As we begin the final quarter of the year, I want to express my gratitude to our members and chapter presidents for supporting the dues increase that recently took effect. Thank you so much for entrusting us with the resources to offer the best services we possibly can. We know how hard you work to earn that money, and I assure you that we are committed to working just as hard to advocate on your behalf and provide you with top-notch member benefits that will make our organization second to none.

With the increase in revenue comes a heightened duty to take good care of those funds and spend them wisely. We just completed an audit of CCSO’s finances, and the process brought to light a number of ways in which we can be more fiscally responsible with our use of the membership dues. You will see changes in the coming months as we work to establish policies and put safeguards in place to ensure greater transparency and accountability, including having the Board be more involved in spending decisions. All this will help to protect your contributions and the organization as a whole as we move forward and continue to grow and evolve.

With the increase in revenue comes a heightened duty to take good care of those funds and spend them wisely.

In other news, the walk time case is nearing its conclusion. I think our members will be happy to know that a settlement agreement has been reached and, after many years, this litigation is finally coming to an end. We anticipate it will be resolved within the next 12 to 15 months and our membership will get what they are entitled to. Thank you to all the members and chapter presidents who were heavily involved in providing information to support the case, which was instrumental in bringing this lawsuit to a resolution at long last.

CCSO is busy fighting for equal treatment for our members when it comes to pay and benefits. One issue we’re working on is the fact that the rank and file receive 1% more in longevity pay than supervisors do, which adds up to a huge difference over the years in terms of retirement. We will be discussing adjustments with CalHR so that supervisors can be entitled to the same benefit that is being given to the individuals they supervise.

Another issue concerns health care. In areas of California that CalPERS has identified as “rural” because no HMO plan is available there for members to enroll in, the state offers a subsidy to offset the higher health-care expenses of PPO members. While rank-and-file corrections officers receive this subsidy, it is not currently available to supervisors. CCSO is initiating discussions with CalHR to pursue the objective of getting an equal subsidy for our members in those areas.

Issues like these demonstrate why it’s so important to invest in the future of CCSO, so that we can be fully equipped to take on the many battles that will continue to come our way. Building a strong, efficient organization is key to ensuring our members are treated fairly and professionally, and that your contributions are rightfully esteemed and compensated. From the amazing accomplishments that were recognized in this year’s Medal of Valor ceremony (see page 6) to the quiet acts of everyday heroism performed by so many of you in the course of your duties, CCSO values each of our members and is dedicated to providing you with the representation and benefits you deserve.

Thank you again for your trust in me and in our Board of Directors, chapter presidents and staff.