servic e aw ards

The
County
Can You Help????
Happy
Holidays
inda Sanders, a Social
Worker at DSS, is off work
due to a serious medical
condition, and will be off work
for some time. Linda has
exhausted her leave balances. A
catastrophic leave account has
been set up in Linda’s name.
Linda has been an active job
steward for a number of years,
and has donated countless hours
of her time to help maintain fair
wages, hours and working conditions for County employees.
Linda could use our help to
ensure that while she is off on
medical leave, she continues to
receive her salary and benefits.
L
from Your SLOCEA Staff
SERVICE AWARDS
This holiday season
SLOCEA’s office
will be closed
December 24th, 25th,
and January 1st.
SLOCEA wishes you
and your family a
wonderful holiday season and
a prosperous New Year!
County employees can donate
vacation hours to Linda’s catastrophic leave bank by calling:
Cecelia
Risk Management
781-5007
In order to donate vacation
hours, employees must have at
least 80 hours of vacation time
on the books.
All donations to Linda’s
account will be greatly appreciated. Please keep Linda in your
thoughts and send positive
wishes for a complete and
speedy recovery.
VOLUME 24
NO. 12
DECEMBER
2009
From
The General
Manager
Thank you.
kimm daniels
25 Year
Recipients
Protecting Jobs,
Salaries & Benefits
s we near the end of 2009, your
SLOCEA staff is working harder
than ever to avoid layoffs. I am
committed to doing everything we can
to ensure that employees remain
employed. It may mean that some have
to transfer to other departments to survive this economic situation, but we are
doing and will continue to do all that
we can to avoid having our members
released from employment.
This has been a difficult year, to say the
least. With internal and external changes
in the County and at SLOCEA, the faltering economy, a state budget that would
be comical were it not such a dismal disgrace, and no sense of security in the
financial market, 2009 will undoubtedly
go down as one of the most challenging
years any of us have lived through.
I am asking, as I have been for the past
several months, that we all take a deep
breath, hold on tight, and get through
the upcoming months together. There
are some small glimmers of hope beginning to shine through. I do not know if
we have hit the bottom of bad times yet,
but we sure as heck are close. We have
survived without getting too beat up and
bruised through the process. The credit
for this phenomenal feat goes to you,
the“average”employee, who has continued to go to work, do your job to the
best of your ability, and maintain a smile.
Because you have been willing to
make sacrifices, we have been able to
maintain jobs. Because you have made
sacrifices, we have been able to maintain service levels. I have never been
more proud of the people SLOCEA
represents than I am at this time. You
continue to amaze me with your generosity of spirit and commitment to
your fellow County employees. You are
so far above and beyond “average”.
In closing for 2009, I want to wish
each of you a holiday season filled with
peace, health and happiness. Here’s to
a 2010 that brings back prosperity and
security to all of us. Happy Holidays!
A
Pictured left to right:
Jan Wilson,
Lori Hunstad,
James Handeland.
From
The
President
On November 3,
2009, Tom Massey
was recognized by the
Board of Supervisors
for 37 years of
County service.
From
The
Vice President
deborah smith-cooke
Looking for
Volunteers
dsmith.cooke@gmail.com
our new Board successfully conducted its first two meetings! It
was wonderful to see so many
members in attendance, and to hear
their concerns and opinions. One
thing this Board would like to
accomplish is to facilitate better communications between members, the
Board and SLOCEA staff; and seeing
the increased attendance at the meetings gives me great hope that we can
reach this goal!
Your Board also needs to establish
members on our Standing Committees. Allowing members to serve
on committees will also enhance
Y
continued on page 3
Calendar
of Events
•
•
•
•
•
SLOCEA Board of Directors
Steward Meeting
Civil Service Commission
Pension Trust
Board of Supervisors
michele whipple
Hello SLOCEA!
michele.whipple@gmail.com
ctober was a great month and
certainly a time of learning
for me. I didn’t know I could
pack so much in up there in that
brain of mine!! I have heard
from many of you, the members
with words of support and encouragement, questions and general
conversation we may not have had
before. I am deeply touched by your
O
continued on page 4
Third Wednesday of each month at 5:30pm - SLO City-County Library Community Room
Second Wednesday of each month - SLO City-County Library Conference Room
Fourth Wednesday at 9am - Personnel Department Conference Room
Fourth Monday at 9:30am - Board Chambers, County Government Center
First 4 Tuesdays at 9:00am - Board Chambers, County Government Center
Page 2 - The County Blade - December 2009
Home & Auto
Insurance
Coordinator
TIM MCGEE
Tips to Save On
Homeowner’s
Insurance
• Shop around. Consult with an
independent insurance agency to quote
your home with several companies. See
example comparison below:
Dwelling Value
$350,000
Other Structure
$ 35,000
Personal Property
$245,000
Loss of Use
Actual
Liability
$300,000
Medical Pay
$ 1,000
Deductible
$ 1,000
higher), you’ll have lower annual premium payments
• Insure your home, not your land.
Since homeowners policies don’t provide protection for your land, it would
be a waste of money to include its
value as part of your dwelling coverage,
which should only reflect the price it
would cost to repair or replace your
home’s structure.
• Improve home security and safety. If your home has certain types of fire
alarms, burglar alarms, locks, or smoke
detectors; you’ve reduced your risk and
may qualify for a credit.
• Insure your car and home with
the same company. You could save
money if you have more than one type
of policy with the same insurance company (for example, an auto policy and a
homeowners policy). The more good
business you give the company, the
more valuable you are as a customer.
• Compare the limits in your policy
to the value of your possessions at least
once a year. If you make any major
purchases or additions, you want to
ensure they will be covered, but you do
not want to spend more than is necessary.
• Consider how much insuring a
new home will be. The age of your
home may qualify you for savings
because plumbing, heating and electrical systems of newer homes have lower
risks
than
outdated
systems.
Construction of the home (brick versus
wooden frame) can affect your cost as
well, depending on your home’s loca-
Quotes for Annual Homeowner Policy
Travelers
Allied
State Farm
With Auto Policy
$309
$298
$550
Without Auto Policy
$366
$396
$686
• Raise your deductible. Companies
generally have deductibles (what you
pay before your insurance policy kicks
in) starting at $250. By choosing a higher deductible ($500, $750, $1,000 or
Farmers
$1,349
$1,479
tion. Also, if you live near your local fire
department, your homeowners rates
might be lower than if you are many
miles away.
continued on page 4
Call for Our Daily Selections of Soups
Hungry for real food?
Come to Gus’s for a quick, healthy bite to eat.
Holiday Gift
Certificates
Available
Award Winning Sandwiches
Patio
Dining
Delivery Mon-Fri 11-2
Salad Bar
Lunch Catering for Business Meetings
Want it right now? Call ahead!
phone: 543-8684
1638 Osos Street
San Luis Obispo
The
County Blade
SLOCEA
San Luis Obispo County Employees’ Association
1035 Walnut, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone (805) 543-2021 Fax: (805) 543-4039
E-mail: INFO@SLOCEA.ORG
OFFICERS
Michele Whipple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .President
Deborah Smith-Cooke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vice President
Sue Edwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Secretary/Treasurer
STAFF
Kimm Daniels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .General Manager
Loralie Zeiders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Field Representative
Nancy Bishop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Office Manager
Sara Hockaday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Administrative Assistant/Editor
The opinions expressed in the County Blade do not necessarily reflect the official
opinion of the San Luis Obispo County Employees’ Association unless so specified.
For advertising information, please call 543-2021. Joe Heaslet, Publisher
THE COUNTY BLADE (USPS 763-330) is published monthly for $1.20 per year by Joe
Heaslet, Publisher, 1035 Walnut, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. PERIODICAL rate postage
paid at San Luis Obispo, CA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE COUNTY
BLADE, 1035 Walnut, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
From The
Field
Representative
LORALIE ZEIDERS
Thanks to Staff and
Members
would like to start out by thanking
all of SLOCEA’s staff and members
for the warm welcome. Everyone has
been so genuinely nice and helpful. In
my first month with SLOCEA I have
had the opportunity to shadow Kimm
Daniels and get an overall view of what
the daily tasks of representing our
members include. Let me just say, we
have been very busy keeping in direct
contact with our membership and
addressing all of the current issues,
I
from performance evaluations to investigations and terminations. I have
been so impressed with the level of
dedication and commitment to the
membership that has been displayed by
our staff. I am also getting a very clear
picture of just how important it is to
establish and maintain positive relationships with our members and
department managers.
We have been working hard to reduce
or eliminate any layoffs. I have also
been helping to tally the survey results
and am pleased to hear that we
received a much larger response than in
past years. I have been submerged in a
whole new world that revolves around
the present economic challenges our
county is facing, and trying to find
creative methods to minimize those
challenges. I am confident in saying
that SLOCEA staff is doing everything
in their power to do what is best for its
members.
I realize that my article this month
and last month have been brief. I will be
expanding my articles as I expand my
knowledge in my position. I certainly
have gained a whole new respect for
the services County employees provide
to the citizens.
Last but not least, I am looking
forward to the upcoming year with
SLOCEA and meeting more of our
members. Wishing you and your families a warm and happy holiday season!
Why Return Your Surveys?
t the Board of Director’s
meeting on November 18,
2009, I was asked by our
president to write a short article
about the history behind why
SLOCEA chooses to mail out surveys in order for our members to
rank the importance of issues for
upcoming negotiations. Also asked
was the question, “Why doesn’t
SLOCEA share the results of those
survey’s with its members?”
These are good questions and
ones worth responding to with reference to the history that brought
SLOCEA to today’s practices.
In years past, SLOCEA would
hold a yearly meeting for its members, usually at a large venue like
the Vet’s Hall. The timing of that
meeting was always right before
the upcoming negotiations for the
coming year. The purpose of the
meeting was to give members a
chance to show up in person and
rank the importance of the issues
to come to the table for the upcoming negotiations and to vote in a
negotiating team.
These meetings were often
attended by about 10% of the total
membership at best. They usually
started at 5:30 p.m. and often went
beyond 9:00 p.m. in the evening.
Members were given individual
opportunity to make public pleas
for support of their salary inequity
requests, or other areas they felt
needed to be addressed at the
negotiation table. When all members who cared to be heard had a
chance to speak, the process of
counting the votes on each issue
raised was completed. The number
of items raised was then skinnied
down to those 10 or so items which
received the most votes. With a
smaller list of 10, another hand
vote was taken to prioritize the top
three concerns.
When the members’ issues had
been prioritized, the meeting
moved on to electing individuals,
A
who, along with the SLOCEA
Officers, then became the
Negotiating Team. It was the
Negotiating Team’s responsibility
to carry the prioritized issue of that
evening’s meeting on to the negotiating table.
Keep in mind this process was
lengthy and only included the
votes of those members who were
actually present and who were able
to stay through to the end of the
evening and vote. Additionally, I
can’t remember a time when anyone who wasn’t present even had a
chance to be elected to the
Negotiating Team. There were
years when this made for a very
unbalanced representation of the
units at the table. One year, in fact,
all of the elected members were
from one department. Hardly fair,
and unfortunately, our negotiations
reflected it that year.
As a result of experience, the
Board of Directors voted to make
by-law changes that would
allow for the construction of a
Negotiations Committee. The bylaws assured a balance of the
various units would be represented
on that committee. This is the
structure we use today to bring a
better balance to our negotiations
for all SLOCEA members.
Why doesn't SLOCEA share the
results of the surveys with its
members? The survey results are
the members priorities for
negotiations. We do not go into
negotiations announcing our priorities, as it would “play-out our
hand” before we even entered into
negotiations. It's all a part of the
strategy of negotiations.
In closing, I ‘d like to thank our
president for allowing me this
opportunity to share my knowledge of this piece of SLOCEA
history.
Gina Pinto,
Public Health
uuuuu
December 2009 - The County Blade - Page 3
From The
Benefits
Coordinator
EDDIE HOLMES
Year End Planning
t’s hard to believe that we are at the
end of another year.
I
We have survived a stock market meltdown, a real estate value downturn and
the accompanying graying of hair that
comes with this added stress.
I thought I would make this article a
little reminder of some financial moves
you can make before the end of the year.
By the time you read this article you
may only have one pay period left. You
can still defer up to the limits into the
457 plan, and your spouse should also be
able to defer a larger amount in their
retirement plan as well.
Assuming you qualify, you can still
make deposits into your Traditional IRA
or Roth IRA until you file your tax return
or April 15th; which ever is sooner.
Remember, the limit for people under
age 50 is $5,000.00 and for people over
age 50 is now $6,000.00. If you make
over six figures, you may not be eligible
to have either of these plans. Talk to
your tax preparer regarding your specific
situation.
Sell some losers in your stock portfolio
to offset any stock gains. Remember, if
you are in the 10-15% federal income tax
bracket for 2009 and 2010, you won’t
have to pay any capital gains tax. But if
you sell too much, and go out of these
tax brackets, then you will not qualify for
this tax break, and you WILL have to pay
capital gains.
Buy a house. The first time home
buyers credit of $8,000.00 has been
extended to April 2010, and a $6,500.00
tax credit has been approved for moveup buyers. If you are single the credit is
available if you make less than
$125,000.00 and if you are a joint filer,
the income limit is $225,000.00. The purchase price of the house can’t exceed
$800,000.00 and it must be your primary
residence. A first time home buyer is a
person who hasn’t owned a house in the
last years. A “move-up buyer”must have
lived in the prior house for 5 consecutive
years or longer.
Prepay property taxes, or make an
extra interest payment on your mortgage
for an additional tax deduction in the
2009 tax year.
Use all of the money in your ITS
program. If there is extra money in there,
buy some eye glasses, or go to the dentist, get a physical; do something to use
the money.
Eddie Holmes is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ professional, and
James Wormley is an Investment Advisor
Representative. Melissa Giovanazzi is a
Licensed Insurance Agent.
Eddie Holmes and James Wormley are
registered representatives for, and securities are offered through Woodbury
Financial Services Inc, P.O. Box 64284, St.
Paul, MN 55164.
Vice President
Social Service Employees of the Month
Adrienne Nicolson
continued from page 1
increased communication, so we ask
that you consider your talents,
areas of interest and willingness to
participate!
Article VIII, Section 3 of SLOCEA
by laws states that Standing
Committee appointments are to be
made at the beginning of each
Presidential term. Any Association
member may serve on the Finance
Committee, Bylaws Committee,
Academic Scholarship, Summer
Childcare Reimbursement or Political
Action Committee.
So here is another opportunity to
help improve your Association, where
you can influence how things get
handled. If you are interested in being
a member of any one of these committees, please send me an e-mail by
December 20, 2009 providing a short
statement of your interest, to what
committee you feel your talents are
best suited, and a brief listing of those
talents.
Looking forward to hearing from
you, and getting to know you!
ERS III
September 2009
Adrienne has an exceptional ability to provide
good customer service. Numerous “Service
Satisfaction Statements” have been received from
participants complimenting her style of providing
information of services while helping them have a
pleasant experience in the public assistance eligibility process.
She has respect and empathy of the needs and life
stories she hears every day from participants.
She has the knowledge and experience of working on all public assistance
programs, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, General Assistance, Food Stamps and Foster
Care.
She uses her time, energy, and efforts wisely to inform participants, guiding
them and determining public assistance benefits for them.
She has the ability to be flexible to assist the public and co-workers on a
moments notice when help is needed.
She is able to diffuse extremely difficult situations when assisting persons
who are experiencing difficulties in life.
Every day she demonstrates being a true professional in spite of the situations or events happening around her.
She embraces change proactively, always focusing on the positive.
She has an exceptional ability to maintain a good balance of all workload
activities.
Collaborating with a local church, she actively participates in collecting and
distributing gifts to Adult Services families.
Adrienne performs above and beyond of what is expected of her.
uuuuu
VALUE!
Amanda Brown
ERS II
October 2009
We
Install
HDTV’s
For Less!
Amanda is friendly and extremely helpful.
She takes on everything given to her with a “can
do”attitude. Her positive attitude helps to bring up
the morale of her co-workers.
She is dependable and always up to date on her
work. She regularly volunteers to help out wherever needed. She assists her co-workers and fills in for
those who are out ill.
She is open to new concepts. She works well under pressure.
She goes above and beyond for her participants, always willing to go the
extra mile to make sure she has done everything possible to ensure accurate
benefits are received timely.
Keychain
Screwdriver
Set
FREE with
this Coupon
One Per Family – Limited to Stock on Hand
• Free*
Cellular
Phones
*see store for details
In Search
of a Little
Advice?
Call
SLOCEA
543-2021
FAMILY &
INDUSTRIAL
MEDICAL
CENTER
Shop Outside
of the Big Box
Our prices beat Best Buy home theater
pricing AND our service is local!
coast-electronic.com
Frank Mazzone, M.D.
Urgent Care • Family Practice
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Accepting all Blue Shield HMO products assigned
to Coastal Community Physician Network (CCPN)
Open 7 Days a Week - Extended Hours
Same Day Appointments
Lab & X-Ray on Site
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47 Santa Rosa Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93504
(805) 542-9596 • Fax (805) 542-9354
Lost Coast
Auto Detailing
• Headlamp Restoration
• Bumper, Ding Repair
• Paint Repair • Window Tinting
• Carpet Replacement
10% OFF with this AD!
Holiday Special!!
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— Holiday —
Gift Certificates Available
“Your Auto
Appearance
Specialist”
Serving SLO County
771-9970 • 1000 Quintana Road • Morro Bay
Page 4 - The County Blade - December 2009
President
continued from page 1
support and thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Many of you are aware of our current
budget situation and that layoff
notices are being given. Please
remember that because you got a
notice, does not necessarily mean you
will be laid off. The departments have
to send these notices to all candidates
within range. That being said, if you
got a layoff notice, you don’t have to
face this alone. The reason you pay
dues is to have someone on your side
to fight, and boy do we have our big
gloves on. Kimm, and now with the
help of Loralie, are working very hard
to re-class jobs, change MQ’s (minimum qualifications) in order to save as
many jobs as possible. Call Kimm,
Loralie, myself or your board representative if you want to know what’s
being done for you. I can’t stress
enough how important it is to have an
up to date resume and county application on file. If you don’t have one, and
aren’t sure where to start, call me. I
will put you in contact with other
stewards, board members, and members like yourselves that would love to
help polish up your resume and make
you shine.
Another topic coming up often
(especially near and dear to me!) is
stewardship. There have been many of
you expressing desire to become stewards. As of this moment we are at
capacity. According to the by-laws:
Section 7 Steward Committee
J. Steward Committee Representatives may be removed by the Board of
Directors consistent with Article VII Section 10 for the following reasons:
a. Absenteeism: Stewards are
expected to attend the monthly meetings. Stewards who cannot make a
monthly meeting shall notify SLOCEA
in advance. Stewards who are consistently unable to attend the meetings
because of their work schedule or
work location shall coordinate with
the SLOCEA staff liaison to stay current on pertinent information and
updates. Stewards who consistently
miss monthly meetings without excuse
will be asked in writing to attend the
meetings. Stewards
may
be
removed or replaced for excessive
absenteeism.
So if you are a steward, make a point
to attend meetings and be aware of
what’s going on. Stewards meetings
are at the SLO City Library from noon
to 1pm the 2nd Wednesday of every
month. If you are finding it difficult to
get the extra travel time or lunch hour
to make the meetings call Kimm at the
SLOCEA office. That is why she is
here… To help us with getting things
done. Let her talk to the bosses and
get us what we need, so you can attend
and be up to date.
I suppose that is meaty enough for
one article, but save room for Turkey!
Holidays are around the corner. I and
my family, as well as the SLOCEA
family wish you a safe and peaceful
holiday season with your families and
friends.
“First keep the peace within
yourself, then you can also bring
peace to others.“
—Thomas a Kempis
uuuuu
Insurance Coordinator
continued from page 2
• Look for group discounts.
SLOCEA members receive a group
discount only through McGee
Insurance Agency!
Call Tim, Kay or Cindy at
805-543-8833 for quotes today!
December 2009 - The County Blade - Page 5
n
e
e
w
o
l
l
a
H
nty
u
o
C
o
p
is
b
San Luis O 09
20
Boo!
Page 6 - The County Blade - December 2009
Season’s Greetings!
Super-soft, cuddly stuffed
animals that turn into
pillows...for kids of all ages!
Great for traveling,
overnighters, watching
movies on the couch
and more.
You'll have to feel them to
believe it...soooo snugly!
San Luis Obispo - 670 Higuera Street #B
(next to West End Espresso & Tea - Formerly Rudolph's)
Morro Bay - 699 Embarcadero #4
(directly below Windows on the Water)
Cambria - 746-B Main Street
(West Village, next to the Apothecary)
805-787-0683 • www.anitaspillowpets.com
Great
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Store!
Now
Open!
Discount Card!! • 1st Time Offer
With This Card Receive
D 60% OFF d
Your 1st Purchase and
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Through December 2009
At the Greatest Silver Shop in California
If you love silver, you’ll love our store!! We have 15,000
sterling silver rings and 50,000 additional sterling silver
items, such as chains, earrings, toe rings, pendants,
anklets, hoops and much more
Open 7 Days A Week
784-0462
850 Higuera Street • San Luis Obispo
December 2009 - The County Blade - Page 7
Specializing in
Toyota • Lexus
Scion • Prius
805-474-1288
Daniel Arndt • Loren Bradbury
983 S. 4th Street, Suite B
Grover Beach, Ca 93433
ECONO LUBE N TUNE & BRAKES
286 Higuera St. SLO • 544-2976
No Appointment Necessary
OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY
8 AM to 6 PM
FULL SERVICE REPAIR FACILITY
Complimentary
Customer Drop
Off & Pickup
in SLO
w/appointment
Get Ready
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for the
Employees
Holidays &
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Oil Changes • Tune Ups 30/60/90K
Check Engine, ABS, Brake & Air-Bag Lights,
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Order
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Holiday Gift
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cpktakeout.com
• Go to cpktakeout.com
• Select your favorite CPK location and place your Take-Out order.
• Your order will be ready for pick up at the Take-Out counter.
• It’s that easy!
Convenient for SLO County Employees for Lunch or Dinner
Downtown San Luis Obispo
(Next to SLO Theater Complex)
784-0790
Happy Holidays
from Keith, Janice, Danielle & “Tiva”
Come in and See Our
Beautiful Jewelry Selection for Christmas
Hours:
Mon-Fri 10-5:30
For 28 Years
First and Finest on the Central Coast
Specializing in Jewelry Consignment Sales
and Jewelry Appraisal
HAMILTON ESTATE JEWELRY
1128 Garden Street • San Luis Obispo • 541-2065
Closed
Sun-Mon
Page 8 - The County Blade - December 2009
Reminders
& Important Info
Do we have your address
and home e-mail?
We’re building our e-mail lists so we can get information
to you faster. Do we have your address? If not, please send
it to Sara at shockaday@slocea.org. Or, if you are unsure
whether we have your e-mail address and want to check,
contact Sara at 543-2021.
Have an idea for a story?
Is there a subject you would like to see addressed in a
future issue of The County Blade? We’re always open to
suggestions. Phone Editor Sara Hockaday at 543-2021, or
e-mail her at shockaday@slocea.org. Or write her at
SLOCEA, 1035 Walnut Street, San Luis Obispo CA 93401.
2009/2010 SLOCEA
Board of Director Meetings
The next three meetings are:
Wednesday, December 16th, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 20th, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 17th, 5:30 p.m.
SLOCEA members are encouraged to attend Board meetings
and they are held at the San Luis Obispo City/County
Library in the Community Room.
Bonus Program:
$10 Cash for Every New Member You Sign
After you have recruited 5 new members, you earn a $20 bonus for new
members #6 through #10. From new
member #11 on, you earn $30 bonus per
member. New members must have
SLOCEA dues deducted for three payroll
periods before you receive your recruitment payment check. For
membership forms, call the SLOCEA office at 543-2021.
B&B on the“Water”
Stay Overnight on the
Classic 1936 “Villita”
Nowhere Else on the Coast Will You Find Such a Unique Experience.
Formerly owned by a well known Hollywood film star and cinematographer of the
20s and 30s and also members of the Hollywood Yacht Club. Imagine beautiful
woods and a comfortable spacious rear deck, overlooking the marina. The boat slip
is just a few steps from all the restaurants, shops, live entertainment and more…
Experience the Relaxing Beauty of “Villita”
Anniversaries • Birthdays • Romantic Getaways
Or Just for the Fun of It!!
Price Includes Gift Certificate at the French Cafe!!
— Call Now to Reserve Your One-of-a-Kind Experience —
Located in the Heart of the Beautiful Ventura Harbor Village
www.BoatelOnTheWater.com
(805) 235-2208
(Joe)
or (805) 598-2628
(George)
FAMILY &
INDUSTRIAL
MEDICAL
CENTER
Frank Mazzone, M.D.
Urgent Care • Family Practice
Industrial Medicine
Accepting all Blue Shield HMO products assigned
to Coastal Community Physician Network (CCPN)
Open 7 Days a Week - Extended Hours
Same Day Appointments
Lab & X-Ray on Site
— Accepting New Patients —
47 Santa Rosa Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93504
(805) 542-9596 • Fax (805) 542-9354
continued on page 9
December 2009 - The County Blade - Page 9
If You Have Something
To Say — Write Us!
continued from page 8
We’ll Print Your Concerns
Send your letter to:
The County Blade,
1035 Walnut, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Officers
President: Michele Whipple, General Services
Vice President: Deborah Smith-Cooke, Health Agency
Secretary: Sue Edwards, Tax Collector
B.U. #1 Public Services Unit
Joe Alves, Assessor
Dora Drexler, Air Pollution Control District
Bob Mich, Social Services
B.U. #2 Trades, Crafts Unit
Mike Bishop, Public Works
Dave Loden, General Services
B.U. #5 Supervisory Unit
Sharon Beccacio, Health Agency
Los Osos CSD
Vacant
Past President
Vern Halterman, ITD
Court Supervisory
Patricia Glenn, Courts
B.U. #13 Clerical Unit
Sarah Whipple, General Services
At Large Unit
Kristen Barnhart, Library
Ron Coleman, Public Works
Sonia E. Garcia, Health Agency
Dan Linhares, Public Works
Dan Qualey, Public Works
Page 10 - The County Blade - December 2009
Happy Anniversary
he following county employees were hired in the month of December.
We list those employees who have reached their 5th, 10th, 15th and
higher years of county employment. Congratulations to these employees!
T
DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
Department
Name
Years of Service
Public Works
Ronald Coleman
31
Public Works
Max Keller
28
Public Works
James Marty
28
Agricultural Commissioner
Cathy Darling
27
Social Services
Marlene Jacobsen
26
Public Works
Frank Rak
25
Agricultural Commissioner
Judy Groat
24
Public Works
Dan Linhares
24
Public Works
Joe Moreno
24
Agricultural Commissioner
Tamara Kleemann
23
Planning Department
John McKenzie
23
Public Health
Dayna Ravalin
23
County Medical Serv. Prog. Gloria Guerero-Gonzales
22
General Services
Anthony Bartholow
21
Air Pollution Control District
Karen Brooks
20
Sheriff-Coroner
Albert Calizo
20
Mental Health
Gerald Clare
20
Social Services
Alice Rackley
20
Drinker Driver Programs
Natalie Read
20
Karoline Slater
20
Social Services
Planning Department
Arthur Trinidade
20
Anita Perez
19
Social Services
Public Works
Faith Zenker
19
Public Works
Irene Bishop
18
Catrina Christensen
18
Clerk-Recorder
Air Pollution Control District
Timothy Fuhs
18
Susana Castaneda
16
Public Health
Social Services
Constance Willard
16
Agricultural Commission
Christopher Morris
15
Public Works
Michael Tabares
15
Planning Department
Kelly Walsh
15
Frank Warren
15
Drug & Alcohol Services
Social Services
Sylvia Canales
10
Social Services
Henrietta Fuller
10
Planning Department
Jo Manson
10
Sheriff-Coroner
Julie Weakley
10
Child Support Services
Ronald Chilcott
5
Mental Health Services Act
Theresa Desmond
5
San Luis Obispo County Works Because You Do!
Correction:
Happy 10 year anniversary to Patricia Smith!
Our apologies for missing her July anniversary.
Welcome New Members
New Member, Department
$10 Recruitment Bonus to SLOCEA Member
Amanda Shelton, Sheriff-Coroner
---------------
Changing Addresses?
If you move, SLOCEA needs to know. Just call 543-2021 and we’ll update our
records so you’ll continue to get The County Blade, special notices, Hotlines, and
other “stuff”we mail to keep you up-to-date on what is going on.
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Gift
Baskets
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544-4449
San Luis Obispo
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HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
December Birthdays!
Denise Braun
Thomas DeMarco
Pamela DeTilla
Darrell Johnson
Daniel Peters
Richard Rose
John Sutherland
Gregory Vickery
Robert Yetter
Steven Kinsey
Roxy McIntosh
Laura Ottrando
Martha Patterson
Crystal Cardona
Jason Rath
Diane Calvillo
Vanessa Chezem
Noemi Cortez
Beatriz Hurtado
Janice Knutson
Logan Mitchell
Lupita Vargas
Daniel Erdman
Marlene Bartsch
Taryn Jamison
Pamela Rada
Debora Schmitz
Jerilyn Fox
Phyllis Guaspari
Carl Severn
Peter Spagnola
Joseph Alves
Johnny Carmain
Dawn Gardner
Paul Reitz
Paul Donnelly
Barry Fehlman
Deanna Franklin
Evelyn Kirk
Catherine Milner
Dorothy Myers
Julie Raybon
Thelma Clifford
Lynne Frank
Megan Lillich
Sheri Thompson
Frances Banaga
Paul Burns
Luise Cannoles
Neri Diaz
Dora Drexler
Deborah Maccarone
Jacqueline Moskowitz
Doug Rion
Kathleen Smith
Noelle Grasmick
Angela McCormick
John McKenzie
Dave O’Halloran
Creed Bruce
Marsha Robbins
Bonnie Scott
Kirsten Came
Laurel Harris
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12/13
12/13
12/14
12/14
Karen Floyd
Daniel Man
Jo Manson
James Myers
Van Keller
James Marty
Linda McClure
Terri Medzyk
Christopher Morris
Alice Myers
Julia Walters
Mary Gabriel
Lesley Corbus
Judi Davies
Monica Goldberg
Katherine Griffith
Mark Hanson
Elvia Mansera
Alyssa Roslan
Lee Thompson
Tommy Massey
Victoria Rodriguez
Lucia Salto
Alice Van Valkenburg
Ingrid Warren
Pamela Barnabei
Patricia Bogdan
Michael Garcia
Jennifer Rubio
Shawnita August
Vickie Fox
James Hopper
Anita Perez
Heather Uhler
Brian McLean
K. Rick Meeks
Keya Bergman
Eric Guy
Cindy Stewart
Kelly Wilson
Theresa Desmond
Ingrid Fagan
Debbie White
George Akin
Dawn Britt
Carolyn Huseby
Andrea Liddie
Gina
McKernon-Cindrich
Danilyn Quezada
Maureen Vestal
Holly Frank
Kit Sinner
Douglas Tait
Holly Phipps
Jon Williams
Kendra Williams
Ronald Chilcott
Kristine Hopkins
Sonia Hurtado
Katie Drexhage
Charles Sechrist
Angela Spannbauer
Leslie Weaver
12/15
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12/30
12/30
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If your birthdate is not listed above it is because we do not have
it in our database. Please help us keep our records up to date by
contacting Sara Hockaday 543-2021.
December 2009 - The County Blade - Page 11
?
?
November 2009
• Settled two disciplinary actions • Advised many employees on
appropriately reacting to tough
• Advocated for employees on
situations in the workplace
two formal grievances filed at
• Met with dozens of SLOCEA
the department level
members to discuss work issues
• Resolved issues between groups
and evaluate their
of employees and their
circumstances
supervisors
• Helped several employees with
• Held one steward meeting and
problems associated with
updated the employees on
recruitments, reclassifications,
recent events
evaluations, job specifications
and promotions/career
• Worked with the County safety
advancements
officer to ensure safety for
employees at various work
• Settled potential grievances and
locations
complaints in a manner that
favored SLOCEA members
• Completed tabulation of
employee surveys
• Held one SLOCEA Board of
Directors meeting
• Helped several employees
respond to unfavorable memos • Worked with some employees
and their supervisors regarding
and records of discussion in a
performance issues
professional and organized
manner
• Fielded numerous phone calls
from members on a variety of
• Met with and assisted several
subjects
employees with their annual
• Attended one Civil Service
performance evaluations and
Commission meeting
work standards associated with
their classifications
• Attended one Pension Trust
meeting
• Attended three Board of
Supervisors meetings and an
• Participated in two Supervisory
employee recognition award
training academy panel
presentation
discussions
– FREE –
Notary Public Services
REMINDER:
SLOCEA offers to all of its members FREE Notary Public services
up to a limit of $30 (3 signature lines) per member, per year.
These services are strictly confidential.
To schedule your Notary services, call Nancy Bishop at 543-2021.
Season’s
Greetings
D Steward Listing d
Agricultural Commission
Rusty Hall,
Ag Biologist Inspector III, B.U. #1
Agricultural Commission
Jennifer Welch-Cosko,
Ag Biologist Inspector III, B.U. #1
Agricultural Commission
Susan Wells,
Administrative Assistant III, B.U. #13
Assessor, Shauna Heintz,
Appraiser Trainee, B.U.#1
Children’s Support Services
Mary Diane McClure,
Legal Clerk, B.U.#13
District Attorney, Debbi Pascua,
Supervising Legal Clerk, B.U.#5
General Services, Dan Blair,
Airport Maintenance Worker, B.U.#2
General Services, John Blankenship,
Maintenance Painter II, B.U.#2
General Services
Dave Loden, Facility Maintenance
Mechanic III, B.U.#2
General Services
Victor Robertson, Facility
Maintenance Mechanic III, B.U.#2
General Services
Michele Whipple, Custodian, B.U.#2
Health Agency - Animal Services
Pat Martin, Kennel Worker, B.U.#2
Health Agency - Drug & Alcohol
Mardi Geredes, Drug & Alcohol
Specialist III, B.U.#1
Health Agency - Environmental Health
Deborah Smith-Cooke,
Environmental Health Specialist, B.U.#1
Health Agency - Mental Health
Connie Ahner, Mental Health
Therapist II, B.U. #1
Health Agency - Mental Health
Lisa Ricks,
Administration Assistant III, B.U.#13
Health Agency - Public Health
Cristina Colliver,
Administrative Assistant III, B.U. #13
Health Agency - Public Health
Neville Smeda,
Dept. Personnel Technician, B.U. #13
Library
Kristen Barnhart, Librarian II, B.U. #5
Planning, Jennifer Jimenez,
Mapping/Graphics Sys Spec I, B.U. #1
Planning, Tracy Wanek,
Accounting Technician, B.U.#13
Public Works, Mike Bishop,
Public Works Worker IV, B.U.#2
Public Works, Boby Jo Close,
Civil Engineering Tech I, B.U. #1
Public Works,
Patrick McCracken,
Public Works Worker III, B.U.#2
Public Works, Mike Moreno,
Public Works Worker III, B.U.#2
Public Works, LeeAnn Siebert,
Water Systems Worker, B.U.#2
Social Services
Carole Bernard, Employment
Resource Specialist III, B.U.#1
Social Services, Jennifer Bierman,
Employment/Services Supervisor,
B.U.#5
Social Services
Pat Blackwell, Employment Resource
Specialist III, B.U.#1
Social Services
Mary Bonaventure, Employment
Resource Specialist III, B.U.#1
Social Services
Joannie Danka, Employment
Resource Specialist III, B.U.#1
Social Services
Robert Dyer, Employment Resource
Specialist III, B.U.#1
Social Services, Katie Griffith,
Administrative Assistant III, B.U.#13
Social Services
Charlene Hite, Supervising
Administrative Clerk I, B.U.#5
Social Services
Diana Horn, Supervising
Administrative Clerk I, B.U.#5
Social Services, Elaine Martinez,
Employment Resource Specialist III,
B.U. #1
Social Services, David Platt,
Social Worker Supervisor II, B.U.#5
Social Services, Linda Sanders,
Social Worker IV, B.U.#1
Social Services
Sherry Seehof, Employment/Services
Supervisor, B.U.#5
Social Services, Kari Slater,
Administrative Assistant III, B.U.#13
Social Services, JoEllen Smelcer
Administrative Assistant III, B.U.#13
Social Services, Heather Uhler
Employment Resource Specialist III,
B.U.#1
Happy
Holidays
from
Keith, Janice, Danielle & “Tiva”
Come in and See Our Beautiful
Jewelry Selection for Christmas
Custom Christmas
Ornaments
Hand Etched for Your Tree
10% OFF for SLO County Employees
HAMILTON
ESTATE
JEWELRY
1128 Garden Street
San Luis Obispo • 541-2065
543-6514
email: info@borahsawards.com
fax: 543-6677
Hours: Mon - Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
12310 Los Osos Valley Road • San Luis Obispo
Page 12 - The County Blade - December 2009
LYNN R. COOPER
Broker Associate • Senior Real Estate Specialist
543-7727 office • 235-0493 cell
711 Tank Farm Road, Suite 100, San Luis Obispo, CA
lynn.cooper@sothebysrealty.com
www.WilsonandCoSIR.com
Personalized service you can rely on with over 40 years of real estate experience
Past President of SLO Association of REALTORS® • 1981 REALTOR® of the Year • 1993 Citizen of the Year
Past President of First American Title Company of Nevada and President of Cuesta Title in San Luis Obispo
Owns and Operates PACIFIC OAK FORECLOSURE SERVICES, INC. in San Luis Obispo
Served as Mayor of San Luis Obispo from 1979 - 1981
Lynn and his wife Marge have lived in San Luis Obispo for 40 years.
They raised four children and take great delight in their 11 grandchildren.
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750 Mattie Road • Shell Beach, CA
805-773-1892
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