PPOA Week in Review - Nov. 9, 2024

2024 GENERAL ELECTION

LA County Voters Elect Hochman for D.A.;

California Voters Pass Prop. 36

Voters across the nation cast their ballots in the general election on Tuesday, including Los Angeles County residents who elected Nathan Hochman to replace George Gascón as District Attorney. California voters also passed Proposition 36, which enacts felony charges and increased sentences for certain crimes.

Nathan Hochman

The PPOA-endorsed former prosecutor and defense attorney campaigned on taking a tougher-on-crime approach while restoring trust within the District Attorney's Office. Hochman also vowed to tap into state laws that allow district attorneys to wield a heavier hand when it comes to prosecuting property crimes. For these reasons and more, PPOA was one of the top funders for a coalition independent expenditure committee in support of District Attorney-elect Hochman. His considerable experience includes serving as assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California in the 1990s and assistant attorney general for the U.S. Justice Department’s tax division under former President George W. Bush.

Proposition 36

The PPOA-endorsed proposition, officially called the Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act, is designed to undo portions of Proposition 47 by increasing penalties for certain crimes. PPOA members may recall that Proposition 47 was passed in 2014 and downgraded most thefts from felonies to misdemeanors if the amount stolen was less than $950, with exceptions for defendants with certain prior convictions.

Proposition 36 will go into effect no later than December 18, 2024.

Oath of Office Ceremony for LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger

November 2: President Steve Johnson attended the oath of office ceremony for Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger last Saturday as she was officially sworn in as Fifth District Supervisor for her third and final term. Former LA County District Attorney Jackie Lacey administered the oath of office. Supervisor Barger is married to a retired LASD deputy and has a 35-year history of public service with LA County.

The five-member Board of Supervisors is the governing body of LA County and holds executive, legislative and quasi-judicial roles. The Board supervises all County departments, determines County and special district policies and sets salaries of County personnel.

Meet and Confer re: Use of Force Data

November 4: PPOA representatives met with Department executives and County Counsel on Monday. This “meet and confer” included discussions of proposed additions and changes to the Use of Force policy regarding data entry and documentation of force incidents. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled.

Meeting participants from PPOA included President Steve Johnson, Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr. and union legal counsel.

PPOA Legislative Committee Meeting

November 4: PPOA Legislative Committee members participated in a teleconference with our Sacramento legislative representatives — Lang, Hansen, Giroux and Kidane — for the monthly discussion about legislative proposals in the current 2023-2024 session that potentially impact PPOA members and public safety employees statewide.

Meeting participants from PPOA included President Steve Johnson and Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr.

PPOA has a proven track record of impactful legislative strategies that stretches back more than 60 years and has dramatically improved the rights and benefits of generations of PPOA members.

Custody Labor Management Committee Meeting

November 5: PPOA participated in a Custody Joint Labor Management Committee (LMC) meeting with LASD representatives to discuss issues impacting PPOA members assigned to Custody Division. These Custody LMC meetings are the result of contract negotiations between PPOA and the Sheriff's Department, as outlined in Article 26 of the Unit 621 Memorandum of Understanding.

Meeting participants from PPOA included 2nd Vice President/Custody Assistant Tony Coleman, President Steve Johnson, and Executive Director Wayne Quint Jr.

Election Night Reception for LA County DA-Elect Nathan Hochman

November 5: President Steve Johnson was in attendance at the election night reception hosted by Nathan Hochman. The event quickly became a celebration as Hochman catapulted to a commanding lead over current District Attorney George Gascón as soon as the first set of election results were announced on Tuesday night. That double-digit lead remained in place throughout the evening with Gascón eventually conceding the race on Wednesday morning.

Hochman will be sworn in on December 2, 2024 as LA County's 44th district attorney.

Unit 612 Contract Negotiations

November 6: PPOA members on the Unit 612 contract negotiations team met with representatives from the County of Los Angeles, the Sheriff's Department, and the District Attorney’s Office for the third round of contract bargaining in the PPOA conference center. The current Unit 612 salary contract expires on January 31, 2025. We will continue to keep PPOA members updated throughout negotiations.

20th Annual PPOA Retiree Luncheon

November 6: PPOA was proud to host our 20th Annual Retiree Luncheon on Wednesday at the Sheraton Fairplex. Board Member Jim Schallert (LASD ret. 2019) served as master of ceremonies and we were particularly honored to offer special acknowledgment to the military veterans in attendance. PPOA is grateful to 120 friends who joined us for a memorable afternoon!

Click here to view the full photo album from the event.

PPOA Members Tee Off for a Worthy Cause

November 8: A foursome of PPOA members represented this Association at the National Latino Peace Officers Association Golf Tournament in Whittier yesterday, with proceeds benefitting youth programs. These opportunities to attend events on behalf of PPOA are extended to members on a regular basis. Please make it a point to monitor communication from PPOA for the next invitation to support a good cause while representing your union.

End of Watch Tribute

We extend sincere condolences to the families and friends of the following PPOA members who passed in September 2024:

Retired Lieutenant James Walgren — 9/5/24

LASD 1959-1988

Last assignment: Wayside Ranch Facility

US Air National Guard veteran

Retired Deputy III John Plavala — 9/13/24

LASD 1970-1979

Academy class #142

US Army veteran

Retired Deputy Gary Spallino — 9/16/24

LASD 1966-1990

Academy class #113

Last assignment: Court Services West

US Air Force veteran

Condolences may be emailed to the family: sspallino@roadrunner.com

Retired Chief Frederick Gustin — 9/16/24

LASD 1952-1980

Last assignment: Administration

US Navy veteran

Retired Detective John W. Sullivan Jr. — 9/20/24

LASD 1971-1988

Academy class #133

Last assignment: Organized Crime Unit

US Air Force veteran

Condolences may be emailed to the family: bobby.sullivanbhc@yahoo.com

Retired Sergeant Paul Bayer — 9/25/24

LASD 1962-1992

Academy class #81

Last assignment: Industry Station

US Air Force Reserves veteran

Fraternal Order of Police News Update

PPOA members have long benefitted from our affiliation with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the world's largest organization of law enforcement officers, with more than 374,000 members in more than 2,100 lodges nationwide. All active PPOA members are part of California FOP Lodge 1.

Important update re: FOP membership for retired PPOA members

When a sworn PPOA member retires and wishes to reactivate his/her FOP member benefits, the following step must be taken: To reactivate your membership as a retired peace officer, you will need to pay FOP annual dues of $40 for 2024. To do so, please send an email to the FOP Lodge 1 Secretary at wmwestermann@sbcglobal.net

Please make it a point to check out Washington Watch — a weekly news update provided by the National FOP. We encourage PPOA members to stay up to date on the legislative news and activity impacting public safety personnel nationwide.

Click here to read this week's Washington Watch.