Safety Concerns at Anaheim Ball Road Clinic

Dear OCEA member,

We were recently notified that security threats at the Anaheim Clinic—an ongoing issue which we have worked to address with the Agency in recent years—have returned. Thank you to all OCEA stewards who reached out to voice concerns on behalf of your co-workers.

Two years ago, OCEA worked with the Agency to implement a variety of safety measures to help mitigate the safety threats. 

These included:

• Pressure washing the front of the building regularly.
  
  
• Adding additional security from the building’s landlord for the times there are no SSO’s on duty
  
  
• Staggering SSO hours so that there is more coverage at the building during the day
  
  
• Increasing Anaheim PD presence in the area by alerting the City to the issues at hand
  
  
• Pushing the County to pursue a change of location for those located at 2035 E. Ball

Although some of these practices are still in place—such as the pressure washing and additional security—stewards began reaching out recently to inform us that safety threats have escalated once again at the clinic. 

OCEA Labor Representative Carolyn Gasga and OCEA Senior Organizer Alisha Greene recently visited the clinic to see current conditions and talk to members informally about their experiences. 

Some of the current main concerns include:

• Substance use occurring directly outside the building and in view of clients
   
• Drug deals happening directly outside the clinic
  
  
• Loitering and inappropriate behavior in view of staff, clients, and children visiting the clinic
  
  
• Unclear expectations for SSO’s and Anaheim PD
  
  
• Unsafe conditions walking to and from the building

OCEA contacted MHRS director Dr. Veronica Kelley and shared these concerns along with the message that immediate action needs to be taken. 

In response, employees from HCA Administration, HCA Facilities, OCSD and CEO Real Estate have been working collaboratively to address some of the issues. They went to the clinic March 19 and assessed options, and provided these updates:

• SSO TIME & DUTIES: Effective March 27, 2024, the Agency has authorized overtime for the SSO who works 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. They will now begin their shift at 7 a.m. The other SSO works 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. and Noon-8 p.m. on Wednesdays. The SSO will now assist with clearing the front entrance and will take periodic walks to conduct building checks on the exterior grounds throughout the day.
  
  
• NO TRESPASS SIGNAGE: HCA Facilities will work with the building landlord to post “No Trespassing” signs in accordance with the law and draft a “Trespass Letter” to be on file with Anaheim PD. These tools will allow for better enforcement of trespassing laws with the goal of making the clinic property undesirable for loitering.
  
  
• LIGHTING: HCA Facilities will also work with the landlord to ensure the exterior lighting is appropriate and functional. This is meant to deter overnight campers and provide a well-lit, safe environment for staff.

The Agency also has met with the landlord to discuss additional solutions that can be implemented. We have also asked that the Agency meet with Anaheim PD and other businesses in the area to discuss a collaborative solution. Additionally, we would like for the County to work with the landlord to revisit the lease and perhaps establish additional 24-hour security.

Regarding moving the clinic to a different location, the Agency continues to engage with the landlord at the Orangewood location in hopes of making that move, however, is exploring a list of potential new sites as well. The Ball lease has been extended only to allow time in securing another site.

We will continue to push the Agency as safety issues continue to occur. One way to ensure that this happens is with member involvement. If you have any additional concerns regarding your safety at the Anaheim Clinic that you would like us to share with the department, please complete this survey.

Finally, we want to reiterate the importance of OCEA members reaching out to let us know about dangerous working conditions. Your OCEA staff team is not made aware of incidents that happen unless members report it to the Union. The more incidents your Labor Relations Representatives are made aware of, the more we can share with the department, and the more we can push to make change.

You can report any future concerns as soon as possible to OCEA by calling one of your OCEA Labor Representatives or Organizers at 714-835-3355. Please continue to stay updated and informed by reading emails from OCEA.

In Solidarity,

OCEA

Publication Date: April 3, 2024