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
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