SD 35 Beach) SD 33 31 SD (D-Fullerton)** SD 29 Park) SD 27 (D-La CañadaFlintridge) SD 25 Bernardino)* SD 23 Clarita) SD 21 Barbara)* SD 19 Cruz)* SD 17 Jose)* SD 15 Park)* SD 13 Francisco) SD 11 (D-Berkeley) SD 09 (D-Stockton)* SD 05 SD 03 SD 01 Senate Candidates CSR LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS

••DATED MATERIAL – PLEASE DO NOT DELAY•• Vol. XXXIIII (D-Long Richard Roth(D-Riverside) Henry Stern(D-Canoga Abigail Medina(D-San (R-Santa Monique Limón(D-Santa John Laird(D-Santa (D-San (D-Menlo (D-San Nancy Skinner Bill Dodd(D-Napa) (R-Bieber) Legislative Watchwith

No. 10 PAID NONPROFIT PERMIT #495 U.S. POSTAGE U.S. Ted Toppin SACRAMENTO, CA SACRAMENTO, Page 3

2020 GENERAL ELECTION Francisco) AD 19 AD 18 Francisco) AD 17 (D-Orinda) AD 16 AD 15 AD 14 AD 12 AD 11 Rafael) AD 10 AD 09 Cordova) AD 08 (D-Sacramento) AD 07 AD 06 (R-O’Neals) AD 05 (D-Napa) 04 AD City) AD 03 AD 02 Assembly Candidates SD 39 SD 37 (D-Gardena) CSR BoardofDirectors (D-San Rob Bonta(D-Alameda) (D-San Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Oakland) (D-Concord) (R-Modesto) (D-Oakley) (D-San Jim Cooper(D-ElkGrove) (D-Rancho Kevin McCarty (R-Rocklin) Cecilia Aguiar-Curry Jim Gallagher(R-Yuba Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) (D-SanDiego) (DAnaheim)** A PUBLICATION REPRESENTING STATE RETIREES Election Page 4 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREES STATE CALIFORNIA 3000 Advantage Way Suite 100 Suite 3000 Way Advantage CA 95834 Sacramento, AD 31 AD AD 30 Valley) AD 29 AD 28 AD 27 AD 26 AD 25 Park) AD 24 AD 23 Francisco) AD 22 AD 21 AD 20 Angeles) AD 53 (D-Pomona) AD 52 Angeles) AD 51 Monica) AD 50 AD 49 Covina) AD 48 (D-San Bernardino) AD 47 (D-Sherman Oaks) AD 46 AD 45 Oaks) AD 44 (D-Glendale) AD 43 Valley) AD 42 AD 41 40 AD AD 39 AD 36 Obispo)**Note: Duelendorsement AD 35 Luis Obispo) 35 AD AD 34 (R-Hesperia)* AD 33 (D-Bakersfield) AD 32 (D-Fresno)

Joaquin Arambula Robert Rivas(D-Hollister) (D-Scotts (D-Campbell) (D-SanJose) (R-Visalia) (D-SouthBay)* (D-Menlo Jim Patterson(R-Fresno) (D-SouthSan (D-Merced) (D-Hayward) (D-Los (D-Los (D-Santa (D-Arcadia) (D-West Eloise GómezReyes (D-Encino) (D-Thousand (I-Yucca (D-Pasadena) (D-Highland) (D-Arleta) (R-Palmdale) Dawn Addis (D-SanLuis (R-San (R-Bakersfield) Rudy SalasJr. by Larry Woodsonby To YourHealth Page 6

are incumbentsseeking reelection. asterisks (**). All othercandidates legislator are notedwithtwo who are challenginganincumbent an asterisk(*),andcandidates seat candidatesare designated by In thelistofendorsements,open Diego) AD 80 Diego) AD 79 Diego)* AD 78 Diego) AD 77 (D-Encinitas) AD 76 (R-Escondido) AD 75 (D-Laguna Beach) AD 74 Beach) 70 AD AD 69 AD 68 (D-Manhattan Beach) AD 66 (D-Fullerton) AD 65 AD 64 (D-Lakewood) AD 63 (D-Inglewood) AD 62 AD 61 (D-Corona) AD 60 (D-) AD 59 Gardens) AD 58 Angeles)* AD 57 (D-Coachella) AD 56 Bar) AD 55 (D-Los Angeles) AD 54 Coronavirus vs. The Flu (D-San Shirley Weber (D-San Chris Ward (D-San (D-San Tasha Boerner-Horvath Cottie Petrie-Norris Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Tom Daly(D-Anaheim) Melissa Fox(D-Irvine)** Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Carson) Anthony Rendon (D-Riverside) Reggie Jones-Sawyer Cristina Garcia(D-Bell (D-Los Eduardo Garcia (R-Diamond -Dove Savvy Senior: Page 8 88 OCTOBER 2020 Continued from page 3 news Join us! CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREES STATEWIDE OFFICERS Tim Behrens President 39,000 Strong and Growing! TEL: 559.920.0371 EMAIL: [email protected] Stephanie Hueg Executive Vice President TEL: 831.588.5061 EMAIL: [email protected] J.W. “Jay” Jimenez Vice President TEL: 714.926.6409 EMAIL: [email protected] Gerald “Jerry” Fountain CFO/Secretary TEL: 559.935.2238 FAX: 559.935.5884 EMAIL: [email protected] CSR DISTRICT BOARD DIRECTORS Sharon Stoltzman TEL: 424.228.2820 EMAIL: [email protected] District A: Ch. 4, Ch. 9, Ch. 20 Manijeh Fatollahi TEL: 805.795.1968 EMAIL:[email protected] District B: Ch. 10, Ch. 26, Ch. 31, Ch. 36 Mary McDonnell TEL: 415.509.1914 EMAIL: [email protected] District C: Ch. 1, Ch. 3, Ch. 21, Ch. 23 California State Retirees: 3000 Advantage Way Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95834 S.E. Riazi TEL: 530.519.2174 EMAIL: [email protected] District D: Ch. 8, Ch. 13, Ch. 14, Ch. 19 Keith Umemoto TEL: 916.429.2768 EMAIL: [email protected] California State Retirees iPAC Application District E: Ch. 2, Ch. 15, Ch. 165 R. Connie Lira-Beuer TEL: 209.601.5754 EMAIL: [email protected] District F: Ch. 5, Ch. 11, Ch. 16, Ch. 35 Gaspar Luna Oliveira TEL: 619.548.4793 EMAIL: [email protected] District G: Ch. 6, Ch. 12, Ch. 17, Ch. 34 Contact us! CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREES Headquarters 3000 Advantage Way Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95834 TEL: 916.326.4292 FAX: 916.326.4201 TOLL-FREE: 888.808.7197 California State Retirees: 3000 Advantage Way Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95834 EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.CalRetirees.org Join online: www.CalRetirees.org/joinus

OCTOBER 2020 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE PAGE 2 CSR Bill Watch

LEGISLATIVE WATCH with Ted Toppin November Election Fast Approaching CSR’s Election Recommendations Aimed at Protecting Your Interests he 2020 General Election own. But if you are still looking CSR open seat candidates Tis just around the corner – for recommendations on how to are also likely to have met Tuesday, November 3! best vote your interests, and the with CSR chapter leaders and By the time you read this you interests of all state retirees, please statewide representatives and will likely have seen hundreds of see the list of CSR’s legislative have specifically requested slick TV commercials and dozens endorsements for 2020 that appears CSR’s endorsement. of glossy mail pieces supporting alongside this column on the front The incumbents recommended or opposing this candidate or page. to you have a record of that statewide ballot measure. In total, CSR has endorsed support in the Legislature Additionally, the campaigns are candidates likely blowing up your phones in 91 out Ted Toppin with calls and texts, as our ongoing of 100 pandemic has greatly reduced door- legislative who have received CSR’s stamp of to-door canvassing. seats on the approval. The good news is, the November ballot. CSR election will be here and gone did not take Are you registered to vote? before you know it, putting an end a position on California offers voter registration the commercials, mail, calls and any of the online, by mail, and in person. everything else that clouds your 12 statewide Online voter registration is brain and fills up your recycle bin. propositions available at RegisterToVote. Now, the decision is entirely up on the ca.gov. You can also request and to you. It is time to make a plan ballot, as complete a paper voter registration and vote. If you are not registered they were form and mail or hand deliver it or need to reregister, you have considered to your county elections official to until 15 days before the election – not register to vote. October 19 – to do so. generally Ballots are expected to go out to or specifically related to CSR’s and likely have established You can look up your voter all voters no later than October primary objectives to protect state solid relationships with their registration record and verify that 5. This year, all Californians will retiree pensions and health care. local CSR chapters. Before your information is correct using automatically receive a vote-by- CSR’s recommended open seat they were elected, they too California’s voter registration mail ballot, including a postage- candidates have responded to likely completed CSR’s lookup tool. voterstatus.sos. paid envelope to return it. Your our candidate questionnaire and questionnaire, went through ca.gov/ ballot must be postmarked by voiced support for state retiree our vetting process, and November 3 or dropped off in a pension and health care benefits. If ultimately met the approval of secure ballot drop box by 8 p.m. previously elected to public office, CSR’s chapter and statewide that night. their records on retiree issues have leaders. In sum, you can have Every American’s vote is their very been researched and evaluated. confidence in the candidates

HAVE YOU MOVED? Website: www.calpers.ca.gov Don’t miss an issue of Phone: 888 CalPERS or the 888.225.7377 California State TTY: 877.249.7442 Retiree! Fax: 800.959.6545 Hours: Monday - Friday To update your information, please email [email protected] 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PAGE 3 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE OCTOBER 2020 news Would you be a Good Representative on the CSR Board of Directors? SR is looking for activists who wish to run for one of two Cseats up for election on the California State Retirees Board of Directors. The CSR Board of Directors is the governing body of California State Retirees and usually meets three times per year at locations throughout the state. Board members duties include CANDIDATE CONSENT STATEMENT attending Board meetings, helping to coordinate chapter activities, helping chapter presidents and members understand the issues PLEASE PRINT FULL NAME AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON THE BALLOT affecting member welfare, participating in political action and I ______, self-nominate and/or consent to providing overall leadership. be a Candidate for the office(s) of __ /Delegate_____

The terms for Board members in Districts D and E will conclude at ______the February 2021 CSR Board of Directors meeting. An election in Name Chapter No: Last 4 SS# or Member ID # each of the districts will be conducted only if more than one eligible ______candidate has consented to serve by the November 16, 2020, filing Address City Zip Code date. Candidates may also submit a brief 200-word statement ______regarding their qualifications. The election coordinator reserves Telephone No. E-mail the right to disallow any statement material that is considered Candidates may submit a brief, factual, biographical statement of no inaccurate. Ballots in the contested race(s) will be sent to the more than 200 words regarding their qualifications. Such biographical statements must be received in the Corporate Office by November 1615 electorate December 1, 2020, and are due at CSR Headquarters by to be distributed with the ballot. Specifics on candidate statements will January 4, 2021. be provided to candidates upon nomination acceptance. The contents of these statements must be in accordance with approved guidelines.

District directors are elected by chapter members within their By signing below, I certify I am a member in good standing and that I understand I cannot engage in an incompatible act (as defined in CSEA respective districts. To be eligible to run, you must be a member Bylaws Article XIV, Section 1) such as simultaneously holding a CSR in good standing. Candidates must also reside within the district office and an office within a competing organization. holding the election and in a chapter assigned to the district. Currently, S.E. Riazi holds the district director position for District ______D, representing Chapters 8, 13, 14 and 19. Keith Umemoto holds Signature: Date: the district director position for District E, representing Chapters 2, 15 and 165. If you are interested in running you must file a OUR MISSIOn Candidate Consent Form, located on this page, by November 16, The mission of the California State 2020. If you are interested in running for these positions or need Retirees is to protect the pension and more information, please contact Corinne Celentano at 888.808.7197 or [email protected] with any health benefits of all retired state questions. employees. September 2019 News for CalPERS Members and Beneficiaries: Do You Have a Beneficiary Designation on File? Does It Need Updating? id you know you can add domestic partnership, and the birth Updating Your Beneficiary Is Security number, birth date, and Dor update your beneficiary or adoption of a child. Easy address. designation anytime through your Having a designation on file If you aren’t sure whether you have If you have additional questions or personal myCalPERS account? helps ensure that CalPERS a beneficiary in place or need to concerns, please contact CalPERS will be able to process benefit update your designation on file, Hours: Monday - Friday There are certain life events payments in a timely and accurate it’s easy to verify by logging in 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. that can impact and revoke your manner. Their benefits team will to your myCalPERS account and Phone: 888 CalPERS current designation on file such be able to identify and locate selecting the Add or Change Your (or 888-225-7377) as the death of your beneficiary, a your beneficiaries and take the Beneficiaries link on the home TTY: (877) 249-7442 marriage or domestic partnership, necessary steps for your loved page. You will need information Fax: (800) 959-6545 dissolution or annulment of ones to be taken care of during this about each beneficiary to complete or visit www.calpers.ca.gov marriage, termination of a challenging time. the process including their Social

OCTOBER 2020 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE PAGE 4 PUZZLES Halloween Fill-In ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

Persimmon Bread

Ingredients 1 cup persimmon pulp 2 teaspoons baking soda 3 cups white sugar 1 cup vegetable oil 4 large eggs eggs 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 ½ teaspoons salt ⅔ cup water 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 WORD LIST degrees C). Grease three 6x3 inch loaf pans. 3-letter words 5-letter words 7-letter words In a small bowl, stir together the persimmon BAT BROOM CARVING pulp and baking soda. Let stand 5 minutes to CAT GHOST COBWEBS thicken the pulp. OWL NIGHT COSTUME In a medium bowl, combine sugar, oil, eggs, SCARY LANTERN cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Blend until 4-letter word TREAT OCTOBER smooth. Mix in persimmon pulp and water MOON TRICK PARTIES alternately with flour. Fold in nuts. Divide WITCH PUMPKIN batter into the prepared pans, filling each pan 2/3 full. 6-letter words 8-letter words Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until SPIDER SKELETON a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in SPOOKY pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire SWEETS rack to cool completely.

Find us online Facebook: @CaliforniaStateRetirees Twitter: @CAStateRetirees LinkedIn: @CaliforniaStateRetirees Website:www.CalRetirees.org

PAGE 5 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE OCTOBER 2020 To Your Health on oversight of violations. Both met virtually and several items provide less spread among low President Behrens and I urged of consequence to us were on and high cost plan premiums while her to be more transparent and the agenda. Again, Tim and I providing good value. I lauded encourage Board President Jones followed the staff presentations, their efforts but also raised some to honor Board Member Betty board discussion, and gave public concerns in my public comments. Yee’s request for a special Board comment on CSR’s position. There were significant differences meeting to discuss CalPERS First, Item 6a was on the OptumRx between the July presentation conflict of interest policies, CEO’s contract for Pharmacy Benefit and the September presentation oversight and implementation of Manager services which expires in which I pointed out. Because of these policies, and any additional 2021. The recommendation to the the complexity of this effort and safeguards necessary to prevent a PHBC was to extend the contract the many questions CSR and other repeat of these types of violations. for 1 to 2 years due to challenges groups had, CalPERS agreed Ms. Frost acknowledged our of the Covid19 pandemic and to have a special Stakeholders By Larry Woodson, CSR Health concerns, indicated she was limited challenges experienced with meeting October 9, with this being Benefits Committee chair in what she could share, but said the drug supply chain. CSR had the only topic. CalPERS staff plans alPERS Open Enrollment there was no longer an outstanding discussed this extension and to make final recommendations Cfor Health Plans is currently request from Betty Yee suggesting supported it. The other part of the to the PHBC and Board in the underway from September 21 the issues had been resolved. I recommendation was to convert November meetings. This will through October 16, 2020. Most later learned that Board member the extended contract to what allow us time to further understand members have received notice by Yee had written another letter to CalPERS calls an “acquisition- and take a position. email, been informed on CalPERS Mr. Jones requesting a number of based contract” replacing the Lastly, the Long Term Care website, or by USPS mail. Those governance issues be placed on traditional rebate-driven contract. Program strategy was discussed who requested paper mailing the Board agenda for September Nationally, PBM rebates are as an information item. They should also have received their for discussion in Open session. the standard and are lacking in are preparing to take action in Health Plan Statements showing I was able to get a copy of the transparency. The PBM does not the November meeting with your current coverage status and letter and found they were many share their true costs in acquiring final recommendations to premiums for 2021 if you remain of the same issues she had called drugs from manufacturers, so provide program sustainability. with your current plan. Important for in the special session, which when they are given rebates which They include trying to increase information that wasn’t included had been denied. CSR’s request they pass on to the purchaser investment returns to the LTC in paper mailings and is a bit hard of and questions to Marcie Frost like CalPERS, there is no way to Fund, which is separate from the to find on their website is the were later reported in a national know how much profit they build PERF. The LTC fund is currently CalPERS monthly contribution blog, characterizing CSR in a very in. CSR supports the elimination managed primarily in-house by amounts toward premiums for positive light. of rebates. Acquisition-based CalPERS investment staff. Staff is 2021: For a single party $798; 2 When we received the agendas approach seems to have promise proposing to let a contract out to an party $1,519; family $1,937. Also, for all the CalPERS committee as described by staff. I have some external investment management the new rates are only available on meetings September 14-16, skepticism that a PBM would firm in order to develop new line. For members who don’t use we found all of Board member enter into an agreement that strategies for increasing the fund. computers, you can call CalPERS Yee’s items included as could substantially lower their They also lay out various other at 888-225-7377 and ask the discussion topics on several of profits and is truly transparent. options to minimize premium representative to connect you to a the committee agendas. I want However, the fact that it would be increases, some which we’ve seen member of the health team. to thank Controller Yee for her implemented just for a 1 or 2 year before including changing the September was a very busy persistence in advocating for extended term, gives CalPERS benefit design so that members month for CSR engagement transparent, open discussion of and us, the opportunity to evaluate could pay less for less benefits. Of with CalPERS staff and board good governance matters among its effectiveness and impacts on course, for the many who joined on numerous health benefits and the full Board. I hope that CSR members. It was adopted. years ago with the understanding CalPERS governance issues. support of her efforts contributed Another item of interest to us the benefits and premiums were It began with a Virtual Retiree to a significant step in having those was Information Item 7a, Risk fixed, this is not an attractive Roundtable Meeting September discussions. I won’t go into detail Mitigation Strategies for HMO option. I gave public comment 2. CSR President Tim Behrens, on the governance discussions, and PPO plans. We had heard a expressing some skepticism about other CSR Board members, and I but will say that there was robust presentation on this at the July both these options: that an outside participated.CalPERS CEO Marcie discussion in all the committees offsite. The purpose of developing consultant is estimated to cost the Frost attended and presented and that Tim and I both gave this kind of strategy is to prevent fund over $1 million annually and an update on several CalPERS public comment on every topic in the continuing trend to plans there’s an assumption they would issues. During Q&A we were able support of improved governance. which have high population health be taking more risk with the funds to question her about the sudden If interested, you can view the risk due to more elderly or more at a time of a shaky economy. resignation of CIO Ben Meng committee meetings on video by persons with chronic conditions, Additionally, the Finance and and why the full CalPERS Board visiting the CalPERS website. having higher increases in Administration Committee was not being allowed to discuss More specific to Health Benefits, premiums annually and leaving included the LTC program in its his departure and the policies and September 15 the Pension and geographic areas where provider practices which have a bearing Health Benefits Committee costs are high. The goal is to continued to page 8

OCTOBER 2020 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE PAGE 6 news The Facts You Should Know About Public Pensions alifornia State Retirees from the agency’s $400-plus paychecks spent by beneficiaries. 401(k) plans. In 1980, the 401(k) Coperates with a mission to billion portfolio, in addition Myth No. 2: Pensioners live tax deferral was equivalent to an protect our state’s public pensions, to contributions from public comfortably at taxpayer-expense additional annual investment return a frequent target of partisan employees and their taxpayer- Fact: The average monthly of 9.2%. That benefit has shrunk disapproval. funded employers. Detractors CalPERS benefit is $3,000, while to a mere 0.6%, much less than the Public pensions regularly inspire would have you believe taxpayers 61% of CalPERS retirees receive 1% to 2% in fees investors pay in condemnation, especially in tough are the sole providers. less. As the sole income source for typical 401(k) plans. economic times. Critics complain Here are four other common many households, public pensions Myth No. 4: Dismantling public their funding is unstable and pension myths—and the facts to help create an economic foundation pensions would save money benefits overly generous. As the counter them. for cities and counties throughout Fact: The promise of good benefits downturn caused by the COVID-19 Myth No. 1: Public pensions the state. helps public agencies recruit and pandemic continues, expect the produce less than what they receive Myth No. 3: 401(k) plans are a maintain a reliable workforce, voices to grow louder and more Fact: Beneficiaries don’t just keep better option who in turn delivers vital public one-sided. money in their communities— Fact: Employer-sponsored services. But if public pensions But public pensions offer stability they grow it. In 2018, taxpayers retirement plans typically fall didn't exist, the taxpayer burden to millions of Californians of all contributed $162 billion under two categories: A defined- nationwide would rise by $179.4 political shades. Such facts testify nationwide to public pension benefit plan such as CalPERS billion just to maintain the current to a benefit of universal value. funds, which generated $341 guarantees a specific payment level of public services. Longevity proves resilience. billion in state and local tax amount in retirement. A defined- Biased opinions will continue, CalPERS traces its origins to revenues. contribution plan allows employees especially as more state workers the Great Depression. In 1931, CalPERS retirees generated $23.5 and employers (if they choose) to retire and the recession threatens SB 683 established California’s billion in revenue and 137,000 contribute and invest funds over state and local revenues. The truth first retirement system for state jobs statewide in 2018. The same time to save for retirement. A can help protect public pensions. employees. year, public pensions contributed 401(k) is the most common defined By dispelling the myths, you can Funding for CalPERS retirement to the U.S. economy $1.7 trillion: contribution plan. help sway public opinion to the benefits today comes from three $872 billion invested from But low interest rates and high fees facts. sources: investment returns portfolio assets and $836 billion in have eroded the very function of

PAGE 7 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE OCTOBER 2020 SAVVY SENIOR Coronavirus Versus Flu: How to Tell the Difference Dear Savvy Senior, COVID-19, while it’s now thought vaccine available yet to prevent Can you explain the differences that a fever is more likely with the COVID-19, the best way to prevent between the coronavirus and flu, as are diarrhea and nausea. illness is to avoid being exposed to seasonal flu? I’m 70-years-old, Many people are having their this virus. So, stay home as much Send your senior questions to: and usually get a standard flu temperatures taken these days as you can. If you have to go out, Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443 shot, but would like to find out before entering public spaces. wear a mask and keep at least 6 Norman, OK 73070 what else I can do to protect or visit SavvySenior.org myself this winter. --Worried Senior Quadrivalent” or the “FLUAD Dear Worried, Quadrivalent” are the two options Great question! Because of the that provide extra protection dual danger of Influenza (flu) and beyond what a standard flu shot COVID-19, the Center for Disease offers. You only need one flu shot, Control and Prevention (CDC) and if you haven’t already gotten recently warned that this fall and it, you should do it now because winter could be the worst ever takes up to two weeks to build for public health. Understanding immunity after you receive it. this, knowing the differences and Pneumonia Vaccines If you haven’t similarities between the viruses, been vaccinated for pneumonia, and knowing what you can do to you should also consider getting protect yourself is the best way to the pneumococcal vaccines. Both stay healthy and safe through this flu and COVID-19 can lead to difficult time. pneumonia, which hospitalizes Flu vs COVID But fever occurs in only half of feet away from other people. And around 250,000 Americans, and Because many of the symptoms of COVID-19 cases. Fever does every time you come home, wash kills around 50,000 people each flu and COVID-19 are similar, it not rule out COVID-19, but your hands with warm water and year. But these numbers could be may be hard to tell the difference the absence of fever makes flu soap for at least 20 seconds. much higher this year. between them based on symptoms unlikely. There’s also evidence that suggests The CDC recommends that all alone, so testing may be needed to You’re also unlikely to have a that people who are deficient in seniors, 65 or older, get two help confirm a diagnosis. With that runny or stuffy nose with the flu, vitamin D may be at higher risk of vaccinations – Prevnar 13 and said, here are some similarities and but you may with COVID-19. getting COVID-19, than those with Pneumovax 23. Both vaccines, differences you should know. What sometimes happens within sufficient levels. So, make sure which are administered one year For starters, seasonal flu symptoms the nose with COVID-19 is loss of you take in around 800 to 1,000 apart, protect against different come on pretty quickly, whereas smell and, often as a consequence, international units (IUs) of vitamin strains of the bacteria to provide COVID-19 develops gradually loss of taste, too. D from food or supplements daily, maximum protection. over a period of a few days and To learn more about the similarities and get outside as much as you Medicare Part B covers both flu then either fades out or gets and differences between flu and can. and pneumonia shots. worse. Common shared symptoms COVID-19, visit the CDC website And to help guard against the flu To locate a vaccination site that include fever, sore throat, muscle at CDC.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs- this year, you should consider offers any of these shots, visit aches, cough, headache, fatigue covid19.htm. getting a flu shot that’s specifically VaccineFinder.org and type in and even chest pain. Pinkeye and How to Protect Yourself designed for people 65 and your location. a dry cough are associated with While there is currently no older. The “Fluzone High Dose

continued from page 6 $4.47 billion in 2018. Based on stabilize the fund, but the choices new actuarial assumptions and do not appear good. CSR MEMBERS! we need to agenda as Item 7d. Staff reported other costs the funded status I hope all of you stay safe and well stay connected now more on the LTC Valuation which has has decreased from 101% to during these trying times. just been completed for fiscal year 69%. Clearly, action needs to be than ever. ending June 30, 2019. Highlights taken to stabilize the fund. One Sign up for the CSR were presented from the Annual recommendation is to lower the Valuation Report scheduled for discount rate assumption from E-Newsletter release in September. I have not 5.25% to 4% reflecting lower visit www.castateretirees. yet seen it on their website at the anticipated investment returns. time of this column. Highlights While having benefits, it would org/csrnewsletter of interest: the new fund balance cause significant new premium is $4.73 billion compared to increases. We support all efforts to

OCTOBER 2020 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE PAGE 8 CHAPTER MEETING NOTICES PLEASE NOTE: FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES-ALL CSR MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE EMAIL [email protected]

CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 9 CHAPTER 15 CHAPTER 23 CHAPTER 35 ALAMEDA/CONTRA COSTA LOS ANGELES AREA SIERRA FOOTHILLS SAN JOSE AREA SO. CENTRAL VALLEY PORTERVILLE AREA COUNTIES President: Luanna Allard, (323) President: Joann Stewart, (916) 412- President: Maria Aguilar, (408) President: Lou Flores, (559) 362- President: Carol Bowen , (510) 304.9894, LAllard@CalRetirees. 2075; Vice President: Ruth Braun, 706-0366, MAguilar@CalRetirees. 0689; Vice President: Mary McCaig, 527-5131, CBowen@CalRetirees. org; Vice President: Raelene Allard, (916) 434-6680, rbraun1110@gmail. org; Vice President: Brad Geldert, (559) 359-6069; Secretary: Joyce org; Vice President: Stella Torrez; (323) 221-6010, raeleneallard@ com; Treasurer: Debora Remington, (408) 655-4799, [email protected]; Jarrett, (559) 348-7845; Treasurer: Treasurer: Digna Laureano ymail.com; Secretary/Treasurer: (916) 402-9118, DRemington@ Secretary: Christine Jasper, (408) Donna Hernandez, (562) 405-1387, CalRetirees.org; Secretary: 373-1655, chris0521@sbcglobal. Larry Long, (559) 781-8761. CHAPTER 2 [email protected]. Frank Weinstein, (916) 223-5957, net; Treasurer: Larry Roberts, CHAPTER 36 SACRAMENTO/YOLO AREA CHAPTER 10 [email protected]. (510) 827-7938, lroberts1956@ President: Louis Espinoza, (916) yahoo.com. MONTEREY BAY AREA 397-2526; LEspinoza@CalRetirees. SAN LUIS OBISPO CHAPTER 16 President: Quen Quigley, (831) 261- org; Vice President/Membership: President: : Ranell Bailey, (805) 610- SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY CHAPTER 26 7540, [email protected]; Phyllis Johnson, (916)841-7303; 4400; Vice President: Ron Garcia, President: Evelyn (Evie) Poppa- BAKERSFIELD/KERN COUNTY Vice President: Carolyn McIntyre, [email protected]; Treasurer: (805) 543-2511; Secretary: Pearl McKenna, (209) 608-2149, President: Ophelia Rabanal, (831) 722-3827; Secretary: Susan Kathleen Elwell, (916) 395-3717; Cole, (805) 489-5194; Treasurer: [email protected]; Vice (661) 458-6588, ORabanal@ Sisson; Treasurer: Christine Secretary: Dianne Welsh, (916) Marsha Epstein, (805) 704-0723 President: Marina Estrada, (928) CalRetirees.org; Vice President: Checchettini 682-7810 592-7087; Secretary/Treasurer: Henry Mendoza, (661) 725-8604; CHAPTER 11 Sheila Ward-Shaw, (209) 915-1020, Secretary: Sue Kimbriel, (661) CHAPTER 165 CHAPTER 3 MID VALLEY [email protected]. 333-0575, [email protected]; SACRAMENTO President: Christy Christensen- WEST BAY AREA Treasurer: Joe Salcido, (661) 477- President: Joe Reynoso, (916) 708- Fountain, (559) 707-7067; CHAPTER 17 President: Skip Charbonneau, 2015 , [email protected]. 0369, [email protected]; CChristensenFountain@CalRetirees. (415) 648-4946; Vice President: GREATER SAN DIEGO Vice President: Gail Fasciola, (916) org; Vice President/Secretary: Billie Feliciano, (415) 324-9058; President: Steve Haley, (619) 441- CHAPTER 31 386-1553, [email protected]; Claudine Edwards-McDougall, 8769, [email protected]; Vice Secretary: John Bowden, (916) 361- Secretary: Lily Gee, (650) 992-2526; VENTURA/SANTA BARBARA (559) 696-2628; Treasurer: Gigi President: Elaine Edwards Yahraus, 8786, JBowden@CalRetirees,org; Treasurer/Chapter Membership President: V. Raylene Laverentz, Subilosky, (559) 269-5380; (619) 435-4044, eyahraus@gmail. Chapter Treasurer/Oregon Chair: Erlinda Villa (415) 407-7905, (805) 986-1854, cell (805) 551-2278; com; Secretary: Gloria Koch, (619) Subchapter Chair: Geanie Hixon, [email protected] CHAPTER 12 [email protected]; Vice 455-1917, kochgloria303@gmail. (541) 646-0925, geanie.hixon@ President: Roberta Aminian, (805) EASTERN MOUNTAIN AND com; Treasurer: Diane Whorton, gmail.com CHAPTER 4 HIGH DESERT AREAS (619) 467-7861, dlw.union@gmail. 368-5838; Secretary/Treasurer: GREATER LOS ANGELES President: Linda Currie, (661) com Esther Whitcomb, (805) 874-1434 President: Marta Zaragoza, (310) 273-6390, lcurrie197@roadrunner. 204-0484; Vice President: Cynthia com; Vice President: Stephanie CHAPTER 19 Frison, (424) 227-6489; Secretary: Pryzbeski-Gilbert, (661) 537-3811, CHAPTER 34 NORTH COAST AREA Virginia Griffin, (323) 290-3655; [email protected]; Secretary: President: Skip Hulet, (707) 279- ORANGE COUNTY– Treasurer: Emma Johnson, Blanca Rodriguez, (909) 553-5625, SANTA ANA 4643; Vice President: Natalie (213)258-8796 [email protected]; Treasurer: President: Jenny Hayden, (714) 743- Daugherty, (707) 485-8857; Barbara Griffin, (661) 266-1130, 8423, [email protected]; Treasurer: Dorothea M. Parsons, CHAPTER 5 [email protected] Vice President: Joe Whaling, (714) (707) 462-1209; Secretary: Marilyn CENTRAL VALLEY FOOTHILLS 349-5393; Secretary: Adolfo Zavala, Saegert, (707) 513-8943. President: Anita McCabe, (209) CHAPTER 13 (714) 388-5355; Treasurer: Bill 602-7775; Vice President: Alice NO. CALIFORNIA/REDDING Serb III, (714) 826-6029; Legislative Powell, (209) 677-9136; Secretary: President: Warren Schlatter, (530) CHAPTER 20 Representative: Karen S. Hight (949) Korryn Koplen, (209) 577-8376; 605-1588, WSchlatter@CalRetirees. SAN FERNANDO VALLEY AND 300.0627; Membership Chair: Jack LOS ANGELES AREA Treasurer: Tom Hill, (209) 524-6650 org; Vice President: Robert Black, Vander Bruggen, (949) 857-0955. (530) 722-0511, bob_linda@charter. President: M. Cora Okumura, (818) CHAPTER 6 net; Secretary: Audrey Sandeen, (530) 359-7625, [email protected]; answers from page 5 221-3500, theswede8243@gmail. Vice President: Raymond Cole, (818) SAN BERNARDINO/ RIVERSIDE COUNTY com; Treasurer: Georgene Gibson, 898-9613, [email protected]; President: J. Dee Stoddard, (909) (530) 529-0277, rbjeepman10@ Treasurer: Gaylonn Mayo, (310) 862-1870; Vice President: Frank hotmail.com; Chapter Membership 897-7950, [email protected]; Ornelas, (909) 948-8758; Secretary: Director: Ed Huey, (530) 246-9456, Secretary: Norma Gallegos, (818) Patsy Hollis, (909) 862-7615; [email protected]. 667-2347, [email protected] Treasurer: Erlinda Ochoa, (909) 822-4128. CHAPTER 14 CHAPTER 21 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA/CHICO SONOMA, MARIN, NAPA CHAPTER 8 AND SOLANO COUNTIES President: Vincent Herrera, (916) NORTH COAST AREA President: Ron Franklin, (707) 938- 804-6613,VHerrera@CalRetirees. President: Veronica Avila, (707) 2288, [email protected]; org; Vice President: Joyce Finch, 487-0235, veronicacupcake57@ Vice President: Donald Lehnhoff, (530) 873-1165, joycef14@sbcglobal. gmail.com; Vice President: Karen (707) 795- 9405; Secretary: Eric net; Secretary: Todd Mayer, (530) Smith-Sayer (530) 277-7357, Norrbom, (707) 322-1528; Treasurer: 519-2897, [email protected]. [email protected]; Secretary: Harold Rose, (707) 542-5628. Sue D’Errico, (707) 954-2904, Treasurer: Susan Sears, (530) 532- [email protected]; Treasurer: 0149, [email protected] Patti Falk, (707) 445-1196, pmfalk@ earthlink.net.

OCTOBER 2020 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE PAGE 9 Is your current Medicare health plan still right for you?

Open enrollment is September 21 through October 16, 2020. 2021 benefit CalPERS retirees, see what you get with a Kaiser Permanente highlights Medicare health plan.

• Care from the comfort of home when you schedule a phone 1 appointment with a Kaiser Permanente doctor. Rides to and from your 3 • Your choice of great Kaiser Permanente doctors and a wide doctor visits at no cost range of specialists. And all our available doctors welcome Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan members.

• Our Medicare health plan is rated 5 out of 5 stars in Meals delivered to your California for 2020, making it Medicare’s longest-running, home after a hospital 2 highest-rated plan in the nation (2012–2020). stay at no cost4

To learn more and find out how to enroll, call us toll-free: 1-877-619-7752 (TTY 711), 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Or go to kp.org/calpers.

1. When appropriate and available. 2. Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. 3. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. 4. Meal service is for 4 weeks and is available only once per benefit year immediately following an inpatient stay at a hospital or nursing facility. Kaiser Permanente is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Kaiser Permanente depends on contract renewal. You must reside in the Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan service area in which you enroll.

Please recycle. 526381887_CSR July 2020

OCTOBER 2020 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE PAGE 10 Welcome aboard new members! ow that you have become a member of the largest A phone call to your chapter president or a visit to your Nand most experienced state retiree organization in chapter’s next meeting is the best way to become acquainted California, we want to properly welcome you aboard. with everything CSR has to offer. Check out pages 14 and 15 for California State Retirees (CSR) has 26 different chapters the phone and email information of your chapter president. Each statewide, and there is one just right for you. Members who chapter encourages new members to attend their meetings, where don’t specify which chapter they want to be in are automatically state retiree issues are discussed; a variety of speakers appear placed in the chapter within their zip code. Just let us know if the and lunch is served. At some chapters, new members receive chapter you have been assigned is where you want to stay. complimentary lunches.

Chapter 1 Chapter 3 Chapter 10 Chapter 19 Chapter 31 Chapter 36 J Rosaura Grijalva Gretchen Armstrong Leslie Kazarian Karen Cacchiola Wendy Say James Pendleton Raymond Chan Gene Han Connie Anderson Manuel Fernandez Joyce Perreira Sue Saline Marianne Lim Teodoro Martinez Chapter 20 Martin Workens Patricia Albee Olga Carrenca Pedro Andres Robert Arias Sullivan Morris Chapter 165 Mei-Chu Tsai Bao Au Sheila Smith Delores Cervantes Aida Derboghosians Todd Golterman Lisa Matovich Zhao Hou Henry Hilgert Rosie Galaviz Marcia Sherris Valerie Carr Andrea Lazaro Peggy Handono Chapter 4 Kimberley Elliott Chapter 21 Chapter 34 Carol Harmon Gloria Gunter Louis Irwin Maria Gonzalez Michelle Gannott Suzanne Lang Huy Vuong Delfin Almario Regina Quesada Cristina Carbajal Susan Kelley Janie Reece Jose Basurto Zoila Saquicela Laura Peterson Sylvia Balles Rebecca Isaacs Drew Letinich Doreen Ferrel Mary Genoese Ernesto Malbog Rosana Bejarano Cynthia Nules Christine Alessi Eddie Doucet Agapito Gesilva Joseph Raya Chapter 11 Kathrine Large Debbie Dombrow Anita Winslow Patricia Moore Marlyn Sahagun Matilda Poe Antoinette Boracchia C Koch Monte Lopez David Kwan Harrison Tanji Kimberly Hart Valerie Nagle Bruce Pardue Barry Bunch Clarita Tagab Sherryl Kleinknight David Mayer Mary Delrez Chapter 5 Genet Henry-Daniels Katherine Chavez Michael Fife Regina Johnson Chapter 2 Karen Walker Nancy Tucker Paulette Desmond Edna Cristobal Christopher Wolff Jenkins Kumeh Tracey Hall Sharon Mahoney Beatrice Deleon Sharon Williams Virginia Bencito Byrne Miller Loretta Duncan-Fowler Janie Curran Deborah Blakeney Conrad Alvarez Marylee Miglino Yolanda Granado Janet Vu Diane Bluitt Chapter 35 Brandi Blasi Hebbard Ken Hom Carrie Johnen Leslie Herme Carlton Wilson Chapter 12 Jacinto Lemuz Don’t fret if you Maria Gutierrez Chapter 6 Florene Trainor Chapter 23 Margaret Jimenez joined CSR but Shelley Hom Linda Walton Ruth Villagran don’t see your Brian Laws Cynthia Lopez Magdy Farah Linda Eck Evangelina Saucedo name here. Taura Olariscy Susan Palafox Kristi Jones Processing at CalPERS, Kelly Walton Teresa Yeo Chapter 13 Chapter 26 Arthur Evangelista the State Ronald Gardner Judith Cizek Jay Rutherdale Kimi Otto Isabel Rivera Controller’s Francisco Calderon Valdes Nay Saechao Zoila Carriaga Christa Clark Office and CSR Laura Casillas Shelly Montoya Chapter 14 Rita Coria Josefina Zabala can take a few Yolanda Gamble Andre Hudson Anthony Wright Jose Vasquez months. Check Robert Haggard Keith Townsend Milagros Albano again for your Lisa Lynch Suzette Walker Chapter 15 Judith Macdonald name within the Benjamin Damian Lorna Rutherford Melba Perez next two months. Elisea Rosario Cristina Pandy Patricia Garcia Kimberly Ross Tony Calima Debra Caster Janna Welk Edna Podgorski Irene Aguilar Jose Rubalcava Angela Hawkins Julie Mccoy Naomi Vasquez Lucille Swierczek Cheryl Ferguson Emily Cortez Sandra Schaefer Chapter 16 Lucille Li Gayle Bell Sharon Parsons Ginger Marsh Chapter 8 Jamuna Nanjappa TemerahMayer Luis Verdugo Starrlynn Murphy Stephanie Mills Maria Ramirez Joanne Posas Kathryn Kurtz Linda De Vera Kathleen Rothaus Regina Sanchez Chapter 9 Chapter 17 Rebecca Ray Keinya Wise Robert Humphus Lucrecia Perez Nora Maminta Carla Mccann Yvonne Newel Rocky Smith Sandra Edmonds Nhut Nguyen Olivia Sanchez Gracie Ruffino Haiying Zhang Elvis Ferrer Raymond Godinez Doreen Guerra Weiying Chu Rachelle Nguyen Thomas Kakkanatt Joyce Rensch-Love Emily Mendoza

PAGE 11 CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE OCTOBER 2020 CSR is the largest, most experienced organization exclusively representing state retirees! To protect the pension and health OUR MISSION benefits of all retired state employees

Take the next step! Here are 10 great reasons to join! 1. Advocacy: CSR has 87 years of experience representing 6. Retired Annuitant Program: Looking to keep retired state employees. Protecting your rights and benefits busy? Only CSR members are eligible for the CSR Retired is our top priority. We strongly oppose legislation that Annuitant Program List. State offices throughout California threatens to undermine the CalPERS system. contact our annuitant members for temporary, part-time jobs with the state. 2. Member discounts: We have discounts ranging from emergency travel assistance and insurance to recreational 7. 39,000 members strong and growing: Our activities and legal services. If you are not a member, you opinion matters to legislators, our governor, CalPERS are at risk of losing your CSEA benefits. and other agencies that can impact the pensions and benefits of state retirees. There is strength in numbers! 3. CalPERS coverage: Not everyone can attend CalPERS Board and committee meetings. Our staff and leadership 8. Minimal monthly dues: Our dues are minimal, do the work for you. We speak on behalf of our members but the benefits are significant. Our dues range from $1 and make sure your voice is heard. to $12 per month, depending on your CalPERS monthly allowance. 4. Monthly newspaper: The California State Retiree provides valuable information about issues affecting your 9. Giving back: Our members are active in their communities pension and benefits; services for retirees; and features with a wide range of volunteer and charitable activities. about retirees like you. Make a difference after retirement while having fun!

5. Community: There are 26 chapters throughout the 10. All are welcome: Any California state retiree can state. Attend your chapter’s meetings for fun, social and become a CSR member and get access to our exceptional educational events and speakers! Stay informed and be member benefits and be included in our strong retiree a part of an amazing community. community. Join today calretirees.org/joinus

CALIFORNIA STATE RETIREE