northern california - capt · in psychiatric technician bargaining unit 18 in california state...

California Association of Psychiatric Technicians

OUTREACH2017

November/December

California Association of Psychiatric Technicians1220 ‘S’ Street, Suite 100Sacramento, CA 95811-7138

Non-Profit OrgU.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No. 46Sacramento, CA

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

NorthernCalifornia WildfirethreatensSDC

psychtechs.net

Evacuated from work and home, PT Conaway tells story

2-13

Evacuations run smoothly, most residents back home

Page 11

2 - November / December 2017

Reminders & IMPORTANT INFO

Christine Caro, Editor and Layout DesignerCarol Wiesmann, Managing Editor

CAPT is represented by Lyles, Wiesmann, Pizzotti and Associates, Inc.

and Tribuiano & Yamada, LLP

Imagesetting and Printing byCPS Publications and Mail Services

Sacramento, CA

Outreach is the official publication of the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians and is printed at least six times each year.

Outreach is published by: CAPT Headquarters 1220 ‘S’ Street, Ste 100 Sacramento, CA 95811-7138 Phone: Toll Free (800) 677-CAPT (2278) or locally at (916) 329-9140

CAPT is a non-profit corporation serving as the exclusive representative of all employees in Psychiatric Technician Bargaining Unit 18 in California State Civil Service.

CAPT is also the professional association for all California Psychiatric Technicians.

Volume 34, Issue 6November / December 2017

Check out our catastrophic leave list on our website. Keep abreast of what’s happening! CAPT updates its website frequently, making sure you have current information on state, department, and CAPT news, at your facility and statewide.

psychtechs.net

Planning to retire soon?

Don’t forget that CAPT offers its retired members in-surance benefits similar to what it provides its active members. As a retired member, CAPT will continue to provide -- $5,000 in Accidental Death and Dismember-ment coverage and $5,000 in Life Insurance -- without any age term.

IMPORTANT: For your insurance to continue after your retirement -- for only $5 per month -- you must contact CAPT Headquarters at (800) 677-2278 within 31 days of the last day in the month in which you retired. If you fail to do so, your policy will lapse and cannot be reinstated.

How to reach us ...CAPT Sacramento HeadquartersToll Free (800) 677-CAPT (2278)

or (916) 329-9140(916) 329-9145 (Fax)

You may contact your state and chapter officers directly. Their contact information is listed on the following page. If a voicemail is left on their cell or if you send an e-mail or text, be sure to leave your name, work location, and phone number, as well as a short explanation of your issue.

Going mobile? Take CAPT with you! CAPT’s popular www.psychtechs.net website – and all of its professional and union information – is here for you when you’re on the go! Our site automatically optimizes to suit your mobile device, and you can download our “CAPTApp” for your mobile device as well. Check these helpful tools out today!

us at: twitter.com/psychtechs

and follow some of our chapters on

Are you a CAPT member or a fee-payer?

Our fee-payers often believe that since they pay fees to the union, they must be CAPT members. This is not true. As a fee-payer, the amount of your monthly “fair-share fees” is slightly less than what you would pay as a dues-paying member. However, your benefits as a fee-payer are also reduced.

If you would like to become a CAPT member or learn more about the benefits of membership, please contact your local chapter representative. A listing of CAPT’s chapter presidents and their contact information is provided on the following page.

If you get an adverse action, CAPT is here to help you! But we can’t help you unless you contact us. So if you get an adverse action, contact your chapter office right away so that we can assist you in filing an appeal to the charges in a timely fashion.

Adverse Action? Let us know!

2017 November / December - 3

COVER: On Oct. 25, the Sonoma Developmental Center reopened its doors to the residents and staff who were safely evacuated Oct. 9 as flames from the dreaded firestorm came within a few dozen feet of the 120-year-old facility.

Index

State President Eric SotoMail to: CAPT Southern Regional Office/Training Center13085 Central Ave., #7Chino, CA 91710 (909) 364-2486 / (909) 214-4298 (Cell) / [email protected]

State Vice President: Paul Hannula (see Atascadero listing)State Secretary-Treasurer: Paul Alizaga (see Fairview listing)

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

Atascadero: Paul HannulaPO Box 757, Atascadero, CA 93423-0757(805) 235-7832 (Cell) / [email protected](805) 468-2493 (Office) / (805) 861-2390 (Fax)

Coalinga: Jaime Garcia578 E. Elm St., Coalinga CA 93210Mail to: PO Box 933, Coalinga, CA 93210-0933(559) 978-1582 (Cell) / [email protected](559) 961-4467 (Fax)

Community Facilities: Donald CoferMail to: c/o CAPT1220 S St., Ste. 100Sacramento, CA 95811-7138(909) 583-7786 (Cell) / [email protected]

Northern Corrections: Kim Souza Mail to: 1000 Lincoln road STE H. PMB 207Yuba City, CA. 95991(916) 955-4807 (Cell) / [email protected]

Southern Corrections: Marilyn HayesMail to: P.O. Box 917 Fullerton, CA 92836(661) 345-3476 (Cell) / [email protected]

Fairview: Paul AlizagaOffice in Employee Org. Rm.PO Box 2796, Costa Mesa, CA 92628-2796(714) 598-6036 (Cell) / [email protected](714) 957-5332 (Office) / (714) 754-1065 (Fax)

Metropolitan: Carlos (Chuck) GarciaMetropolitan State Hospital, 11401 Bloomfield Ave., Norwalk, CA Mail to: PO Box 59569, Norwalk, CA 90652-0569(626) 644-8030 (Cell) / [email protected](562) 286-8007 (Fax)

Napa: Chris Cullen PO Box 10906, Napa, CA 94581-2906(707) 363-2667 (Cell) / [email protected] (707) 736-7022 (Fax) Patton: Sylvia Hernandez2544 E. Highland Ave., Highland, CA 92346 Mail to: PO Box 680, Patton, CA 92369-0680(909) 709-8633 (Cell) / [email protected](909) 864-1610 (Office) / (909) 864-1695 (Fax)

Porterville: Katherine Ramirez376 North D StreetMail to: PO Box 8703, Porterville, CA 93258-8703(559) 359-4169 (Cell) / [email protected](559) 781-2278 (Office) / (559) 781-4440 (Fax) Sonoma: Robert Rapp50 Lichtenberg Ave., Sonoma, CA 95476-3621Mail to: PO Box 148, Eldridge, CA 95431-0148(707) 548-3196 (Cell) / [email protected](707) 938-2795 (Office) / (707) 938-8721 (Fax) Stockton: Jamila O’NealStockton Metropolitan Airport5000 South Airport Way, Suite 207Stockton, CA 95206(916) 342-2840 (Cell) / [email protected]

CAPT B

OARD O

F D

IRECTORS

4 The President's View: CAPT stands for workers'rightsinthepoliticalarena 5 Call to POLITICAL ACTION

6 PlanningtorunforCAPTchapteroffice?

7 CAPTfieldscandidatesforstategovernor

8 'Out of the Darkness'

9 ContractHighlight:Havingachildorplanning toadopt?Makesureyouknowyourleave options,rights,anddeadlines!

10 Membersfromacrossthestatereceive steward training

11 SDCevacuationsrunsmoothly,mostresidents backhome

12-13 Evacuatedfromworkandhome,PTConaway tellsstory

14-16 What'shappeninginCorrections:Scheduling SurveyResults

17 DonnaGross,Adayofremembrance

18-19 Studies&Research:Scientistslooktothe braintoassessuiciderisk;FDAapprovesfirst digitalpill─antipsychoticAbilify

20 Gotasolutiontoaproblem?

21 StewardSpotlight,JerryZablockis,PT,SDC

22 Yep,it'sthattimeagain

23 BrownWinsCalPERSBoardSeatinRunoff; joinsMilleronBoard

23 WhoPays?TheCalPERSPensionBuck IdentifiestheIncomeSourcesofPublic Employeepensions


FellowWorkers,

The subject of our conversation is CAPT’s callfor political action. Over the past two years, theCAPT Board of Directors has beenmonitoring anddiscussingtheU.S.SupremeCourtcases,Friedrichsv.CTA,followedbyJanusv.AFSME,andtheeffectsthesecaseshaveonpublicemployeeunions.WiththeappointmentofU.S.SupremeCourtJusticeNeilGorsuchbyPresidentTrump,theCAPTboardofdi-rectorsagainevaluatedhowhisappointmentwouldfurtherimpactpublicemployeeunions.

Over thepast year, CAPT Lobbyist CobyPizzot-tihasreportedanincreasingamountofanti-union,anti-worker legislation, as well as ballot initiativesthatwouldnegativelyimpactworking-classmenandwomen, including public employees. CAPT belongstotheWorkingAssemblyofGovernmentEmployees(WAGE),anorganizationofindependentpublicem-ployeeunions fromacross thenation.AsanactivememberofWAGE,CAPThashadnumerousone-on-onediscussionsabout“Right-to-Work”lawsinotherstatesandhowtheyhavenegativelyimpactedwork-ing families and unions by attacking the collectivebargainingrightsofworkers.

In August 2017, the CAPT Board of Directorsvoted unanimously to endorse a plan to create aTEMPORARYPoliticalActionSpecialAssessment. InSeptember2017atCAPT’sAnnualMeeting,thedel-egation(comprisedofrepresentativeselectedfromallCAPTchaptersthroughoutthestate)unanimous-lyapprovedthePoliticalActionSpecialAssessment.BeginninginOctoberandcontinuingthroughoutNo-vember,CAPTConsultantCobyPizzottiandIvisited

all thechapters throughout thestate.Side-by-side,witheachchapterPresident,wespenthoursmeet-ingandtalkingwithourhard-workingbrothersandsistersaboutCAPT’sboldplantoengageinthepo-liticalarenaandassertivelyworktoensurethatourrightsasworkersandunionmembersareprotected.

As I traveled around the state meeting withcountlessmembers,itwasencouragingtoheartheoverwhelmingsupportandthanksbythemember-ship forembarkingon this courseof action.Mem-bers fromall ofour chapterswerevery clear, “Wehavetoprotectourrights.”

SolidarityForever,

CAPT stands for workers' rights in the political arena

The President’s View

EricSotoCAPT State President(909) [email protected]

FriendEriconFacebookatwww.facebook.com/statepres.soto


Call to POLITICAL ACTIONCAPT representatives tour the state seeking member

solidarity in campaign to protect workers' rights

CAPTStatePresidentEricSotoandConsultantCobyPizzottimetwithmembersateachchaptertoexplainthepoliticalclimateunions,andworkersarefacingandtheneedforatemporarypoliticalactionassessment.AttheSept.28annualmeeting,yourCAPTdelegatesvotedtodefendworkersandunionsfromanever-presentanti-union,anti-workermovementthatseekstostripworkersoftheirrightsbyweakeningtheirunions.Tofightback,thedelegatesvotedunanimouslytocreateatemporaryassessmentof$6.50permemberpermonthtostrengthenCAPT’spoliticalactionfund.Theassessmentwillbeusedtofightanti-unioncampaignsintheLegislatureandattheballotbox.

"Weneedtostayabovewatertobecompetitiveinthepoliticalarena,saidDonaldCofer,CommunityFacilitiesChapterpresident. "Theoutcomeof futuredecisionscouldadverselyaffectourunion,including out contract, benefits, andworking conditions. I urged all to support this temporaryassessmentandtocontinuetoremaininsolidarity."

A letterexplainingtheassessmentwasmailedtoallBU18employees.The lettercontainedadetachableformallowingmembersanopportunitytoexercisetheirrightnottoparticipate.ThetemporaryassessmentwillbeginonJanuary1,2018,andendonDecember31,2020.


Planning to run for a CAPT Chapter office?

Don’t forget the fol-lowing deadlines!

CAPT will be holding elections soon for chapter officers in all 12 of its chapters.

Eligibility to RunTo run for office, you must have been a CAPT member and completed job steward training on or before January 1, 2017.

Candidate Filing DeadlineMarch 10 is the deadline for filing a declaration of candidacy with CAPT Headquarters. If filed by mail, it must be postmarked by March 10. We recommend that it be mailed by “certified mail, return receipt requested.” If filed by FAX, it must be received at CAPT Headquarters by 5 p.m., March 10. A declaration must be signed by the candidate for it to be considered valid. Declarations must also include your address and phone number to be valid (for CAPT use only).

Candidate StatementsA candidate may submit a one-page campaign statement to be included in the ballot packets that will be mailed to members. If mailed, the statement must be postmarked by March 10. If faxed or e-mailed, it must be received at CAPT Headquar-ters no later than March 10.

NOTE: Specific requirements for the candidate statements are in the CAPT Operating Policies. Contact your Chapter office or CAPT Headquarters and the requirements will be sent to you.

Eligibility to Vote In order to be eligible to vote, you must be a CAPT member by March 15.

Mailing of BallotsBallots will be sent by first-class mail before April 1 to all eligible CAPT members.

Election Results Ballots will be counted on May 16 and winners will take office that day at 5 p.m. There are procedures for runoff votes and election challenges.

Atascadero Chapter (4 offices) President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer

Coalinga Chapter (3 offices)President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer

Community Facilities Chapter (3 offices) President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer

Northern Corrections Chapter (4 offices) President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer

Southern Corrections Chapter (4 offices) President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer

Fairview Chapter (4 offices) President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer

Metropolitan Chapter (3 offices) President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer

Napa Chapter (4 offices) President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer

Patton Chapter (4 offices) President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer

Porterville Chapter (3 offices) President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer

Sonoma Chapter (3 offices) President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer

Stockton Chapter (4 offices) President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer

Which of f i ce s are up for e l ec t ion at your chapter?

Questions ...? If you have any questions regarding the

Chapter election process, please refer to the Chapter Election Procedure section in CAPT’s Operating Policies.

Or, contact Debi Loger at CAPT Headquarters at 800-677-2278 or at [email protected].


CAPT isfieldinggubernatorial candidates’positionon labor, specifically labor issuesaffecting state-employed Psychiatric Technicians, to seewho among the declared candidates isworthy of a CAPTendorsement. Regardless of party affiliation, the top two gubernatorial candidates emerging fromCalifornia’sJune5primaryelectionwilladvancetothegeneralelectiononNov.6,2018.Todate,thetop-runninggubernatorialcandidatesincludeJohnChiang,CaliforniaStateTreasurer;DelaineEastin,formerCaliforniaStateSuperintendentofPublicInstruction;GavinNewsom,LieutenantGovernorofCalifornia;andAntonioVillaraigosa,formerMayorofLosAngeles.

ThesecandidatesandothershavebeenaskedbyCAPTtosubmitinwritingtheirpositiononthelaborissues that affect state-employed Psychiatric Technicians. CAPT is seeking the candidates’ positionsonsomeimportanttopics,includingworkplacesafetyandassaults,mandatoryovertimeinstate-runfacilities, contract nursing, right-to-work,workers’ rights, retiree benefits, pension reform, licensedcareandstatehousingforthedevelopmentallydisabled,staffingratiosandmuchmore.

Whenitcomestosettingoursalaries,benefitsandworkingconditions,thegovernorplaysapowerfulrole. When CAPT negotiates its labor contract with the state, it is negotiating with the governor,representedbytheCaliforniaDepartmentofHumanResources.Thegovernorcontrolsthebargainingparameters of our pensions, salary increases, healthcare benefits, andmuchmore. The governor’sinfluencedoesnotendwithbargaining.Heorshealsoproducesthestate’spreliminarybudget,makesrevisionstothebudget,andenactsthebudgetwithline-itemvetopowers.Theenactedbudgetdictatesdepartmentfunding,aswellasemployeesalaries.WhetheryouworkfortheCaliforniaDepartmentofCorrectionsandRehabilitation,StateHospitalsorDevelopmentalServices,eachdepartmentheadisappointedbythegovernor.Thegovernoralsoappointsthemajorityofthememberswhositonourlicensingboard,theBoardofVocationalNursingandPsychiatricTechnicians.

Asyoucansee,howthenextgovernorviewsworkers’rights,fairwagesandbenefits,andworkplacesafetyisoneofCAPT’schiefconcernsthiscomingelection.CAPTwilldoitsduediligencetoensureourunionbacksacandidateforgovernorwhoispro-laborandpro-PsychiatricTechnician.Astheelectionprocessunfolds,CAPTwillkeepyouinformedofthebestcandidateforPsychiatricTechnicians.Ifyouhave any questions about a candidate or the gubernatorial election process, please contact CAPTconsultantCobyPizzottiat (800) 677-2278.

CAPT fields candidates for state governor


'Out of the Darkness'

Dedicatedtosavinglivesthroughsuicidepreventionandawareness,PTsthroughoutthestategatheredforthefourthyearinarowtotakepartintheannual"OutoftheDarkness"CommunityWalksbytheAmericanFoundationforSuicidePrevention.Thecommunitywalksraisefundsandcommunityawarenessaboutsuicidepreventionandgiveaffected familyand friendsanopportunity tohonor lovedones lost tosuicide. Morethan2,000peopleparticipated intheSept.30Sacramentowalk– its largestturnoutever.Thewalkraised

$109,258.00,nearly$10,000.00aboveitsgoal.AFSP is the leading national organization exclusively devoted to

preventingthelossoflifefromsuicide.Itsmissionistoraiseawareness,fundscientificresearchandprovideresourcesandaidtothoseaffectedbysuicide.

Suicideisthe10thleadingcauseofdeathintheUS,andforeverysuicide, thereare25attempts, reports theAFSP.To learnmoreaboutAFSP,pleasevisitwww.afsp.org.

FresnoSan Luis Obispo

SacramentoSanta Rosa


Co

ntr

ac

t Highlight

Ifyouareplanningtobecomeaparent,besuretoplanproperlybybeinginformedaboutourcontractrights,options,anddeadlinesconcerningleaveforpregnancyand recovery and parental bonding with a child. The maternal, parental, andadoption leave provisions in our contract apply to all BU 18 employees— allpermanent and probationary Psych Tech classifications, including Pre-LicensedPsychiatricTechnicians.Pleasenotethatyourrightstoparentalleaveunderour

contractareseparateanddistinctfromyourrightstoparentalleaveundertheFMLA.SomefacilitiesareunawareofyourMOUrightsandmaymistakenlyaskyoutofilloutFMLApaperworkforyourparentalleave.MakesurethatyouareclearaboutthefactthatyouarerequestingleavepursuanttoyourBU18contractrights!

Maternal and Parental LeaveThebiologicalparents(maleandfemale)ofanewbornchild,areentitled,uponrequest,toreceiveaone-yearleaveofunpaidabsence(nottoexceedoneyearfromthebirthofthechild)forthematernalpurposesofpregnancy,childbirth, recovery fromchildbirth,andfortheparentalpurposesofprovidingcaretoanewbornchild.Theleave-of-absenceundertheparentalpurposealsoappliestoanon-biologicalparent/spouseorparent/domesticpartnerofthebiologicalparent.DomesticpartnersmustbecertifiedwiththeSecretaryofState’sOfficeinaccordancewithFamilyCodeSection297tobeeligibleforparental leave.Inbothinstancesofmaternalandparentalleave,youmustprovide1)medicalsubstantiationsupportingtheleave,2)thebeginningandendingdatesoftheleave,and,mostimportantly,3)the leave must be requested no later than 30 days after the birth of the child.Ifyousubmityourleave-of-absencerequestafterthe30-daydeadline,yourparentalleavecanbedenied.Anyparentalleaverequestmademorethan30daysafterthebirthofachildbecomesmerelypermissivebythedepartmentheadordesignee.Withapermissiveapproval,thedepartmentcanterminateyourleaveatanytimewith30-days’writtennotice.Ifyouwanttospendayearathomewithyournewchild,besuretomakethatdecisionearlyandputinforyourleavebeforethe30-daydeadline.

Adoption LeaveThe one-year unpaid adoption leave is different frommaternal and parental leave in that it is not anentitledleave,butonethat is instead“granted.”Whileunlikely,thismeansthatyourdepartmentheadmayapproveashorterthanrequestedleave-of-absenceorevendenyyourleaverequest.

Other Types of Applicable LeaveForpurposesofmaternal,parentaloradoptionleave,BU18employeesmayuseaccruedcompensatingtimeoff,holidaycreditorvacationtime.FemaleemployeesofBU18mayalsouseaccruedsickorannualleaveforapregnancy-orachildbirth-relateddisabilityorillness.FMLAmayalsobeusedforthebirthoradoptionofachild.

Having a child or planning to adopt? Make sure you know your leave options, rights, and deadlines!

Information on this contract provision is located in the 2016-2019 CAPT Contract, Article 6.5, Page 40-41

Darkness'


Steward TrainingPsych Tech

makes us Stronger

Members from across the state receive steward trainingInpreparationfortheupcomingchapterelections,CAPTchaptershostedanumberofstewardtrainingeventsthroughoutthestate.Memberswhoplantorunforchapterofficein2018,musthavecompleted steward training by Jan. 1, 2018. The three-monthtime frame from the completion of steward training to theelectionensurescandidateswhorunforchapterofficearestrongandexperiencedadvocatesoftheassociation.

In addition to providing members opportunities for CAPTleadership, steward training teaches members about theirworkplacerightsunderCAPT'scontractandhowtoenforcethoserights,notjustforthemselves,butfortheirco-workers,too.

StewardtrainingtypicallybeginswithabriefoverviewofCAPT'shistory, structure, leadership, and goals. The trainer thenleads the discussion into matters of representation, includingstewardcertification,policies,andduties.Attendeeslearnaboutcontractual issues and how to represent and assist employeesthroughinformalandformalresolutionprocedures.PsychTechslearnthedifferencebetweenfilingagrievancefromacomplaint,and attention is drawn to key contractual provisions that arefrequentlycalleduponingrievancematters.Attheendoftheday,PTsassembleintogroupstofileanddiscussa“mockgrievance.”

Ifyouare interestedinbecominga jobstewardor justwanttolearnmoreaboutCAPTandourworkplacerights, thencontactyourlocalchapterofficeandrequeststewardtrainingrightaway!


OnOct.25,theSonomaDevelopmentalCenterreopenedits doors to the residents and staff who were safelyevacuatedOct.9asflamesfromthedreadedfirestorm

came within a few dozen feet of the 120-year-old facility.Preparing the center for evacuees to return home was nosmall task. Fortunately, the cleanup effortwas aided by thehelping hands of the California Army National Guard. A fewdozensoldiersspentaweekatthecentercuttinggrass,movingfurniture and equipment and scrubbing smoke-stained wallsandceilings.

“Wecouldn’thavedonethiswithoutthehelpoftheCalGuard,”said Aleana Carreon, SDC executive director, reported theKenwood Press.“Theyhavebeensopoliteandsogeneroustoourstaffandtoourresidents.”

IgnitedbytheOct.8windstorm,thewildfiresbroughtdevastationandmayhem, as 241medically fragile SDC residents and staffwithstoodmandatory evacuations from the encroaching Nunsfire, which straddled both Sonoma and Napa counties. SDCresidents spent two days at the Sonoma Veterans MemorialBuildingandAdeleHarrisonMiddleSchoolbutwere forced torelocateagainafteranotherfirethreatenedtheirsurroundings.SDCevacuees then traveled53miles to theDixonFairgroundsinSolanoCounty,wheretheyreceivedprovisionalmedicalcare

SDC evacuations run smoothly,

most residents

back home

andhousing.SDCstaffandvolunteers,includingtheNationalGuard, labored endlessly re-establishing client housingwithround-the-clockmedicalcareandnursing,aswellashousingkeeping,meals,andlaundryservices.

Of the241 resident evacuees, only 176 residents returnedhometoSDC.Manyresidentsweremovedintocommunityplacements. The SDC is the first of the state’s fourdevelopmentalcentersscheduledforclosure.TheresidentslivingatSDCarebeingtransitioned intocommunityhomesoverseenbyCalifornia’s21RegionalCenters.Thetransitionprocessincludesseeingthatadequatemedicalresourcesandservices within the community are identified and securedbeforeaclientplacementismade.TheevacuationpresentedanopportunityforregionalcenterstoseekmedicalwaiversfromparentsandconservatorsfortheacceleratedplacementofSDCresidentsintoacommunityhome.

“The East Bay RC said theywanted tomovemy son fromDixon to this house,” Janice Pruett said, reported theKenwood Press. “Iobjected.Wehadnomeetings.Hehashismedicines,withverydelicatedosagetoavoidseizures. It isnotsomethingtheycan justshiphimoffto. I thoughtthatwastotallyoutofline.”

The SDC is home to California’s most medically fragiledevelopmentallydisabledindividuals.Acceleratedplacementsbypass important protocols established to ensure anindividual'ssafetransitionintothecommunity.Anythingshortputsthemedicalcareofourstate’smostvulnerableresidentsatrisk.



I wokeOct.9toafaintsmellofsmokebroughtinthroughanearby,openwindow. Iwokeseveraltimes thatnighttothesoundsofgustywindsandsingingwindchimeThe

morningwaswarmanddry,which is unusual for anOctoberdayintheBayArea.WhenIleftforwork,IdidnotdrivemorethantwoblocksbeforeIcouldfeelthefireintheair.Icalledmyhusbandandtoldhimtogooutside.Itfeltlikeascenefromamovie.Treeswereontheroad,debriswaseverywhere,andthewindwaslikenothingIhadexperiencedinmy46years.Ihungupthephoneandkeptdrivingcarefullytowork.Amiledowntheroad,Icalledhimagain.IwashavingahardtimebelievingwhatIwasseeingandfeeling.Iwasnowscared.

AsIgotwithinamileoftheSonomaDevelopmentalCenter,Icouldseetheflamesonthehillandcouldhearfireandpolicesirens. The police had stopped traffic on Highway 12 andMadroneRoad.Thosepulledovertothesideoftheroadweretakingpictures.Asheswerefalling,andthewindwashowlinginalldirections,carryingwithitdirt,leaves,smoke,andash.Largeashwasswirlingeverywhereintheair.AssoonasIpulledontotheSDCgrounds,Isawbuseslinedup,andpoliceescorts,whowereready inwaiting. ThePolicehadblockedtheroadtothesitewhereIwork.Icouldseetheflamesscatteredallovertheeasternhilltop;thefirewascomingcloser.WhenIarrivedatmyworkbuilding,itwasempty.Icalledtheofficeandwasdirectedbacktostaffing.Aco-worker,whocameintocollectourclients'clothes,toldmewewerebeingevacuated.Myco-workerandItoldeachothertostaysafe.IwasdeployedtotheNelsonbuilding,aresidencethathadbeenvacatedthepreviousweekduetoaconsolidation.SeventeenclientsinpajamasandthreeNOCshiftstaffwere there in the empty unit. Some clientswere in their

wheelchairs,whileotherssatonchairsintheemptyroom.TheNOCshiftleadwasadministeringmorningmeds,andeveryonelookedscaredquiet.Wewereallinshock.Ilookedforsuppliesinthekitchentohelphydratetheclients.Theywereallevacuatedfrom their residence at 0300, and itwas now pushing 0730. Ifoundsomejuiceandcrackersandofferedasnacktoeveryone.AgroupofstafffromtheadministrationcameinandsaidwewereevacuatingtotheVeteransMemorialBuildingacrosstown.Weloadedupalltheclientsonbusesanddrovethemtosafetyawayfromthefirezone.

Istillcouldnotbelievewhatwashappening.ItseemedinallprobabilitythattheonlyworkplaceIhadeverknowncouldsoonburndowntotheground.Notknowingifthiswouldbemylasttimeleavingmyworkplace,IcriedasIfollowedthebusoutoftheSDC.Theashwasfallinglikeraininawinterstorm.Itwasheavy,constantandsuffocating.Myeyeswerestinging,andmythroatwasdryandirritatedfromthethicksmokeandhotair.Thepoorairqualitycontinuedforseveraldaysandthenweeks.Amonthlater,thesmellofashandburntvalleystillhangsintheair.

Attheevacuationsite,wewerealljusttryingtostaycalmandgettheworkdone.Weweregatheringsuppliesandsecuringasafespacetocareforthesefragilepeople.Deliveriesfromtheburningfacilityarrived,andspacewascreatedtotrytomaintainthesituation.Manystaffcouldnotgettowork;severalhadlosttheirhomesandothershadbeenevacuated.Communicationshad to be established. Records of staff and clients had to bechecked, confirmed, and documented several times a day. Itwas chaotic. There were no prior preparations made for anevacuation,buteveryonedidtheirjob.Theclientswerebeingcaredforandfed.Thebiggestproblemwasnothavingaclean

ByAliceConaway,PT,SDC

Editor’snote:AliceConawaygaveanhonorablementionforthePsychTechswhocamefromotherdepartmentsandfacilitiestolendahelpinghandtotheirSDCCAPTbrothersandsistersandtheirclients.Theirselflessactions,Alicesaid,demonstratedthetruespiritofwhatitmeanstobeaPsychTech.


changeofclothingfortheclients.Fortunately,thiswasnolongeraproblembythetimewegottotheDixonMayFairgrounds.Ileftat1530thatMondaycompletelydrained,emotionallyandphysically. Ineededspacetorecharge.WhenIgothome,wehad six evacueeswhoneeded food and shelter--a six-month-oldbaby,athree-year-oldchild,theirparents,andacoupleofourfriends.Icookedandcleanedforeveryone.Everythingweheardaboutthefireswasthattheywerespreadingandoutofcontrol.Althoughexhausted,Ihadahardtimefallingasleep.Ikeptwonderinghowourclientsweremanagingattheveteranhall. I alsoworried about the fires thatwere burning out-of-controlbehindSDCandourhomes.

Thenextday, I collected somemagazinesandother itemsIknewourclientswould likeandthenheadedtowork,wherenothingwasasusual.Mattresseswereonthefloor,wheelchairswere scattered, and the supplies were left out in the open.Althoughtherewassomeorganization,itwasstillchaotic.Sortinglinenandputtingmattressesonthestagebecamenewactivitiesaswestartedourmorningwork.Alltheprotocolsandestablishedstandards of care were out the window.We did the best wecouldandnoonewasgoingtogetintroublefordirtylinenonthefloor.Mealswerechaoticand less thanstandard,but theywerehappening.Itwasamessy,crowdedaffairand,bythethirdday,wewereall exhausted,wonderingwhen itwouldall end.Someclientsneededsedationtocalmthemasthestimuli,andtheunfamiliarenvironmentwasenoughtocausethemtoharmthemselves or other clients. Physicians and nurseswere theremonitoringandprovidingcare.At1300Wednesday,myhusbandcalledtotellmeourstreetwasbeingevacuated.Theevacuationdidnotsurpriseme.Wecouldseetheflamesonthehillbehindour house from our rooftop the night before. Consequently,Tuesdaywasanothersleeplessnight.ItoldmyhusbandIcouldn'tleaveworkuntillaterbecauseIhadtotakecareofmyclients.

“Youmightnothaveahomelater,heresponded.“Ineedyourhelpathome.Wehavetoleave;thefireiscomingoverthemountain.”

IwenttomybossandtoldherIhadtoleave.Shewasnothappy;but,giventhecircumstances,shehadtoletmego.SherequestedIcomebackifIcould.Iagreedandleft,notknowing,once again, if I would ever be back. I learned later that ourfriendshadevacuated,again.Thistimeclosertothecoast.Wewereallindisbelief,exhaustedandscared.

Wednesday afternoon, the SDC clients were evacuateda second time roughly 50 miles inland to the Dixon MayFairgrounds. The National Guard and many volunteers weretheretosupportusall.Mostofusweredoingokay,butnoneofuswerewell.Someoftheclientshaddecompensatedandwerewithdrawingphysicallyandsocially.Withouttheaidofwalkersor furniture,manyof our clientswerenot able to keep theirbodies inmotion.Severalhadskinbreakdownanddevelopedpressuresores.Itwasdifficult,andtheuncertaintyofitallwassomethingnoonewoulddiscuss.

OnSaturday,Oct.22,inspectorshadsurveyedthebuildingsforoursafereturntoSDCand,onSunday,manyoftheclientswereabletogohome.Thebuildingsweresafebuttheyhadbeenemptied for cleaning. Several residences were closed, whichresulted in resident consolidations. These clients had none oftheir clothingor personal items. The roomshadbeen cleanedoutandnothingrestocked.Theconditionswerelimitedsupplies,new clients on new residenceswith new staff, andmany staffstilloutduetoevacuationorillness(manystaffgotpneumoniaduetosmokestress,sleepdeprivationandtheconstantrainofparticulatematterintheairformiles).Itwasandcontinuestobeadangerousworkenvironment.

Several clients died, and some are still sick. Only a fewbuildingsburned,includingtheoneinwhichIworked.Ihaveanewpositionwithadifferentgroupofpeople.Thetreesoutsidethebackdoor areblack and charred. Thefireburnedup thenearbycreek.Wearegladtobeback;yet,everywherewelook,weseeburnedtreesandhouses.TheentiremountaintopfromNapatoCalistogaburned.Thesightsareaconstantreminderoftheterrorofafirestorm.Theashisstillheavyintheair,andthecleanuphasjustbegun.


What's happening in

Scheduling Survey Results

CAPT representatives, including Marilyn Hayes,Southern Corrections Chapter president; Kim Souza,NorthernCorrectionsChapterpresident;JamilaO'Neal,StocktonChapterpresident;andAnnLyles,consultant,and chief contract negotiator, met with CCHCSrepresentatives from headquarters Labor RelationsandNursingaspartofCAPT’squarterlymeetingsofthenewlycomprisedJointLabor/ManagementCommittee.With the understanding that mandatory overtimeis not an effective staffing tool, the goal of the jointcommittee,asstatedinourcontractunderOvertime,5.1(t),istoreduceand,totheextentpossible,eliminatemandatoryovertimebyJuly2018.

Asthefirststepinourreviewprocess,CAPTgenerateda PT scheduling survey to help identify the drivingforce behind unscheduled absences, a precursor tomandates. Nearly25percentofCAPT’scorrectionalmembersparticipatedinthesurvey.Asintended,thesurveydatameasurablyexposedthesystemicfailureswithinthecurrentstaffingmodelthathasresultedinexcessive mandates. The prevailing theme runningthroughthecommentportionofthesurveyrevealedaworkforceinperil,aworkforcethatissufferingfromtheemotionalandphysicalhardshipsofnever-endingmandates and call-offs, of having no control overone’s personal life or family needs and activities, ofperceivedfavoritismandinequity,ofbeingforcedtoworktwopostsinasingleshift,andofbeingtreatedwithout respect, kindness or understanding bymanagement.

BU 18 respondents offered several suggestionsto help improve staff attendance and morale. Inaddition to self-scheduling and 12-hour shifts, the

predominate remediesgivenwerehiringmore staff,preserving existing staff through retention bonuses,After a thorough examination, CAPT presented thesurveyresultsat itsNov28 joint labor/managementcommittee meeting. The joint committee will usethe results to help formulate staffing remedies,suchasalternateworkschedules thatwillmaximizeschedulingflexibilityaswellasstaffmorale.

Basedon itsmembership feedback,CAPT proposedthefollowingsolutions:

Thenext joint committeemeeting is scheduled for .CAPTwillkeepyoupostedonanynewdevelopments.Ifyouhavequestionsorwouldlikemoreinformation,contactyourlocalchapter

Corrections?

Iuseswapstogetawayfromgettingmandated.Ifmandateswerenotanissue,Iprobablywouldn'tswapasmuch.Also,Ithinkthat12-hourshiftswoulddowellatmyfacility.Ithinkthatcall-offswouldbedowntoaminimumifpeoplewereonlyworking3-4timesaweek.Theenvironmenthereisstressful,andwhenyou'reforcedtostayinastressfulenvironment,itjustbringsyoudown.

Psych Techs speak out


■ Scheduling Survey Resultscontinued on page 16

EverydaywhenIamonmywaytowork,IworryifIwillbeabletoleaveattheendofmyshift.IhavenotsignedupforvoluntaryOTinovertwoyearsbecauseIgetMOTatleastfourtimespermonth.IwouldlovetosignupwhenIneedto,butIcanneverpredictwhetheritwillputmeonaback-to-back.MyMondayisonFriday,andIusuallygetforcedoverthatday.Thissetsmeuptobetiredtherestofmyweek.LotsofCorrectionalOfficerswanttostayforsuicidewatch,buttheyforcePTsoverratherthanletthemhavetheOT;whenthereisnonursingstaffleft,theygivethemtotheCOsanyway?Ithinkthestaffersareoverwhelmedandperhapsthereshouldbeonestafferassignedtoeachclassification.Icouldn'timaginetryingtostafftheentirenursingdepartment.ManytimesIamnumberfiveontheMOTlist;however,bythetimetheygetthroughthelist,fourpeopleareoffthenextdayonaswap,useFMLA,haveanappointmentorsomeotherexcuseandthenIamup.MOThassignificantlyimpactedmyfamilylifetothepointwhereIhavetoputinforaholidayorvacationandburn8hoursforsomethingIwanttodoafterwork.Allofmytimebanksarelowbecauseofthis.Ican'tpromiseanyonethatIwill"bethere"unlessIhavethedayofforthenextdayoffanditbecomesahassletoattendobligations.Inconclusion,weultimatelyworkforourlivelihoodandfamilies,anditmakesithardtobemotivatedwhen we don't get to spend timewiththem.Iwishyouluckintryingtomendabrokensystem.Itislongoverdue,thankyouforyourtimeandeffort.

Illnessisoftentheresultofregularmandates.Thankyouforyourhelp,care,andconcerntoeliminatemandates.Thankyoumuch.

Getregistrytohelpfillsomeholes.Hiremorestaff,andwecanonlyhopethatmanagementwillgetbetteratworkingwithus.Managementcanbesoharshthatsomepeopledon'twanttocometoworkbecauseofhowunprofessionaltheycanbeortreattheirstaff.Welosealotofstafftoalotofinstitutionsduetothewaymanagementistowardsstaff.

ThoughIhaverarelyusedasickdaytogetoutofamandate,Iknowmanyofmycoworkershave,whichcausespeoplenotexpectingtogetmandatedtobemandatedmorefrequently.Ifeelthatourstaffingdoesn'ttakeaproactivestanceonfillinginemptyspots.Iknowtherehavebeenspotsavailablefivedaysoutandpeopleweredeniedtheovertimeandtoldstaffingwouldfillthosepoststhedayoforshiftbefore.Tome,ifsomeoneiswillingtoworkvoluntaryovertimeforapositioninadvance,itwouldbeprudenttohirethemthen,ratherthanwaitinguntilthelastminuteandhopesomeonewilltakeitonthefly.Also,ourstaffingdoesnotalwaysfillourclinics(fundedPTposts)inordertocover1:1sand/ortheCNAfundedpostsofq15-minutechecks.Thisputsastrainontheclinics,andnoteverythinggetsdone,leavingthenextshifttofinishwhattheshortedshiftstarted.

Supervisorsneedtoutilizeregistrystaffandshowempathy.Somesupervisorsrefusetotakeasickcall,ortheysay,"I'm

refusingthissickcallbecauseitwillcauseanotherpersontobemandated."AtourCDCRfacility,Igetmandatedtwiceaweek.BecauseIlackaswappartnerandmostofthePT'shaveswappartners,itseemsI'moneofthefewthatcangetmandated.

Idefinitelybelievethatmandatesarebeingusedtostaffratherthanincasesoflastminutecall-ins,etc.Allopenpositionsarestillnotbeingflownforovertime,andaftertheOTbidresultsareputout,wearenotalertedtowhatpositionsarenotfilled.Instead,theyarerequestingonlyavailabilitysheetstobeturnedin,andthestaffisrequestedtocalldailytoaskforanyopenpositions.OurstaffinghereisnotfollowingtheCAPTcontract,Article5,5.1(G)stating"Beforeanemployeeisrequiredtoworkmandatoryovertime,managementwillmakeareasonableefforttofindanacceptablevolunteerwithintheprogram(orforCDCR/CCHCSwithinthefacility)wheretheemployeeworks."Instead,theymandatefirstthinginthemorningandthencancelmandatesiftheindividualthatwasmandatedisabletofindtheirownreplacement.Perfacilitypolicy,theyaremandatingPsychTechsto1:1suicidewatchesbeforethesepositionsareevenbeingofferedtootherclassificationsforVOT,whichiscausingPTs'tobeheldasoftenastwiceaweek,everymonth.


DoyouparticipateinswapsorexchangeofdaysoffaspermittedunderArticle5.7ofourcontract?

■ Scheduling Survey Resultscontinued from page 15

Wouldyoubeinterestedinalternateworkschedules?

Wouldyoubeinterestedinworking12-hourshifts?

Wouldyoubeinterestedinself-schedulingsothatyoucouldstructureyour40-hourworkweekfortwodoublesandasinglethuseliminatingtheneedtoswap?

Asidefromillness,howoftenisyourunscheduledabsence(sicktime/FMLA)theresultofananticipatedmandate?

Howoftenisyourunscheduledabsencetheresultofknowingarequesteddayoffmadewithlessthan10-daysnoticewillbedenied?

Howoftenisyourunscheduledabsence(sicktime/FMLA)theresultofastaffingshortagewhereyouknowyouwillberequiredtoworktwoposts?


OnOctober23,NapaStateHospitalPsychTechsgathered tohonor the lifeand legacyof veteranNSHPsychTechDonnaKayGross. Thesolemndaymarked theseven-yearanniversaryofDonna’s tragicdeath.Mother,grandmotheranddedicatedNSHPsychiatricTechnician,DonnawasbrutallyattackedandkilledbypatientJessMasseyontheNSHgrounds.MasseymurderedDonnaasshewasreturningtoherunittoworkanothershift.Donna,54,diedbyasphyxiation.Pleadingnocontest,herassailantisserving25yearstolifeatCaliforniaStatePrison,Corcoran.

"CAPTwashonoredtohostDonna's7thannualmemorial,"saidChrisCullen,NapaChapterpresident."CAPTwillcontinuetoholdthismemorialonthedayshewaskilledbyapatientwhilegoingtoherunit.Hermemoryservesasaninspirationforallofustocontinuetoadvocateforsafetyinourprofession.Wewillneverforgetyou,Donna."

Thisyear’smemorialeventbeganat12:00p.m.atthehospital’sfrontentrance.PsychTechs,hospitalemployees,andadministratorscametopaytheirrespects,somegivingtestimonialsaboutDonnaandherimportantlegacy—tomakestatefacilitiessaferforall.Donna’slivinglegacybroughtsignificantimprovementstostatehospitalsafetyandsecurity.Evenwiththeseneededimprovements,wemustnevergrowcomplacent.CAPTurgeseveryonetoremainvigilantforsafety.Reportanddocumentallsafetyconcerns,includingunderstaffing.Allcasesofassaultandinjurymustalsobereported.

A Day of

In Memory of Donna Kay GrossBorn March 30, 1956San Jose, California

Died October 23, 2010Napa, California

Remembrance


StudiesResearch &

Scientistsarecomingclosertoidentifyingbiologicalindicators,somethingofa“neuralsignature,”inindividualsatriskofkillingthemselves.Acomputerprogram,measuringbrainactivitypatterns,successfullydistinguished,with90percentaccuracy,individualswhothoughtaboutkillingthem-selvesfromthosewhodidnot.Thestudy,publishedinthejournalNature Human Behavior,alsoreportedthat theprogramcoulddistinguishpeoplewhohadthoughtaboutkilling themselvesfromthosewhohadalreadymadeasuicidalattempt.

“Therereallyisadifferenceintheway[suicidal]peoplethinkaboutcertainconcepts,”saidMarcelJust,thepaper’sauthorandtheD.O.HebbprofessorofcognitiveneuroscienceatCarnegieMellonUniversity.

Theresearchteamchosealistofterms,suchashopeless,desperate,death,funeral,etc.,asso-ciatedwiththoughtsofsuicide.Thebrainactivityofthevolunteerswasscannedastheythoughtaboutthetermsappearingbeforethemonacomputerscreen.Thedatawasfedintoacomputerlearningprogramthatsearchedforpatternstodistinguishingtypicalbrainsfromsuicidalbrains.“Andbeforelong,thecomputerbecamequiteaccurate,”Justsaid.

Thestudy,whichanalyzed just34youngadults,willneedtobereplicated,saidBarryHorwitz,chiefofbrainimagingandmodelingattheNationalInstituteonDeafnessandOtherCommunica-tionDisorders.

“Justlookingatbehaviorisprobablyinadequateforalotofpurposes,”hesaid.“It’smuchbettertoseewhatthebrainisdoing.”

Mentalhealthprofessionalsmaysomedaylearntorelyonbrainscanstomoreaccuratelyassessanindividual’sriskforsuicide.Currently,44,000peoplelosetheirlifetosuicideeachyearintheU.S.

Scientists look to the brain to assess suicide risk

Source:NPRCapitolPublicRadio,Morning EditionOctober30,2017

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■


FDA approves first digital pill ─ antipsychotic Abilify

Forthefirsttime,theFoodandDrugAdministrationhas approved a digital pill—a sensor embeddedmedication that, when swallowed, sends anelectrical signal recording the date and time themedicationwasingestedtotheprescribingdoctor.The digitalmonitoring of prescription drug intakeis a growing field. Medication nonadherence, awell-documented problem, produces costly andevenlife-threateningcomplications.Theestimatedcosts associatedwith patients either forgetting orrefusingtotaketheirmedicationandsubsequentlyneedingadditionaltreatmentorhospitalizationsrunnearly$100billionayear.Consequently,high-techsolutions, like digital pills, are introduced to helpalleviatetheproblemofmedicationnonadherence.

Interestingly enough, the approved pill is aversion of the antipsychotic Abilify, a prescriptionmedication prescribed to individuals sufferingfrom schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and majordepressive disorder. Given that the symptoms ofschizophrenia and related disorders often includeparanoiaanddelusions,itremainstobeseenhowaccepting patients will be of the newly approvedpill.Patientswhoagreeto takeAbilifyMyCitecansignaconsentformthatgivesmonitoringprivilegestotheirdoctor,aswellasuptofourotherpeople.Patients can block a recipient’s access to theinformationviaamobileappatanytime.

“Manyof thosepatientsdon’t takemedsbecausetheydon’tlikethesideeffects,ortheydon’tthinkthey have an illness, or because they becomeparanoid about the doctor or the doctor’s

intentions,” said Dr. Paul Appelbaum, director oflaw,ethicsandpsychiatryatColumbiaUniversity’spsychiatrydepartment.

“Asystemthatwillmonitortheirbehaviorandsendsignalsoutoftheirbodyandnotifytheirdoctor?”headded.“Youwouldthinkthat,whetherinpsychiatryor general medicine, drugs for almost any otherconditionwould be a better place to start than adrugforschizophrenia.”

Supportersofthedigitalpillsayithasthepotentialto improve public health, including giving healthprofessionalsameanstomonitoropioidprescriptionabuses and clinical trials involving medications.Otherscautionthatthedigitalpillmaybeusedasatoolofcoercion.

Insurance companies could eventually giveincentives to patients who agree to use them,saidDr.EricTopol,directorofScrippsTranslationalScience Institute, adding that ethical issues couldarise if the technologywas “somuch incentivizedthatit’salmostlikecoercion.”

A similar ethical implication could arise fromrequiringanindividualtotakedigitalmedicationasaconditionofparoleorreleasefromapsychiatricfacility.

Source:The New York Times,PamBelluckNovember13,2017

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■


Workplace Safety

MOT Working Conditions

Got a Solution toa Problem?

Alllegislationbeginswithanideaorconcept:“Thereought to be a law!” Ideas and concepts can comefrom a variety of sources, including profession-al organizations like CAPT. If you have a great idea

thatyouwould likeconsideredinCAPT’s 2018-19legislativeagenda,contact your local chapterofficeorCAPTConsultantCobyPizzottiat 1 (800) 677-2278 or [email protected].

Benefits

StaffingShortages


HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A STATE EMPLOYEE?

I'vebeenastateemployeefor27years.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A CAPT STEWARD?

IbecameaCAPTstewardapproximatelyfouryearsago.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME A STEWARD?

To be honest, I hate bullies. I knew that, if I became a CAPTsteward,Iwouldbeinabetterpositiontohelppeople,tohelpmyco-workesnotgetpushedaround. WHAT ARE SOME STEWARD ACTIVITIES YOU ENJOY DOING?

I enjoy solving problems. I have come to learn that mostproblemsarecausedbyasimplemisunderstanding.Ifyouhaveagoodattitude,mostproblemscanbehandledeasilybymakingaphonecall.

WHAT DO YOU SAY TO YOUR COWORKERS TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO GET INVOLVED IN THE UNION?

Ikeepintouchwiththestaffandtheirissues.Iusetheseopportunitiestoeducatemembersoftheirrightsunderourlaborcontract.Themoretheyknow,themorecomfortabletheybecomeasadvocatesthemselves.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

Ifyouknowme,nothingwouldsurpriseyou.

Jerry Zablockis

Psychiatric Technician

Sonoma Chapter

SpotlightSteward

Catastrophic Leave

BARGAINING UNIT 18 MEMBER(S)CURRENTLY IN NEED OF

C.L. DONATIONS:

Migterry Solinap, PT - PDC

Helping one another through Catastrophic Leave Donations

CAPTgot the conceptofCatastrophicLeaveoffthegroundtwodecadesago;theprogram’sbeeninourstateBargainingUnit18contractsince1989.

Article6.9of theCAPT contract givesstate-employed Psych Techs and relatedprofessionals the right to request leavedonationsfromcoworkersincasesoffinancialhardshipduetoinjuryortheprolongedillnessof thestateBargainingUnit18memberorhisorherfamilymember,orforparentaloradoptionleavepurposes.

Youcanhelpstate-employedcoworkersbydonatingvacation,annualleave,personalleave, CTO and holiday credits. Simplycontact yourpersonneloffice tofill out aCatastrophicLeavedonationform.Anddon’tforget:Youcandonatetostateemployeeswhowork in different departments orfacilities.

If you need help and have receiveddepartmentapprovaltogetleavedonations,contactCAPTtobeincludedinourpublications.Youalsomayqualifyforreduceduniondueswhileyourecuperate.Contactyourchapterpresidenttofindoutmore.

Those requesting donations on ouronlineandmagazinelistswillautomaticallyberemovedbythenextOutreachpublicationdateunless CAPT is informedof ongoingneeds. If you still need to remainonourlists--noproblem!JustcallChristineCaroat (800) 677-2278.

Be like Jerry – be a steward!Wanttomakeadifferenceforyourcoworkers,yourfacilityandyourdepartment–andeventhoseyouserve?Beasteward!Stewardsarethefoundationofastrongunion,andthemorewehave,thestrongerandmorevisiblewebecome.Contactyourchapterofficetosignupforthenextstewardtrainingandfindoutmoreaboutourcontractrightsandourunion’srole.


Deductions for CAPT Members

Deductions for CAPT Fee-Payers

Estimated deductions for 2018

Yep, it’s that time again!

Federal law requires CAPT to give you a written estimate of how much of your membership dues or fair share fees go to the organization’s lobbying and political expenses.

The majority of the dues or fees you pay is allowable as an “employee business expense” deduction under your federal income tax. And your state tax is linked to the federal tax. However, the part of your dues or fees that CAPT uses for political contributions and lobbying on behalf of Psych Techs is not tax-deductible.

For the 2017 tax year, that non-deductible political action/lob-bying amount will be as follows: For each month you were a CAPT member, the non-deductible amount is $4.58. So, for example, if you were a member for the entire year, your non-deductible amount would be $54.96. However, if you were a member for only the last six months of the year (July - Dec), your non-deductible amount would be $27.48. If prior to that you were a BU-18 employee, but not a CAPT member, those months would be calculated at the following fee-payer rate.

All other CAPT dues you paid in 2017 may be claimed as an employee business expense.

Since September 2000, CAPT has not used fair share fees for political action purposes. Therefore, only lobbying expenses of $1.08 a month are considered non-deductible for the 2017 tax year.

For example, if you were a fee payer for the entire year, your non-deductible political action/lobbying amount would be $12.96 and if you were a fee payer for only six months of the year, the amount would be $6.48. All other CAPT fees you paid in 2017 can be claimed as an employee business expense.

The same law requires CAPT to give members and fee payers an estimate of next year’s political action/lobbying expenses that are paid from dues and fees. The following are tentative for 2018, as final figures will be calculated next December.

Estimates are Members: $4.59 / month (political action & lobbying contributions) and Fee Payers: $1.09 / month (lobbying contributions only). If you have questions, please contact CAPT Consultant Carol Wiesmann at CAPT Headquarters (916-329-9140 or toll-free at 800-677-2278).

Did you know a portion of your union dues or fees is tax deductible?

DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR BENEFICIARY IS?

DO YOU NEED TO MAKE A CHANGE?

As an active CAPT member, you are automatical-ly enrolled in the union’s sponsored life insurance plan. This entitles you to $7,000 in life insurance with additional coverage up to $5,000 for a death or dismemberment which occurs due to an accident.

When you sign up as a CAPT member, you are required to complete a membership application which includes a space for you to name your insur-ance beneficiary. Once you become a member, this information will remain current unless you request that it be updated.

While it’s not uncommon over time for us to forget about who we designated as our beneficiaries, it’s important that we make sure those we have listed are still the one(s) whom we want to receive this benefit. Life happens for all of us – marriages, children, divorces and deaths may occur, resulting in a need to update your beneficiary.

Regretfully, some CAPT members have passed away without updating their insurance benefi-ciary in years. This means that should you pass, your benefits may go to ex-spouses or others to whom you may not have wished. By law, our insurance carrier must award insurance bene-fits to the person you have designated on our signed membership application card.

So, if it has been a while, or you’ve had major life changes, take some time to contact Debi at CAPT Headquarters at (800) 677-2278 to verify who your beneficiary is. She’ll be happy to help you make any needed updates.

__________________________________ ______ _________________________________

First Name Initial

Last Name

Home Address _____________________________________________________________________

City__________________________ Zip _____________ Home Phone ( )________________

Soc Sec (last 4 #s only) XXX - XX - _______ E-mail (if available) _____________________________

Job Classification ____________ NAME OF Hospital / Dev Center / Prison _________________

The following is needed for the free life insurance that CAPT provides to members

_________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

Insurance Beneficiary’s Name Relationship

I hereby apply for membership in the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians (CAPT). I authorize the State

Controller to deduct from my salary warrant the amount specified now or in the future for CAPT membership dues and

any CAPT-sponsored benefit program for which I have applied. This authorization shall remain in effect until canceled

under provisions of the CAPT collective bargaining agreement. I understand that termination of membership will cancel

all deductions made under this authorization and that transferring to another facility may terminate membership unless

a new membership application is submitted.

Signature ______________________________________________________ Date ______________

CAPT Use Only

Signing Rep _____________________________ Authorized Rep____________________________ Date __________

New Member Transfer from _____________(facility) Rec’d at HDQRS ______________

Address or Beneficiary change


Please Print LEGIBLY, complete all blanks, sign and date

Membership

Application


FromCalPERSOctober31,2017

Who Pays? The CalPERS Pension Buck Identifies the Income Sources of Public Employee Pensions

Somepeople believe that taxpayers fund the total cost of publicpensions.Thisisuntrue.

The largest contribution comes from CalPERS investment dollars,with additional funding from employee and employer contributions.Workerscurrentlycontributeupto15.25percentoftheirpaycheckstohelpfundtheirownpensions.

The CalPERS PensionBuckillustratesthesourcesofincomethatfundpublicemployeepensions. Basedon data over the past 20years ending June 30,2017, for every dollar

Brown Wins CalPERS Board Seat in Runoff; Joins Miller on Board

FromCalPERSDecember12,2017

New Members' Four-Year Terms Begin January 16, 2018

Margaret Brown was declared theunofficial winner today of the runoffelection for a Member-at-Large seat ontheCalPERSBoardofAdministration.

Brown and incumbent MichaelBilbrey faced each other in the runoffheld for Position B after the Septemberprimary election, in which David MillerwaselectedtoPositionA.

All results are considered unofficialuntilformalcertificationbytheCaliforniaSecretaryofState.

TheunofficialelectionresultsindicateBrown received 77,969 votes, whichrepresents 53 percent of the votes castduring the voting period of November10 through December 11, 2017. Bilbreyreceived69,123votes,or47percent.

TherunoffwastriggeredwhennoneofthefourcandidatesrunningforPositionB received a majority of votes cast. Insuchacase,thetwocandidateswiththehighest number of votes — Brown andBilbrey—vieinarunoff.

BrownandMillerwilleachservefour-yeartermsbeginningJanuary16,2018.

A graduate of the University ofCalifornia, Riverside, Brown works fortheGardenGroveUnifiedSchoolDistrict.Miller has served as a state regulator,labor leader, and mediator and isemployed by the California DepartmentofToxicSubstancesControl.

The 13-member CalPERS Board of Administration sets policy andoverseestheadministrationofretirementandhealthbenefitsonbehalfofCaliforniapublicemployers,andtheiractiveandretiredemployees.TheBoardalsooverseesadministrationof thepension fund's investments.Under the California Constitution, the CalPERS Board has exclusiveauthoritytoadministertheCalPERSPensionFund.

CalPERSpays inpensions,61centscomes from investmentearnings,26 cents from employer contributions, and 13 cents from employeecontributions. Inotherwords,74centsoutofeverypublicemployeepension dollar is funded by CalPERS' own investment earnings andmembercontributions.

CalPERSalso invests inCalifornia. Of our roughly$302 billion portfolio inJune 2016, we invested$27.3 billion in California-based companies andprojects, generating a

rippleeffectofeconomicactivityacrossthestate.CalPERS'investmentsin California support jobs, economic activity, infrastructure, andbusinessexpansion.


OUTREACH

2017

November/December

California Association of Psychiatric Technicians1220 ‘S’ Street, Suite 100Sacramento, CA 95811-7138

Non-Profit OrgU.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No. 46Sacramento, CA

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

NorthernCalifornia WildfirethreatensSDC

psychtechs.net


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Evacuations run smoothly, most residents back home

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northern california - capt · in psychiatric technician bargaining unit 18 in california state...

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