Teresa Jade LeYung's BLOG

Posts Tagged ‘2013’

Thank you, EVERYONE, for re-posting this open letter to your pages!  Thank you, Bay Sunday Producer https://www.facebook.com/baysunday?fref=ts, for posting on Bay Sunday facebook!

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan’s Open Letter to First Lady Michelle Obama regarding Healthy Parks Healthy People Proponents and EBRPD Labor Negotiations

June 30, 2013

Dear First Lady Michelle Obama,

Thank you so much for being a truly healthy role model.  I am one of millions of Americans who are proud of you and what your name stands for.

In your remarks at the 2010 National Recreation and Park Association Conference, you had recognized East Bay Regional Parks’ ”Trails Challenge” as a model initiative. Thank you for caring about what we do at EBRPD; we are Healthy Parks Healthy People Proponents.

Here are updates on what’s happening with contract negotiations at EBRPD:

• 65% of Local 2428 members who voted have rejected the offer from the District. If we do not get a fair contract by Wednesday night July 3rd, 2013 we shall go on strike on July 4th and 5th.    Our Negotiations Team has already appropriately notified the public regarding  our intentions.
• Since our Local 2428 Negotiations Team and District’s Team will be meeting with the mediator again on Monday July 1st . . .  I humbly ask that you use your mighty voice to express your concern for fair  treatment to ALL employees of a public agency that is thriving because of  OUR property taxes (Measure WW), OUR patronage, OUR support, and the dedication and labor of 600+ employees.  Please contact EBRPD Board Members and General Manager with a simple message:  ”Please give your dedicated employees a fair contract now.”  Please see names and contact info below.
• Employees’ outstanding achievements continue to garner local and national awards for the park district. Every employee contributes toward the relationship-building that takes place every day in the park district (in person, over the phone, via emails). These individuals, who are union employees, make regional parks and trails safe, clean and beautiful.
• If  we do go on strike, please come by and cheer for us.
• We wish to secure a fair contract for current and future coworkers, one that would not further diminish our buying power and narrow negotiating parameters for  future contracts.

Here are names and contact information of the 7 EBRPD Board Members, General Manager, and our Union President. 

“EBRPD Board President John Sutter” <jsutter@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Vice President Ayn Wieskamp” <awieskamp@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Secretary Ted Radke”  <tradke@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Treasurer Whitney Dotson” <wdotson@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Beverly Lane” <blane@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Doug Siden” <dsiden@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Carol Severin” <cseverin@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD GM Robert E. Doyle” <bdoyle@ebparks.org>

Please cc   “AFSCME Local 2428 President Cliff Rocha” <local2428negotiations@gmail.com> Tel: 510-566-5985

U.S. mailing address to Board Members and General Manager: EBRPD Board, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), extension 2020 for Clerk of the Board

Please cc Local 2428 President Cliff Rocha: Local 2428 East Bay Parks, 80 Swan Way, Suite 110, Oakland, CA 94621 Tel: 510-566-5985

First Lady Obama, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Sincerely,

• California and Federal tax payer
• user of EBRPD parks and trails
• supporter of Measure WW
• part-time Sr. Office Assistant for EBRPD
• fan of all employees at EBRPD
• published author and writing coach

If you have seen newspaper articles / news on TV about possible strike on July 4th & 5th at East Bay Regional Parks OR received a mysterious letter (…or read it on EBRPD website) from the general manager at East Bay Regional Park District . . . please do NOT be fooled by misinformation.  Please ask questions and use your mighty voices to express your concern for fair treatment to ALL employees of a public agency that is thriving because of YOUR property taxes (Measure WW), YOUR patronage, YOUR support, and 600+ employees’ dedication and labor.  Please ask the 7 EBRPD board members to ”Give your employees a fair contract now.”  (Their contact information is listed below.)

It’s so easy for us to complain “Oh how inconvenient . . . that this group and that group are going on strike.”  Workers do not go on strike for the fun of it.  Workers do not get paid when they go on strike; they are the ones who are severely inconvenienced. The universal desire to receive fair compensation for labor (in order to provide for our families, loved ones, and ourselves) makes us human.  This great nation has a long history of speaking up and speaking out for what is fair.  We are Americans, thank goodness    We, the workers, are speaking up and speaking out!

On June 27, 2013, General Manager of East Bay Regional Park District sent “A Message to our Community – Possible Employee Strike Action at Regional Parks on July 4-5″  That document from the general manager contains incorrect and misleading information.

As I read the “Message” from the GM . . .  lines from E. B. White’s children book Charlotte’s Web came to mind.

“What are you thinking about, Charlotte?” Wilbur asked.

“I was just thinking,” said the spider, “that people are very gullible.”

“What does ‘gullible’ mean?”

“Easy to fool,” said Charlotte.

If we are to read the GM’s “Message” and accept the document as the whole truth (without conducting fact-checking), then, yes, we are gullible.

The ”Message” says that the District is offering an overall pay increase of 8.5% over a four-year contract. What his message doesn’t say is that employees’ buying power has eroded by 11.5% over the past four years.

The District is offering 2% wage increase for July 1, 2013–March 31, 2014 (previous contract has already expired on March 31, 2013) while 2013 Consumer Price Index is 2.4%.

CPI figures confirmed by http://www.bls.gov/ro9/9240.pdf

2010 2.4%

2011 2.1%

2012 3.5%

2013 2.4%

GM’s Message says: ” . . . current average total compensation (wages and benefits) for the basic park maintenance worker as a Park Ranger 2 with a high school education and three years of service is $102,000.” What GM’s Message doesn’t say is that (according to District’s website) the minimum monthly salary for Park Ranger II is $4,310.80 and maximum monthly salary is $4,693.87.  Office Assistant/Senior Office Assistant min. salary $3,800.88/month; max. salary $4,286.75/month. And, those salary figures are gross, not net.

Ask a Park Ranger II or Office Assistant what his/her take-home pay is.

Ask a Park Ranger II or Office Assistant what losing 11.5% buying-power over the past four years means in terms of paying:

• rent or mortgage and property tax
• food
• utilities
• hygiene products & clothing
• transportation or gasoline, car maintenance and insurance
• home owner or tenant’s insurance
• doctor-visit co-pays
• living expense for dependents

What the GM’s ”Message” doesn’t say is that while the EBRPD board members approve “merit increases” for managers . . . the job classifications and salary schedules for many non-management positions are outdated.

EBRPD is a special district (not state, not city). The District reports 2012 General Fund revenues exceeded expenditures by $9.7 million, or 10%, which means General Fund revenues grew by $3.4 million. In 2011, General Fund revenues exceeded expenditures by $9.3 million. In other words, the Park District is indeed financially healthy. Even during the recession, the District had a surplus of $5 million. Why erode skilled and loyal employees’ wages/benefits/buying power?

HOW CAN WE SAY “Thank you” to the employees who make East Bay regional parks and trails safe, clean and beautiful?  Write or email the 7 EBRPD board members (names and addresses below)  a simple note:  “Give your employees a fair contract now.” and cc: Local 2428 President. IF employees do go on strike, please give them smiles and  say “Thank you” when you are entering the park on July 4th and 5th. Join them on the picket lines.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

On June 26, 2013 AFSCME Local 2428 had released this statement: AFSCME LOCAL 2428 EAST BAY PARK WORKERS ARE PREPARING TO STRIKE JULY 4TH AND 5TH FOR A FAIR CONTRACT

WHY WOULD WE GO ON STRIKE ?

•We are trying to reach a fair contract with our employer the EBRPD. If we do not reach agreement by the evening of July 3rd, then, yes, we shall proceed with work-stoppage on July 4th and 5th; Local 2428 had already notified the public last week; mediation session is scheduled for July 1st, 2013.

•Our wages are 17% less than our counterparts in other public agencies.

•The District’s offer does not keep pace with inflation (our buying power has already eroded by 11.5% over the past four years)

•The District’s offer amounts to a net wage increase of 1.125% each year over 4 years; if CPI stays at 2.4% each year, we would fall further and further behind.

•If Board Members grant merit increases to one group of employees (highest-paid group), then it’s only fair to not erode the wages of the lower-paid groups.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

What is Local 2428 Negotiations Team asking on behalf of their 600+ members?

a 3-year contract April 1, 2013 — March 31, 2016 that offers:

•Year 1 – current CPI of 2.4 plus 1% = 3.4%

•Year 2 – CPI plus 1.75% — with 2.5% floor / 4.75% ceiling

•Year 3 – CPI plus 1.75% — with 2.5% floor / 4.75% ceiling

Since no one can predict future years’ CPI, percentages for floors and ceiling are used.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 Here are names and email addresses of the 7 EBRPD Board Members and General Manager:

“EBRPD Board President John Sutter” <jsutter@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Vice President Ayn Wieskamp” <awieskamp@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Secretary Ted Radke”  <tradke@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Treasurer Whitney Dotson” <wdotson@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Beverly Lane” <blane@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Doug Siden” <dsiden@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Carol Severin” <cseverin@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD GM Robert E. Doyle” <bdoyle@ebparks.org>

Please cc   “AFSCME Local 2428 President Cliff Rocha” local2428negotiations@gmail.com  510-566-5985

U.S. mailing address to Board Members and General Manager: EBRPD Board, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), extension 2020 for Clerk of the Board

Please cc Local 2428 President Cliff Rocha: Local 2428 East Bay Parks, 80 Swan Way, Suite 110, Oakland, CA 94621 Tel: 510-566-5985

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Yes, I am one of the 276 employees who voted “NO” to the District’s proposed contract that would further diminish my buying power and narrow negotiating parameters for future contracts.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I cheer for all EBRPD coworkers (Local 2428 members, seasonal and temporary employees, management, confidentials, public safety) current and future, retirees, volunteers, family, friends, neighbors, Alameda County and Contra Costa County property tax payers, advocates of Measure WW, EBRPD board members, all EBRPD park and trail users, all the Charlotte(s), Wilbur(s), Templeton(s), and Fern(s)!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Local 2428 Executive Board, Negotiations Team, and Business Manager Brenda Wood!

I am Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan, asking YOU to also speak up for current and future East Bay Regional Park District workers. Do NOT be fooled by misinformation from the GM’s Message or the media.  Please ask questions and use your mighty voices.

I thank you!

Sincerely,

Teresa LeYung-Ryan

• Berkeley resident
• tax payer
• user of EBRPD parks and trails
• supporter of Measure WW
• part-time Sr. Office Assistant for EBRPD
• fan of all employees at EBRPD
• published author and writing coach

http://writingcoachTeresa.com for more resources for writers and readers

Literacy advocate, playwright, radio show host Kim McMillon says:

The Sun in California

Into the Fire: The Sun Celebrates Personal Writing
Esalen Institute, Big Sur, California
October 25 – October 27, 2013 

The Sun is offering two full scholarships to writers who can make a strong case that they would benefit from this retreat but are unable to afford it. Scholarships cover lodging, meals, and tuition for the weekend.

Click here to apply for a scholarship online. You can also download and print a mail-in application form to complete by hand and return to us. Mail your application materials to:

The Sun magazine
Attn: Esalen Scholarships
107 North Roberson Street
Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Application materials must be received by August 1, 2013.

We will notify applicants of our decision by September 2.

http://thesunmagazine.org/get_involved/events/25#scholarships

 Good luck to YOU!

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

author of:

Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (the workbook)

Love Made of Heart (the mother-daughter novel used in college composition classes; book is archived at the San Francisco History Center)

Answer Me Now  (the award-winning short play)

and speeches advocating mental health and end violence against women and children

Click here for a list of Coach Teresa’s event.

http://writingcoachTeresa.com  for more resources.

Coach Teresa says: “Wear the dual hats of writer and promoter. Reach out, not stress out.”

Look for fun events at the 2013 Literary Arts Stage, Fine Arts Galleria (area #4 on Fair Map), Expo Hall, at the San Mateo County Fair, San Mateo, CA  General Info on the San Mateo County Fair

**

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

author of:

Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW (the workbook)

Love Made of Heart (the mother-daughter novel used in college composition classes; book is archived at the San Francisco History Center)

Answer Me Now  (the award-winning short play)

and speeches advocating mental health and end violence against women and children

Click here for a list of Coach Teresa’s event.

http://writingcoachTeresa.com  for more resources.

Coach Teresa says: “Wear the dual hats of writer and promoter. Reach out, not stress out.”

To see the list of all the branches of California Writers’ Club  http://calwriters.org

California Writers’ Club – San Francisco Peninsula Branch

May 18, 2013, 10:00 am

Belmont Public Library (just south of Ralston on Alameda de las Pulgas), Belmont, CA

This month’s speaker, author David Corbett, will speak on “The Art of Character: Creating Memorable Characters for Fiction, Film and TV.” The meeting begins at 10 a.m. at the Belmont Public Library.  $15 for CWC members and $18 for non-members. Students get in for $10 with a valid ID.  First Meeting Free!

For more information about David Corbett, visit

For directions and more information about the meeting and CWC, visit http://cwc-peninsula.org

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

California Writers’ Club – Redwood Branch

 Sunday afternoon, May 19, 2013, for the Redwood Writers 

Flamingo Hotel, 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, CA

Author Support Group, 1:00-2:15 p.m. led by Deborah Taylor-French

Registration, Meet and Greet 2:30 p.m.

General Membership Meeting 3-5 p.m. – Meeting starts at 3 p.m. sharp!

Flamingo Hotel, Empire Rooms

2777 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95405-4795, (707) 545-8530

See our website for a map:  www.redwoodwriters.org

 Members $5;  nonmembers $8

“Five Things That Are Killing Your Story” with Jana McBurney-Lin

     In her decades of writing and editing fiction, Jana McBurney-Lin discovered there are five basic elements necessary to bring life into any story. Let her help you breathe life into yours. McBurney-Lin appears on Sunday, May 19 from 3-5 p.m.  Admission is $5 for members, $8 for nonmembers. Sponsored by Redwood Writers. For more information www.redwoodwriters.org

McBurney-Lin is the author of two acclaimed novels. My Half of the Sky (KOMENAR Publishing, 2006) received numerous awards, including Booksense Pick of the Month, Forbes Book Club Pick and Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year (Honorable Mention). Her recently released novel, Blossoms and Bayonets (Redwood Publishing, 2012), is “suspenseful and deeply affecting,” according to best-selling novelist Caroline Leavitt.

##############

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

22-Day Writers’ Platform & Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan says:

“Build your writer’s platform and work on the craft, simultaneously with ease.  I’m cheering for you!”

http://writingcoachteresa.com  for Coach Teresa’s list of events; see how she helps her clients.

May 9, 2013

Today’s live webinar was so much fun! Nicole at Author Learning Center emailed me:

“Teresa, You did such a great job today! I could tell you were relaxed, yet poised! Your average score was an impressive 4.7  (out of 5.0)!  I look forward to doing this again in 3 weeks.”

Thank you, Nicole!  Thank you, Suzette!  Thank you to all the authors who attended and/or told their friends about the event. I look forward to delivering the webinar again, live, on May 28, 2013, 4:30pm Pacific Time / 7:30pm Eastern Time.

This webinar is focused on “3 Steps to Building Your Fanbase While Writing Your Fiction or Nonfiction Book” (by creating what I call your “platform statement”) with exercises from my workbook Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days - before and after publication.

For an in-depth study regarding facebook, etc., take a look at Social Media Just for Writers: The Best Online Marketing Tips for Selling Your Books by Frances Caballo.

Let me hear your platform statements again.  Email me:   WritingCoachTeresa  I’m at   gmail.com  

I’m cheering for you!

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Coach Teresa Teaches Webinar –  3 Steps to Building Your Fanbase While Writing Your Fiction or Nonfiction Book

Free webinars for writers!    Please tell your friends!

To register:  https://www.authorlearningcenter.com

” Live Webinar – You’ll be hearing my voice and streaming my PowerPoint presentation on your computer!”

 3 Steps to Building Your Fanbase While Writing Your Fiction or Nonfiction Book, with Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

•          May 9, 2013 at 10:30am Pacific Time / 1:30pm Eastern Time
•         May 28, 2013 at  4:30pm Pacific Time / 7:30pm Eastern Time

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

22-Day Writers’ Platform & Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan says:

“Build your writer’s platform and work on the craft, simultaneously with ease.  I’m cheering for you!”

http://writingcoachteresa.com  for Coach Teresa’s list of events; see how she helps her clients.

Next EBRPD public board meeting – Tuesday, May 21, 2013, 2:00pm,  2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA

Let’s all be there to express our concerns.  

When you  speak, our board members do listen.

Great slogans, let’s practice fairness too!   EBRPD Board Members, Please be fair to the Workers who walk the talk of “Healthy Parks Healthy People” at East Bay Regional Park District’s Open Space, Parks, and Trails in Alameda County and Contra Costa County, CA.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

If you cannot voice your opinion in person at the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) public board meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, 2:00pm (I shall be there by 1:00pm with coworkers) at 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, please use your mighty voices (before or after May 7th)  with your emails or regular mail.  Tell your friends and neighbors.   When you  speak, our board members do listen.

In the literacy community, I am known as Writing Coach Teresa who speaks up for public libraries and public schools.  I am also an employee of the East Bay Regional Park District.  My coworkers and I need your help if you believe in fairness.

Please join me in emailing the Park District board members (I’ve made it easy for you by providing their email addresses) and asking them to be fair to the workers who walk the talk/ who deliver what board members and management have pledged in the Park District’s  Core Mission statement ” and the Dedicated to Quality of Life Community Report: A Look Back at 2012; A Look Ahead to 2013 

While workers took hits to our take-home pay over the previous two-year contract, management gave themselves a raise (but called it a different name)

Workers’ buying power has eroded by 11.5% over the past four years.

We the workers care about our volunteers and everyone who visit us at our parks, trails and open space. We’re asking the board members to care about us by practicing fairness.

One simple email from you (to the folks listed below) would be greatly appreciated by me and my coworkers.

1. Pop the addresses into the “To” line of your email so that you’re sending only one email, not nine; depending on your email provider, you may have to add commas or semicolons to separate the addresses.
2. In the subject line, you might insert   “Park District Workers”
3. In the body of the email, express your experience at a regional park, trail, open space (or services you’ve received over the phone or email) and ask the board members to be fair to the workers who walk the talk of “Healthy Parks Healthy People”

“EBRPD Board President John Sutter” <jsutter@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Vice President Ayn Wieskamp” <awieskamp@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Secretary Ted Radke”  <tradke@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Treasurer Whitney Dotson” <wdotson@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Beverly Lane” <blane@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Doug Siden” <dsiden@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD Board Member Carol Severin” <cseverin@ebparks.org>

“EBRPD GM Robert E. Doyle” <bdoyle@ebparks.org>

“AFSCME Local 2428 President Cliff Rocha” local2428negotiations@gmail.com  Tel:  510-566-5985

U.S. mailing address to Board Members and General Manager:    EBRPD Board, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605    1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), extension 2020

U.S. mailing address to Local 2428 President Cliff Rocha:  Local 2428 East Bay Parks, 80 Swan Way, Suite 110, Oakland, CA 94621;   Tel:  510-566-5985

    embrace life!   Great slogans, let’s practice fairness too!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

 More information  from AFSCME Local 2428 East Bay Parks:

The AFSCME Local 2428 contract with the EBRPD expired on March 31, 2013 and the District declared an impasse seventeen days later on April 17, 2013.  Prior to impasse declaration, the Union had already filed an Unfair Practice Charge against the District for bad faith bargaining.

Our Rangers IIs are compensated at an average of nearly $6.00/hr. than their counterparts in other East Bay agencies. Our Senior Office Assistants are compensated at an average of nearly $5.00/hr. than comparable positions.

We the Union Employees are seeking a three-year contract that keeps pace with inflation and provides for wage increases that would offset any additional contributions made to retirement while maintaining current health insurance benefits.

The District can well afford a fair contract.  Revenues continue to grow and exceed expenses–boosting a healthy General Fund balance to levels equal to 48% of budget.

While workers took hits to our take-home pay over the previous two-year contract, management gave themselves a raise (but called it a different name)

Workers’ buying power has eroded by 11.5% over the past four years.

Workers were given only two 1% COLA over the past four years;  the 1% didn’t even go into effect until April 1, 2012 which was the second year of the two-year contract that ended March 31, 2013 . . .  while CPI were:

2010  2.4%

2011  2.1%

2012  3.5%

2013  2.4%

These figures are confirmed by  http://www.bls.gov/ro9/9240.pdf

The Park District Board approved “Affirming that Retiree Health Benefits Provided to Management and Confidential Employees Hired or Promoted before January 1, 2003 Were Intended to Be and Are Vested in Said Employees”

while imposing a contract to Workers that:

* offers no wage increases

* forces Employees to pay 2% more toward retirement in violation of the new pension law

* attacks Employees’ rights to vested benefits such as retiree medical

* forces Employees to pay even more for health insurance

According to Approved Minutes Board Meeting Dec. 4, 2012

C-1-d. Affirming that Retiree Health Benefits Provided to Management and Confidential 
Employees Hired or Promoted before January 1, 2003 Were Intended to Be and 
Are Vested in Said Employees
Resolution No. 2012 – 12 – 277 

According to Approved Minutes Board Meeting Dec. 4, 2012

C-1-e. Approval to Modify Management Job Classifications, Titles and Salary Ranges Within the Planning/Stewardship and Development Division

Resolution No. 2012 – 12 – 278 
Director Siden asked why it was necessary to take action today since the study results are still pending.

AGM Mike Anderson explained that staff is trying to get the Chief of Stewardship position filled;

GM Doyle added that it will take some time to go through the hiring process and staff would like the new Chief to be involved in the reorganization process.

According to Approved Minutes Board Meeting August 14, 2012

C-1-z. Approval to Establish the Classification of and the Salary Range for Accounting Manager 

Resolution No. 2012 – 08 – 213 
By motion of Director Wieskamp and seconded by Director Dotson, the Board voted unanimously to adopt Item C-1-z.

Directors Present: Whitney Dotson, Beverly Lane, Carol Severin, Doug Siden, John Sutter, Ayn Wieskamp.
Directors Absent: Ted Radke.

Cliff Rocha, President of AFSCME local 2428, proposed an alternative to the new Accounting Manager position
discussed at Meet and Confer that will keep the position within the bargaining unit to create an opportunity for
promotion for existing union members. At the same time, it would allow work to be done for less cost.
Mr. Rocha provided the current job description of the Assistant Finance Officer to the Board, who he indicated
is responsible for preparing the CAFR.

Brenda Wood, Business Agent for AFSCME Local 2428, asked the Board to vote against this item as the Union
has concerns that the internal process for a new job description was not followed.

Matt Harray, Water Management Assistant, stated that this proposal for a new position lacks vision, and that
Management should fix the District infrastructure.

Sue Kyle, Administrative Analyst, stated that there will be a change in FTE’s contrary to what was written in the
material and that there is no available funding for this position.

AGM Collins stated that the Board material explained that the District has expanded in capacity and complexity
in the past 30 years. CFO Rubaloff responded that there are three managerial positions and explained their
current and expected duties.

Director Wieskamp added that the Assistant Finance Officer has done a tremendous job and sees the need for
the reorganization and that any reorganization plan will still be discussed with the Union. Director Sutter
commented that he has tremendous respect for the CFO and is convinced that there is need to have someone
prepare the CAFR.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

AFSCME Local 2428 East Bay Parks

We are the more than 600 park district employees who are responsible for designing and maintaining park lands and trails; developing naturalist and stewardship programs; and providing fire protection and water safety at the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD).

President: Cliff Rocha
Vice President:Mark Pearson
Secretary: Christina Garcia
Treasurer: Sue Kyle

Eboard At Large
Sharon Corkin
Matthew Harray
William Nichols
Sergeant-At-Arms
Dave Kalahele

Trustees
Marie Arnerich
Donna Cuoco
Greg Mueller

Business Agent - Brenda Wood

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Writing Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan Asking You to Please Use Your Mighty Voices to Ask EBRPD Board Members to Be Fair to Workers.

Thank  you!

Coach Teresa Teaches Webinar –  3 Steps to Building Your Fanbase While Writing Your Fiction or Nonfiction Book

Free webinars for writers!    Please tell your friends!

To register:  https://www.authorlearningcenter.com

” Live Webinar – You’ll be hearing my voice and streaming my PowerPoint presentation on your computer!”

 3 Steps to Building Your Fanbase While Writing Your Fiction or Nonfiction Book, with Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

• ·          May 9, 2013 at 10:30am Pacific Time / 1:30pm Eastern Time
• ·          May 28, 2013 at  4:30pm Pacific Time / 7:30pm Eastern Time

Is your fiction or nonfiction project being turned down by agents or acquisition editors because you do not have a platform? Or, are you published and you want more readers? Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan will show you how to thrive in the publishing arena and have fun too. Platform made simple! By making your name stand for something—to attract targeted consumers (your fans)—who are likely to buy what you have to sell. Learn how to help your fans find you, before and after publication!  From the author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW.

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

22-Day Writers’ Platform & Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan says:

“Build your writer’s platform and work on the craft, simultaneously with ease.  I’m cheering for you!”

http://writingcoachteresa.com  for Coach Teresa’s list of events; see how she helps her clients.

                                                                       Thank you, California Writers Club Member Eileen Shaine, for asking me to broadcast these writing contests!

 http://www.fcwriterscontest.org

Sponsored by the City of Foster City Parks and Recreation Department

Contest Fee: $10 per entry
First Place: $250; Second Place: $100

Prizes to be awarded in the following three categories:

FICTION: Personal experiences developed as fiction, have proven to be popular favorites in this category. Not to exceed 3000 words in length.

PERSONAL ESSAY: A personal essay should reflect the writer’s personal outlook on life as gained through personal experience but it must not be an editorial/opinion piece, a proposal to solve an existing geopolitical problem or a dogmatic expression of opinion. Stories in these categories may be written in any narrative point of view, and must not exceed 3000 words in length.

POETRY: Submissions to the Poetry category may be rhymed, metered or free verse on any topic desired by the writer. Poems may be written in any narrative point of view. Typed manuscripts must use double-spacing between lines, quadruple-spacing between stanzas and must not exceed 500 words or two double-spaced pages using a 12 point font.

MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION GUIDELINES:

Manuscripts must be original, previously unpublished, and in English. They must be double spaced on 8.5 x 11 inch white paper with the pages numbered at the top right hand corner. Contestant’s name must not appear on the manuscript. No graphics or illustrations on manuscripts, please. Judges reserve the right to place manuscripts in more appropriate categories. Manuscripts not conforming to said guidelines will be reviewed only at the judging staff’s discretion. Contest judges are not eligible to participate in this contest.

ENTRY FORMS AND FEES:
Entry forms can be obtained either online at the website or by sending a request to the contest email address: <fostercity_writers@yahoo.com> or send a request for an entry form along with a self addressed, stamped envelope to the City of Foster City address (seen below).

A non-refundable entry fee of $10 must be submitted for each entry, made payable to “City of Foster City.” If submitting multiple entries, please remit only one check. International entrants (including those from Canada and Mexico) must submit an international money order in US funds. No credit card payments. Mail your completed entry form and manuscript to:

Foster City International Writers’ Contest
c/o Foster City Parks and Recreation Department
650 Shell Boulevard, Foster City, CA 94404 USA

ONLINE ENTRY SUBMISSION:
Please send manuscript as an attachment (RTF, Word [DOC], PDF, or TXT format) to <fostercity_writers@yahoo.com>. In the email subject line include: Writer’s Contest Entry, Category and your name. Please retain copies of manuscripts as they cannot be returned. Please mail the check along with your completed entry form to Foster City Parks and Recreation.

DEADLINES AND NOTIFICATION OF WINNERS:
Manuscripts will be accepted through September 13, 2013 (postmarks accepted). Manuscripts without fees will not be accepted. Only winners will be notified. Each winner must provide a social security number or the equivalent in order to receive the cash prize. For any general contest information please call: 650.349.0388.

Cheers to all contestants and contest creators and sponsors!

Before you send off your submission . . .  if you’re near San Mateo, CA, please attend my editing workshop on June 8, 2013 on the Literary Arts Stage in the Fine Arts Galleria at the San Mateo County Fair, San Mateo, CA – click here for more info.

Edit Your Fiction, Narrative Nonfiction and Prescriptive Nonfiction with Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan

Sincerely,

Coach Teresa

22-Day Writers’ Platform & Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan says:

“Build your writer’s platform and work on the craft, simultaneously with ease.  I’m cheering for you!”

http://writingcoachteresa.com  for Coach Teresa’s list of events; see how she helps her clients.

http://www.facebook.com/Teresa.LeYung.Ryan