Revised COVID-19 Mandates
Earlier this week, PPOA was notified by the Sheriff’s Department of the revised California Department of Public Health order requiring state workers and workers in health care and high-risk congregate settings (including jails) to show proof of vaccination or be tested for COVID at least once per week. PPOA members assigned to Custody, station jails, and Court Services Divisions will likely be impacted.
 
The Sheriff’s Department is hastily scheduling meetings with all stakeholders including County Counsel, CEO, and of course the labor unions. This revised health order caught everyone including the County by surprise and obviously interpretation, research, meetings, and plans are in progress. PPOA has been notified the Sheriff’s Department will advise of their intentions as they develop.
 
This revised health order from the state may only be the beginning. During the LA County Board of Supervisors meeting last Tuesday, the County Public Health Officer, Dr. Ferrer, voiced additional concerns regarding the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. Discussion followed amongst the Supervisors as to whether more stringent revisions to the current County public health order would be appropriate. Standby.
 
PPOA thoroughly vetted this issue with our legal counsel at our regularly scheduled COVID meeting this last Thursday, and verified the revised state DPH order is a meet and confer issue which will be addressed accordingly. Meetings with the County and Sheriff’s Department are being coordinated. Further to follow.
Custody Commitment Reduced to Two Years for Supervisors
PPOA took part in a Meet and Confer teleconference with LASD executives on Wednesday to discuss a custody commitment reduction for newly-promoted sworn supervisors. As a result, we are pleased to report that PPOA and the Department reached a tentative agreement regarding the new reduction from 3 days down to 2 days. The following morning (7/29), the Department confirmed the agreement and PPOA immediately notified sergeants and lieutenants. Click here to read that email.
PPOA Helps Fraternal Order of Police Support Worthy Cause
July 24: PPOA members were proud to help the California Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Lodge 1 raise support for those in need. The event was held on Saturday at the Easterseals Southern California Autism Therapy and Disabilities Center in Irvine. Easterseals serves 1.5 million children and adults with disabilities and their families. Participants from PPOA included Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr., retired board member Terry Black, and retired member Rich Duran.

PPOA is a longtime member of FOP Lodge 1, which represents public safety organizations throughout LA County. The statewide CAFOP is comprised of 30 lodges with 17,000 members.

CLICK HERE to read the latest biweekly news update from CAFOP.
Kern County Deputy Killed in Line of Duty
July 25: The law enforcement community is mourning the tragic line-of-duty death of Kern County Deputy Phillip Campas. The U.S. Marine Corps veteran was fatally shot on Sunday during heroic efforts to free hostages held by a barricaded gunman.

Deputy Campas is survived by his wife and three young children. He is the seventh line-of-duty death in California to date in 2021, according to the California Peace Officer Memorial Foundation.
Support for Industry Station Wellness/Athletic Programs
July 26: PPOA was a proud sponsor of the Industry Station Golf Tournament on Monday. Proceeds provide support to the station's Wellness/Athletic programs as well as the Industry Baker to Vegas running team. PPOA members participating included (photo, left to right) Captain Dave Sum, President Tab Rhodes, Retired Member Michael Melikidse and Lieutenant Todd Knight.
Fringe Benefits Contract Negotiations
July 26/29: PPOA joined negotiations team members from the Coalition of County Unions (CCU) on Monday and again on Thursday (7/29) for internal meetings to discuss ongoing negotiations for the Fringe Benefits contract that expired on June 30, 2021 and review the latest information and data requested from the County. Meeting participants from PPOA included President Rhodes, Executive Board Member Tony Coleman and Executive Director Quint.
Meeting with PPOA Legal Counsel
July 28: PPOA representatives hosted a teleconference with our union attorneys Jim Cunningham and Christopher Morse to discuss updates and legal strategies regarding the SEB SGT/LT explosive "breacher" pay bonus, related ALADS litigation and effects on PPOA members. Participants from PPOA included President Rhodes and Executive Director Quint.
Sheriff Discusses Current Events
July 28: Sheriff Villanueva hosted a Facebook live stream on Wednesday to discuss current events, including deputy-involved shooting investigations, Office of Inspector General and more.
COVID-19 Legal Meeting
July 29: PPOA hosted its weekly legal meeting on Thursday in order for President Rhodes, Executive Director Quint, Labor Rep. Teresa O'Neil and PPOA attorneys to address and analyze COVID-19 issues impacting PPOA members. Recent increases in COVID-19 cases and worries regarding the Delta variant of the virus caused LA County health officials to re-initiate the wearing of masks in all indoor facilities last week. Click here for more info.
California Peace Officer Memorial Foundation
July 29: PPOA representatives joined fellow board members of the California Peace Officers Memorial Foundation (CPOMF) on Wednesday for the monthly board meeting. Discussions were focused on planning for the May 2022 memorial ceremonies at the State Capitol. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 and 2021 events were cancelled and all fallen officers who were to be honored at those ceremonies are now scheduled to be memorialized at the 2022 ceremony. Meeting participants from PPOA included President Rhodes, Executive Board Member Robert Maus and Executive Director Quint, who also serves as CPOMF Executive Director.

For more information about CPOMF, visit CAMemorial.org
Law Enforcement Technician Classification Study
July 29: PPOA board and staff members met with representatives from the Sheriff's Department, Personnel, Technology Support Division and Communications and Fleet Management Bureau on Thursday to discuss the ongoing Law Enforcement Technician (LET) classification study. The teleconference was led by PPOA Vice President/LET Jim Blankenship and he was joined by President Rhodes and Executive Director Quint.



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