CFS Rotation Plan Update: Cautious Optimism, Continued Pressure

Dear OCEA member,

On Monday, April 7, we met with County CEO Michelle Aguirre, Chief Human Resources Director Jamie Newton, and SSA leadership—An Tran, Veronica Rodriguez, and Hilda Juarez—to continue discussions regarding the mandatory rotation plan.

For the first time top County leadership is engaging directly with us on this issue, and that alone marks a shift from the Agency’s past approach. SSA representatives acknowledged that the first round of rotations was flawed and said they’ve incorporated our feedback into their planning for the next phase. They shared that no further rotations will move forward until key improvements are in place—but they still intend to proceed with a second round starting in May.

SSA Deputy Director Veronica Rodriguez led the meeting and expressed a personal commitment to improving communication within CFS. She acknowledged that communication breakdowns have been a persistent issue and pledged to take a more hands-on role—both in staying engaged and in being accessible to staff at all levels. She asked that concerns be raised early, before they become long-term problems.

Rodriguez also spoke of the need for a cultural shift within CFS—noting that while culture change is difficult, it is possible through consistent and intentional effort. Her stated goal is to ensure that staff, supervisors, and managers have the support and tools they need to succeed.

While we’re encouraged by leadership’s recognition of some long-standing problems—and by the fact that these conversations are finally reaching the County’s highest levels—we’ve also been here before.

Promises of change aren’t new. What remains to be seen is whether these commitments will result in real, lasting improvements for OCEA members and the children and families they serve. We’ll continue to monitor the situation closely and keep pressing for accountability and results. We expect follow-through—not just words.

Our next meeting is scheduled in the coming weeks, where we’ll review updated plans for the rotation policy. We’ll continue to keep you informed every step of the way.

In Solidarity,

OCEA CFS Team

Publication Date: April 10, 2025