April 3, 2020

The Voice of OC digital news publication printed an editorial written by OCEA that reflects the commitment, professionalism and dedication you and your fellow OCEA members have demonstrated to the community as the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded. The article has my by-line but it is actually written by all of you and the work you do every day to keep Orange County safe in dangerous times.

April 2, 2020

The past few weeks have proven to be a challenge for all of us in this great nation. We have worked together as OCEA Members and Sheriff's Department employees to overcome those challenges. Despite our recent setback with the California Supreme Court, we will continue to advocate on behalf of the SSO classification.

April 1, 2020

The COVID-19 crisis caused OCEA to examine how to successfully continue to do the essential work of advocating for your health and safety on the job. OCEA has led by example by closing our building to the public and providing all staff members with the ability to telecommute. Your health and safety remain our focus as the pandemic unfolds.

March 30, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with challenges none of us ever expected to face. Be assured that each day your AMEA Board of Directors and Officers are working diligently to ensure that you and your families are both safe and secure.

March 29, 2020

Our County, our state, our nation, and the entire planet faces an unprecedented challenge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past few weeks, each day has brought changes for every OCEA member.

March 27, 2020

Today concludes week two of OCEA’s response to the unprecedented workplace impacts triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Protecting the community is what you and your coworkers signed up to do, and nurses, social workers, educators, public safety officials, and others are meeting that challenge every day. In a crisis like this, there are no “non-essential” public workers.

March 27, 2020

Today concludes week two of our response to the unprecedented workplace impacts triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a new development, California's Chief Justice has approved an extension on Court closures through April 24, 2020. You can read an email update sent today from the Court below.

March 24, 2020

Thank you to the Court Stewards participating in today's conference call. One of the items reported by your workplace leaders is a gap that now exists in Court communications to its workers resulting from Justice Center closures. This afternoon, we received an email communication from the Court containing detailed information on completing your time cards.

March 23, 2020

The past several weeks have been unprecedented for our nation and our union. We are adapting to new realities with the same values that have guided our union—advocacy, member involvement and strength in numbers.

March 20, 2020

In compliance with Governor Gavin Newsom’s March 19, 2020 order, OCEA is further limiting the number of workers stationed at our headquarters at 830 N. Ross Street. The OCEA building has been closed to the public to limit contacts that could lead to a transmission of the COVID-19 virus. What is not being limited in any way is the exclusive representation OCEA staff continues to provide to you and your fellow OCEA members. Please see the graphic below illustrating how to reach all of OCEA’s divisions and services. Every member of our team remains on the job and available through telecommuting.

March 19, 2020

Your AMEA Board is aware of the concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and has reached out to City management to discuss the City’s plan to keep you safe. Here at AMEA, it’s our priority to help ensure that you and your co-workers are provided adequate protections as directed and recommended by the California Department of Public Health.

March 18, 2020

Every OCEA member’s efforts to balance work and family life during the COVID-19 crisis are unique to that member. We will continue to keep you informed as we learn new (and sometimes inconsistent) protocols being established by the County which may impact your efforts.

March 18, 2020

As you likely know by now, late last week the California Supreme Court denied our request for review in our litigation against the County. That ends what has been an eight-year effort in Court to restore peace officer status to Sheriff’s Special Officers.

March 17, 2020

Last night, California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye issued an emergency order authorizing the closure of Orange County Superior Court facilities to the public until at least March 30, 2020. A press release issued by the Court clarified that the closure is not in response to a specific notice of exposure at any Court facility or to any Court staff. Instead, it is intended to help limit the spread of the virus and the potential for future exposure.

March 17, 2020

As our state and nation continue to deal with the Coronavirus pandemic, worker safety is your union’s top priority. At our urging, the County took some steps on Friday, March 13 in an effort to protect workers, including enhanced telecommuting options and more flexible uses of time.