Status Update:
Immediate Action is Necessary to Address the Local Staffing Emergency
On Friday, January 24, 2025, Los Angeles Superior Court Presiding Juvenile Court Judge Miguel Espinoza, after hearing argument from the Public Defenders’ Office, District Attorney, and the Department, continued until February 14th the Order to Show Cause why he should not allow the minor in the case to be sent to Los Padrinos due to the BSCC Unsuitability Determination. The three (3) week continuance will give the Probation Department more time to strengthen its Plan to increase staffing at Los Padrinos.
The Board’s Emergency Proclamation Presents an Opportunity
The Board’s Emergency Proclamation, a public statement and action committed to saving the Juvenile Hall, presents an opportunity for our Union to pressure the County that more needs to be done immediately to increase staffing at Los Padrinos.
First, Local 685 has asked the Board of Supervisors, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Viera Rosa to implement a manpower shortage rate to alleviate the staffing crisis at Los Padrinos. The Chief Executive Office implemented a manpower shortage rate (County Code Section 6.10.050.C) in October 2022 to increase staffing at Los Padrinos. At that time, the emergency manpower rate attracted support in the Department and resulted in an increase in staffing across all shifts at LP for as long as the rate was in effect.
It is the CEO’s decision to implement a manpower rate to address critical staffing issues. This is not a bargainable matter as County-wide contract negotiations is not the forum to immediately address emergency staffing issues.
Second, the Department must reassign all LP Supervisors and Directors to work directly in their units as part of the BSCC ratio. This will provide some relief by reducing the number of Field DPOs that are required to be reassigned to LP. This also provides the key Supervisor and Director in the Unit for the approval needed to hold minors accountable for their dangerous and violent actions.
From our perspective, and after speaking with Local 685 members, there is no other alternative to immediately increase staffing at Los Padrinos other than to implement these changes.
We will continue to keep you informed of our efforts to work with the Board of Supervisors and the Probation Department to keep Los Padrinos operational.
In Solidarity,
Local 685 Executive Board
When We Fight – We Win
Know Your Rights Training - Feb. 8
Local 685 Members are invited to a "Know your Rights" training at AFSCME District Council 36 on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 12 Noon to 6 PM.
If interested, please contact the District Council for information and registration (213) 487-9887.
Call for Delegates to the AFSCME Council 36 Convention
AFSCME Council 36 Convention
Friday, February 28, to Sunday, March 2, 2025
Westin Hotel Long Beach
333 East Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802
Nominations for, and selection of, delegates to the AFSCME Council 36 Convention will take place at the General Membership Meeting in person on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 7:30 PM, at AFSCME Council 36, located at 3375 E Slauson Ave, Vernon, CA 90058
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