Front Street - Archive

• July 2006 Issue
  When Hickman jumped off his own train - committing professional suicide - everyone knew that the new director Jeanne Woodford would never be able to clean up the mess. And after just two months of trying, she too gave up. But the circus Hickman created over the past two years still remains - and those "experts" over at 1515 S Street have been coming up with more than their fair share of "star-studded" ideas...
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• April 2006 Issue
  As many of you know by now, on February 26, 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger's Corrections Secretary Rod Hickman resigned from his post, smack in the middle of a series of Senate hearings on his lack of leadership and failure to reform the state's prison system. Undersecretary Jeannie Woodford was quickly picked to replace Hickman, but only in an acting position until she is confirmed by the Legislature...
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• December 2005 Issue
  In October, Chuck Helton, CDC Vice President and I attended the Association of Black Correctional Workers (ABCW) annual awards banquet. It was an honor to attend the event and receive a recognition award on behalf of CCPOA for positive contributions to the corrections profession. It was a great opportunity to reconnect with staff I've known and worked with over the years. I would like to thank everyone who helped make this event a success...
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• September 2005 Issue
  Although Front Street has not been published in the last year and a half, CCPOA is aware of the issues and problems occurring throughout the California Youth Authority (CYA) and specifically at NA Chaderjian (NAC). CCPOA executive committee members have attended many town hall and chapter meetings across the state and have listened to staff concerns about forced overtime; the lack of training; the confusion concerning "use of force"; unsafe state vehicles; vacant positions; staff assaults; improper investigations; faulty cell doors; ward rights vs. ward accountability; the worthless DDMS system; and faulty cell door indicator panels that are supposed to display when a cell door is open or secured at NAC...
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• June 2004 Issue
  CCPOA's unity rally in Sacramento on June 13th is coming together for our correctional peace officer family in defense of our profession, our pay raise, and our rights. Assaults on officers within institutions are at an all time high. So are the attacks on our profession by legislators and the media. The attacks are based on ignorance and a lack of familiarity with the intricate workings of a correctional institution. It's a complex and dangerous world which becomes even more dangerous when legislators listen solely to ward rights groups, who recklessly blame line officers and supervisors for the failings of the system...
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• March 2004 Issue
  Warning to CCPOA members: the Legislature is ready to attack again as they have scheduled public hearings regarding problems at the California Youth Authority (CYA). It is likely that the politicians will point to CCPOA as the cause of corruption yet again. As with the legislative hearing called to sensationalize the Hagar report, you can expect to hear allegations combined with testimony from witnesses who lack objectivity...
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• January 2004 Issue
  Looking back at 2003, CCPOA and its members have much to be thankful for, especially the potential for an exciting 2004. California faced a budget and leadership deficit, resulting in the historic gubernatorial recall and the inauguration of Arnold Schwarzenegger as the state's new Governor...
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• November 2003 Issue
  You already know the California Youth Authority is in a sad state due to the failed policies of Director Jerry Harper. You've read the accounts and most likely witnessed firsthand the consequences - decreasing ward population, increasing ward violence, management unwilling to address the issues honestly while secretly working to close facilities and endanger the public...
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• SPECIAL 2003 Convention Issue
  CYA Director Jerry Harper must think he's pretty clever or believe for some reason that he can outlast CCPOA; that somehow we will give up before he gives in. Reality is that he apparently underestimates the resolve of this union and its unwillingness to compromise when it comes to the safety and working conditions of its members...
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• August 2003 Issue
  Enough is enough. For two years, we've tried to work with California Youth Authority (CYA) Director Jerry Harper. And in what can only be described as a systematic dismantling of the CYA's policies and procedures, Director Harper has created an organization where wards run wild knowing that they will not be held accountable for their actions. CCPOA members, trying to maintain discipline, are investigated, harassed and even reprimanded by management...
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• June 2003 Issue
  May has blurred into June, as we spent all but a few days on the road with the CCPOA Executive Council, visiting Unit 6 members at the CDC/CYA institutions across California. The constant travel is tiring, but meeting face-to-face with members is rejuvenating, inspiring and extremely beneficial. We are constantly reminded of our top priority - fighting for your best interests, and the opportunity to share a conversation with members ensures we will never lose focus of what is important to you...
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• April 2003 Issue
  As I traveled thousands of miles across California visiting CYA/CDC facilities, my goal was to listen, learn and get to know as many CCPOA members as possible. Your opinions are so important, and they help us make sure your interests are served. CCPOA is committed to fighting hard for each and every member, and we will continue to visit facilities across the state so that we can hear from you directly...
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