VOL. XLVI NO. 4 OCTOBER 2013

PRESIDENT LOPEZ WITH ST-9111C FROM THE MENDOCINO UNIT AT THE . PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Brothers & Sisters:

thumbnail sketch of the fire season 4-0 STAFFING is enough to give all of us pause. The In a meeting at our headquarters I went around cost of fires in terms of property and the table and asked several of our men and human life is an issue that crosses women about the staffing patterns they’ve Apublic safety, political, economic and demo- seen this season. graphic lines. The public has very little cognizance of The New American, in a late August blog, the incredible hours being demanded of our wrote that this year is no different, thousands firefighters. It was not unusual to hear that of ravage millions of acres in the over a two-month period our firefighters saw Western states, destroying homes and huge less than a week with their families. The wear swaths of forest and wildlife habitat - and tak- and tear on our firefighters, and the con- ing lives. stant demands placed upon them, eventually The number of firefighters who died in the becomes a matter of personal safety. line of duty in 2013 is twice the yearly average. Our firefighters are going to respond wher- The price tag for fighting fires was already ever there is a need. CDF FIREFIGHTERS LEGISLATIVE ADVOCATE above $1 billion nationally in the third week of The US Fire Administration listed more Official Publication of the AARON READ CDF Firefighters • IAFF 2881 August. , which has seen its most than 40 online firefighter deaths last year from 1731 J Street, Suite 100 LEGAL COUNSEL devastating fires in the past decade, will stroke or heart attack. There’s also been a Sacramento, CA 95811 GARY MESSING have budget concerns when the final tab is fourfold increase in firefighter deaths from (916) 609-8700 www.cdffirefighters.org PUBLIC POLICY calculated. vehicle collisions. TERRY MCHALE The truth is harsh and expensive. In 2013 CDF Firefighters has worked with the

HEADQUARTERS OFFICE INSURANCE ADMINISTRATOR we’ve already seen 5,150 fires as of the middle department on a study from San Diego State HARRY J WILSON & CO of September. The average number of fires to University that details the long-term physical Mary Maulhardt (800) 549-4242 that date is 3,638. impacts on firefighters working without the Executive Secretary CHAPLAIN The predictive services indicate that the appropriate level of support. Danielle Kelsch JIM COOK atmosphere in California is showing few signs I believe that Governor Brown cares deeply Membership Coordinator EXECUTIVE BOARD of changing toward a wider pattern. And, in about our firefighters. I also understand the Jenny Horst fact, it is unlikely that widespread wetting rains terribly difficult budget decisions he has had Staff Counsel PAUL DUNCAN will occur prior to the onset of the stubbornly to make during the recent budget cycles. DISTRICT I Jennifer Sullivan unpredictable Santa Ana winds. However, I also believe that the time is Office Technician TOM MCCONNEL The problems confronting our firefight- come to re-visit the number of firefighters on DISTRICT II ers on the front line are going to continue our engines. STATE OFFICERS KEVIN O'MEARA unabated. The National Climatic Data Center DISTRICT III said California is facing its driest year since MIKE LOPEZ PRESIDENT DOUG FREEMAN accurate records began being kept in 1895. SACRAMENTO DISTRICT IV Research by USA Today included docu- This year’s convention will be at the state cap- CLIFF ALLEN mentation from the US Drought Monitor saying ital. I’m hoping that all of you will make an GENERAL VICE PRESIDENT JIM CRAWFORD DISTRICT V that impacts are dried-up rivers, stressed veg- effort to be at this gathering of our brothers PAUL VAN GERWEN etation and possible water restrictions. All of and sisters. It will be an exciting opportunity FINANCE DIRECTOR RICK CANNADY this leading to the kind of historic fire seasons to exchange ideas as we shape the future of DISTRICT VI RICK SWAN we’ve seen in the past. our fire service. STATE SUPERVISOR DIRECTOR DAN SUMMERVILLE Unfortunately, we’re also feeling the DISTRICT VII KEN HALE impacts of reductions to the infrastructure of Fraternally, STATE RANK & FILE DIRECTOR TIM STEWART CAL FIRE. Mike Lopez DISTRICT VIII RAY SNODGRASS STATE RETIREE DIRECTOR GLENN FLAMIK DISTRICT IX BOB WOLF PAST PRESIDENT RANDY SCALES DISTRICT X MESSAGE FROM LOU PAULSON | PRESIDENT, CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS

A HARD REMINDER ABOUT WHY WE FIGHT

ecause risk to life and limb is so much me or does it appear the city could cough up a part of the job, firefighters don’t have a few bucks for some widows and their kids?” B to “imagine” the heartbreak felt by the I know it seems shocking, but this is nothing families of the 19 Prescott Arizona “hotshot” new for the firefighters of Prescott. According firefighters who died this past June in a hor- to my colleagues with the Professional Fire rific wildland fire. Fighters of Arizona, Prescott is one of the worst But after all the memorial ceremonies and when it comes to how it treats its employees the tributes had been paid, what happened and, in particular, its firefighters. next was hard … no, impossible to imagine. The experience in Prescott is a heartbreak- The city of Prescott, which had at one point ing but important reminder of how fortunate vowed to take care of the fallen, delivered the we are in California. lowest of blows to the families of 13 of the 19 In California, we don’t make a distinction by denying them full survivor benefits. It seems when it comes to survivor benefits: If Chris these 13, many of whom were working full-time MacKenzie had died on the job in California, hours, had been officially classified as “sea- his status as a “seasonal” firefighter wouldn’t sonal” employees. have mattered. They worked together. They trained In California, protection for our families together. They died together. But because doesn’t stop with just those who die in a fire, a cheapskate city decided to put its agenda but is also there for those whose death comes ahead of humanity, these 13 families were from job-related illnesses. basically told, “sorry, you’re out of luck.” In California, firefighters and their families One of the families forced to fight with the have recourse when a local agency tries to city was that of Christopher MacKenzie, whose stiff them on Workers’ Comp or other survi- father was retired CAL FIRE firefighter Michael vor benefits. MacKenzie. Christopher had actually been Unlike Arizona (a “right-to-work” state), promoted and was working full time, serving California firefighters don’t have to beg for out a probationary period. But the city still had their benefits; we bargain for them. him on the books as a “temporary” worker. The protections afforded firefighters and Prescott officials changed their stories their families in California are, of course, not a couple of times once word got out of this just handed to us. Though it’s not as brazen, unfathomably callous decision. First, it was the attitude on display in Prescott exists in our “hey, it’s out of our hands – the state says we state, and has existed for decades. It is why can’t.” Then, it was “gee, we can’t afford it.” we work so hard in Sacramento to ensure that Of course, it’s all BS. Whatever the state legislators are, and remain, pro-firefighter in may say, the city was well within its rights to deed as well as in word. It is why we work so extend full survivor benefits to its employees. hard collectively in the Capitol to solidify and Even the state of Arizona called them out enshrine protections for you and your families on this one, with the Legislature vowing to in state law, out of reach from the whim of a retroactively make the benefits available not- heartless city manager. withstanding what the city decided. The horrifying events last June, and the And as for the city’s financial position, well inconceivable actions of the city of Prescott, at last report they had $230 million available break our hearts and stiffen our resolve. As to fund a $173 million budget. As Los Angeles firefighters, and as union members, we have Times columnist Paul Whitefield noted, “Is it just been, and must remain, ever vigilant.

CDF NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2013 3 FORTUNA GAMES: BRING OUT THE BEST

By Jim Nolan • FlashPoint Media

o far this year, agency coopera- tion has been the key to success in winning battles around the state, in emergency situations, Scommunity events and in the Humboldt / Del Norte Unit. At this year’s Fortuna Rodeo , CAL FIRE Engine 1259 and United States Forest Service, Six Rivers Engine 351 teamed up to take on the “Fireman’s Games” in downtown Fortuna on July 18th. The two engines are housed together at the Fortuna Interagency Headquarters and the crew works together daily around the station and on incidents. At the urging of CAL FIRE Fire Captain Brian Washington, the two crews set out to compete with other Humboldt departments in this fireman’s muster. Most having never picked up a bucket, except to mop floors, they started training on their off hours to learn the technique of handing off buckets. However, the hose relay competition was more up their ally because of their speed at handling the fire hose. When the water stopped flying and the stop watches noted, out of 15 teams, it was Nigel Allen, Trevor Miller, Rob Johnson, Jake Bailey of Forest Service Engine 351, and Kimberly Nolan, Tyler Cooper of CAL FIRE Engine 1259 who walked away with first place in the Hose Relay and 2nd place in the Bucket Brigade.

Firefighters headquarters will hold the mem- SEASONALS MAY bership application until after July 1. .B Upon written notice, a permanent-intermit- CONTINUE MEMBERSHIP tent/seasonal member may elect to maintain membership as an inactive member. This should be done prior to the time of separation and the notice forwarded to CDF Firefighters It’s that time of year for our reminder that 0410.07 - Continuation of Active headquarters. seasonal CDF Firefighters members may con- Membership – Permanent Intermittent tinue their membership after termination of and/or Seasonal .C If a Bargaining Unit 8 seasonal employee employment, either by continuing to pay for (including but not limited to the following: FFI, full membership status or by electing to be an .A Upon written application, a permanent- LT FFII, LT FAE), between periods of employ- inactive member while unemployed by CDF. intermittent or seasonal member may elect ment, is elected by his/her chapter or district This is provided for in Section 0410.06 of the to retain his/her membership. This should be as a delegate to the convention, he/she shall CDF Firefighters Operating Procedures and done within 15 days of separation and a new be required to pay full membership dues for Policy Handbook as follows: membership application forwarded to CDF only the month of the convention in order to Firefighters headquarters with a check to cover participate as a delegate; providing that the dues from the date of separation until the next seasonal employee was a full dues paying June 30. If the member should regain pay- member while employed during the fire sea- roll deduction status prior to June 30, CDF son preceding the convention.

4 CDF NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2013 tion is up to date, especially if you have just gotten married or divorced. Don’t assume that your current spouse or family automatically will ARE YOU PREPARED FOR receive these benefits. You must designate your intentions in writing. It is highly advisable that you take the time THE UNEXPECTED? to prepare a will or living trust. Even if you think that you are too young, or not married and don’t own a home, it is still recommended. n our profession we have a front row seat on file is accurate. It is recommended for By not having one of the two, your belongings to many life changing events, anywhere everyone to have some kind of supplemental may go into probate. This is where a judge from a woman giving birth, to a tragic loss insurance that covers on and off duty injuries. decides who will get your possessions and I of a life, or the saving of one. We witness EIDL will only cover you up to one year for any funds that you may have in a financial the loss of someone’s home, car or business an incident related injury. Off duty injuries are institution. If you know anyone that has gone due to fire and other types of natural disasters. financially the worst. With no compensation through probate, you understand how stressful Along with this comes the many different emo- from the department, you are forced to use that would be on your family. Somewhere in a tions from the folks experiencing these events. your leave credits for the whole time you are secure place you should have a file with your We are a part of their lives for a brief moment in off. Hopefully you have enough saved to carry bank account numbers, life insurance policies, time and how often do we hear, “I don’t know you through. Having this additional insurance a will or living trust, medical insurance, social what to do now.” We offer advice and what little just might keep you out of financial trouble, security and birth certificates. Having all of assistance we can, but we must leave them to especially if you rely on unplanned overtime this accessible in one place will greatly assist deal with the situation on their own. to pay your bills. you or your family if ever needed. This started me thinking, how many of our Though you currently pay into your CAL We spend our careers pre-planning for own brothers and sisters are ready for life PERS retirement plan, it’s suggested by finan- emergencies and taking care of other people changing events? From the welcoming of a cial advisors that this may not be enough to and their families. Stop and think if you have new born, to the loss of a loved one, a career support you and your family after retirement. taken care of your own. Now is the time to ending injury or even the loss of your life? Is You should consider enhancing your retire- secure the future and welfare of your family. your family PREPARED? Take a moment and ment with deferred comp. This allows you to This will give you and them the peace of mind think about this…what would you or your fam- have money taken out of your check every knowing things are taken care of. ily do if something unexpected were to happen month and invested in a 451 or a 457 retire- Knowing your family will be taken care of to you? Whether you are at the beginning of ment plan. This helps you build an additional if the unexpected should happen is priceless. your career or towards the end, planning for retirement fund. If you need assistance on where to your family’s future is always a priority in life. If you currently have no life insurance pol- obtain information on any of these sub- With the career we have chosen any number icy, I cannot suggest strongly enough that you jects, contact the Membership Coordinator of things could happen that may alter our lives. get one. Whether it is a whole or a term life at CDF Firefighters Headquarters With that said, there are a few things you might policy make sure it is enough to cover the loss want to contemplate. of an income, not just the cost of a funeral. If Stay the Course, Every year during open enrollment, take you are married your spouse should also be Tim Edwards some time to make sure your health benefits covered. If you already have some kind of life Rank and File Class Coordinator coverage is sufficient and the information insurance make sure your beneficiary informa- Deputy VP Dist. VI

2013 CONVENTIONHank Epling ou may have already heard, the 2013 only IAFF local that is statewide with true grass- Convention is once again at the roots control. Your voice at chapter meetings is Sheraton Grand Sacramento from carried to the district board and, eventually, to For the latest news and info, follow December 12 to 15, 2013. There will the state executive board. At convention, your these links: Ybe a significant change in leadership during delegates fight for your future. this year’s elections, as some long-time union Delegates will find some familiar people https://www.facebook.com/cdf- leaders will be retiring. There will be speak- in the business office, but they may be doing firefighters2881 ers, discussions and important union elections new jobs, so be gentle. Rhett Corning, who has as we will be considering some contentious been part of the business office for more than a https://twitter.com/CDF_fire- resolutions. decade, is taking over as Convention Director. fighter Why bring this up now? Because you Robbie Whitchurch is the new office manager, should be thinking now about your chapter although he’s been with us for five years. Doug http://www.youtube.com/user meetings, where you choose your positions Mackey will continue as Convention Treasurer, CDFFirefighters2881 on the resolutions and give directions to your as he has done for eight years. chapter representatives. It is YOUR delegates Check with your chapter director for more who elect state constitutional union officers. information. Convention information will hit the Why should you care? Because we’re the new website Oct. 1.

CDF NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2013 5 did a stint on the helitack in Santa Clara Unit before joining the Coastside Battalion of the San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit. Four months ago, Special to she transferred to Humboldt Unit, where she is a captain at the Bridgeville Station. On her days off, she now surfs the Mendocino coast. Flash PointMedia “I’ll probably keep surfing till I’m 80,” Grady By Karen Nolan said, “although I’ll probably switch to a long- board when I’m 60 or 70.” The next World Police and Fire Games will be in 2015, in Fairfax, Virgina, and Grady hopes eam USA topped the medal-win- and beer afterward. It’s a lot of fun. Now I know that more California firefighters will participate. ning list at this summer’s World I have somewhere I can go visit in Belgium and “It is way worth it,” Grady said, inviting any Police and Fire Games, and a Australia -- I made friends with other female firefighters who want to know more about the CAL FIRE captain contributed to firefighters.” games to contact her by email at eva.grady@ the sweep. Grady has been a firefighter for just over a fire.ca.gov. “It’s a great excuse to travel to TCaptain Eva Grady, 36, brought home a gold decade. She started out as a seasonal with these different places, and it’s a really cool medal in the women’s short-board surfing -- CAL FIRE in San Benito-Monterey Unit and experience seeing all these different people.” one of 575 medals, 245 of them gold, captured by U.S. participants. The biennial games, conducted the first two weeks in August, were centered around Belfast, Northern Ireland. Nearly 7,000 par- ticipants representing 67 countries competed in 56 events, everything from the usual track and field, swimming and team sports such as basketball and soccer to profession-specific contests, such as muster events for firefighters and shooting competitions for police. Grady said she tried to register for the stair- climb, “…but it was filled up.” Instead, she stuck with a sport she grew up with in Santa Cruz. The surfing competition took place an hour northwest of Belfast, off the west strand of Portrush, which bills itself as the “Surfing Capital of Northern Ireland.” Surfing in Ireland? “The water was cold, but it’s actually very similar to Northern California,” Grady said. Grady rides a shortboard, a type of surfboard that typically is 5 to 7 feet long and suitable for fast and steep waves. It takes more skill to ride it than a longboard, which is 9 to 10 feet long and catches smaller waves more easily. “The shortboard is basically designed for surfing bigger waves,” Grady explained. “There’s more mobility to turn and punch through the big waves.” In competition, surfers are judged on how many waves they catch and how well they ride them. At the Police and Fire Games, “I surfed with a girl from Belgium and a girl from Ireland -- but we were all in different brackets, so we all won medals.” Indeed, the online results page shows Grady with a gold in the women’s shortboard com- petition for those 35 and up, while Kristien Fauconnier of Belgium took first for the wom- en’s shortboard ages 18 to 35 and Claire Reilly of Ireland won the women’s longboard event. Grady explained that what the surfing event perhaps lacked in competition was made up for by the camaraderie she experienced in meeting other public safety professionals from around the globe. “It was pretty amazing talking to other female firefighters and police officers,- net working with them and hearing what it’s like to work in different countries while trading shirts

6 CDF NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2013 the preliminary findings, we were testing on a small control burn where the smoke level BARGAINING UNIT UPDATE was not particularly bad. The short term CO By Ken Hale concentrations were high enough that mental impairment was possible on the line. The long and short of it is there is a great know a good many of you want to know is important is that the state has been looking deal we still do not know about how wildland about bargaining and reopening the con- at disasters myopically. By focusing on fire effects all of us on the line. With the next Itract for financial issues, so here is a brief suppression costs, those in charge of this state phase of the research we intend to measure update on where we are. Most bargaining units have avoided looking at the total loss. Wildfires CO concentrations in detail. In addition, we are do not have contracts. Cal HR is in the process cost the taxpayers of this state far more than going to collect much more data on heart rate. of negotiating with about ten of the bargain- the cost of putting boots on the ground. More We are adding monitors that will collect core ing units, so it would seem they still have a boots on the ground would probably lead to temperature, respiration rate, and exposure to ways to go. Once bargaining with the other substantially reduced losses. particulate material inhaled during wildland fire units is completed, your bargaining team will The second phase dealt with hose lay exposure. We are trying to collect all the data meet and determine what the correct course efficiency. We quantified and qualified data we can on those things each of us is exposed of action might be. Until all the units are in, tak- that scientifically shows increasing crew to while fighting a fire in Schedule B land. ing any action would be premature. We need size decreases attack time during hose lay As is the case with all research projects, the information provided by those contracts to evolutions. While I’m sure all of you get this money is necessary to keep the wheels make a determination on our direction. Please instinctively, this is the first time a substan- turning. To that end, we are seeking addi- be patient. This is a time consuming process. tial study has actually put hard numbers to tional grants from USDA, Interior, DOD, and I will keep you all informed as events unfold. the process. Homeland Security. We are also seeking I would like to report that the research proj- While we were collecting the hose lay data, funding from some of the larger foundations, ect initiated by myself, Curtis Brown of LNU, we tested out a few monitoring systems we had though getting the attention of the big ones is Tim Edwards of RRU, and Dr. Matt Rahn of available to us. One of these was a heart rate an esoteric process we have not yet mastered. SDSU, and initially financed by your Executive monitor. The other collected carbon monoxide This research is important. If we don’t know Board, has finally received a half million dollar blood levels. Both of these were preliminary what the problems are, we can never devise grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. tests. We used the monitors because they ways to mitigate them. This project started in 2008. Two phases of were available, not knowing that the data we Lastly, this has been a terrible year for fire- our research have already been completed. were about to collect was going to be startling. fighters killed in the line of duty. I want to The first was a study of how much wildfires On a two-person hose lay, we had heart rates mention Chris Douglas here briefly. I did not actually cost the state of California. The num- on some of the firefighters who volunteered for know Chris, but everything I’ve discovered bers we used were pretty conservative, but the research that were over 220 beats a min- leads me to the conclusion that he was a very the result was still pretty staggering. Several ute. These are firefighters who are in their mid good firefighter and that I would have been major fires in Southern California during 2003 to late twenties. In any case, these heart rates proud to call him my friend. Chris died doing were researched because good data existed were approaching, or at, tachycardia, a very his job, a job that he loved. Let us never for- for that fire season. The three fires we used dangerous situation for our folks in the field. get those we lose. When the alarm goes off, in the study were Cedar, Paradise, and Otay. Heart rate decreased as more crew members each of us puts his or her life on the line for From our research, the total cost of these three were added to the hose lay. With regard to CO the public we protect. We do this willingly. It fires was 2.45 billion dollars. The suppres- blood level concentrations, while our data is is part of our calling. Make sure to take the sion cost for all three fires was 43.2 million, far from complete, the concentrations were actions necessary to bring yourself and your or 1.8% of the total loss. I think a reason this well above what we expected. To highlight crew home.

Flashpoint Media, A Step Forward Hank Epling • Flashpoint Media In response to the members’ call for more and current information, President Lopez formed a n September 2012, an idea for media own- relentless editor/reporter, pestering chapters committee to create a new website. The effort ership was born. It was time for us to take and members for fresh content. We now have has been long and painful. On Sept. 1, 2013, the reins and move our membership out- a newsletter that has become a magazine. we launched our new website. With the help of reach into the new millennium. The first new adventure was developing a our members, the website will grow to reflect IDuring the last year, we, the members, training DVD for Rank & File. With help from the presence Local 2881 has internationally. helped pick a path for Local 2881’s communi- Ken Hale, Steve Dale and Tim Edwards, I suppose you are wondering, who is cation effort. Nearly everyone, even old-timers Flashpoint Media completed its first produc- Flashpoint Media? Well, it’s two retired guys like me, made it clear we needed an electronic tion in time for Training 2013. with a vision: Jim Nolan and Hank Epling. media presence. Jennifer Serrano and Danielle Kelsch were Of course, we have our social media staff, In January 2013, the executive board trained as Facebook/Twitter/YouTube admin- Danielle and Jennifer, but the most important adopted a proposal to form Flashpoint Media istrators. Little did we know what a challenge component of Flashpoint Media is you, the as a division of CDF Firefighters. With a goal it would be to persuade members to provide member. It is members who send articles and to establish and enhance all written and elec- content and news. Thanks to our social media pictures or ask us to film their events. Armed tronic media, we set out to make it a reality. team for their hard work in digging for informa- with still and video cameras, Flashpoint Media The first step was to improve what we have. tion to post. has traveled to chapter fundraisers, Riverside Jim Nolan took control of giving our news- funerals and the Rim Fire to capture photos letter a new look. In close association with You can find us at: and footage of the events. Marketplace Communications, Jim set out to www.facebook.com/cdffirefighters2881 If you are wondering how you can help: Well, improve the content and increase the contri- twitter.com/CDF_firefighter we need your stories, photos and ideas. Please bution of articles and pictures. Today he is a www.youtube.com/userCDFFirefighters2881 contact us at [email protected].

CDF NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2013 7 FIRE SEASON IS HERE

By Jim Nolan MORGAN INCIDENT Flashpoint Media The Morgan Fire started on Thursday, Sept. 8, at 13:08 hours on Morgan Territory Road in Clayton, Contra Costa County, Santa Clara THE RIM INCIDENT Unit. At its height, there were 1,413 fire and The Rim Fire started Aug. 17, 2013, at approx- support crew staffing 143 engines, 36 hand imately 15:15 hours, east of Groveland, off crews, 19 bulldozers, five helicopters and four Highway 120 in the Stanislaus National Forest. air tankers, including Tanker 910, the DC-10 At its peak, 4,500 structures were threatened, VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker). With burning 4,931 firefighters and support personnel were conditions ripe and fuel that had not burned assigned and, as of this writing, 257,134 acres since the 1977 Mt. Diablo Fire, the fire took off have burned. That is close to 402 square miles in the steep, rocky and brush-covered moun- and is the third-largest wildfire in California his- tainside drainages. tory. The Rim Fire has burned into Yosemite Santa Clara Unit, knowing the potential of National Park. CAL FIRE not only sent state fire growth and property damage in the area, resources, but several CAL FIRE contact agen- ordered resources and CAL FIRE Incident cies sent resources through Cal OES mutual Command Team 4 early, taking into account aid requests. heavy reliance on hand crews and bulldozers. Local 2881 President Mike Lopez visited With this ordering and planning, the fire was the crews Aug. 24 in Twain Harte, during a held to 3,133 acres. Community BBQ hosted by the citizens of Tuolumne County as a “thank you” to firefight- CLOVER INCIDENT ers from throughout California who responded The Clover Fire in Happy Valley, Shasta County, to their county. President Lopez talked to sev- started on Monday, Sept. 9, around 12:30 hours eral of our members about the fire fight, how off Cloverdale Road. As of this writing, the fire many days they had been working without time is at almost 8,000 acres in the Shasta / Trinity off, and how their families were holding up. Unit and has 1,502 fire and support personnel Lopez especially enjoyed hearing the perspec- assigned to it. It is under the direction of CAL tive of the Firefighter Is. FIRE Incident Command Team 5.

8 CDF NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2013 CDF NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2013 9 Foundation Fundraiser in BerkeleyHank Epling • Flash Pint Media

anta Clara Chapter and District 5 got a call from Berkeley Firefighters Local 1227 to join with them for a charity fundraiser on Labor Day weekend with the proceeds split be- tween Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, BerkeleyS Firefighters Random Acts and our CDF Firefighters Benevolent Foundation. The event was held at the Pyramid Brewing Company in Berkeley, on Saturday, September 7th and started at noon. There were local micro-brew tasting tents; food trucks; local tribute rock bands Custard Pie/Led Zeppelin and Hot for Teacher/Van Halen. There were also tents representing our hosts Bay Area Rock station FM 107.7 “The Bone”, Berkeley Local 1227, and Pyramid Brewing Company. The members for the Santa Clara Chapter staffed a booth selling t-shirts and water bottles, and some of our brave members ventured into the cold dunk- tank. At last word they were counting donations. Between the gate, sale items, dunk-tank pitches and cash donations, the CDF Firefighters Benevolent Foundation should bring in much needed funds. The important thing is that the Santa Clara Chapter and its members had a fun afternoon and the Benevolent Foundation got some desperately needed income thanks to the chapter volunteers.

Check our media site for some video. h t t p s : // w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m c d ffi r e fi g h t e r s 2 8 8 1 https://twitter.com/CDF_firefighter http://www.youtube.com/user/CDFFirefighters2881

10 CDF NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2013 AUXILIARY Nominees must have been a member AUXILIARY of the Auxiliary, in good standing, the LUNCH WAS A year prior to election FUN TIME!! The Auxiliary You can nominate yourself as well Board, Michelle as someone else. Cannady, Kim Fronek, Nominations are open until Lisa Martinez, September 30, 2013. Angel Rice and members You will not be able to nominate Deborah Post, after that date. Cari Niven, Jillian Stock and Elections are held Angel’s daughter October 7th – 31st, 2013 Roxanne.

Please respond by email Nicki Bywater, Secretary at [email protected] or mail your nominations to

CDF Firefighters Auxiliary 1731 J Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814 ATTN: SECRETARY I attended conventions with him when he the fire fighters in any way they can. Thank you in advance for your began his long career in the Association/ I’ve learned from experience as a PTA willingness to help. Union, attending all the spousal activities board member, Football Booster board that the hosting unit sponsored. I also helped member, as a Dispatcher (Communications Auxiliary Board Contact info: plan when BDU hosted conventions. In about Operator) and now as the Receptionist for President Michelle Cannady, 1983-1988 we started a local Association the Southern Region Head Quarters. That [email protected] Auxiliary to which I was elected VP. I joined having an organized structure to any group 1st VP Kim Fronek, [email protected] the statewide Auxiliary when it was first is vital in keeping that organization alive. 2nd VP Angel Rice, [email protected] established, helping out the table sales and Life experiences have taught me that if an Secretary Nicki Bywater, President’s dinner at every convention. I was individual feels strongly about something [email protected] elected to the 2nd VP spot in 2011 and 1st VP and wants to see an organization thrive, one Treasurer Lisa Martinez, in 2012. I enjoy helping others. must be a part of it. As President Kennedy [email protected] said in his inaugural speech in 1961, “ask ANGEL E. RICE not what your country can do for you, ask KIM FRONEK I’ve wanted to be a part of the Auxiliary ever what you can do for your country”. If we all My “firefighter” life began in Feb. 1975 since my husband joined the union as a tried to live by these words at least some of When I married Sunnie Fronek and knew board member. My Dad worked for CDF and the time, it is my opinion that people would I was joining a new family. I became a I’ve been a part of the CDF/ CAL FIRE all of be too busy helping to get stuff done and volunteer in fire prevention shortly after my life. That it only seemed natural to join have less idle time to observe what is not and remained one until we left Ca. in 1996. this group whose main focus is to support getting done.

THESE ARE SOME ITEMS WE HAVE FOR SALE AT THE AUXILIARY TABLE FOR THE 2013 CONVENTION IN SACRAMENTO.

CDF NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2013 11 DID YOU KNOW?

• That CDF Firefighters has seven retired Jim Moranda at jbmoranda@sudden- the north county at Carrow’s, 7300 El members? Welcome to: link.net if you plan on attending. Camino Real, Atascadero. Contact: Don Salisbury (805) 544-0849. Joseph P. Hernandez, Redding Madera-Mariposa-Merced - third Brian Hansen, Clovis Monday of each odd-numbered month, San Mateo-Santa Cruz – first Thursday Robert Byers, Fort Jones lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the Iron Kettle in of every month at 12 noon at the Santa Joe Warren, Redding Oakhurst, and the third Wednesday of Cruz Diner, 909 Ocean Street in Santa Jim Gonzalez, El Cajon even numbered months at 11:30 a.m. at Cruz. Contacts: Ken Thomas (831) 724- Don Davis, Ramona the Triangle Café in Mariposa. Contact: 0233 or Ken Gilbert (831) 426-0960. Terry L. Morgan, Cloverdale Jim Turner (209) 966-3988. Anthony Hernandez, Riverside Santa Clara – the first Wednesday Cecil E. Banks, Jr., Atwater Mendocino – first Monday of each of each month at 11 a.m., at Station month at 9 a.m. rotating between Ukiah, 55 on 5th Street between Monterey • The next meeting of the CDF Fort Bragg and Willits. The schedule for Street and Eigleberry in Gilroy. Firefighters Executive Board of the remainder of 2013 is: Exceptions: March meeting will be held Directors is scheduled for December in Los Banos and at Jack’s ranch in 10 & 11 prior to convening the 48th November 4 - Ukiah August. Contacts: Zack Snyder at sny- Annual CDF Firefighters Convention on December 3 – Willits [email protected]. December 12-15, 2013, at the Sheraton Grand in Sacramento? Meeting locations are Henny Penny in Trinity and Redding Region Office Ukiah at 697 South Orchard Avenue, - first Thursday of each month at 7:30 • That the following is the schedule for David’s Deli in Fort Bragg at 163 a.m. at Country Waffles, 2300 Athens the remainder of this year’s retired Boatyard Road and Lumberjacks in Avenue, Redding. Contacts: Brian member get-togethers? Willits, 1740 South Main. Contact: Ken Weatherford (530) 241-7141, or Ray Schleintz (707) 328-8083. Stewart (530) 243-8511. Amador-El Dorado - third Tuesday of each month, breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Nevada-Yuba-Placer - second The Siskiyou Unit Retirees - the first at Denny’s, Highways 49 and 88 in Thursday of each month, lunch at 11:30 Wednesday of every month at 9 a.m. Jackson. Contacts: Hoot Gibson (209) a.m. at “Larry and Lena’s,” intersection for breakfast. Odd months at “Bob’s 223-2281, or Sheridean Swift (209) of Highway 49 and Alta Sierra Drive. Ranch House” in Etna and even months 223-1310. at the “Black Bear” in Yreka. All are North Coast – the second Wednesday welcome. For more information contact Butte – third Wednesday of each of each even month at 11:30 a.m. at the Doug Kaufner at (530)340-0667 or John month at 11:30 a.m., rotating between Legends Bennett Valley Golf Course Berggreen at (530)467-3519. Paradise, Chico and Oroville. Below is Restaurant,3328 Yulupa Avenue in the schedule for the remainder of 2013: Santa Rosa. Contact: Ron Matteoli Sonoma-Lake-Napa – the second (707) 527-8993 or [email protected]. Wednesday of every even-numbered October 16 - Paradise month at 11:30 a.m. in the Legends November 20 – Chico Riverside – the third Thursday of Restaurant at the Bennett Valley Golf December 18 – Oroville November at 11:30 a.m. at the Sizzler in Course in Santa Rosa. Contact: Ron Perris on Nuevo Road near Perris Blvd. Matteoli – [email protected]. Meeting locations are the Cornucopia in the Stater Brothers Shopping Center. Restaurant at 515 Montgomery Street Tehama-Glenn – second Tuesday of in Oroville, Kalico Kitchen, 2396 San Benito-Monterey – the third each month, breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Esplanade, Chico,and Cozy Diner at Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. Rolling Hills Casino Buffet in Corning. 6371 Skyway in Paradise. All CDF retir- Contact: Steve Norris at (831) 663-3688 Access is off of I-5 at Liberal Avenue ees in Butte County and the surround- or [email protected]. south of Corning. Contacts: Jim Ross ing areas are welcome to attend. For (530) 529-1630. more information, call 530-589-0764 or San Bernardino - second Saturday 530-877-6464. of odd months, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Tulare - first Tuesday of each month, DJ’s Coffee Shop, 265 East 40th Street, breakfast at 9:30 a.m. at Ryan’s Fresno-Kings - first Monday of each San Bernardino. Contact: Jerry Glover Restaurant in Visalia on Mooney month, 9 a.m. at the Brooks Ranch (909) 421-1135. Boulevard north of Caldwell Avenue. Restaurant at Chestnut and Highway 99 Contacts: Ken Kenoyer (559) 784-8846, in Fresno. Contacts: Don Olday (559) San Diego - second Wednesday Bill Bruno (559) 733-7676 or Ed Bartlett 787-2453, Jerry Barnard (559) 432- of every third month (next meet- (559) 733-8655. 6499, or Ken Karle (559) 834-2763. ing on October 9, 2013) at the Boll Weevil Restaurant, 2548 Main Street, Tuolumne-Calaveras - second Humboldt-Del Norte - luncheon meet- Ramona, at 12 noon. Contact: Mike Tuesday of the month, breakfast at 8:30 ing takes place the first Wednesday of Valley (619) 997-9366 or Lennie Baker a.m. at Rodz Grill, 730 South Main every month at 11:30 a.m. at the Bear (760) 789-3438. Street, Angels Camp, CA. Contacts: River Casino. Take Exit 692 and proceed Bob Yohr (209) 588-2711, Bob Sutton uphill on Singley Rd for a quarter mile. San Luis Obispo – second Wednesday (209) 532-2991, Buddy DeMasters (209) All retirees, as well as former and active of each month at 9 a.m. The odd 772-1476, Debbie Nelson (209) 754- CDF employees, are welcome to attend. months are held in the south county at 3831 or Carl Nicolson (209) 772-2344. Please contact Brian Burger at 707-725- IHOP’s, 212 Madonna Road in San Luis 5563 or at [email protected] or Obispo. The even months are held in

12 CDF NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2013 CAL FIRE REINSTATES FFII AFTER FAILING TO

FOLLOWBy Gary Messing AWOL POLICY

DF Firefighters Local 2881 recently be implemented in only the two following situations: secured a significant legal victory on where the absence without leave is admitted or the behalf of a member in the Riverside Unit, employer reasonably believes an abandonment has sending a strong message to CAL FIRE occurred. Obviously, neither of these applied to Boctor. management that it cannot play fast and The policy goes on to state that AWOL may not Cloose with its own policy. CDFF forced CAL FIRE to be used when there is a dispute about whether an reinstate the member, who had been separated from employee is or is not absent without leave. A warning his employment based on AWOL charges, and give letter should be sent to the employee not later than the him full back pay. third scheduled work day of unauthorized absence. Peter Boctor, a FFII on Ladder Truck 33 in Palm This letter will notify the employee of the statute and Desert, had been dealing with some difficult issues in allow the employee the opportunity to return to work his personal life, including a contentious family court prior to invoking the statute. case. When the situation reached a point where Boctor CAL FIRE knew precisely where Boctor was at all felt his “head was not in the game” and he might pose times during the workdays at issue. However, Boctor a safety risk to his colleagues and the public, he asked was never given a warning letter or the opportunity to for and was granted sick leave per Riverside Unit pol- return to work. icy. He also kept his supervisors, Unit management The policy continues: If the employee returns to work, and CDFF Riverside Chapter representatives abreast reports after receiving the notice within five days of of his circumstances. effective service or exercises his/her Skelly rights, the On March 14, 2013, Boctor received a visit from automatic resignation must be rescinded. However, law enforcement with a search warrant. Although he when Boctor attempted to return to work, ready, will- already had sick leave secured for his shift of March 15, ing and able, on March 29 – three days after effective 16 and 17, Boctor was so shaken by this turn of events service of the AWOL notice - he was escorted off the that he called his station’s FAE, his Fire Captain, and premises. the Division Administrative Chief, among others, to give Finally, CAL FIRE policy provides that: The AWOL them an update and request more sick leave. No one statute must be used only for those employees whom with whom Boctor spoke on March 14 denied him leave. the employer reasonably believes have abandoned their The situation went from bad to worse the next day positions in state service or who admit their absences when Boctor was arrested and charged with crimi- without leave (an extremely rare occurrence). If the nal conduct arising out of his family court matters. appointing power knows where the employee is, or After he was arrested, Boctor had his father call the that the employee intends to return to work, the AWOL Division Administrative Chief to notify the Department statute should not be applied; instead, adverse action of Boctor’s arrest and make sure he received enough should be instituted. leave to cover the time he needed to secure his free- On June 5, Boctor appeared before a CalHR adminis- dom. The Division Administrative Chief said that he trative law judge to appeal his AWOL separation. Boctor would take care of it. was represented at the hearing by Carroll, Burdick & Boctor vigorously denied the charges and is confi- McDonough, LLP partner Gary Messing and associate dent that his criminal case will be resolved in his favor. Lina Balciunas Cockrell. After opening statements, the However, due to the nature of the charges and some judge requested that the parties leave the room so she other matters beyond Boctor’s control, he remained could talk to the attorneys alone. Later in the day, the incarcerated for 12 days. This time period covered two case was resolved with CAL FIRE reinstating Boctor shifts – March 15, 16 and 17 and March 22, 23 and to his position as a Firefighter II with no interruption of 24 – shifts for which Boctor was led to believe he had service and with full back pay, using sick leave for the already secured sick leave. days initially requested and back pay to fill the rest of Boctor received no further communication from CAL the time prior to Boctor’s return to work. Boctor is very FIRE until, at a court hearing on March 26 while he pleased to be able to put this matter behind him and was still incarcerated, CAL FIRE served Boctor with return to his station and crew. a notice alleging he was absent without leave under CDFF Riverside Chapter representative Darren Government Code section 19996.2 for five consecutive Hoopingarner was instrumental in being aware of the days and would be separated from his employment. CAL FIRE AWOL policy and knowledgeable as to its This action by CAL FIRE violated its own policy application, or lack thereof, in this case, as well as regarding the handling of alleged AWOL situations. marshalling the evidence and assisting counsel in pre- Section 1091.6.4 provides that AWOL separation may paring for the reinstatement hearing.

CDF NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2013 13 UNDER THE DOME | BY AARON READ, LEGISLATIVE ADVOCATE

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE SUPPORT addressing a fiscal necessity. Status: 2-Year Bill. 5/3/2013-Failed Deadline The Legislature adjourned the first half of AB 1373 (John Perez, D) Workers’ compen- pursuant to Rule 61(a)(2). (Last location was the 2013-14 legislative session on Thursday, sation: firefighters and peace officers. P.E. & R. on 1/10/2013) September 12th. Overall, a total of 2,540 mea- Summary: Would provide that certain proceed- sures were introduced this year. Of those, ings related to the collection of death benefits SB 774 (Walters, R) State employees: pos- 614 are awaiting action by the Governor, 480 of firefighters and peace officers may be- com temployment benefits have been signed thus far, and 5 have been menced within, but no later than, 480 weeks Summary: Would provide that, for state vetoed. The Governor has until midnight on from the date of injury and in no event more employees who become members of the sys- October 13th to either sign or veto bills pend- than one year after the date of death if all of tem on and after January 1, 2015, the employer ing before him. Bills not acted upon prior to the specified criteria are met, including, but share of contribution for these benefits is 50% the deadline automatically become law with- not limited to, that the employee’s death is the after 15 years of credited state service and out the Governor’s signature, effective January result of a specified injury. would increase that percentage by 5% for each 1, 2014; however, this is rare. Pending legisla- Status: 9/23/2013-Enrolled and presented to year of credit state service up to 100% after 25 tion not sent to the Governor’s desk this year the Governor at 4 p.m. years of credited state service. may become active next year. These measures, Status: 2-Year Bill. 5/3/2013-Failed Deadline known as two-year bills, carry-over to the next pursuant to Rule 61(a)(2). (Last location was session and are given a second chance. OPPOSE P.E. & R. on 4/22/2013)

Below are some of the bills that CDF Firefighters AB 1163 (Levine, D) Public Employees’ SB 775 (Walters, R) State employees: pos- Local 2881 has taken a position on: Retirement System: Board of Administration: temployment benefits. composition. Summary: Would require the Controller to SPONSORED Summary: Would revise the composition of the include in its 2015 report a section that uses Board of Administration of PERS. The bill would the data collected for that report to evaluate AB 108 (Committee on Budget and Fiscal eliminate the position of the member of the the actuarial feasibility and associated costs of Review) State employees: memoranda of State Personnel Board and would replace that a statewide buyout of current state employees’ understanding. position with the Director of Finance. The bill defined postemployment health care benefits. Summary: Would approve the addenda to would add to the board 2 persons, appointed Status: 2-Year Bill. 5/3/2013-Failed Deadline memoranda of understanding entered into by by the Governor, who are independent, as pursuant to Rule 61(a)(2). (Last location was the state employer and certain bargaining units defined, and have financial expertise. This P.E. & R. on 4/22/2013. that require the expenditure of funds, as speci- provision would not become operative unless fied, and would further appropriate $45,115,000 ratified by a majority of voters at a statewide from the General Fund and other unallocated election. The bill would require the Secretary of SPECIAL ELECTIONS nongovernmental cost funds for those pur- State to submit that provision of the bill to the poses. The bill would also approve a calculation voters at the next statewide election. On September 17th, two special elections were of final compensation for the Department of Status: 2-Year Bill. 5/3/2013-Failed Deadline held to fill vacated seats, Senate District 26, Water Resources, State Member Unit 12, pursuant to Rule 61(a)(2). (Last location was vacated by Curren Price who was elected to as specified. This bill contains other related P.E.,R. & S.S. on 3/7/2013) the Los Angeles City Council, and Assembly provisions. District 45, vacated by Bob Blumenfield who Status: 9/12/2013-Enrolled and presented to SB 24 (Walters, R) Public employees’ retire- was also elected to the Los Angeles City the Governor at 7 p.m. ment: benefit plans. Council. Democrats are now two seats shy Summary: Existing law regulates state and of a supermajority in the Assembly. However, SB 102 (Levine, D) Public Employees’ local public retirement systems and gener- that could change. There are two more spe- Retirement System: Board of Administration: ally requires public employees who are new cial elections yet to be held: Assembly District composition. members, as defined, of those systems, on and 52, vacated by Norma Torres who left for the Summary: Would revise the composition of the after January 1, 2013, to participate in speci- Senate and Assembly District 54, vacated Board of Administration of PERS. The bill would fied benefit plans. Existing law requires, in the by Holly Mitchell who was just elected to the eliminate the position of the member of the case of these plans, if a new defined bene- Senate. If Democrats emerge as the winner State Personnel Board and would replace that fit formula is adopted on or after January 1, in both races, the Democrats will regain a position with the Director of Finance. The bill 2013, that the formula meet certain require- supermajority in the Assembly. would add to the board 2 persons, appointed ments and, among other things, be approved by the Governor, who are independent, as by the Legislature. This bill would eliminate the Senate District 26 defined, and have financial expertise. This requirement that the Legislature approve the provision would not become operative unless changes in the instances described above. This As we had expected, Assemblywoman Holly ratified by a majority of voters at a statewide bill would also authorize a local agency pub- Mitchell was successful in her special election election. The bill would require the Secretary of lic employer or public retirement system that to Senate District 26. She received 80.6% of State to submit that provision of the bill to the offers a defined benefit pension plan to offer the vote (17,121 votes), with Mervin Evans a voters at the next statewide election. a benefit formula with a lower benefit factor distant second at 19.4% (4,109 votes). Status: 2-Year Bill. 5/3/2013-Failed Deadline at normal retirement age and which results in pursuant to Rule 61(a)(2). (Last location was a lower normal cost than the benefit formu- Senator-elect Mitchell’s election adds to the P.E.,R. & S.S. on 3/7/2013) las that are currently required, for purposes of Democratic supermajority in the Senate. There

14 CDF NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2013 ELECTION OF IAFF AND CPF DELEGATES

Pursuant to the policies outlined below, someone. nominations for delegates to the 2014 IAFF and CPF conventions will be held at the .06 The voting shall be by secret bal- CDF Firefighters 48th Annual Convention at lot, with each member in good standing is no runoff since she received over 50% the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento of CDF Firefighters present at the con- of the vote....she will likely be sworn in on Friday, December 13, 2013. Elections vention having one vote for up to 10 sometime in October. Although the Senate will take place at the same location on candidates. won’t be in session until January, there December 14, 2013. could be interim hearings, and she will .07 The top ten vote getters as to each need to get her office and staff organized. 920.02 Election of IAFF and CPF affiliated convention shall be elected as Delegates (see also Section 1245) delegate and/or alternate. Assembly District 45 .A To comply with affiliation rules, thedate .08 Notwithstanding the above, the The Special Primary Election in the heavily of nominations and election of delegates will president, with the concurrence of the Democratic Los Angeles Assembly District be published in the “CDF Firefighters,” July executive board, may order that a mail 45 was a far more crowded field, with 11 edition. ballot be sent out for the election of such candidates in the race, most of them delegates and/or alternates, so long as Democrats. Democrat Matt Dababneh and .B The date of nominations of delegates such determination is made thirty (30) Republican Susan Shelley were the top shall be on the second day of the CDF days prior to the holding of the CDF two vote getters, with 5,318 votes (24.6%) Firefighters General Convention. (09-09) Firefighters General Convention. and 4,637 votes (21.4%), respectively. The Republican in this race was able to get .C Nominations for the delegates and/or .09 Any time at least thirty (30) days prior the #2 spot because there were so many alternates (as otherwise provided herein) to the start of the convention of such affili- Democrats in the race that they divided may be made from the floor, for each con- ated body, the executive board of CDF up the Democratic vote. Dababneh and vention, with persons being able to run and Firefighters may limit the number of per- Shelley will now run in the November 19th be elected, as delegates, to both affiliated sons authorized to attend as a delegate Special General Election. This should be conventions. to such affiliated convention. an easy win for the Democrat because the voter registration is 49 Democrats, 25 .D All members of the executive board .10 However, such limitation shall not Republicans and 17 Declined to State; shall be nominated as the first order of be fewer than three (3) in number, and however, because it is a special election, business. (09-09) the priority of those entitled to go as a anything can happen because the turnout delegate must be in the order of the num- will be very low. .E The president may limit the number of ber of ballots by which they were elected, candidates: with the highest number of votes having Assembly District 52 the highest priority. If there is a tie as to .01 Nominations may be less than the the number of votes, then both persons A Special Primary Election was held limit, shall be entitled to go to the convention on July 23rd to fill Assembly District 52. as a delegate, in spite of the limit imposed Ontario Mayor Paul Leon, an independent .02 But in no case shall the limit be less by the executive board, if they are tied for candidate, and Pomona Councilmember than 28 (executive board - 13, members the last-delegate-to-be-sent slot. Freddie Rodriguez, a Democrat, emerged at large - 15). as the top two voter getters. Neither can- .11 Notwithstanding any of the above, the didate received 50% + 1 of the vote. .F The process and number of delegates executive board shall determine what, if Therefore, a runoff was scheduled for shall be as follows: any, financial assistance is to be provided September 24th. delegates and/or alternates. .01 The delegates and/or alternates, at a Assembly District 54 minimum, shall be elected for each con- .12 Notwithstanding the above, any per- vention, and a person may be elected son elected as a delegate and/or alternate In the wake of Holly Mitchell’s election as a delegate to either or both of such may attend such convention at their own to the Senate, there will now be a spe- conventions. expense, but only in the status as an cial election in the 54th Assembly District. alternate. Several Democrats have entered the race .02 The election shall take place on the thus far, but Sebastian Ridley-Thomas, third day of the CDF Firefighters General .13 There shall be no differentiation son of former Legislator now Los Angeles Convention. (09-09) between those persons nominated as County Board of Supervisor Mark Ridley- delegates, as described above, with Thomas, is the front runner. As you know, .03 The names of such elected officers regard to financial assistance, if any, Holly Mitchell just won the election to shall be put into nomination to be del- provided by CDF Firefighters. Senate District 26. Therefore, the elec- egates to the conventions of the affiliated tion for Assembly District 54 will likely bodies. be called by the Governor sometime in 1245 Selection of IAFF and CPF November or December. .04 Nominations for the delegates and/or Delegates alternates (as otherwise provided herein) may be made from the floor, for each Election of IAFF and CPF delegates shall be convention, with persons being able to held on the third day of the CDFF General run and be elected, as delegates to both Convention immediately prior to the next IAFF affiliated conventions. or CPF convention (see Section 0920.02). (9-09) .05 Any union member may nominate

CDF NEWSLETTER | OCTOBER 2013 15 Non-Profit Org. 1731 J St. Suite 100 U.S. Postage Sacramento, CA 95811 PAID (916) 609-8700 Sacramento, CA www.cdffirefighters.org Permit No. 989

Affiliated with International Association of Fire Fighters and California Professional Firefighters

POLICY MOTIONS ADOPTED AT THE SEPTEMBER 3-5, 2013 CDF FIREFIGHTERS EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

Moved to accept the addition of Policy merchandise with the CDF Ron Yank award, the Aaron Read award Section 0605 on website content as written, Firefighters logos will be distributed and leadership awards. removing .2 and making .1 grammatically to the Richard J. Ernest Scholarship correct as follows: Fund. 0264 Aaron Read Award – (Individual award given to a member, officer or “0605 CDF Firefighters shall utilize any .2 Royalties collected from individual by CDF Firefighters) and all forms of information sharing the manufacture and sale of and gathering that the executive merchandise with the CAL FIRE .01 Awarded by majority vote of the board determines are beneficial to the logos will be distributed to the CDF executive board. membership. The executive board shall Firefighters Benevolent Foundation. ensure that the union maintains a current The first $25 received each year .02 Awarded for long-term and modern website and other forms of shall be distributed to the CDF extraordinary achievement in political social media. Firefighters legal expense line action on behalf of the item for legal costs associated with members of this union. .01 All CDF Firefighters websites, the trademark agreements and social media pages or accounts enforcement. .03 Award may be given yearly must be approved by the executive or at each convention. If need is board, whether they are state, .3 All application and processing determined, multiple awards may be district or chapter level. The fees for trademark vendors or given. executive board may authorize the retailers will remain in the CDF use of CDF Firefighters’ logos or Firefighters general fund. 0264 0265 President’s Award may refer the requests for such use to the trademark committee for a 0601.03.04 Grant Application Policy” 0265 0266 Executive Board Award recommendation on approval of use. “ Moved to adopt the changes to 0266 0267 CDF Firefighters Leadership Moved that Policy Section 0601.03 be Operating Policy Sections 0252.23, 0261, Award” adopted to read: and 0264 relating to the Aaron Read Award to read: Moved to amend Operating Policy “0601.03 Trademark Royalties – CDF Section Firefighters owns the trademark rights to “0252.23.C Aaron Read Award – the CDF Firefighters and CAL FIRE logos. (Individual or member most deserving 1203, Convention Arrangements, to read: CDF Firefighters collects royalties from of recognition for extraordinary approved vendors and retailers for the achievement in political action on behalf 1203 Convention Arrangements production of these logos. of the membership of the union) “It will be the responsibility of the convention .A All checks for royalty payments 0252.23.CD Executive Board of Directors management team and the district(s) in the shall be paid to CDF Firefighters. Award area in which the general convention is to be held to make the arrangements. .B Payments for royalties shall be 0252.23.DE Leadership Award distributed by CDF Firefighters as .A North: Districts I, II, VII and IX. follows: 0261.01 Chapter directors, district vice presidents and all executive board members .B Central: Districts III, IV and V. .1 Royalties collected from may nominate members, officers and the manufacture and sale of individuals for the Ron Bywater award, the .C South: Districts VI and VIII.