Barry's-Blog
Barry Donelan Blog Post – 22 Feb 10
As we are fast approaching March 8th and 10th, preparations for the OPOA’s first ever “Member Benefit Day” is in full swing. The number of vendors pledging to attend seems to be growing by the week. I have spoken at a couple of line-ups and sent out a bunch of emails advertising the event but I still need your help in getting the message across to all our members. The opportunity to meet your insurance, financial, retirement and benefits partners under one roof during the course of a day should not be missed. Here’s an opportunity to learn more about the benefits available to you and I hope you will avail of it. I look forward to a large turnout of members.
Does anyone see a problem with the combination of felons and body armor? Well I guess most cops would but, the Second Appellate Court didn’t see a problem. In a recent case, the Court struck down a California law that prohibited ex-felons from possessing body armor. That decision just makes you shake your head. I am pleased to say that, as usual, common sense resides within the ranks of law enforcement because, both PORAC and California Attorney General Jerry Brown weighed in very early on the issue. Attorney General Brown and PORAC petitioned the Court to “review” this ridiculous decision. Let’s see what happens. By chance the OPOA Board of directors is set to interview two candidates for Superior Court Judge in March. Guess what question will be first on the agenda?
The monumental task of organizing the OPD contingents attending this year’s Police Week memorials in Sacramento and Washington DC is moving into full gear. This OPD expedition has a lot of moving parts. I would ask all members involved in either, or both memorials for a prompt response to any requests or questions from the organizing committee, and their patience, as we put this all together. The OPOA point person for this project is, of course, our own Renee Hassna and the Chief has assigned Captain Downing as OPD liaison.
On the same topic, to support our trip to Washington, members of the District Attorney’s Office recently held a poker tournament at the Warehouse. At the most recent OPOA Board Meeting Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley was on hand to present the $5,000 raised in that tournament to the Association. Big Dom graciously accepted the donation and we thank our friends at the DA’s Office for their generosity.
For those of you, and you know who you are, who have described my picture on the website as unflattering, help is at hand. Our own Michele Gribi took new and improved photos of our entire Board of Directors this month. Soon the new, somewhat easier on the eye, photos will be displayed in all their glory. We even have Dom in a shirt and tie. Thank you Michele for coming to our rescue!
As always, I welcome your comments on these or other issues. You can email me at donelan@opoa.org or call me at the association 510-834-9670.
Stay safe and take care of one another.
Barry Donelan
Vice President, OPOA
ENDORCED BY YOUR OPOA
Political candidate information can be found at the following links:
Barry’s Bog Entry 22 Jan 10
Welcome to a New Year and our new and improved website. A lot of work has been put into this new face of the OPOA on the web and, for it to succeed, we need your feedback. So navigate the site, consider improvements or changes and let us have your suggestions. In the long run, this site will only be as good as the effort we all put into it.
One project on which the OPOA has been working, and is about to become reality, is a Membership Benefits Day. What is that? You ask. Well, the plan is that in early March we will have two days when you (our OPOA members) can come to the OPOA and meet all the OPOA benefits vendors in one place. You will be able to meet our insurance, financial, retirement and benefits partners all under one roof during the course of a day. This provides you with an opportunity to ask questions, update your information, even sign up for benefits – all at the same time and in the same place. Thus far, we have received commitments from half a dozen different vendors who have agreed to attend. Stay tuned, as the dates will be well advertised in advance, or alternatively, just ask a board member.
As you are no doubt aware, 2010 is an election year. During every election cycle, candidates approach your Association looking for endorsements. This year is no exception. Endorsements are important because the outcome of the various races affects us all, both in our work lives and at home. Arguably, one of the most important elective offices for us is that of Mayor of Oakland. Knowing that a track record of experience and proven leadership is needed during this difficult time, your Association has endorsed our long-time ally Don Perata for Mayor. Don’s record with regard to law enforcement in the State Senate is beyond reproach. He knows that he will have his work cut out for him here in Oakland, but he is clearly the best man for the job.
Don is not the only supporter of Oakland police officers the Association has endorsed in the coming elections. Nancy O’Malley, a career prosecutor with a solid track record of fighting crime, is running for Alameda County District Attorney – a position she currently holds. The OPOA is proud to endorse her for DA. Her record of successful prosecutions and support for cops speaks for itself. Since receiving our endorsement, she has gone on to garner endorsements from PORAC and from almost every law enforcement association in the county. With Nancy at the helm in the DA’s office, the future looks bright for our officers being backed up by prosecutors in the fight against crime.
The OPOA has also weighed in on State races. State Assembly Majority Leader Alberto Torrico from Fremont is running for California State Attorney General, and we are proud to stand with PORAC, and Associations up and down the State, in endorsing his bid for the State’s top law enforcement job. Alberto comes from a law enforcement family, and has been a leader in Sacramento in standing up for police officers. He has also fought off attacks by the Governor on our pensions and has always supported public safety. He is also endorsed by the firefighter unions, but we won’t hold that against him.
On occasion, you might be approached by an individual running for office looking for a police endorsement. Never hesitate to refer these folks to your Association.
As always, I welcome your comments on these or other issues. You can email me at donelan@opoa.org or call me at the Association 510-834-9670.
Stay safe and take care of one another.
Barry Donelan
Vice President, OPOA
donelan@opoa.org
Further candidate information can be found at the following links:
Berry Donelan – Vice President
Our hearts still grieve with somber tears for our own fallen officers, and now the anguish of another deadly killing of police officers adds to our sadness. Four hardworking and valiant cops of Lakewood, Washington were mercilessly gunned down by another dreg of our society. We salute in silent vigil Sgt. Mark Renninger, Officer Ronald Owens, Officer Tina Griswald and Officer Greg Richards.
