Important Update
Legislative Update – October 15, 2024
By Shane LaVigne, LaVigne Strategies
End of Session:
Governor Gavin Newsom faced a September 30th deadline to act on over 1,200 bills sent to him this year, providing a clearer view of his political philosophy as he enters his final two years in office. Newsom signed 1,017 bills into law and vetoed 189, giving him a veto rate of just under 16%, slightly above the decade-long average. His decisions reflected a pragmatic, fiscally cautious approach, likely influenced by the state’s economic uncertainties.
Governor Vetoes Bill Guaranteeing Pay Equity Between California Department of Insurance Investigators and Department of Justice Special Agents
Veto message cites interference in collective bargaining process as basis for veto for AB 2872
SACRAMENTO – On September 20, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom returned AB 2872 to the Legislature by way of veto. The bill would have required immediate pay equivalency between California Department of Insurance (CDI) Investigators (which are presently included in a Statewide class with other Unit 7 peace officers) and California Department of Justice (DOJ) Special Agents (which are designated by a separate class code).
The State’s New Business and Travel Program Update
As a courtesy, CSLEA is informing its members that the State plans to begin implementing its new business and travel expense reimbursement program on October 1, 2024. This is consistent with the negotiated travel sections (Article 12.1 and Appendix 1) of our Bargaining Unit 7 Memorandum of Understandings (MOU).
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We employ a staff of five attorneys. Our mission is to defend Unit 7 members in disciplinary proceedings and to enforce the collective bargaining agreement between CSLEA and the State of California.
Working For You News
CSLEA Welcomes Senior Legal Counsel Kja Harper-Gopaul
HUNTINGTON BEACH – On October 7, 2024, the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) announced the hiring of Senior Legal Counsel Kja Harper-Gopaul. Harper-Gopaul is joining the CSLEA legal team in its Southern California office based in Huntington Beach, in preparation for the retirement of CSLEA Senior Counsel Jim Vitko. “Although it will be […]
CSLEA Senior Counsel Jim Vitko Announces Plan for Retirement
SACRAMENTO – After 15 years serving California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) members with representation and legal assistance, CSLEA Senior Legal Counsel Jim Vitko is announcing his plans for retirement. “Jim is a wealth of knowledge given his decades of experience as a law enforcement officer and attorney,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. “He has […]
CSLEA-CABCA Member Receives ABC’s “Life Saving Award”
Revived a baby who was not breathing By CABCA Secretary Bryant Pender SAN JOSE – On October 10, 2024, California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Agent Daniel Felix of the San Jose District Office received ABC’s “Life Saving Award” for his work in saving the life of a baby at the Salinas Rodeo. On Friday, July […]
CSLEA & CHP-PSDA Visit Dispatchers Training at CHP Academy in West Sacramento
WEST SACRAMENTO – On October 7, 2024, four California Highway Patrol (CHP) dispatchers training at the academy in West Sacramento received a visit from union representatives California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Senior Counsel Andrea Perez and CHP-Public Safety Dispatchers Association Vice President Victor Tovar. Perez and Tovar conducted a new employee orientation, introducing the […]
CABCA Representatives Conduct Three Site Visits in Southern California
RIVERSIDE – On October 1-2, 2024, the president, secretary and treasurer of the association California Alcoholic Beverage Control Agents (CABCA) visited licensing representatives and agents at California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) offices in Riverside, Palm Desert and Cerritos. “Through the course of our visits we were able to meet and have conversations with 16 agents […]
CSLEA Officers and Directors Meet For 2024 Third Quarter Board Meeting
Special guest Assemblymember Josh Hoover speaks with directors SACRAMENTO – California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) officers and directors met at CSLEA headquarters September 24, 2024 for their third quarter board meeting of the year. In addition to receiving updates from consultants and staff, the board had the opportunity to listen to, and ask questions […]
News
ABC Continues Sweeps for Illegal Hemp Products
“These are new regulations so it is important for ABC agents to visit ABC-licensed establishments in order to educated and to remove the illegal hemp products. These sweeps are designed to keep consumers safe and increase public safety.” CSLEA President Alan Barcelona SACRAMENTO – On October 23, 2024, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) […]
California Seizes $70.7 Million in Illegal Cannabis Since July
“We very much appreciate the law enforcement work conducted by UCETF to target illegal cannabis. This can be dangerous work but is important for consumer protection, public safety, the future of our natural resources, and supporting those cannabis operations that are licensed.” CSLEA President Alan Barcelona SACRAMENTO – On October 22, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom […]
Criminal Charges Filed Against Southern California Dentist for Medi-Cal Fraud
“This is an example of the need for State investigators who work to protect California’s assistance programs from fraud. It’s unfortunate that some people participate in schemes to line their own pockets and deplete money from programs meant to help those in need of assistance.” CSLEA President Alan Barcelona SAN DIEGO – On October 17, 2024, […]
Leader of Sacramento Cocaine Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison
The California Department of Justice assisted with this investigation “By identifying, arresting and assisting in the prosecution of drug traffickers, law enforcement officers are working to keep our citizens and communities safe from harm. Drug traffickers work against the quality of life most of us expect to have in our neighborhoods and pose a danger […]
Mother of Baby Found Dead Nearly 30 Years Ago is Arrested
California DOJ criminalists assisted with cold case investigation MONTEREY COUNTY – On October 17, 2024, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Pamela Ferreyra, 60, of Watsonville, in connection with the death of a baby boy found dead in a bag on December 3, 1994. The baby was discovered by someone searching for […]
Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Operation Creep Sweep
“This is important work conducted by local, state and federal law enforcement to protect our children from harm. Our children should grow up in safe environments that encourage health, happiness and productive lives. Thank you to those who investigate these crimes, we know that it can take a toll on one’s mental health.” CSLEA President […]