12
SUMMER 2014 ALSO: Reverse mortgage Summertime activities Election results IN THIS ISSUE: CSEA’S RETIREE NEWSLETTER (continued on pg. 6) CSEA retirees are a valuable resource for CSEA as they continue their work to improve the lives of classified employees. Field offices understand the importance of retirees and several have special recognitions to honor the work of retirees on behalf of clas- sified school employees. is year, nine retirees were honored for con- tinuing to give their time and energy to help CSEA chapters and members. e South Bay Field Office honored Sharon Stone and Cathy Potts-Sales with certificates of achievement. Stone, a former mem- ber of Franklin McKinley Chapter 502, was honored for going above and beyond the call of duty to assist in getting members informed, involved and engaged at not only the district level but in the community CSEA field offices honor retirees for continued activism HONORING RETIREES Honorees continue being a voice for education and classified employees Retiree Unit members will serve as delegates at CSEA’s 88th Annual Conference which will be held in Sacramento from Aug. 3–7. Go to csea.com for Conference information.

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Page 1: Retiree Magazine

SUMMER 2014

ALSO:• Reverse mortgage

• Summertime activities

Election results

IN THIS ISSUE:

CSEA’S RETIREE NEWSLETTER

(continued on pg. 6)

CSEA retirees are a valuable resource for CSEA as they continue their work to improve the lives of classified employees.

Field offices understand the importance of retirees and several have special recognitions to honor the work of retirees on behalf of clas-sified school employees. This year, nine retirees were honored for con-tinuing to give their time and energy

to help CSEA chapters and members.The South Bay Field Office

honored Sharon Stone and Cathy Potts-Sales with certificates of achievement. Stone, a former mem-ber of Franklin McKinley Chapter 502, was honored for going above and beyond the call of duty to assist in getting members informed, involved and engaged at not only the district level but in the community

CSEA field offices honor retirees for continued activism

HONORING RETIREES

Honorees continue being a voice for education and classified employees

Retiree Unit members will serve as delegates at CSEA’s 88th Annual Conference which will be held in Sacramento from Aug. 3–7.

Go to csea.com for Conference information.

Page 2: Retiree Magazine

2 Retiree Newsletter

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Your Retiree Unit Execu-

tive Board has been busy during the last few months growing the Retiree Unit

and planning activities for Retiree Unit members.

As our recruitment program for the Retiree Unit comes to an end, I would like to praise the retiree members who worked so hard over the past year to recruit new mem-bers to the Retiree Unit. Thanks go to lead recruiter from District I Jeannie Foster, District A recruiter Nancy Mahler, District B recruiter Nell DaSilva, District C recruiter Betty Cleveland, District D recruiter Irene Ransom, District E recruiter Carol Lyda, District F recruiter Susan Adams, District G recruiter Sharon Nakamoto and District H recruiter Dottie Rhunke. Thank you for a job well done.

The first week of May I had the privilege of being part of a delega-tion of association board members to lobby in Washington, D.C. on behalf of classified school employees. We are members of the National Coali-tion of Classified Education Support Employees Union. On Monday, May 5, we had a coalition business meet-ing to discuss issues that pertain to classified employees and to prepare us to lobby for the next two days.

District directors have been busy during the past three months with

their Annual Retiree Days which were a great success. Approximately 650 retirees attended statewide. Hopefully, you had the opportunity to attend. Retiree Day events are full of useful, important informa-tion and are a good opportunity to get together with your fellow CSEA retirees.

We are in the final stages preparing our Retiree Leadership Training that is going to be held in San Diego at the Wyndham Hotel, Sept. 30-Oct. 1. Retiree Councils are starting to select the Retiree Unit members who will attend the conference.

I encourage Councils or indi-vidual retirees to submit nomina-tions for our Spotlight on Excellence Award that will be presented at our Leadership Training. Retirees do a lot of important work on behalf of classified employees and other retir-ees. It’s important to recognize their work. If you know of any retiree that has “gone over and beyond” in activities to promote and preserve the Retiree Unit, I encourage you to submit their name for consideration for this award. Applications are available from your District Direc-tor and at www.csearetiree.com.

I hope you all enjoy your sum-mer, and are able to kick back and enjoy life.

Retiree recruitment program a success Chairperson Bill Regis (805) 967-8820 [email protected]

Secretary Mariam Stout (916) 408-5935 [email protected]

District A Joseph Rao Director (916) 362-9369 [email protected]

District B Roxie Allen Director (707) 631-1670 [email protected]

District C Pat Bollin Director (831) 758-0665 [email protected]

District D Ferral Hubbard Director (559) 592-2268 [email protected]

District E Faye Lane Director (209) 537-1425 [email protected]

District F Larry Forshaw Director (909) 831-5051 [email protected]

District G Dawn Bronsema Director (562) 862-4797 [email protected]

District H Jim Vinion Director (714) 871-1746 [email protected]

District I Jennie Batiste Director (805) 714-6455 [email protected]

District K Sandy Dabney Director (760) 922-9316 [email protected]

Retiree Unit Executive Board information:

www.csea.com/retiree

Page 3: Retiree Magazine

Summer 2014 3

Council 5046 members celebrate 10th anniversary

In 2003, members of the Riverside Council 5023 who lived in the San Bernardino area wanted their own council closer to their homes in Colton, Highland and Rialto. Emily Deitrich spearheaded the push to form a new council and District Director Norm Dravenstatt did the paperwork for the formation of the Citrus Belt Area Council. For more information, contact District F Direc-tor Larry Forshaw.

Recent Granny Grant RecipientsMarch– May 2014

Recipient Council GrandparentCassandra Rios 5001 Maria Teresa CruzBrittney Marie Adelman 5002 Aline HuelskampJessica Nicole Lopez 5006 Jo Ann LopezKristopher Rios 5019 Laurie RiosEmily Solis 5025 Charlotte AlvidrezTaylor Whitecotton 5029 Vivian SoderholmTrevor Land 5030 John H. LandAnnelise Marie Kostrencich 5035 Annalee JongewaardCaitlin Miller 5038 Dulce Maria Sheridan

Do you keep in touch with former coworkers who were members of CSEA but have retired?

As a member of CSEA’s Retiree Unit, you know that even after retirement, you can continue to receive the great benefits CSEA has to offer such as:

• Protection. Retirees continue to benefit from CSEA’s quality representation, including expert assistance on questions about the Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS).

• Political clout. CSEA is the leader in lobbying the California Legis-lature to maintain and improve your benefits.

• Social activities. Members of the Retiree Unit receive notices of all local meetings and have vot-ing privileges in officer elections. Annual district meetings and social events are held in central locations throughout the state, providing timely updates on CalPERS, along with the opportunity to greet old friends and meet new ones.

• Money-saving benefits. CSEA’s Member Benefits discount pro-gram helps you save money on activities, products and services.

So tell all retired CSEA mem-bers that you know why they should join the Retiree Unit because there

is strength in numbers. With more members of the Retiree Unit, we can fight to protect retirement security and other issues that still matter to former classi-fied school employees.

Costs for continuing to be part of CSEA through the Retiree Unit are only $3 per month deducted from your CalPERS warrant, or paid through a yearly $36 check.

Let retired CSEA members know that they can call (866) 487-2732 or visit www.csearetiree.com for more information or for an application.

Get a friend to join CSEA’s Retiree Unit

Contact your Retiree Council or District Director to apply for a grant. Donate by making checks payable to “CSEA Granny Grant Fund.” Mail checks to Bill Regis, RUEB Chair, 22 San Dimas Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93111.

Phot

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Back row: Ron Kelly, JoAnn Miller, Daniel Aleman and Larry Forshaw; middle row: Kitty Rozzi and Nellie Aleman; seated: Loretta Payne and Donald Romero

Page 4: Retiree Magazine

4 Retiree Newsletter

Former CSEA President Rob Feckner won re-election to the

CalPERS Board of Administration in May, ensuring that his strong voice for classified employees will continue to be a guiding force for the public pension system.

With his re-election campaign already in full swing, Feckner was declared the winner when no oppo-nents filed to run against him.

The 10-term president of the nation’s largest public pension sys-tem will now serve on the CalPERS Board through early 2019. CSEA members came out in full force to support Feckner’s campaign. While candidates are required to submit a petition with 250 signatures from current CalPERS members, Feckner delivered more than 6,500 signa-tures upon filing for re-election.

CSEA caught up with Feckner and talked about his re-election, the outpouring of support and his vision for CalPERS.Q. How does it feel to be re-elected

unopposed to the CalPERS Board?A. A great weight has been lifted. It is

an honor to continue to represent the school members of the CalP-ERS system. In winning unop-posed, I know that I am

actually doing a good job or that no one else wants the headache. I presume, like with many things, the answer lies somewhere in between.

Q. CSEA members and retirees lined up to support your re-election campaign. What does it mean to you to have the full faith and support of our members?

A. To have garnered more than 6,500 signatures in a relatively quiet campaign period speaks volumes of the power and tenacity of CSEA members and staff. It was so heartwarming and humbling at the same time to deliver a box of that many signa-tures to the elections office.

Q. What can you tell our members and retirees about the current state of CalPERS?

A. CalPERS is doing quite well. Cur-rently hovering at the $290-billion level—the highest the fund has ever been in its 82-year history—your retirement fund is healthy and your board is committed to making sure it stays that way.

Q. What is your vision for CalPERS for the next four years?

A. I’m focused on continuing to work out the kinks in our information technology system, shortening the waiting times for all customer service needs, and keeping us on strong financial footing while speaking truth to negative media campaigns.

Q. What would you like to say to CSEA members and retirees for their continued support of you and Association President Michael Bilbrey on the CalPERS Board of Administration?

A. First of all, let me express my gratitude. Thank you for your support, for your positive com-ments, for the work you do for our children and most impor-tantly, for being you! Please remember, both Michael and I are available to come and speak to members, whether that be your chapter, region, Area or Retiree Council. As long as our schedules allow, we appreciate the opportunity to educate oth-ers with current and accurate information about CalPERS. I can be reached anytime at [email protected]. Many members have commented to me that they sent me an email and never heard back. I have not had a CSEA email address since last August when I left the CSEA Board, so please use this one to contact me.

Feckner re-elected to CalPERS Board of Administration thru 2019Long-time representative faced no opposition

CSEA members and retirees came out in full force to

support Feckner’s campaign.

Page 5: Retiree Magazine

Summer 2014 5

Retired Californians have new opportunities to find high quality, affordable healthcare through the Affordable Care Act and Covered California.

AARP estimates that approxi-mately 20 percent of Californians between the ages of 50 and 64 have no health coverage. Covered Cali-fornia offers retirees who are not eligible for Medicare and do not have any other medical insurance access to affordable coverage.

Federal healthcare reform has also made it possible for states to develop new programs that focus on comprehensive, coordinated care for adults who are eligible for both Medicare and Medi-Cal.

Visit the California Depart-ment of Aging website at www.aging.ca.gov for information on affordable health coverage for retirees and seniors.

Healthcare for retirees can be affordable

Reverse mortgages have gained popularity recently as home prices increase and retirees search for more income to fund life’s expenses. Although a reverse mort-gage may seem like easy money, there are some things to be aware of before jumping into a commitment.

A reverse mortgage is a loan available to people older than 62 years of age. It enables them to convert part of their home’s equity into cash. Instead of making payments to a lender, the lender makes payments to the homeowner. The loan doesn’t have to be repaid until the home is sold or the homeowner dies but the homeowner must continue to pay property taxes, homeowner’s insur-ance and regular maintenance.

Unlike a second mortgage or home equity line of credit where borrowers must make monthly payments on the principal and interest, a reverse mortgage pays the homeowner. There are no monthly principal and interest payments. The amount a homeowner may receive from a reverse mortgage depends on the age of the borrower, the cur-rent interest rate, appraised home value and initial mortgage insurance premium.

The main drawback of a reverse mortgage is that it’s basically a loan against your home’s equity that must

Reverse mortgages offer older Americans a source of incomeA good financial option for some that may have pitfalls for others

be paid back when the

home is sold or the owner dies.

Reverse mortgages also have tradition-

ally high fees that the homeowner will have to

pay. Interest rates on reverse mortgages are also higher than

the rate for more traditional home-equity loans.

Another thing to remember before signing up for a reverse mort-gage is that the owner is slowly sell-ing the home back to the bank so it can’t be passed down to heirs unless the reverse mortgage is paid back. This can be a real drawback for those hoping to leave a legacy.

Dying or selling the home isn’t the only way that a repayment on a reverse mortgage is triggered. In order to avoid making payments on the loan, the home must be the homeowner’s primary residence. You are considered “moved out” if you haven’t lived in the home for a year. So if you enter a long-term care facility or are no longer able to stay in your home, but you haven’t died, you have to start repaying the reverse mortgage.

It’s important to think the situa-tion through carefully before decid-ing on a reverse mortgage. The high costs and the difficulties it creates if you want to move out of your house may cause a reverse mortgage to be more trouble than it’s worth.

AARP estimates that approximately 20 percent

of Californians between the ages of 50 and 64 have

no health coverage.

Page 6: Retiree Magazine

6 Retiree Newsletter

HONORING RETIREES (continued from pg. 1)

and statewide. She is the chapter communications officer and reaches out to members across the district to encourage participation in union events even though she is retired.

Potts-Sales is a former member of the Santa Cruz County Office Of Education Chapter 484. She was nominated by Regional Representa-tive Robin Butterworth for always showing up, willing to phone bank whenever asked, saying yes to any-thing her region needs, and always asking what she can do to support CSEA actions.

The South Bay Field Office also honored two with Retiree of the Year Awards. Rebecca Rangel Hadley, retired from the

Monterey County Office of Education Chapter 35, was honored because she continues to be an exemplary chapter president and serves as a mentor to a group of chapter leaders who are politically active and committed to union ideals. She assists with precinct walking and phone banking and helps support education-friendly board of education candidates. She was elected to the Gonzales Union School Board of Education two years ago and dili-gently walked precincts last fall to elect other CSEA members to that board.

Hadley also serves on the execu-tive board of the Monterey Central Labor Council and has helped eight other chapters join by speaking at their meetings and assisting with the paperwork. She is a regional repre-sentative and attends most of the chapter meetings in her region each month. She is mentoring and meet-

Hadley

Cajas

Barela

ing with two new chapter executive boards to help get them moving, inspiring them to reach the highest standards.

“Members, trustees, and other local union leaders respect and rely upon this retiree,” said Connie Espinoza, Chapter 35 secretary who nominated Hadley. “She is profes-sional, dedicated and tough as nails. She is one classy lady.”

South Bay Field Office’s other Retiree of the Year is Edie Cajas, a retiree of Lucia Mar Chapter 275. Cajas has been a

member of CSEA both as an active and retired member for over 30 years. She has been involved in the school community and commu-nity at large in Arroyo Grande and has the reputation for being a hard worker and trustworthy participant in all she does.

Cajas ran for a local school board and had strong community support from residents and other elected offi-cials. During her years as a member, she has helped advance CSEA’s goals through her activisim as a leader.

She joined Retiree Unit Council 5018 San Luis Obispo County and stepped up to a leadership role as the council’s vice president. She has recruited members to work on a phone bank for the CalPERS board elections and has worked to identify members who are retiring so that they may join the Retiree Unit.

“She always brings enthusiasm to all she does and is trusted by all who know her for her sincere interest in our members’ well-being and the

community,” said Jennie Batiste, the Retiree Unit District I director who nominated Cajas.

The San Diego Field Office recog-nized four retirees—Anthony Alston, Blanca Barela, Julia Foster and Mary Sodano—for their work on behalf of CSEA. Alston continues to work for his chapter in retirement as the chief union steward. He’s described as a true asset to Oceanside Unified Chapter 370 because of his ability to deal with difficult matters and because he treats everyone with dignity and respect.

Barela is described as an “unsung hero.” She has continued her advocacy for current and future retirees and sought

to clarify the new CalPERS system and serves as chair of the CSEA Insurance Committee. Barela is one of the strongest supporters of CSEA members’ right to access affordable supplemental insurances and keeps a tight oversight on all plans offered to members.

Barela was appointed the District K retiree recruiter and served in the position for six months. Currently, she serves on the Trainers’ Bureau as a retiree, and also serves as Retiree Council 5044 secretary. She also works with the youth in her church, always has a smile on her face and tries to make things fun and interesting.

Foster, a retiree of Alpine Chapter 607, served on the chapter’s negotiat-ing team and as a union steward. Even in retirement, she remains active within CSEA and serves as a mentor to the Chapter 607 leadership.

Page 7: Retiree Magazine

Summer 2014 7

One of the most important things that CSEA has histori-cally done for its members is to get education-friendly legislators elected to office and to get pro-worker, pro-education legislation passed. This is as much true today as it was 18 years ago.

In 1996, CSEA mobilized its members and retirees to get 10 of 11 CSEA-endorsed candidates elected to the state Senate, 31 of the endorsed congressional can-didates and 36 of the 45 endorsed assembly members to win their races. CSEA and its members also

ensured the success of all but one of the propositions backed by CSEA. During that year, CSEA was also part of a successful campaign to increase the state’s minimum wage.

CSEA members, retirees and staff are still very active in political action. The association is often at the forefront of mobiliza-tion efforts. Members and retirees don’t just gather signatures, phone bank and precinct walk. Many run successful political campaigns to serve on school boards.

The support of CSEA retirees has always been part of the formula for success at the ballot box and your help is needed now more than ever. CSEA still needs its retirees to not only help on campaigns, but to also run for elected office when there’s a need for qualified, education-friendly candidates who understand the importance of classified employees.

CSEA-backed candidates successful in 1996 primaries

LOOKING BACK

Paulette Foster

Malcolm

Sodano

Sodano served as chapter secre-tary of Santee Elementary Chapter

557. She is cur-rently a member of CSEA’s Political Action for Clas-sified Employees (PACE) Committee and is very active

in matters concerning classified employees.

The Costa y Valles Field Office awarded Joan Richardson the 2014 Political Activist Award as a retiree. She has been active with CSEA since 2004 and also serves as a Central Labor Council delegate. She phone banks, precinct walks and serves as the Area I Pre-retirement Resource Committeee representative.

The North Bay Field Office hon-ored one retiree as Activist of the Year and another as Retiree of the Year. Nancy Malcolm, president of Retiree

Council 5013, stood with the classified employees of the Tamalpais Union High School District and helped them fight off

layoffs and unfair treatment. She is also described by members of Tamal-pais CEA Chapter 549 as a role model, mentor and leader.

Paulette Foster, the North Bay Field Office’s Retiree of the Year, was hon-ored for her leadership and devotion to CSEA. A long-time union activist, Foster worked to

collect signatures, recruit volunteers and even opened up her home for phone banking.

“She has an infectious personal-

ity, with a willing can-do attitude and a personable demeanor that allows her to get along with everyone,” CSEA Area C Director Cindy Zecher said.

The Retiree Unit congratulates these activists for their continued dedication to serving CSEA and encourages other retirees to follow their example and get involved. Contact your local field office for volunteer opprotunites.

Page 8: Retiree Magazine

8 Retiree Newsletter

security officers • administrative assistants • child care workers • library clerks • computer programmers •peace officers • electricians • equipement workers • mail clerks • mechanics • office workers • painters •bus drivers • truck drivers • gardeners • photographers • purchasing agents • receptionists • registrars •secretaries • grounds keepers • plumbers • cooks • bilingual assistants • welders • warehouse workers •carpenters • admission clerks • custodians • para68538 CSEA retirement ad - 1/2 Page (3/14)Full Size: 7.5” x 4.125" Bleed: None Live: naColors: 4C=(CMYK) Misc: Resolution = 300 dpi

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This is an update to information provided last fall regarding CalPERS efforts to provide important infor-mation to retirees who elected a specified “flat” dollar amount for their federal tax withholding.

The information CalPERS pro-vided to the retirees asked them to change to a tax withholding elec-tion in accordance with the IRS tax tables. In November, notifications were sent to approximately 90,000 impacted participants with instruc-tions on how to correct this. This communication also informed them their tax election would be

defaulted on their May 1 retirement check to married with three exemp-tions if they had not responded by April 1. In January and March, additional notifications were sent to retirees who failed to respond to the CalPERS request. In addi-tion, phone calls were made to over 500 retirees who would be greatly impacted by their taxes defaulting if they did not make an election.

Over 350 tax elections were made as a result of the phone calls. Additional messages were left with those who did not respond to the initial call. To date, 16,450 (18 per-

cent) retirees have not responded to the communications from CalPERS; more than 55 percent of those will be impacted by less than $100 in their tax amount if defaulted.

Retirees who have yet to submit a tax withholding election were defaulted on their May 1 retirement check. Subsequently, a tax with-holding form can be submitted at any time to correct the defaulted amount by choosing a different tax withholding election option.

Retirees with questions about this information may call CalPERS Contact Center at (888) 225-7377.

Important message from CalPERS regarding specified flat tax withholding

Page 9: Retiree Magazine

Summer 2014 9

The warm weather and longer days of summer offer retirees

and older adult the opportunity to participate in a host of activities to get outdoors, get some exercise and enjoy the season.

Here are some activities that retirees can enjoy in the warm sum-mer months in solitude or in a group. Most of these activities don’t require a lot of physical effort but it’s still important for everyone to remember their body’s limitations and needs when participating in any kind of physical activity.

• Many senior centers offer summer classes specifically designed for seniors. There are usually classes for different interests and of differ-ent intensity levels. Some centers offer classes specifically geared for those who have trouble standing or walking.

• Get up early and take a morning walk. Avoid the hottest times of the day and the strongest sunlight by getting back home by 10 a.m. Be safe by bringing along a bottle of water and by knowing the route you are going to take beforehand.

• Visiting a museum, aquarium or cultural center can allow you to take a walk indoors if it’s too hot outdoors. It also allows you to see something different and learn some-thing new besides stimulating your aesthetic and intellectual interests. Many also offer senior discounts you can take advantage of.

• Take a class or workshop. Commu-nity colleges, universities, com-munity centers and senior centers offer summer classes in a variety of subjects. You can take a class to help you develop new skills, study a foreign language or learn more about a subject.

• Summertime can also be a good time to offer your talents to help others by volunteering. Call your local community service orga-

nization, church or CSEA field office to find out about volunteer opportunities.

• Use the long days to take up a new hobby or spend more time doing what you already enjoy. If you ever wanted to learn to play an instrument, or if you enjoy gardening, surfing, sewing or any other hobby, summer’s longer days give you more time to spend on your interests. You’re retired so now is the time to indulge in what you like! The internet is a good place to learn more about a particular activity. You can simply go to google.com and enter your interest in the search box, or visit youtube.com to find instruc-tional videos and other informa-tion about the subject in which you’re interested.

Retirees have many options to enjoy the warm weather

Summertime brings opportunity to be activeRetirees have many options to enjoy the warm weather

The Retiree Unit has a Facebook group that you can join to stay connected, ask questions and share information. Log in to Facebook and do a search for CSEA Retiree Unit, then click on “Join Group.”

Join our Facebook

group

Page 10: Retiree Magazine

10 Retiree Newsletter

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Page 11: Retiree Magazine

Summer 2014 11

CSEA-endorsed candidates successful in primariesMany key races will be decided in November’s election

Most of CSEA’s endorsed candi-dates garnered enough votes to

move on to the November General Election. Some even won their races outright during the June 3 Primary Election, thanks to the efforts of

CSEA members and retirees.

Gov. Jerry Brown easily advanced with more than 54 percent of the vote.

CSEA-endorsed secretary of state candidate Alex Padilla was the top vote getter and will face Republican

Pete Peterson in November. The race for state controller was too close to call at press time but

CSEA-endorsed John Perez was tied for second place and will be on the November ballot if he maintains his position.

In the race for superintendent of public instruction, CSEA-endorsed incumbent Tom Torlakson received 46.9 percent of the

vote—just short of the number of votes necessary to win outright— and will run off against Marshall Tuck, who received 28.6 of the vote. Torlakson is a strong advocate for education and classified school employees. Getting him re-elected is a high priority for CSEA.

“Tom has always stood alongside CSEA as we worked to increase fund-ing to schools and improve the quality

of education students receive statewide,” Asso-ciation President Michael Bilbrey said. “I’m asking CSEA members

and retirees to help re-elect our friend Tom Torlakson.”

CSEA-backed candidates also fared well in local races for state Leg-islature and U.S. Congress. There will be several Democrat versus Democrat races in November, many of which include CSEA endorsed candidates.

CSEA also endorsed a couple of propositions that were approved by California voters.

Stay up to date with election results and what you can do to help CSEA’s backed candidates win office in November by visiting csea.com.

As former school employees, CSEA’s retirees understand the importance of donating to CSEA’s Victory Club.

For decades, CSEA members fought to secure the rights and benefits that classified employees enjoy today. From protection in the workplace to retirement security, it’s important that CSEA continue advocating on behalf of classified employees. The Victory Club is key in helping raise the funds necessary to keep up the fight.

Victory Club funds are used to

support or oppose statewide legisla-tion, and to support local school board candidates and bond mea-sures. As those who oppose the rights of public employees ramp up their attacks, it’s important for the Vic-tory Club to have sufficient funds to counter these attacks.

Now, more than ever, Victory Club donations are needed to help elect candidates to local school boards and legislators that will pro-tect education for future generations, the jobs that we once held as school employees and our retirement.

CSEA’s Victory Club is made up solely of voluntary contributions so even small donations help. Members of the CSEA Retiree Unit know the importance of protecting worker rights and benefits such as retirement security. Let’s continue doing our part to protect education and the rights of classified employees.

Be sure to join CSEA’s Victory Club or donate what you can. Every donation helps. For an application, call CSEA Member Benefits at (866) 487-2732.

Donate to CSEA’s political action fund

Brown

Perez

Torlakson

Padilla

Page 12: Retiree Magazine

2 Chair’s Message Recruitment program

a success

5 Reverse Mortgages A good option for some

7 Looking Back Election success in 1996

3 Council Celebrates Anniversary

Citrus Belt 5046 in service for a decade

4 Feckner Re-elected Q&A with CalPERS

president

8 CalPERS Withholdings Still time to select an amount

BIG with friends family today.SAVESAVEandand

To purchase these items, visit csea.com/store or call (866) ITS-CSEA (487-2732)!To purchase these items, visit csea.com/store or call (866) ITS-CSEA (487-2732)!

sharethelove &sharethelove &with friends family today.

Take advantage of some exclusive deals this holiday season!Take advantage of some exclusive deals this holiday season!

As a CSEA member, you are eligible for purchasing discounted movie passes, gift cards, amusement park tickets and more!

9 Summertime Activities

Low-stress fun for retirees

CPE RS

la11 Election Results CSEA-backed candidates

successful

CONTENTS

RETIREE UNIT MISSION STATEMENT:

The California School Employees Association Retiree Unit envisions a strong, organized program for retirees to promote communication among all retirees, to address issues that impact their lives, and to assist CSEA’s active membership in accomplishing their retirement goals.

The Retiree Unit newsletter is published four times a year by the California School Employees Association, 2045 Lundy Avenue, San Jose, CA 95131, (408) 473–1000. Copyright 2014 California School Employees Association. Executive Director, Dave Low; COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, Frank Polito; COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, Anthony Lopez; EDITOR, Hugo Jiménez; SENIOR DESIGN COORDINATOR, Jessica Salam; MULTIMEDIA/DESIGN SPECIALIST, Jennifer Sanders; ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, Katherine Miller.

California School Employees Association2045 Lundy Avenue San Jose, CA 95131

PRESORTEDFIRST-CLASS MAIL

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

SAN JOSE, CAPERMIT NO. 1048

Visit us on the web at www.csea.com/retiree