a slap in the face to local control, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed bipartisan legislation giving local fire departments and city governments - and local taxpayers - more control over how emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are disciplined.
AB 2554, authored by Assemblyman Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) and co-authored by Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian (R-Stockton), would have ended the "double jeopardy" provisions in law that allows EMTs to be punished multiple times for sometimes technical violations of their certification. It also required that the public agencies employing EMTs be directly involved in the disciplinary process. The bipartisan legislation was approved by votes of 80-0 in the Assembly and 40-0 in the state Senate. "Governor Schwarzenegger sided with the bureaucrats who manage local emergency management services over fire chiefs and firefighters, not to mention the unanimous votes of the Assembly and Senate for AB 2554, by vetoing the bill," said Assemblyman Ridley-Thomas. "I'm disappointed. With this veto, the governor sided with bureaucracy over accountability and the status quo over fair treatment of our first responders facing discipline."
Under existing law, local agencies - cities, counties and special districts - set standards, provide training and certify EMTs for their job protecting the public. But the disciplinary process rests entirely with a county-based bureaucracy, the Local Emergency Medical Services Agency (LEMSA).
Not accountable to anyone, these bureaucrats often subject EMT-1 personnel to punishment that duplicates and overlaps that imposed by their employer. AB 2554 also would have restored balance to the disciplinary process by eliminating this unreasonable "double-jeopardy"provision.
"The governor is constantly talking about how much he thinks of first responders," said CPF President Lou Paulson. "But when the time came to show it, he sided with a bureaucracy that ignores employers and treats EMTs like criminals."
The broad consensus supporting AB 2554 covered the spectrum of public safety and local government organizations. In addition to CPF, supporters included the League of California Cities, the California Fire Chiefs Association, the California Police Chiefs Association and CSFA. It received no *NO* votes throughout the entire legislative process, earning legislative support across the entire political spectrum.
The governor's veto message says AB 2554 would have limited the authority of the LEMSA bureaucracy by forcing them to consult with local agencies. But the bill didn't affect the current power of those bureaucracies. It only required that the needs of the local agencies, and the communities they serve, be taken into account.
Incredibly, the governor's veto message suggested that the measure would threaten public safety -- despite the strong support of fire and law enforcement, both labor and management.
"AB 2554 doesn't compromise any standards of conduct and it doesn't let anyone off the hook for inappropriate behavior," said President Paulson. "It simply would have required that regulators work with, rather than against local government in taking action to protect the public. (Reprinted from CPF Website)

New Labor Contract Signed

June 19, 2006 - The San Bernardino City Professional Firefighters sign the new contract with the City. Although it had been several months since the negotiations ended, the final copy of the contract was not signed until June 19th. This memorandum of understanding is an agreement between the City of San Bernardino and the San Bernardino City Professional Firefighters as the bargaining agent for the Fire Safety group of employees. The contract period runs from January 1, 2003 to June 30, 2009.
In this contract, the city agreed to pay an additional shift of holiday pay as of January 1, 2006. Also, the retirement plan will change to 3% @ 50 on December 30, 2008. The negotiators for the Union were: Ken Moseley, Scott Moss, Greg Parker, Jerry Mohney, Jim McMullen, and Brian Crowell and the Union attorney, Stuart Adams.
(Pictured from left to right: President Scott Moss; Human Resource Director Linn Livingston; Past-President Ken Moseley; Sec/Treasurer Greg Parker; Vice-President Jerry Mohney. Inset picture is President Moss signing contract)

Fire Brought to Fire Station

A Redlands city trash truck had the load of rubbish catch fire while he was traveling on Orange Street. Since he was close to Redlands fire station 3, the driver stopped at the station on Pennsylvania and Orange so the firefighters could put the fire out. Firefighters are used to responding to fires but how many times have you heard of the fire coming to the firefighters?

Mission of the CPF Callback Association

They call it "retirement", but nobody ever really retires from the fire service.
The ties that bind firefighters together on the job also keeps them connected once they leave the profession. Long after they leave the service, retired firefighters are still stopping by the station to visit with former colleagues and catch up on the latest news.
The California Professional Firefighters' (CPF) Callback Association was founded in early 1993 to establish and maintain a communication link with retired firefighters. The CPF is dedicated to keeping retirees informed about the profession to which they devoted their lives.
ASSOCIATION GOALS
To protect the funds and investments of your retirement system
To maintain and improve the purchasing power of your pension
To create an information network to keep retirees informed
The CPF Callback Association is working not only to keep you informed as retirees, but to keep your interests front and center in the halls of Sacramento. And as retirees, your feedback is always welcome -- just drop us a line at callback@cpf.org.
After all ... you're not really retired, are you?
For more information on the Callback Association please visit http://www.cpf.org

San Bernardino City Fire Crew Respond to a Two Alarm Structure Fire

The 4:36 pm fire consumed a single family residence in the 800 block of West 21st Street. The interior crews made slow progress due to the heavy smoke conditions and intense heat. High piled boxes and household goods made movement in the house very difficult. Once the fire entered the attic space it traveled to the front part of the house. Firefighters pulled the ceilings and cut ventilation holes in the roof to get control of the spreading fire in twenty minutes.
The elderly homeowner said she had 13 cats in the home but unfortunately only one survived. The unconscious cat was revived by PM/FF Ben Alexander and was doing well by time firefighters left the scene.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Women Building & Protecting California Conference

The fifth annual Women Building and Protecting California Conference sponsored by the California Professional Firefighters and the State Building Trades Council will be held June 10-11, 2006 at the Sacramento Convention Center in Sacramento.

As a result of input at last year's Fire Caucus held at the Women's Conference, the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC) board decided to establish the Commission to Recruit Women for the Fire Service. Comprised of twelve women in the fire service throughout California, the Commission is committed to its mission, to recruit, retain and promote women in the fire service.

At this year's conference, the commission members will conduct two workshops and a caucus - all geared toward its mssion.

The following firefighter workshops will be held on Saturday, June 10th:

Workshop #1: PREPARING FOR OUTREACH SUCCESS
Meet the commission members as they address the timely issue of recruiting women for the fire service. Participants will receive training and educational material for use in outreach efforts.

Workshop #2: WELLNESS/FITNESS AND CPAT TESTING
This session features Scott Peltin, retired Phoenix Battalion Chief and key member of the IAFF/IAFC Wellness Fitness Task Force. This workshop also addresses how to improve and maintain your current level of fitness for a long and successful career. Additionally, participants will learn from the commission members the benefits of CPAT and how you can participate in the process.

Go here (http://www.cpf.org/default/linkserv/index.cfm?contentid=6C313AEA-E0C3-218B-020C6EDCDD1B3BC9) to download conference brochure and registration form.

IAFF Sponsors Drawing to Appear on "Wildest Dreams" and Win the Hunting Trip of a Lifetime!

If you're one of the more than 70 percent of IAFF members who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors hunting, fishing and shooting, you'll want to join the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (http://www.trcp.org) and become a union sportsman.
The IAFF - along with a number of other unions- has allied with TRCP to unite union men and women who share a common interest in hunting, fishing and shooting. Founded in the spirit of Theodore Roosevelt, TRCP is focused on conserving, maintaining and enhancing access to land and water available for enjoying hunting, fishing and shooting. This alliance provides programs and benefits for IAFF members, including a union dedicated sportsman's club with its own magazine, web site and affinity program to promote union-made products and equipment and offer discount merchandise and trips.
A new television show, "Wildest Dreams" (http://www.olntv.com/wildestdreams) reflects the ground-breaking partnership among TRCP, labor unions and OLN. Debuting in January 2007, the new show will feature American sportsmen and women as they embark on their dream hunting and fishing adventures. The IAFF is participating in a promotion with TRCP and OLN that gives IAFF members an opportunity to win an adventure of a lifetime and a chance to appear on the show. Enter online at the wildest dreams website to win a hunting trip to be featured on "Wildest Dreams." Winning union sportsmen and women will receive an all-expenses-paid hunting or fishing trip to a dream destination, along with free outdoor hunting and fishing gear. The deadline for entries is May 15, 2006.

Firefighters Join Rally Protesting Schwarzenegger Fund Raiser

After spending more than $70 million on a mean-spirited and unsuccessful attack on working Californians, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger promised that he would roll up his sleeves and get to work solving California's problems.

Nope.

Instead of working for all Californians, the governor is working over the wealthy again. His fund-raising goal: a record-shattering $120 million. This week, the governor kicked off his new special-interest spree with a swanky Beverly Hills fund-raiser aimed at collecting more than $2 million.

Just as they were so many times during last year's special election fight, Californias' firefighters, teachers, nurses and law enforcement officers were there to greet the governor.

Hundreds of working people rallied outside the Beverly Hilton Hotel this past March 20th to protest the governor's special-interest fund rasing. Similar protests from working Californians dogged the governor throughout last year's special election, helping to sink his four-measure special interest ballot package.

"Governor Schwarzenegger said after the election last year that he was a changed man, but he's still coming after working people," said Pat McOsker, President of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, Local 112. "As long as he keeps playing to the same special interests, we need to keep holding him accountable."

The governor's swank Beverly Hills soiree was the latest stop on a whirlwind out-of-state fund-raising spree that also took him to New York and Phoenix. In order to make the Phoenix event, the governor skipped out on attending the memorial service for a CHP officer murdered in the line of duty.

Schwarzenegger's multi-million dollar fund raiser also came less than a month after he returned empty-handed from a trip to Washington D.C. designed to bring more federal dollars into the state for flood control, levee repair and immigration relief.

"He came back from Washington with nothing for the people of California and he's OK with that," said Los Angeles County Firefighters board member Andy Doyle. "But he sure works hard raising money for himself!"

New 2006 Executive Board

The first meeting of the 2006 Executive Board started off by swearing in Steve Lopez as the newest Director. Since the election of December 2005, the new President is Scott Moss; the new 1st Vice-President is Jerry Mohney; and the new 2nd Vice-President is Jim McMullen. Also, re-elected were Mike Bush and Brian Crowell as Directors. Greg Parker continues as the Secretary/Treasurer and Rolf Lindblom continues as Director.
Although this is the first time Steve Lopez has been elected to the Board, he brings a wealth of life experience with him. Congratulations go out to Scott, Mike, Brian and Steve on your election. Thank you for your service to our organization and good luck in the coming year.

Pension Issue Still Alive

Daniel Weintraub: One lawmaker tries to keep pension issue alive
By Daniel Weintraub -- Bee Columnist
Published 2:15 am PST Tuesday, January 3, 2006
Story appeared in Editorials section, Page B7
Keith Richman clearly is a man who doesn't give up easily. But the Republican assemblyman from Northridge might simply be ahead of his time in trying to bring attention to one of the biggest policy problems of the era: public employee pensions.
Richman authored the proposal embraced by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger a year ago this week and then abandoned by the governor after critics said it would have eliminated death and disability benefits for the survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

And while that pension proposal never went to a public vote, Schwarzenegger's debacle at the polls Nov. 8 suggests that high-profile fights such as the one that would be needed to enact retirement reform are not on the governor's to-do list for 2006, a year in which he will be running for reelection.

But Richman is charging ahead without his powerful patron, hoping to keep the issue in the spotlight long enough for the public to weigh in. Polls suggest that if the voters ever do get a chance to tighten benefits for public employees, they will be receptive to the idea.

It's not hard to see why. Benefit increases first approved in 1999 at the height of the technology boom in the stock market have become difficult to sustain, especially for local governments. It is now common for police officers and firefighters to retire with a pension equal to 90 percent or more of their final salary shortly after they turn 50. In many cities and counties, desk-bound workers can quit at age 55 and get 60 percent of their final salary for life, plus Social Security when it kicks in.

The early retirement ages at a time when life expectancy is lengthening mean that taxpayers are being asked to pay for two parallel work forces, one still on the job and the other that is retired and living off a pension for almost as long as they worked.

A recent Sacramento Bee review of the county of Sacramento's retirement records showed that at least 30 employees, mostly sheriff's deputies, had retired in 2004 with pensions of more than $100,000. As its pension costs have increased, the county has been borrowing to keep up with the payments. The cost of retiring those bonds has climbed from about $21 million a year to more than $50 million and expected to double again by 2014.

Sacramento's experience is not unusual. The problem can be traced to the competition among government agencies for employees. As one agency increases pensions, others follow suit to keep up, with policymakers often not blinking at the cost because it will be borne mainly by future taxpayers who are not around today to complain.

Richman's latest proposal would help remedy that by standardizing pension benefits statewide for new employees hired after July 1, 2007, forcing local governments to compete on salary, which has to be accounted for up-front and is far easier for taxpayers to understand. Agencies that wanted to offer pensions richer than the standard benefit would have to get voter approval to do so. It is no coincidence that the one large public agency that has such a requirement already - the city and county of San Francisco - also has one of the most solvent pension funds in the state.

The standard benefit that would be offered under the Richman plan is not exactly ungenerous. It would consist of two parts: a basic guaranteed pension and an individual retirement plan with employee contributions matched by the employer.

The guaranteed portion would provide a pension equal to 1.75 percent of pay multiplied by the number of years worked. For someone who worked 30 years, that would be about half their salary. The other portion of the retirement benefit would match money the employee set aside each year, up to 4 percent of salary. The normal retirement age would be 65.

Public safety workers would get 2 percent of salary for each year worked - plus their individual account - and could retire with full benefits at age 55.

"This proposal is a very fair proposal for the employee and also for the government and the taxpayer," Richman says.

The keys to the proposal are the higher retirement age, which allows money invested for and by the employee to compound over a longer period of time, and the transparency provided by a standard formula that can't be tweaked after a backroom deal that voters never see and ends up costing millions. The individual accounts, meanwhile, would be a boon to employees who go into and out of the workforce or change jobs, giving them a benefit they could take with them rather than forfeiting much of their potential pension when they leave government service.

Public employee groups that prefer the status quo are already fighting Richman's plan, however, and they have the clout to stop it cold in the Legislature. But that won't make the problem go away. If and when it is ever addressed, Richman should get some credit for doing everything possible to keep the issue alive.