I hope this message finds you and your families well. We’ve just come out of the “dog days” of summer, and I hope all of you were able to enjoy some quality time with loved ones. This time of year often brings a renewed focus as we prepare for the last stretch of the year. It’s important to continue prioritizing your physical and mental well-being, both on and off the job. I hope summer gave you a chance to recharge, and that you’re feeling ready for the opportunities this season brings.

I hope members were able to take a moment on Labor Day to reflect on the significance of the holiday. It’s a day to honor the contributions and achievements of American workers, including the dedicated members of our organization. Your hard work and commitment to excellence are what make CCSO strong and resilient. I hope you all enjoyed the holiday, and take pride in the work you do every day. 

I am thrilled to report that our recent CCSO Charity Golf Tournament at the Oakdale Golf & Country Club was a tremendous success. We had a great turnout, and it was wonderful to see so many of you there. Special thanks to Rudy Marquez for organizing this fantastic event. The funds raised will significantly support the CCSO scholarship fund, helping to provide educational opportunities for our members and their families. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this worthy cause.

Looking ahead, I want to address a topic that remains a priority for our organization: the ability of our sergeants and lieutenants to transfer. This issue is still on the table and something we are actively pursuing. With the recent closures we’ve experienced, we’ve seen voluntary movement within our supervisory ranks to open positions. This adaptability and willingness to adjust to various locations highlights our supervisors’ ability to perform effectively wherever they are needed.

However, it is disheartening that despite their experience and dedication, our sergeants and lieutenants must compete against less experienced individuals for transfer opportunities. This inconsistency is evident when the state allows voluntary transfers only during prison closures, benefiting them while our supervisors are left without the same opportunity. We are pushing harder than ever to correct this issue. Our supervisors have proven their ability to adapt and thrive in new environments, and it’s time we recognize and support their efforts by allowing them the same transfer privileges as the rank and file.

In addition, we are revisiting the possibility of improving our members’ health care packages. We will be sitting down with CalHR to discuss providing better health care opportunities and benefits for our employees. This is a critical issue that impacts everyone in our organization, and we are committed to securing the best possible outcomes for our members.

Finally, I want to highlight the incredible strength of our organization. Our financial stability is robust, nearly matching our pre-pandemic and pre-upgrade levels. This resurgence is thanks to our diligent financial management and the successful resolution of the walk time case, which have provided a solid foundation for future growth. We are stronger than ever, and this financial strength will allow us to continue supporting our members and enhancing our organization in the years to come. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. Together, we are building a brighter future for CCSO and its members.